The Education Of Joanne Part 3

The flickering of the unconscious girl's eyelids caught Mrs. Caern's keen sight as she tucked a fresh sheet over her. "Quickly, girls, clear the chamber.

"Nell, fetch Lord Jason. He said he would be in his study. Tell him the lady is awaking."

"Aye, mum," Meg answered and scurried out of the chamber.

Outside the door Lord Jason allowed Nell and Ann to exit, their arms filled with soiled towels, before he entered.

Finished with straightening the bedcovers, Mrs. Caern watched him approach the bedside and gaze down. The harsher emotions did not often show upon his features, but she could clearly read anger upon them now.

"Bruises. It was bruises not dirt that covered her face," he said slowly to himself.

"Are there such marks over the rest of her?" Kenton asked, still staring at the girl.

"Aye, milord, but more than likely they were caused by the journey ... Her voice trailed off, the conclusion being apparent.

"His own daughter," Lord Jason murmured, then faced his housekeeper.

"I was told she was regaining her senses."

"Yes, milord. See how the eyelids flutter-a sure sign. 'Twill not be long before they open," she explained. "I felt you would wish to be here."

"Quite right. Finish bringing the chamber to rights. I shall watch her for a time." He took a chair and moved it closer to the bed, sat, and studied Joanne's features.

Behind him the housekeeper mustered the three girls, along with the two men they had recruited from the gardens to remove the water-filled tub and the last of the towels. With a last glimpse of her silent, pondering master, Mrs. Caern closed the chamber door silently, the work within completed.

A low moan escaped Lady Joanne. She s.h.i.+fted uneasily in the soft feather bed.

Seeing beads of perspiration across her brow, Lord Jason rose and opened the windows of the chamber, allowing the cooler breeze of early evening to enter. He was one of the few who believed fresh air more beneficial than harmful to the ill. The sun had set but full light still abounded as he looked across the waving treetops surrounding the manor.

Joanne's eyes fluttered open, closed, and then remained open as he returned to the bedside. Her mind could not grasp where she was, only that her head ached horribly. Her skin felt as if it had been flayed. Her entire body was raw and irritated. An odour that totally alien hung about her.

The man gazing down at her smiled and Lady Joanne wondered who he could be and why he smiled at her.

I am dreaming again, she thought. Closing her eyes, she drifted into the sleep of the exhausted.

At least she now appears to be rational, Kenton mentally noted. When she awakens, I shall have to a.s.sess the situation. A visit with the Lady Joanne should prove interesting.

Chapter Five.

The moon melted into the horizon and the sun pushed over the edge. Still Lady Joanne did not awaken.

His concern mounted. Lord Jason sent for Dr. Fowler from Ilfracombe.

Mrs. Caern frowned as she led the young man who answered the summons to Lord Jason's study. "Dr.

Ames, milord," she announced as his lords.h.i.+p turned from his desk.

"That will be all," Lord Jason dismissed the housekeeper. "I was expecting Dr. Fowler," he began studying the young physician. He noted with approval the man's unpretentious long blue coat, plain white breeches, and modest periwig.

"I am just recently come from London to study with Dr. Fowler," Ames explained. "He had a very bad night-his gout, you know-and wished me to come in his place," he continued, his gaze unwavering.

"He did ask me to tell you that he had received a letter from his son in the Colonies giving details of the evacuation of Boston in March which told that they are readying for action. There is every sign the colonials are going to go through with the threatened declaration of independence." Ames s.h.i.+fted uneasily.

"Dr. Fowler emphatically insisted I say that Burgoyne is being sent to join General Howe and that they will teach the d.a.m.ned ingrates a lesson."

"Do you favour the king's position in this war, Dr. Ames?" Kenton asked out of curiosity.

The physician paused, a.s.sessed what to answer. "In truth, my lord, I favour Mr. Burke and Mr. Fox in the matter and consider it unfortunate that Lord North is unable to persuade His Majesty from the present course." He finished with cautious certainty but wondered if his words would bring dismissal.

"I am of like mind," Kenton agreed. "Thank Dr. Fowler for the information and tell him I will call to get all the particulars. But another question, Doctor.

Do you believe in letting blood in the majority of cases you attend?"

Eagerness brightened the young physician's eye. "No. I believe the current practice of bleeding a patient no matter what the malady oft increases the danger of death. The use of leeches and cupping in many cases, if not harmful, is ineffective. Dr. John Hunter, the noted surgeon in London, recommends against it.

Why he...

"I agree-totally." Kenton smiled at the other's enthusiasm for the subject. "But let me call Mrs. Caern. I wish you to examine a guest. Lady Knolls arrived yesterday. She was victim of an accident which rendered her unconscious and has not regained her senses since. Please a.s.sess her condition."

"Lord Jason," Dr. Ames announced his return to the study.

"Please close the door, Doctor," Kenton said, rising. "A gla.s.s of wine?"

"No, thank you, my lord. I have many calls to make before this eve and prefer a clear head," Dr. Ames answered crisply.

"As you wish," noted Lord Jason, pleased at this outlook of the man. "Be seated. What did you find?"

he asked.

"The young lady in question is not ill as far as I can ascertain. The lack of details adds to the difficulty, you understand. But, although there is no fever or other adverse symptoms, her general health is very poor. The condition of her legs indicates little exercise. I would venture to say there is even a lack of sufficient walking. Her skin tone and weight all indicate poor diet.

"Now, there is a b.u.mp from a blow on the head but no other damage. Her sleep is common to those who have done without any for several clays. I would venture that she will awaken on the morrow-weakened perhaps, but unharmed," the young doctor concluded. He peered sharply at Lord Jason to a.s.sess his reaction. The bruises he would not mention without his lords.h.i.+p bringing them up first, but the reputation of this man implied that he was not responsible for them.

Kenton leaned back in his chair. "What recommendations would you have for improving her health?"

"Nothing that your own common sense cannot recommend, my lord. Fresh air, plenty of exercise. I realize that activity is generally frowned upon for young ladies, my lord, but I have found it to be of good consequence among my patients. Also good food, but not in excess." Dr. Ames wondered at the relations.h.i.+p but restrained his curiosity.

"Your guest will be remaining with you for some time?" He immediately waved the question aside. "I did not wish to pry into your affairs, my lord, but it would be wise if the young lady did remain for at least a few days. Until she recovers her strength."

"I agree totally, Dr. Ames. Have no fear," Lord Jason said. He stood and extended his hand. "Thank you for coming.

"Since you are new to our area, may I extend my welcome. Feel free to stop in whenever your calls bring you near the manor."

"Why, thank you, Lord Jason," the surprised young man replied. "I will be most happy to return if you feel it is necessary. If you wish, I shall stop by in a few days to see your guest's progress."

"I do not think that will be necessary, but feel free to do so if you have doubts as to her recovery," Lord Jason answered. He smiled as he led the way to the door.

"May I ask about your former patients? You speak of them with such warmth."

Dr. Ames blushed slightly, then raised his chin defensively. "Before coming to Dr. Fowler I studied and worked at the Children's Hospital in London."

"I am certain they miss you," returned his lords.h.i.+p. "Please give my regards to Dr. Fowler." Lord Jason bade Ames farewell at the door. Walking back to his study, he repeated, "Fresh air, exercise, and good food-all of which we have aplenty here at Kentoncombe."

Clanging and clattering metal accompanied by raised voices drew Lord Jason abruptly from deep sleep; his first thought being that he was back at Warburg. He jumped from his bed not fully awake. The cool, smooth oak beneath his bare feet and the vague light of dawn belied the war but the faint tumult continued.