The Village Spinster Read Online Free Page B

doctor and my father rammed it back into place. I thought they were trying to snap me in two.”
    “Miss Driscoll, I really must insist!” Kinsford exclaimed, just as there was a loud pounding at the door. “What the devil is going on here?”
    “I’ll take care of that,” Mr. Traling offered, obviously unoffended by Kinsford’s insistence. “At least I’m not in my shirtsleeves.’’
     

Chapter Three
     
    To Clarissa’s disappointment, it was not Meg with the doctor, but the Honorable William Barrington, Lady Aria’s other brother. “What are the horses doing loose?” she heard him demand in the hall. “Where’s Lady Aria? She would never let Firebird run wild. Who are you? Where’s Miss Driscoll?”
    Though Mr. Traling did attempt to answer these questions, he didn’t have many answers and William became impatient with him. The newest visitor strode into the sitting room, demanding Miss Driscoll’s attention. When he saw his sister lying pale on the sofa, he must have known a moment’s terror.
    “You’ve killed her!” he yelled, apparently at Kinsford. “How could you do that? You’ve only been home two days!”
    While Clarissa realized that he spoke out of shock, his older brother looked stunned at such an accusation. “She fell from her horse,” he said stiffly.
    “But she’s an excellent rider!” Master William exclaimed.
    Clarissa tried to point out the most pertinent fact. “She’s not dead, Master William. She’s been unconscious most of the time, which is fortunate, since her shoulder was dislocated. Meg is sending Jimmy for Dr. Lawrence.”
    At which statement Meg herself appeared in the doorway to announce, “The doctor’s gone to Stanton Prior and they don’t know when he’ll be back.”
    Both Mr. Traling and William offered to find him. William was an even more daring rider than his sister, but he was naturally the earl’s choice. “William, you go. I’ll stay here with Aria.”
    “I’ll take Firebird, then, shall I?” William asked, distractedly drawing a hand through his blond curls. “I’ve been galloping Rannoch pretty hard this morning."
    “Take Longbridge. Firebird may still be too nervous from the accident.”
    “Take Longbridge?” William repeated, astonished. “You’ve never let anyone ride Longbridge.”
    Kinsford gritted his teeth. “Just take him. Get a move on or I’ll go myself.”
    “Yes, sir,” William replied, almost snapping to attention, as if his brother were still in the army with Wellington. “I’ll be back in no time.”
    He had flung out of the room before Kinsford could say, “And don’t do anything reckless.” The front door slammed so hard it rattled the whole house.
    “I’ll heat another flannel,” Meg said, and left. Clarissa continued to sooth the partially conscious Lady Aria’s forehead. Kinsford paced restlessly. Mr. Traling stood far back but the earl encountered him in his pacing and threw Clarissa a scowling look. “I wonder, Mr. Traling, if you would do a favor for me,” Clarissa asked after a moment. “I feel certain the doctor will prescribe a black draught immediately and I haven’t any. Would you see if Mrs. Luden has any from the apothecary?”
    “What’s a black draught?” he asked, curious. “Will she know what to give me?”
    “Yes. There are two ways to make it but either will be fine. I myself prefer the tincture of senna with cardamom and spirit of lavender, but the epsom salts and coriander seed work just as well, I believe.”
    “I’m more than happy to get it,” Traling said. “If Mrs. Luden hasn’t any, shall I go to the apothecary in Bath?”
    “No, we’ll make do,” Clarissa assured him.
    Mr. Traling left cheerfully, just as though he hadn’t been snubbed by his lordship several times since his arrival. Clarissa turned to the earl.
    “Would you help me with her riding boots? She might be more comfortable.”
    Kinsford stepped forward to help. The boots were tight and Lady Aria