Rose in the Brier by Liz Rein

Author:Liz Rein
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: war, midwife, regency, wounded
Publisher: Liz Rein

Chapter Nine

Sterling arrived at Squire Helm’s home in the Blackbrier Park carriage, he would have preferred to ride but he was under strict instructions from Cecilia not to strain his leg. He was greeted at the door by the butler who was waiting for him. When he entered the house he struggled to hand his hat and overcoat to a footman waiting, working with his crutches made it difficult. Free of his outer layers he followed the butler into the salon where Squire and Lady Helms waited for him.

They were not alone, it seems that half the local gentry were waiting for his arrival. When the butler announced him he became the center of attention. Sterling could see that his presence in the neighborhood had kicked up a lot of speculation as he was given close scrutiny from one and all. He watched as their eyes went from his face to his scar to his crutches. From the shock on their faces he guessed that the news of his injury had not spread throughout the countryside as he thought.

He pretended to not notice the attention as his host approached. Sterling’s first impression of the couple was that Squire Helms was the typical country squire with a bulging stomach and ruddy complexion, happy to live his life with the foxes and hounds. The only detraction from his estimation was the firm handshake and intelligence he found when their eyes met. Lady Helms was all that she seemed upon first impression, a local society matron whose position in society was all she lived for, the kind of ladies he had met all over London who lived for gossip.

After a quick introduction Sterling said, “I must excuse myself, I did not mean to schedule our dinner during a supper party. If it is more convenient I can dine with you some other time.”

Lady Helms tittered then said, “Don’t be silly Captain Fairchild, when you accepted our invitation I let my dearest friends know and they were so excited to meet you that they insisted that they come to dinner as well.”

It looked to Sterling like she spread the news to everyone she had ever met, There was at least forty members of the local society present.

“I hope you do not mind that our simple dinner had turned into a welcome party.” She continued.

Seeing no other options Sterling gave Lady Helm a smile and said, “Of course not Lady Helms I would love the opportunity to meet all of my new neighbors.”

“Then let me introduce you to the room.” Sterling followed his hosts around the room as he was introduced to everyone in the room. Lady Helms did so with an expression on her face like the cat who got the cream.

As the introductions were finishing the butler opened the salon doors to announce dinner and it could not have come at a better time. Standing on his injured leg was starting to cause Sterling pain and fatigue. Although he was not one to

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