A Match Made In Duty by Platt Meara

Author:Platt, Meara
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical
Publisher: Meara Platt
Published: 2017-09-18T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 5

JAMES HELD HIS breath as George Farthingale examined the dark splotches on his leg. He tried not to wince each time the doctor probed along the bruised bones, but each touch caused a jolt of pain to shoot through his body, and the ordeal left him shaken and perspiring. This unwanted invasion was taking place in the privacy of his bedchamber, but the familiar surroundings gave him little comfort. “Well, Dr. Farthingale? What are your thoughts?”

George appeared to be in his late thirties and there was no mistaking the intelligence in his piercing blue eyes that obviously missed little. “Your leg is badly infected, but I think I can save it.”

“Thank goodness,” Sophie cried out softly. She had barged in as the examination was about to begin and insisted on remaining by his side even as he’d dropped his trousers, settled in one of the cushioned chairs beside the window, and suffered through the poking and prodding that the good doctor found necessary in order to determine the strength of his leg. “How can you save it?”

She continued to stare at his exposed leg.

If the sight of his infected, dying flesh didn’t scare the little nuisance away, then James supposed nothing ever would.

“I have some powders that are quite effective, Lady Exmoor. They worked well on the men injured in the field of battle. But there are no guarantees. If my treatment works, then Lord Exmoor’s leg might be healed. However, I can make no promises. The human body is a complex system. What succeeds with one person may have no effect whatsoever on another.”

“You’re military?” James asked, although he should not have been surprised. Dr. Farthingale was in fit condition and carried himself like a man who’d undergone the discipline unique to army training.

Dr. Farthingale nodded. “And had to amputate far too often for my liking. So let’s do our best to save that leg of yours. I’ll return tomorrow morning with those powders. Lady Exmoor, you’ll see that he takes the doses I prescribe strictly according to my instructions, won’t you?”

James laughed. “My wife may look soft and beautiful, but she has an iron will. Rest assured, she’ll kick my arse if I dare protest.”

Sophie’s eyes rounded in dismay. “I’d do no such thing. I am not an ogre.”

Dr. Farthingale smiled at her. “It’s obvious, m’lady. I think your husband was only teasing you.” He snapped his medical bag shut and bid farewell to both of them. “I’ll see my own way out. I think the two of you must have much to discuss.”

As the door closed behind them, James wondered what Sophie would do next. She’d put on a brave front for the doctor. Would she keep up the pretense now that they were alone? He watched her, saying nothing. After all, what could he say? He didn’t want her help, but neither could he coldly dismiss her… not while he sat with his trousers down about his ankles and looking like a pathetic, sweaty mess.

Sophie sighed.

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