Scottish Dream Trilogy by May McGoldrick

Author:May McGoldrick
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: diana gabaldon trilogy historical romance jan coffey karen marie moning philippa gregory
Publisher: May McGoldrick

CHAPTER 14

Portia had not been at the mansion an hour when Mrs. Green, who had been hovering about while her mother finished her breakfast, brought in the Admiral’s physician. It soon became apparent that the military physician visited her mother nearly every day to lecture her on the medications that she was supposed to be taking, but often refused to take. Unsettling as this all was, it appeared to be the routine of the household.

What Portia decided she would not allow, however, was Captain Turner’s continual visits, which had begun immediately after the physician’s departure. After his second appearance in an hour, it became obvious that he was going to supervise her all day.

Portia had been stunned this morning to find the officer waiting for her with a carriage outside her door. Taken off guard, she had not been able to come up with an adequate excuse, and had been forced to ride to the Copp’s Hill mansion, grumbling to herself the entire way. He had informed her en route that he would have to leave the mansion for several hours during the afternoon, but that he would return for her by five o’clock and that she was to wait for him. Silently, Portia vowed that she would be long gone by the time Captain Turner came back.

Between Mrs. Green and Captain Turner, the morning was a series of constant interruptions. Not once did Portia have a chance to speak alone with her mother. Around noon, a small repast of tea and bread was served, and Helena asked her to sit and join her, earning Portia a sour look from Mrs. Green. After the servants had cleared the food and dishes away, Helena turned her head toward the open window.

“The day is a fine one, is it not, Miss Edwards?”

“’Tis indeed, ma’am.”

“Then we shall spend some time in the rose garden.”

“I think not, Miss Middleton,” Mrs. Green immediately objected. “There is a cool breeze coming in off the harbor.”

“The garden is protected, and I shall be comfortable enough in my shawl.”

“You’ll not be going out today, miss,” the woman declared. “You’ve had enough excitement for one day. The doctor has prescribed rest, and ‘tis my duty to see that you get it. You shall retire to your bedchamber for the afternoon.”

“You’ll not tell me what to do, ma’am,” Helena retorted.

“Indeed I shall.”

As the quarrel between the two women escalated, Portia and four servants looked on silently. If she had any lingering doubts that taking her mother away from this place was the right thing, those doubts now evaporated.

“This young woman has been brought here to read to me,” Helena protested strenuously, her voice cracking. “But you have given her no chance to spend any time with me.”

Mrs. Green gestured to one of the servant’s, who tried to help her mistress to her feet. Helena shook off the woman’s touch.

“Do not worry about Miss Edwards,” Mrs. Green retorted, motioning a second servant to assist the first one. “She is being paid more than enough for coming here.

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