Never Tempt a Scot by Lauren Smith

Author:Lauren Smith [Smith, Lauren]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-952063-00-8
Publisher: Lauren Smith

13

Lydia held still while Dr. Jacobs unwound the bandage from her arm. He made a face as he saw the thick, clotted blood in the oozing wound.

Fanny put a hand to her lips. “Heavens.”

“Heavens indeed,” the doctor said as he began to dab a cloth soaked in alcohol around the wound. Lydia hissed as the alcohol stung.

The doctor cleared his throat. “Miss Hunt, I’m afraid I must inquire about the nature of these injuries and how you came by them.”

As Lydia told him the story of her abduction, the doctor nodded.

“We’ve had trouble recently with a pack of brigands in the area. They search for travelers, especially English ones, who they believe are easy prey.” The doctor re-bandaged her wound and cinched it tight. “You must change this bandage daily. Clean it with alcohol. I didn’t stitch you up, but if the wound doesn’t begin healing by the time you reach Edinburgh, have a doctor do it there. You’re lucky the blade was sharp and the cut was shallow and clean.” He carefully examined her face in the light. “Did those men hit you as well?”

“Yes, only once.” She touched her still tender cheek.

“Did they injure you anywhere else? I know the subject may seem impolite, but you must tell me if they forced themselves upon you.” He paused before speaking in an even more gentle tone. “Sexual violation can do great damage to one’s body and one’s mind.” The doctor’s words made Lydia want to cry for some reason.

“No, they did not. I was fortunate.” She wiped away tears. “I’m sorry, I’m not usually so silly.”

The doctor patted her hands. “There is nothing silly about being upset and scared. You have been through a terrible ordeal. Many ladies would be understandably upset, as would many men. Let your maid take good care of you. No heroics, eh? I know ladies hide their hurts far better than men.” He chuckled. “You may be the fairer sex, but you’re also far braver when it comes to managing pain.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” Lydia managed a smile for him.

“No traveling today. I’ll tell the gentleman you are traveling with that you’d better rest until tomorrow.” He collected his tools and tucked them back into his worn black leather bag before he left the room.

“What can I do, my lady?” Fanny asked. “Would you like a hot bath?”

“A hot bath would be nice. I feel dirty.” Dirty all over. She hadn’t been truly hurt by those men, not in the way the doctor meant, but she still felt damaged in some way, and she needed to scrub her skin until she was pink from it.

“I’ll have a bath made ready, then.” Fanny moved the changing screen to cover the copper tub in the corner of the room and left to have water brought up.

Lydia had only just settled back into the bed when Brodie entered.

“I’ve spoken to Dr. Jacobs. He told me you need to rest today.”

“I’m sorry. I know you had plans to arrive in Scotland sooner.

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