Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,30

change myself. Hopefully, Dr. Cherry will arrive by then.”

“The weather and roads are miserable,” she told him. “He might not come.”

The duke cocked an eyebrow. “Oh, he’ll come. If you’ll excuse me.”

Hot water arrived and the tub in the deceased duchess’ dressing room was so large, Elise and Claire both fit into it with plenty of room to spare. Mrs. Digsby helped both of them bathe and wash their hair since Elise’s injured wrist didn’t allow her to assist.

A maid entered. “Here’s the nightdress you wanted, Mrs. Digsby. The fire’s been lit and the trunk is also here. That tree busted it up something good and the clothes inside it were all wet. The laundress will see to them being washed and then you can check to see if Lady Ruthersby can wear anything or not.”

“Thank you,” the housekeeper said. “See that the warm milk and biscuits are brought up now for Lady Claire.”

The housekeeper lifted Claire from the tub and wrapped her in a huge bath sheet. “I’m going to put you in one of my daughter’s nightdresses, Lady Claire. My Maisy is eight and it will be large on you but it’s the best we can do for now. I’m going to take you to sit by the fire in the bedchamber. Mr. Pratt has the special chair waiting for you so we can keep your foot propped up.”

Mrs. Digsby returned after getting Claire situated and helped Elise to dry off.

“I’ve found a few gowns we can try on, my lady.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Digsby. You’ve been most helpful.”

“Oh, there’s nothing more I like than to help others. His Grace helped my family and I want to always take care of him and his guests.”

She wondered how the duke had helped this woman’s family but didn’t want to ask.

Soon, she sat next to the fire. Mrs. Digsby combed Elise’s hair, fanning it out to dry more quickly. A maid did the same for Claire. The gown she’d been given was tight in the bodice, which didn’t surprise her. She’d grown breasts that were larger than most women had and had always been self-conscious about them. Mrs. Digsby had found a fichu and tucked it in so that they weren’t on display.

The warm milk and biscuits arrived and Claire nibbled on them while the maid worked the tangles out of her hair.

A knock sounded at the door and the duke and another man entered. He was short and rotund, with sparse hair.

“This is Dr. Cherry,” the duke said. “I’ve told him about the carriage accident and how he needs to look at your wrist and head and Lady Claire’s ankle and foot.”

Elise rose. “Please, see to my daughter first, Dr. Cherry. She never complains but I can see how her injury pains her.” She went and took Claire’s hand.

The doctor smiled and went to his knees next to Claire. “It’s a good thing you’ve got this chair, Lady Claire. I am going to feel your ankle and foot and see if either is broken. Is that all right with you?”

The girl nodded.

The physician rotated the foot, causing Claire to whimper. Elise tightened her fingers, wanting to reassure her daughter.

Dr. Cherry said, “We won’t have to manipulate it to restore it to its natural position. The ankle is not broken. Merely sprained. A severe sprain, all the same, but infinitely better than a break. Now, let me see your wrist, Lady Ruthersby.”

He rose and Elise extended her right arm to him. He prodded her wrist and turned it and proclaimed, “Another sprain, though yours is much less severe than your daughter’s. Having passed by the carriage—or what was left of it—it’s a miracle nothing is broken between the two of you. You were lucky to have escape with but minor injuries, my lady.”

“His Grace is to be thanked for that,” she replied. “He rescued both of us from the carriage moments before it collapsed.”

“Then I commend Your Grace on your quick actions,” the doctor said approvingly.

He then examined the small bump on her head and said it was nothing to be concerned about. Dr. Cherry then discussed the care they would need. They both were to expect swelling and in Claire’s case, bruising, as well as inflammation and loss of movement. Dr. Cherry wrapped both Claire’s ankle and Elise’s wrist in linen, telling them it must be snug but not overly so because if too tight, it would restrict blood flow and inhibit proper healing. He also recommended placing ice against