The Doctor and the Libertine - Callie Hutton Page 0,7

they are situated in such a way that the second one is—for lack of a better term—hiding.”

Marcus Mallory strolled into the drawing room. “Ah, good afternoon, Dr. Stevens. How is my lovely wife doing?”

Lizbeth smiled brightly at her husband who walked right up to her and took her hand, giving it a gentle kiss. Dr. Stevens grinned when Lizbeth blushed. They were such a sweet couple. “I just finished her examination and she is doing quite well, Mr. Mallory. Healthy, and happy. The best kind of mothers-to-be.”

“Since you are on a first name basis with all the men and women in our group of friends, I suggest we drop the Mr. Mallory.”

“Yes. And we can drop the Dr. Stevens, as well.”

“Will you be staying for dinner?” He poured a brandy and joined the ladies in the chair across from where they sat on the settee. Apparently, he knew of her aversion to spirits because he did not offer her one.

“I’m afraid not. I have a patient in my infirmary who needs looking after.” She tightened her lips and shook her head. “A gentleman who was in dismal condition when he was dropped by his idiot friends on my front doorstep a few days ago.”

Lizbeth’s eyes grew wide. “Oh, my goodness.”

“Yes. I understand the man has quite the reputation with dissipation, debauchery, and other unsavory habits.”

“You aren’t referring to Lord Sterling, are you?” Marcus asked swirling the liquid around in his glass.

“Yes. I’m afraid that’s who was dumped at my door.”

Marcus snorted and sipped his drink.

“Is he in bad shape?” Lizbeth asked.

Rayne stood and began gathering her medical bag, gloves, and hat. “Yes. Not life threatening, but his behavior and the way he abuses his body will be life-threatening in the future if he doesn’t stop.”

“What I find strange, is I’ve known Sterling for many years. It’s only in the past two years, once he moved to Bath in fact, that he has taken up this path to destruction,” Marcus added as he walked her to the door.

He gave her a slight bow. “Thank you again for taking such good care of my wife.”

Rayne smiled. “I can only do so much, but I assure you, your everyday care of her is what makes for a happy woman in her condition.” She shrugged into her coat and offered a smile. “Good day, Marcus.”

“It’s about time you fools got here.” With a great deal of pain Edwin raised himself up on his elbows and regarded his two friends, Manchester and Brennan. “Do you have any idea how much pain I’ve been in?”

“Well, you slammed your body into a tree when your horse threw you. I would expect you to be in pain.” Brennan grinned at him.

Edwin closed his eyes. “Not that. Idiots, both of you. The doctor won’t allow any spirits in this entire building. Can you imagine?”

Both men stared at him, aghast. “No spirits? You’ve been without brandy since we left you here?”

“No spirits, and yes I’ve been without since then. I hope you brought some with you. The termagant is out making calls so…” He beckoned with his one good hand.

“I never travel without my good friend,” Manchester said as he withdrew a silver flask from his jacket pocket.

“Me neither,” Brennan added, producing his own flask.

Edwin grabbed the closest flask and downed half the container. “Ah.” He wiped his mouth with his hand. “Heaven.”

“No. I’m afraid it’s not heaven, my lord. But hell.” Dr. Stevens stood in the doorway to the infirmary room, her hands fisted at her side, the look on her face enough to frighten Lucifer himself.

“Ah, shite.” Sterling mumbled.

Chapter 3

Edwin closed his eyes and groaned.

Dr. Stevens dropped her arms to her side and walked slowly to the three men who remained as still as statues, the tapping of her shoes on the floor the only sound in the room. She held her hand out to Edwin. As annoyed as he was with her treating him like a recalcitrant child, nevertheless he handed over the flask.

She turned to Brennon and held her other hand out. He looked over at Edwin who shrugged. It was his decision. Slowly he gave her the flask. “That’s a family heirloom, you know.”

Her brows rose. “It is a pity that your family honors drink so much that they carry it in an heirloom.”

Brennan flushed which amused Edwin since very little embarrassed the man. He’d seen him in some very questionable circumstances over the years. But then Dr. Stevens had way about her that could