was silent except for the crackling of the wood burning in the hearth and Mrs. Trimbleton's even breathing. I opened my eyes to find her looking me over intently.
"You're never this quiet or this still." Disbelief colored Mrs. Trimbleton's words. I looked up at her, confused. Hadn't I just asked her a million questions?
"Libby? Tell Wains to send for the physician. This is worse than I thought." Mrs. Trimbleton stood and began to pace restlessly across the room, mumbling prayers. I didn't have a chance to get a word in. I could only wonder why my falling off a horse hadn't prompted her to call a doctor, but my silence and stillness was the real emergency. I couldn't help but wonder— Who am I?
Chapter Four
The physician made me nervous. I had read enough to know that bleeding and leaches were still practiced at this time, and I didn't want any of those things near me. As Mrs. Trimbleton and the physician conversed, leaving me out of the conversation entirely, I felt my headache develop into a full-blown migraine. What I wouldn't give for some ibuprofen.
"Enough!" I shouted. Thankfully, it got everyone's attention. With the last of my patience, I took control of the situation so I could have some time alone to think. "Dr. Larson, thank you, but I do not require your services. Mrs. Trimbleton, please escort him out. I would like to rest alone." Surely my position would require their acquiescence to my request, right? Isn't that how it works in all the books I've read?
My attitude must have been all the affirmation she needed. Suddenly Mrs. Trimbleton was all smiles, ushering the physician away and leaving me in peace. Expelling a deep breath, I closed my eyes and decided I needed to get up and walk around. Earlier Mrs. Trimbleton hadn't let me up, but I was going to go crazy just lying in bed.
As I walked around the room, I noticed the décor. The bed I had been lying on had four posters draped with red velvet curtains to block out light. The dark wood stood out in sharp contrast to the light yellow of the papered walls and large, bright windows. I ran my hand over the wood, feeling its smooth texture.
Looking to the windows, I saw drapes of thick, woven fabric embroidered with a gold design offset by blue. The room also boasted a small sitting area that surrounded a fireplace. A small fire crackled.
Closing my eyes, I felt the tears begin to fall. Hadn't I been through enough losing Nanna? And now I had to leave everything behind I had ever known? It wasn't fair. Even though I was twenty-three, all I wanted to do was have a huge pity party.
Wiping the tears away with the sleeve of the nightdress I had changed into earlier, I struggled to figure out everything and still feel sane.
Sleep, I needed sleep. And maybe, just maybe, I'd wake up and find myself home. The crisp sheets and soft pillow were welcoming, and I snuggled deeply into the bed. Though I tried to be optimistic, I doubted I’d wake up anywhere but here. The words in Nanna's note flitted through my mind just before sleep captured me.
****
I opened my eyes and tried to focus in the darkness, but I couldn't see anything but a few slivers of light. "Please, oh please, let me be home," I whispered. Right now I wanted ruby red slippers to click together.
Rising slowly, I took a deep breath and moved toward the slivers of dancing light, barely moving aside the thick fabric. "Nope." I mumbled. The thick drapes that surrounded my bed were heavy as I pushed them farther back. I wiped my hands down my face, then stomped my foot and groaned. This must be real — or as real as falling back a few hundred years can get.
With a sigh, I looked around the room. I needed some coffee, but I doubted they had an espresso machine in London during this era. They would have tea, though, and it would be good tea. The thought of caffeine made the whole day seem brighter.
I went to the large mahogany wardrobe and searched for something to wear. No jeans, just dresses—a huge assortment of dresses. I searched through them, trying to imagine needing so many types. Back home I'd owned a grand total of five dresses. I missed my jeans, but I couldn't exactly go around in my nightdress, so I found a