Lady's Wager by Georgie Lee

Author:Georgie Lee [Lee, Georgie]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, mobi
Published: 2015-04-19T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

The landau jostled to a stop outside St. Dunstan’s Charitable Hospital, jerking Charlotte from her thoughts. She breathed a sigh of relief as she took in the hospital’s massive stone façade dotted with even rows of windows, thankful to have something besides Lord Woodcliff to occupy her mind. It’d been three days since the ball at Almack’s and not a moment had passed without her thinking of him or longing for his voice to sooth her like the steady rumble of waves along the ocean shore. Except she hadn’t seen him, or heard his voice because he had yet to call.

“Mrs. Stuart, Miss Stuart, Miss Knight welcome,” Dr. Walter called as he hurried out to greet them. “I see you brought the books you promised.”

Charlotte handed Dr. Walter the books as she descended from the vehicle, trying not to let her worry over Lord Woodcliff intrude on the visit. “Mr. Haden’s book is well recommended and many of his ideas regarding fever are revolutionary.”

“Indeed, thank you. Welcome, Miss Knight.” Dr. Walter offered Elizabeth his hand as she stepped out of the landau. “I’m glad you could finally visit our humble establishment.”

“You’re too kind, Dr. Walter. I feel guilty for not coming sooner.”

“You’re here now which is all that matters. Please, everyone follow me, we have a great deal to discuss. I have the most amazing news but I won’t tell you until we’re inside,” he exclaimed, ushering the ladies in through the large wooden doors of the main hospital building.

They followed Dr. Walter down a short hallway, past the open door of the men’s ward, where Elizabeth paused, wide-eyed at the scene before her. Charlotte approached her friend, taking her hand as they both surveyed the long, rectangular room. Wooden beds stood in even rows the length of the ward, each occupied by a man in various stages of illness. The sickest ones tossed feverishly or moaned in pain, while others slept or watched the doctors attend patients and the dressers change bandages. Sunlight poured in through the large glass windows but the light did little to purify the air or cut through the overwhelming malaise.

“I didn’t realize how bad it might be,” Elizabeth murmured, covering her nose with her handkerchief.

“That’s why they need our help. Come along, we have work to do.” Charlotte gently guided Elizabeth back to the hallway.

“You’re so brave Charlotte,” Elizabeth replied faintly, her fair cheeks paler than usual.

“I’m not brave, just far more accustomed to it than you are.”

“Not to worry,” Aunt Mary smiled taking Elizabeth’s other arm. “Keep your handkerchief over your nose and take deep breaths.”

Elizabeth followed Aunt Mary’s instructions until they finally reached Dr. Walter’s simple but well-appointed office at the end of the hallway. Inside, the sweet smell of tea and lemon cake drove away the air of sickness outside the door.

Mrs. Walter hurried forward to help guide a very faint Elizabeth into one of the chintz chairs surrounding the tea table. “Are you all right?”

“I’m sorry for being so silly.

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