The Reclusive Duke by Fenella J. Miller

Author:Fenella J. Miller [Miller, Fenella J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-05-16T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

'Am I making the kind of progress you expected? Will I be a whole man again?' Everett asked the doctor.

'Your leg should function as it used to, your grace. I suggest that you use your crutches initially and just put weight on your leg occasionally until you have become accustomed to using it.'

'The party is in four days' time. I intend to be walking normally by then.'

'You should be walking normally by tomorrow. I'm looking forward to the event – it's a long time since I attended anything of the kind.'

'I can scarcely recall the names of most of the people I invited as it's so long since I mingled with my neighbours. Digby has assured me all the necessary people have been included and after the party I expect to be in circulation once more. I must thank you for making this possible. I owe you a debt of gratitude I can never repay.'

'I have been well paid for my services, your grace, and seeing you back on your feet is reward enough. I became a physician to help people – you do not owe me anything more.'

'Once my guests see my miraculous recovery you will be inundated with requests for your services.'

'I am already oversubscribed, your grace, as word of my work has travelled around the vicinity already. I have taken on an assistant, an apothecary, who in future will deal with the minor cases, leaving me free to deal with anything major.'

The doctor departed satisfied that his handiwork was successful. Everett had used his injured leg several times already and decided to abandon his crutches immediately and not wait until the next day.

Bates hovered anxiously in case he was needed. The young man had become part of his life, and he intended to keep him on even though he already had a perfectly good valet. There were always messages to be run, things to be fetched and Bates would be ideal for this purpose.

'In future you will not wear livery, Bates, but dress as my personal assistant. Digby will take care of this.'

He handed his crutches over and received his ivory cane in return. He had no wish to damage his repaired leg by overdoing it too soon, using his stick was a sensible precaution but one he would abandon before the party.

Walking was no longer agony, and with every step he took he became more confident. After half an hour he was certain his leg was sound. He was cured. Tonight he would sleep in the correct place for the first time in his life. The master suite had been unoccupied since his father had died and he was eager to see his new domain.

'Come with me, Bates, I'm going to inspect my chambers. Then I intend to ride. I wish you to accompany me – I take it you can ride?'

'I can, your grace, my pa was an ostler at the Red Lion.'

That afternoon Everett was astride his beloved stallion, Othello, and Bates was mounted on a bay.

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