Page 89 of Ravished By the Beastly Duke

“I do not quite understand what this question has to do with anything,” Eveline responded.

“I need to ascertain that there is no form of confusion,” the physician explained.

“If I was confused, I suppose I would not have been able to query you, don’t you think?” She raised an eyebrow.

“Perhaps not. Some concussed patients would be able to answer certain questions, but they would be confused when it pertains to answering questions that require them to think.”

“In that case, my name is Eveline,” she grumbled.

“How many sisters do you have, Your Grace?”

“I have two. Ava and Stella.”

“And how many brothers?”

“I have no brother.”

The physician turned to William for confirmation, and he nodded.

“I suppose there is no sign of a concussion. However, to reassure His Grace, I shall quickly examine your head.”

Eveline sighed in exasperation. “I would argue that my ankle and arms require your attention rather than a head injury that does not exist.”

“Your Grace, it will only be for a moment,” the physician reassured her.

With that, he touched her head all over.

Once he was satisfied, he declared, “There are no bumps, bruises, or fractures. It is safe to say that there is no concussion. I shall now proceed to inspect your arms and ankle.”

William did not seem too pleased by this, but Eveline was only too happy to have the physician stop prodding her head.

He only took a moment to inspect her arms before he moved to her ankle.

He touched her swollen ankle, and she could barely suppress a yelp. She glanced briefly at her husband, only to see him staring at her, his face contorted with worry.

“Can you move your leg?” the physician asked.

“I am not so certain. It is quite painful,” she replied.

“I would like to see you try, even if only for a moment. Try to move your foot,” he urged.

Eveline took a deep breath, bracing herself for the pain. She gritted her teeth as she rolled her foot.

The pain was intense, but she pushed through it.

“Since you can still move your foot, albeit with pain, then it is only a twist, not a fracture.”

Eveline was relieved.

“How long would it be before I can walk again?” she asked.

“If you rest and do not exert yourself, you should resume walking tomorrow.”

Soon enough, the physician was writing the prescription while instructing his apprentices on what to do. One of the apprentices soaked a fabric in cold water and vinegar, then slowly rubbed her foot with it.

Even though the pain was quite intense, Eveline did not make a sound. Yet, her husband came rushing to her side.

Afterward, another apprentice bandaged the foot and placed a pillow beneath it, so it would stay elevated.

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