Find Edward

Chapter Three: Edward Barlow

I exited the room in shock. Yesterday was my first day in town. I was expecting a few patients with minor illnesses and injuries. I thought I was right when all morning I dealt with patients who were easy fixes. I was prepared for a boring afternoon of paperwork. Nothing prepared me for the moment when a hunter barges into my building carrying a girl. She was bleeding badly and barely alive. I spent the rest of the day and well into the night caring for her.

The hunter had explained that he was scouting the area for a wolf's nest when he heard screaming. He ran to investigate and discovered a wolf trying to drag the girl into its den. So the hunter killed the wolf and rushed the girl over. I didn't care at the time but afterward, I spent a lot of time thinking.

What kind of girl wore pants and was stupid enough to wander into a wolf's nest? She couldn't be rich because she was wearing worn-out clothes and boots. It was perplexing.

I ended up spending the night in a chair next to her bed. I dozed a few times but mostly stayed awake to make sure infection wasn't sitting in. After getting her through most of the night, I decided I should get some sleep around three in the morning. I slept until the sun and birds woke me up.

Then I finally got a good look at her. She was beautiful. Not only were her looks beautiful but there was something else too. She looked like one of those hidden beauties. She was the type of girl I'd be interested in.

Then, I learned that she was the girl I'd said I'd stay away from. After she woke up to me touching her forehead. I was only checking for a fever but it was still embarrassing. Now I know why half the town is chasing after her.

I looked back into the room and saw that she had gone back to sleep. I gently closed the door and leaned against it. It must be the lack of sleep making me feel this way. I refuse to pine after her like some shallow boy. Besides, she was under my care. It would be unprofessional and improper.

"Now, how do you tell her grandmother that she'll be scarred and limping for the rest of her life?" I groaned just thinking about the possible reactions.

"Edward!" I looked up to see William walking over.

"William, what are you doing here?"

"Just checking up on you. I heard about the girl brought in here yesterday. Is she alright?"

"She'll be fine after she recovers. I do have a question though." William nodded and gestured for me to continue.

"How do you suppose I tell Lady Cadwell that her granddaughter is now permanently injured and scarred?" I watched William go pale at the question.

"You're telling me that the town belle is in that room." William pointed to the closed door. I nodded.

"You better find another town to work in. She's going to be furious." Now it was my turn to go pale. I should've known.

"I don't suppose you'd help a friend out and go in my stead?" William was not amused at this question. "Just asking. Do you mind keeping an eye on Miss Cadwell? She's asleep but I don't want to leave her alone. I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Good luck Edward, you're going to need it." I grabbed my coat and hat and left the building. Luckily the Cadwell mansion was nearby. I didn't know my way around town yet. I wish I had more time to think of a way to tell her, I thought, I haven't got a clue what to say. I also didn't expect Miss Cadwell to be so... unlike my expectations. Most rich, unmarried women became snobs and let the attention go to their heads. I thought she'd be vain, not a girl who couldn't care less. Then again, I don't know her too well.

I shook the thoughts out of my head as I headed up the mansion's driveway. Ow wasn't a time for those thoughts. I could think of them later. I reached the yellow house and saw that there was nothing amiss. Lady Cadwell must be worried about her missing granddaughter. Why wasn't the household trying to find her? I reached up and banged the door knocker thrice. I patiently waited for the door to open. It took a few minutes but then an elderly woman opened the door.