Always True to Her by Maureen Driscoll

Author:Maureen Driscoll
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2014-08-21T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

It had been almost two hours since Irene had found the first spots. Half a dozen more had already appeared. James went downstairs to inform Mrs. Simmons they would be staying the night.

“You’ll need to pay twice the rate, plus a cleaning surcharge,” said the woman.

“But we are already paying the overnight rate because you said no one was available to clean the room.”

Caught in her earlier lie, Mrs. Simmons did not have the grace to blush. Instead, she became even bolder. “Why are you staying the night? Is it to spend more time with your so-called ‘wife?’”

“Do not insult my wife again, Mrs. Simmons, not even by implication. We will not be paying a shilling more. I also need you to summon a surgeon.”

“So the girl is sick, just as I thought. I hope she hasn’t brought some foreign disease down upon us.”

“We believe she has the chicken pox.”

“That’s terrible!” said Mrs. Simmons.

“Yes. We fear she may have an uncomfortable night ahead of her.”

“I meant it’s terrible for business. Won’t nobody want to stay here if they know we have chicken pox in the place. You’ll have to leave.”

“While I would like nothing more, it will be dark soon and too difficult to travel, given the icy condition of the roads. But we shall be gone by first light and no one need know we were ever here, unless your innate sense of honesty forces you to announce it.” James felt certain that would never happen. “Now do be so kind as to summon the surgeon.”

“There’ll be a charge for that.”

Barely restraining his temper, James gave her a few shillings – anything to get the surgeon there as soon as possible.

“I think it’ll take more than that,” said Mrs. Simmons.

“No, it won’t.” James was through negotiating.

Mrs. Simmons must have sensed it, as well, for she pocketed the coins, then turned away. “You’ll get your surgeon. But do not bandy about the girl’s condition. No use putting everyone in a panic.”

James went back to the room, proud of the restraint which had kept him from breaking a few chairs in frustration.

“How is she?” he asked, as soon as he entered the room. Anna was sleeping fitfully and Irene was wiping her face with a damp cloth.

“About the same. More spots have appeared, but the cool water seems to help.”

“Mrs. Simmons will send for a surgeon.” He watched Irene care for his daughter. “I did not inquire about a second bedchamber. I didn’t want to raise Mrs. Simmons’s suspicions.” He didn’t add that the old biddy was already suspicious enough. “It might seem odd for us to sleep separately. Not to mention, she would have been sure to price the room at an extortionist’s rate.”

Irene bit her lip, but did not pause in her ministrations to Anna. “I would prefer not to leave Anna’s side. And I daresay you would not want to, either.”

“Absolutely not.”

An hour later, a girl came in to bring supper, as well as start the fire. Judging from the way she scurried about, Mrs.

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