Raven (Gentlemen of the Order #2) - Adele Clee Page 0,51

appeal.”

Dr Goodwin had spent hours discussing his time in the Austrian city, so much so Sophia felt confident that part of the tale was true. And yet he had lied about living in Godstow. The overwhelming question was, why? Many times, she had expressed concern over him making the arduous journey. Not once had he mentioned the sale of his family home.

Finlay sat forward, looking equally perturbed. “We were under the impression Dr Goodwin was the local physician here in Godstow.”

“Godstow? No.” The elderly gentleman frowned and shook his head. “On his return from Vienna, he remained here for a time before moving to London to take a position at Guy’s Hospital.”

“London?”

“Well, that’s what I heard in the village. I’m sure his father worked at Coutts on the Strand, owned a house in Miles’ Lane just across the bridge from Southwark.”

When Jessica had her accident, Dr Sheldon was their family physician. After tugging on his breeches and boots, Mr Archer had raced from the house to fetch help. He returned with his friend, Dr Goodwin, explaining Dr Sheldon was away visiting patients in Yarnton. Dr Sheldon eventually came to the house and conducted an examination, prescribing rest, a poultice and willow-bark tea. It was only when Jessica’s mind proved unstable, and their father’s need for secrecy grew, that Dr Goodwin became Jessica’s permanent physician.

“The doctor attended my sister when we lived in Godstow, before she moved to India.” Sophia had visited the doctor numerous times at his parent’s home during those first few weeks after the accident. “I assumed he still lived here.”

“No doubt the fellow has been lapse in his correspondence. Someone else called two months ago expecting to find him here, too. As I explained then, I purchased this house five years ago and haven’t spoken to the doctor since.”

Someone else had come looking for Dr Goodwin?

Sophia was about to probe Mr Stapler further, but the man laughed and said, “The lady seemed most distressed when she discovered he had moved. In that instance, I suspect the doctor was trying to untangle himself from a romantic affair. Pretty little thing, but so persistent in manner she appeared quite rude.”

She glanced at Finlay, waiting for him to ask for a description, but he pushed to his feet. “Thank you, Mr Stapler. We shall leave you to your work. Rest assured. When we speak to Dr Goodwin, we will ensure he informs his friends and acquaintances of his current abode.”

A brief conversation ensued, whereby the gentleman gestured to his drawing and explained the medicinal benefits of toxic buckthorn berries.

“Might I ask one question before you leave?” Mr Stapler said, escorting them to the front door.

Finlay smiled. “Of course.”

“Might I ask if Dr Goodwin is in trouble? He seemed a rather good sort, and yet I sense he has wronged you in some way.”

With her trust in the doctor waning, Sophia had to force a smile. “The doctor is treating a good friend of ours, and we’re concerned about his methods. We hoped to speak to him privately and assumed he still lived here.”

Mr Stapler seemed appeased and raised his chin in acknowledgement. “These modern methods are somewhat unconventional, and often highly alarming.” He passed pleasantries, bid them a good day and closed the door.

They returned to the carriage, and Finlay instructed Mr Sloane’s coachman to head back to High Wycombe.

Once nestled inside the vehicle, she said, “Well, it seems we’ve had a wasted journey. Dr Goodwin is proving to be rather elusive.”

Finlay’s smile turned sinful. “Not wasted. The drive here proved immensely satisfying.”

“As might the jaunt back to Wycombe.”

The heat in his gaze, and the sensual way he scanned her body, said he’d be pulling down the blinds before they reached Wolvercote.

“We’ve made some progress in our investigation,” he added. “We know where to find Dr Goodwin. If he sold the house, not leased it, we know he needed money. More importantly, we know he’s a liar.”

Sophia’s cheeks flamed with embarrassment for having trusted the man all these years. “Money, and his need to atone for Mr Archer’s misdeed, must be the reason he makes the weekly trip to Blackborne.”

“I’m not so sure.” With intense eyes, Finlay watched her unbutton her pelisse. “But we’ll find the doctor and discover the answer once we’ve visited Blackborne and dealt with your deceptive servants.”

“And how shall we pass the next few hours?”

He stroked his impressive beard. “I’m sure we’ll think of something.”

Chapter 15

Beautiful women teased the eyes and tormented the soul. Those were