Capturing the Governess’s Heart by Sally Forbes
Chapter Twenty Nine
Emma rubbed her eyes wearily as she stood over the stove stirring a pot of chicken stew she had made for their supper. It was a far cry from the luxurious fare she had enjoyed at Dalwater, but it was the type of light, nourishing food the doctor had recommended for her father. She hoped he would try a little of it.
She had little appetite herself though. Sharing the vigil over their father was draining for both her and Elizabeth, and all Emma really wanted to do was to fall into her bed and sleep for as long as possible.
“Is it nearly ready?” asked Elizabeth, coming into the kitchen with a tray of tea things from upstairs.
“Yes, I shall be ready to dish it up in a few moments,” Emma relied, taking the pan from the stove, and setting out some china dishes, spoons, and some slices of bread to complete the meal. “You have a rest, dear. I’ll take it up to him. How is he?” Emma asked.
“The same. I don’t think the medicine is really doing him any good, you know.”
Emma sighed as she ladled the stew into the bowls. “I know, but we must pray and hope for the best,” she said. “Why don’t you sit down and have your supper? You’ll feel better once you’ve had something to eat.” Elizabeth sat at the table, and Emma served her one of the bowls with some bread.
“Thank you, Emma. Things are much better now you are here. I don’t know how I managed on my own,” she said, spooning up the stew. “This is delicious. Let’s hope father is tempted, a bowl of this will do him so much good.” She ate in silence for a while, while Emma removed the dirty tea things from the tray, washed it, and reset it with their father’s supper. Then, Elizabeth suddenly said, “I don’t think he’s going to get better, Emma, not unless he can see the specialist.”
“I know, dear, but you know we can’t afford that at present. I’m sorry you had to find out about our finances this way. I hoped to prevent it by working, but I have failed. I only have few shillings left in my purse.” Emma had gone into town earlier that day seeking a loan, but it seemed everyone she applied to know about their father’s debts stemming from the bad investments. She had been refused by them all. It had been a bitter disappointment to her and Elizabeth. The girls were at their wits end, not knowing what to do next.
“We could sell something else,” Elizabeth suggested.
“What?” Emma asked, picking up the tray to take it upstairs. “We have already sold the last of the jewelry Mother left us, and that didn’t raise very much. It would better to take in a lodger or sell the house and move somewhere smaller.”
“Father is too ill to leave. It would kill him,” her sister said bluntly, and Emma nodded, knowing Elizabeth was probably right.
“I have asked for my outstanding wages to be sent on, if the duke will do it, that is. He is a very kind, thoughtful man, so I am hopeful he will,” she said. “Anyway, I shall take this up to Father now. I’ll give him his medicine too and be down once he’s sleeping.” Elizabeth nodded and continued with her supper.
Emma had gone halfway down the hall when there was a sharp rap at the front door. Wondering who on earth it could be at such a late hour, she hastily put the tray on a side table, smoothed her hair, and went to open the door.
She was surprised to see a well-dressed, middle aged gentleman with bushy whiskers standing on the step. He carried a black bag in his hands. He tipped his hat courteously.
“Good evening, do I have the pleasure of addressing Miss Emma Fletcher? he asked.
“Yes, that is me. What can I do for you, sir?” she asked, wondering why he was here and how he knew her name.
“I have come to see your father. I understand he is very ill with heart trouble, is that correct?”
Emma frowned, puzzled. “Yes,” she said slowly, “but how do you know that, sir, if I may ask?”
“My name is Dr. Frazier. I specialize in treating heart conditions, and I have been asked to attend your father and give him any necessary treatment.”
“I think you must be mistaken, Dr. Frazier. I think I know what has happened. Dr. Kennedy must have asked you to call. He recommended that Father see a heart specialist but, unfortunately, we are without the means to pay you, so we must decline your services at present. I am sorry you have wasted your time.”
“Ah, I was told you might say that. You see, Miss Fletcher, I have been tasked by the Duke of Dalwater to call and examine your father. He has already arranged for my bill to be paid. So, you see, there is no reason to refuse my services on those grounds.” He smiled at her kindly.
Emma almost staggered back into the hallway, she was so surprised. She struggled to compose herself. “Oh, the duke! I see, please, in that case, do come in, Dr. Frazier. I will show you up to my father’s room directly.”
Once she had taken the doctor upstairs, Emma excused herself and ran down to the kitchen, where Elizabeth was making a pot of tea. “Was that someone at the door? It’s rather late for callers, isn’t it?”
“You’ll never guess who it is,” Emma told her excitedly. “It’s a Dr. Frazier, a heart specialist, and he’s come to see Father. The Duke of Dalwater has sent him … and he’s going to pay the bill!”
“Why, it’s a miracle!” Elizabeth exclaimed, clutching her breast. “Your duke must be a very kind man indeed.”
“Indeed. It is very unexpected, but he is a generous man. But, Elizabeth, I think we had better hear what the doctor has to say first. We must be prepared for it to be bad news.”
After half an hour, the doctor came downstairs. Emma and Elizabeth waited in the hall, both on tenterhooks to hear his verdict.
“I’ve examined your father, and I have concluded that, though he may seem very frail and ill at present, his heart is actually recovering.” The girls breathed a deep sigh of relief. Dr. Frazier continued. “The bed rest and plenty of sleep is helping him, and I think I can say with some confidence that, if he continues as he is and with no further sudden attacks, he will likely make a full recovery.” Nobody could have been more surprised than Dr. Frazier when the two young ladies threw their arms around him and wept with joy.
