shot, she’s been unable to move her legs. I cannot be certain at this time if this is permanent or temporary. However, with my training and experience, given where the bullet landed, I predict that she will never walk again.”
“What will become of her?” Lady Pamela asked.
“Who cares, sweetheart? Nothing is too horrid for that woman,” Nick answered, giving her a squeeze.
Rayne smiled no doubt amused at the possessiveness of Nick’s manner with his wife. One of the hardest and most ruthless men in Bath and the man was so besotted with his wife that it caused knowing smiles—well-hidden—everywhere they went.
“I have been in touch with other doctors who agree with me that she will unlikely recover from the gunshot wound. Once she is stable enough to leave here, she will be sent to an asylum to live out the rest of her days.”
A hush fell over the room. Being sent to an asylum was, in most cases, worse than prison. Most of the asylums were horrible places for those who had no families to care for them and were dependent on the government. There were even rumors of the insane being chained to the walls. Rayne shivered every time she thought about it.
It was a somber group that left the drawing room and entered the infirmary. Mrs. O’Leary was still on her stomach since it pained her too much to lie on her back. She was still receiving the laudanum, but in smaller doses so she didn’t add addiction to her list of woes.
“Is that you, Miss Davenport? And Lady Pamela? I am so happy to see you.”
The two women looked at each other. “Why are you happy to see us?” Lizbeth said.
“Because I want to tell you how sorry I am for what I did to you.”
Nick stepped up closer to Pamela. “Is that the only reason you dragged our wives here? To garner sympathy? Because if that’s the case, we will all leave now.”
“No. Wait. I have more to say.”
Marcus crossed his arms over his chest. “Say it. My wife gave birth only a little over a week ago and needs her rest. In fact, I didn’t approve of her coming here at all, but she insisted.”
“I am happy to hear that you have a new baby.” When no one responded, she continued. “There is a man at the hat factory where Lizbeth—excuse me, Mrs. Mallory—worked. His name is Basil. He’s the one who connived with me to see the girls fired so they had nowhere to go.” She grimaced. “I never told the police about him, so you can turn him in.”
“Is that all?” Nick was apparently losing patience with the entire meeting.
“I know you cannot forgive me, but I do want to remind you that you both ended up quite happy.” The woman had the nerve to look smug. As if all her deviousness had paid off in a wonderful way, completely forgetting about all the women who had not enjoyed happy endings.
Edwin grabbed Nick’s arms as he looked as though he was going to throttle the woman.
Marcus pulled Lizbeth next to him. “We’ve had enough. I feel as though we’ve done our Christian duty by allowing this woman to speak with our wives.” He looked directly at Mrs. O’Leary. “My Christian duty ends here, however. I have no sympathy for you and what you are facing for the rest of your life.
“You used and abused I don’t know how many women. You ruined their lives. Then you escaped punishment because you named everyone involved in your scheme. I would say from your injury that there must have been at least one person who managed to get revenge on you.” He took Lizbeth’s elbow and turned her toward the door. “Goodbye Mrs. O’Leary.”
Together with Nick and Pamela they left the room.
Edwin and Rayne joined them at the door. “Won’t you stay for tea?” Rayne asked.
“Thank you, Dr. Stevens, but I don’t want my wife to be subjected to any further contact with Mrs. O’Leary, even though she’s in a different room, she’s still in the same house.” Nick helped Pamela into her coat.
“But you must come for dinner one night.” He looked over at Edwin. “We would welcome you as well. Pamela will send the invitations.”
Once they’d said their goodbyes and were out the door, Edwin looked over at Rayne. “There is something I want to get from Mrs. O’Leary before she is hauled off to the asylum.”
Chapter 16
“I’m so happy to see you!” Rayne