To Save a Love - Alexa Aston Page 0,67
occupied and, minutes later, Matron returned with Dr. Cheshire in tow. Dez hid his dismay, knowing he would not be able to help the vast majority of the women locked away in this madhouse. He steeled himself, though, ready to confront the warden of this asylum once again.
The physician glared at him. “You’re back again, stirring up trouble, I see. What is it now, Lord Torrington?”
“Find a room where Lady Jergens can be examined,” Dez said and nodded to Mr. Black.
Quickly, the solicitor outlined the case and then Dr. Caymon stepped forward.
“I will examine the patient to see if her hymen has been breached. If it hasn’t, then she is not the wife of Lord Jergens but Lady Alice. Mr. Black can serve as a witness and testify to the court, if necessary.”
“And she will be leaving with me—her father,” Lord Morton roared, his arm about his daughter, who huddled against him.
Dez approached her. “My lady, do you remember me?”
“I do, my lord. You came back.”
“Have you heard what has been said and understand?”
“Yes. I will swear in court if I must that Jergens never touched me beyond a few kisses during our courtship. That he only wanted me for my dowry.”
“Do you understand why Dr. Caymon must examine you?” he pressed. “And that Dr. Cheshire must be in the room to confirm the diagnosis?”
“Yes,” she said, her tears beginning to fall. “Will you go with me?” she begged.
“Wouldn’t you rather have your father with you?” he asked gently.
She looked to her father. “Papa, I don’t want you to see me like that. Surely, you understand.”
The earl’s eyes filled with tears. “I do, my precious. Go with them now. Lord Torrington will protect you.”
She eased away from her father and gripped Dez’s arm.
“I am ready.”
He turned and saw the fury on both Cheshire’s and Matron’s faces but they both wheeled and moved down the hallway. Dez led Lady Alice while Black and Caymon followed. They entered a room similar to the one Anna had slept in.
“Lie on the cot,” barked Cheshire. He now held a lantern in his hand. “Raise your skirt and spread your legs.”
Lady Alice turned to Dez. “Will you stay by my side? Hold my hand?”
“It would be an honor, my lady.”
She went and laid on the cot. Dez moved to where he was close to her head and knelt beside her. He took her hand and she gripped his as she pulled up the rag she wore.
Dr. Caymon moved closer and instructed her to put her feet flat on the cot, bending her knees and spreading her legs. She did as asked, squeezing her eyes shut. Dez watched her face as the doctor called for Cheshire to hold the lamp close as he examined her.
Moments later, he rose and said, “She is intact.” The physician stared at Cheshire. “See for yourself. And if you break her hymen and she bleeds, I will know what you did.”
Cheshire knelt before Lady Alice. Dez kept concentrating on her face. She flinched when Cheshire touched her but she didn’t cry out.
“You are correct. Lord Jergens did not see to his duty. Get her out of here.” Cheshire stalked to the door and then turned. To Dez, he said, “I hope never to see you here again.”
“And I hope you rot in the bowels of Hell,” he snapped.
Cheshire left the room. Dr. Caymon lowered Lady Alice’s skirt and Dez helped her sit up. When she stood, her knees buckled and he swept her up, carrying her past all the silent patients and out of the asylum. Lord Morton’s footman set the steps down and Dez climbed into the carriage with her. Lord Morton followed and closed the door.
“The others will follow us,” he said tersely. “I only wish I could kill that doctor and Jergens. Black says to leave everything to him.”
As they drove away, Dez vowed to return and do everything in his power to free Lady Eastman and Miss Stone.
Finally, Lady Alice spoke. She scooted from Dez’s lap and sat next to him.
“How can I ever repay you, my lord?” she asked softly. “I will never be able to show my gratitude.”
“By living a good life,” he replied. “The life you were meant to live. It will take time to recover but you are now free.”
“What of the woman you came for—Miss Browning? How does she fare?”
He smiled. “Thank you for asking. She is doing quite well. She has returned to her family and was overjoyed to be reunited