Andrews Brothers 02 - The Rescue Read Online Free Page A

have no excuses. You have been the family physician for years. I refuse to place my son’s care in the hands of a stranger.”
    “Begging your pardon, my lady, but what of my practice, my other patients?”
    She waved her hand. “They can find another physician.” The doctor stammered again with no intelligible words spoken and the lady continued, “We leave next week for Ravenwood so you may bring your trunks by in two days time. Do not be late. The maid likes to pack early.”
    She flinted from the room and a younger woman entered.
    The doctor collapsed in a nearby chair and cradled his head.
    “Doctor Pennyworth, what’s the matter?”
    “Juliet, I mean Miss Lewis, it’s horrible, just horrible.”
    She stoked the fire. “It can’t possibly be so grim.”
    “I assure you my straits are dire.”
    She left the fireplace and strode closer, her hands planted on her slim hips. “Please do enlighten me with your tale. I can’t have you fretting and not sharing the details.”
    The doctor rushed to stand, and the chair threatened to topple. He caught it before it struck the floor. “Your ladyship wishes for me to travel north!”
    “Why that doesn’t sound so awful. I would think you would quite enjoy the holiday.”
    “I would if not for your ladyship’s diminishing condition. I’ll be cooped up in the house playing nursemaid to Rowena’s, I mean Lady Ravenwood’s, madness and some — some stranger, while Doctor Tidwell steals my patients!”
    “Nay, you won’t be tending a stranger, doctor. You’ll be tending your ladyship’s son .”
    The maid’s inflection caused a measure of concern, but Andrew was so wrapped up in the ensuing conversation he forgot about it instantly.
    “And that’s another thing—”
    Juliet laid a finger over the doctor’s lips and pointed in Andrew’s direction. The doctor frowned and smashed his lips together. She moved toward Andrew and arranged his spread and plumped his unused pillows. “And how is your lordship this fine evening?”
    His mouth felt like cotton, and he croaked, “Water.”
    Juliet laid a glass to his dry lips and helped him sip. “Go slow, your lordship. You don’t want to gag.”
    The refreshing liquid hit his throat and he choked which threw him into a fit of coughing. The doctor rolled him onto his side and berated the maid. “You must take more care. It is a wonder the fellow survived at all. We don’t wish to increase his injuries.”
    Juliet backed away and the doctor brought the glass back to his lips. “Only a drop at a time, Lord Ravenwood. You mustn’t overdo.”
    Andrew licked his lips. “Lord Ravenwood?” His voice sounded unfamiliar to his ears and he cringed.
    The doctor replied, “Yes, Lord Ravenwood.” Andrew repeated the name under his breath. The doctor added, “You were involved in an accident, but your mother rescued you.”
    “I-I don’t remember.”
    “That is to be expected. You suffered a head injury. I understand you remained unconscious in a cell for many days.”
    “A cell?”
    The doctor appeared reluctant to elaborate and changed the subject. “Your mother will be delighted to hear you’ve awoken completely. I’ll fetch—”
    He squeezed the doctor’s hand. “Something is wrong.”
    “I’m sure—”
    “No. I-I don’t remember this place or these people.”
    The doctor avoided his gaze and Andrew’s worry increased. “As I said, that is normal. In time—”
    Andrew shook his head, the action caused intense pain and he closed his eyes. The doctor’s hand was cool and soothing against his forehead.
    “You’ve had entirely too much excitement for one day. Get some rest and I will return to check on you later.”
    Andrew reached out, but the doctor had turned and gathered the maid. Before he could utter a word they had both fled from the room.
     

Chapter Four
    The banns had been read, the clothes ordered, the wedding party sent for, and the estate decorated.
    Clovis had blustered to his aging