Angel of Mercy

Chapter 21

The next day they were having tea in the library when Huxley announced the presence of Dr. Walter Mooring.

            "I've left him in the blue room. He says he's here to examine you and see how you're healing."

            "It's a bit late for that isn't it?" Emma asked, agitated, "Ethan would have died if I hadn't arrived."

            "Sir what shall I tell him?" Huxley asked.

            "Since he's here he might as well do his job." Ethan replied. "You'll be with me. Don't fret Emma."

            Emma pursed her lips but nodded.

            They returned to Ethan's room and awaited Dr. Mooring.

            When he entered, Ethan could tell Emma immediately disliked him on site. He was old but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing, it was his look of superiority he knew that bothered Emma. He was short and pudgy with wispy white hair and a double chin. He carried a black medical bag in one hand and put a pair of spectacles on when he reached where Ethan lay in bed.

            "Well Lord Salisbury you looked markedly improved since I last saw you." he observed.

            "Yes, I am feeling much better." Ethan informed him.

            Dr. Mooring noticed Emma standing on the other side of the bed.

            "You may go girl. Fetch us some biscuits and tea. I haven't eaten since sunup."

            "Actually, Dr. Mooring. This is my nurse, Emmaline Rhodes. She has been caring for me since my accident. I'd like her to stay."

            Dr. Mooring gave her a cursory glance, his eyes narrowing in displeasure. Again, Ethan wished not for the hundredth time she was wearing something other than a gray gown.

            "Is that so?" Dr. Mooring clearly didn't approve.

            "Yes," Emma answered. "I was sent by the Angels of Mercy."

             Dr. Mooring snorted at that. "So, no tea then?"

            "Miss Rhodes, could you please tell Eleanor to send for some tea?" Ethan gently asked.

            "Of course, my lord." Emma quietly stepped out of the room.

            "Insolent thing, isn't she?" Dr. Mooring asked, now examining the wound on Ethan's side, which had thankfully closed and besides a scar was no longer weeping and red.

"I credit Miss Rhodes with saving my life." Ethan declared.

Dr. Mooring laughed at that. "She got lucky is all."

"I beg to differ." Ethan disputed.

Ethan caught his gaze and he saw understanding, spark in Dr. Mooring's pale gray eyes.

"I see," he murmured. "You care for the chit then? Well, she isn't what I'd call a beauty but when desperate that tends to not matter aye?"

            He was wrong Emma was gorgeous Ethan thought.

"I am not desperate, and I do not care for your presumption!" he cried, beginning to despise the man. At least on their last acquaintance he had not been awake.

Emma returned. "The tea should be up shortly."

"Excellent!" Dr. Mooring gave Ethan another knowing look. "Well from what I can see you've healed up nicely. I'd say we can take that cast off today."

"Today?" Emma said startled, "I think waiting a few more weeks would be better. It was quite a bad break and still pains Lord Salisbury when he's moving about."

"I think I know what I'm doing, and I say it's time to take the cast off." Dr. Mooring declared, raising his voice.

"But –

"Do shut up! I will not have you questioning my actions. You are nothing but a glorified chambermaid!" Dr. Mooring yelled, causing his double chin to wobble in his agitation.

Emma looked as if she had just been slapped in the face. She'd gone pale and taken a step back, probably afraid Mooring would strike her.

Ethan had had enough. It was one thing for Dr. Mooring to pretend he'd played a role in Ethan's recovery but quite another to insult and abuse the woman he'd cared deeply for. The woman responsible for his survival.

"GET OUT!" Ethan ordered, anger coursing through his veins. No one spoke to Emma like that and got away with it.

"I beg your pardon?" Dr. Mooring asked, looking astonished at Ethan's outburst.

"I said get out." he repeated more forcefully.

"You mean to tell me you're going to listen to this hoyden?" Dr. Mooring asked, clearly disbelieving. 

            "GET OUT! GET OUT NOW!" Ethan thundered and Dr. Mooring, most likely frightened by the flashing anger in Ethan's eyes, fled the room.

            "Ethan you shouldn't have done that," said Emma.

            He turned to face her. "He insulted you."

            "He was only trying to help." she pointed out.

            "I don't need his help. I have you. I trust whatever you say."

            Emma sat on the bed and laid a hand against his cheek.

            "Thank you," she whispered.

            He covered her hand with his own.

            "Emma I –

            "What happened here?" Eleanor asked, arriving with the tea, "That doctor just stormed out in a fit. Shouting and swearing. He scared poor Daisy into hiding."

            Eleanor set the tea service down.

            "The doctor and I had a difference of opinion." Emma said, removing her hand from Ethan's face.

            "And I set him straight." Ethan added.

Eleanor eyed them curiously. "If you say so, should I pour?"

"Yes, please do," Emma said standing up. "I'll go see if I can find Daisy."

When she was gone Eleanor handed Ethan a cup of tea. "The doctor also said Miss Rhodes had crossed a line and I don't think he meant as a nurse."

Ethan saw the knowing gleam in Eleanor's friendly brown eyes and pretended it wasn't there. Bad enough he was in love with his nurse. Did the whole staff need to know too?