“There are societies that meet to discuss medical advances. They will have updated knowledge. And there are bookstores where I might acquire modern literature on the subject. The books I have are old. Possibly inaccurate.” She shifted on her feet. She did not want to disclose what they said about epilepsy.
That it was brought about by sin and evil. That those who had it should be locked up in asylums.
“You would help me find a cure?”
She hesitated. “I’m not sure there is a cure, but perhaps there are ways to lessen the frequency of attacks. Epilepsy has been a feared illness, but I do not believe it should impede on your life. With knowledge, you might reestablish your previous lifestyle.”
“No, that was a different life. But I am interested in what you say. It would require some planning.” He grimaced. “There is the possibility of a run-in with my sister.”
“The one who wants Louise to attend school outside of England?”
“She thinks it would be best.” His brow furrowed. “I do not.”
“Louise loves you but she is a twelve-year-old girl in need of a firm hand and guidance. I believe you are capable of meeting her needs, but you will need to believe so, as well. Running off to your northern estate will accomplish nothing.”
“I see,” he said in a crisp tone.
“Louise would also benefit from a trip to London,” she added, hoping to ease the furrow that had wedged itself in his brow. “There is so much to do there, and it will broaden her educational experiences.”
“Point taken. What is in your hands?”
“Oh, this?” She held up the jar of ointment. “It is for Mrs. Smith’s arm. I’m on my way to check her progress. Louise is waiting in the stables for me. You really should speak with the village apothecary. He did a terrible job treating her. It’s quite the travesty.”
His eyebrows lowered, making him look less charming and more like a pirate once again.
She quickly added, “At least supply him with new medical textbooks. In fact, I should like to meet the man.” And give him a piece of her well-trained mind. Dominic had no need to know about that, however.
“He won’t be serving the village much longer.” Dominic came around the desk. “I shall accompany you to Mrs. Smith’s. The fresh air shall do me good, and I believe she was the one with the roof in need of repair.”
“That is correct, my lord.”
He passed her, leaving an aromatic trail of cologne. “Let’s join my niece, shall we?”
“Yes,” she murmured, following him out the door and across the bright lawn. Another sun-swept morning.
“How is it that you learned so much about herbs and remedies?” he asked as they walked.
“A few days ago I would have said I learned it all with Uncle William, but now, I remember my mother cultivated many gardens. She instilled a love for science within me.”
Their footsteps whispered across the grass. She hugged her reticule and ointment jar to herself as the memory of digging in the dirt, planting, lingered in her mind. How very long ago it had been. Another lifetime, a different girl.
“How is Louise doing with her studies?”
“She is curious and bright. Absolutely fine.”
Dominic shook his head, his hands tucked neatly into his pockets. “How is it that she ran off every other governess? She’s almost like a different child.”
“You’re here,” Henrietta pointed out. “As much as I’d like to believe I’ve made a difference, I truly think she needs you, and your presence calms her.”
He seemed uncomfortable with that answer and said little else. They greeted Louise, who was hopping about in a way that alarmed Henrietta more than it did the horses. They watched her, their ears pointed forward, casually shuffling their hooves.
Soon they were off, Louise galloping ahead, laughing. Henrietta couldn’t help smiling. She and Dominic rode in a companionable silence. They arrived at Mrs. Smith’s. To Henrietta’s relief, the rash was healing nicely, and the roof had been repaired.
As they were preparing to leave, Mrs. Smith cleared her throat. Quite loudly.
She gestured for Henrietta. Dominic was helping Louise adjust her stirrups. Henrietta walked back to the door frame, where the tenant stood, twisting her fingers in her skirts.
“I’m sorry, miss, but I feel I should tell you. Though I know it’s not my place.” Mrs. Smith’s eyes flickered past Henrietta to where Dominic helped Louise mount. “My friend Jane has a terrible cough. I remembered what you said about the apothecary. It’s not going away, and she’s been on his medicines for almost a month. I’m worried.”
“I will pay her a visit. Where does she live?”
Mrs. Smith gave directions. Henrietta hurried outside. “Dominic, I must check another tenant.”
He wheeled his horse around. “Another?”
“Yes, you two may go on without me, if you’d like. That mound of paperwork on your desk requires finishing, I’m sure.”
His face twisted. “It does. Louise?”
“I’m hungry.”
“Then it is settled,” said Henrietta. “I shan’t be long.”
The two rode away. Large and small, swaying with the same agile grace in their saddles. For a second sadness invaded her. She’d grown quite attached. Perhaps too much so.
Steeling her spine against any further melancholy, she steered her horse in the direction of Jane’s house. Coughs could be quite dangerous. At least she had her medical bag, with a few jars and tinctures. Logical thinking had urged her to bring it. When she reached the cottage, a smaller version of Mrs. Smith’s, she tethered her horse and then made her way up the uneven walkway. Spare bits of grass and weeds poked up between the stones. A broken shutter leaned at a crooked angle against the window.
She rapped on the door, but no one answered. “Jane?” No answer. Stepping to the side, she peered through a dirt-stained window. Visibility proved ambiguous.
More knocking on the door. Mrs. Smith had seemed very concerned. Past experience had taught Henrietta to be patient. A sick person often took longer to answer a call. Her reliance
