Page 4 of A Lady’s Fairytale Come True
“And no sign of infection?” Nathaniel enquired.
“None at all. We keep our utensils quite clean and I am rather proud of the ways my assistants handle themselves. The young woman in question was ready to leave the hospital a mere six days after the surgery. With some discomfort, of course, but that is to be expected,” he answered.
The doctor held out his glass and one of the employees of the club filled it with another round of brandy. Nathaniel certainly hoped that the doctor would not be called into surgery this session.
Doctor Fairweather began to speak of tonics and medicines he found useful in the prevention of infection and Nathaniel listened intently. It was fascinating. He wondered when a cure for typhus would come. That was his true interest.
Despite his longing to ask about any advancements in that arena, Nathaniel held back. He knew it would only lead to discomfort in the room if he began asking about the very same disease that had so recently ended the lives of both his parents.
Still, he hoped it might come up naturally. If it did not, he would find a way to form his words that he might get an answer without directly questioning the disease itself.
“So you are seeking preventative measures as more vital than cures?” enquired the Duke of Morningside as the conversation continued.
“Indeed. I have a great many colleagues working on cures. It seems that my efforts would be wasted in that arena. If we are not seeking prevention than whatever reason is there to hope for a cure?” the doctor replied, leaving a question of his own for the men to ponder.
“I suppose that is quite true. And what a mind it takes to consider the importance of that,” exclaimed another man with whom Nathaniel was not yet acquainted.
“Might I ask,” he began, hesitantly, “what ailments are you currently seeking preventative measures for?”
Doctor Fairweather looked at Nathaniel with deep intent. Beneath the surface of the elder’s face was a compassionate understanding alongside his evident love of holding the room captive with his stories.
“Well, my lord, I am seeking a great number of preventions. At this time, I have been looking into cholera, typhoid and typhus,” he answered, rhythmically.
Nathaniel nodded, keeping his breath of relief unnoticeable by most of the men in the room. He had no desire for them all to read his thoughts as the doctor had. But hearing that the dreaded illness was, indeed, one of those being researched by the doctor, was quite a grace.
“Those sound like noble causes,” Nathaniel remarked.
“Indeed. I think we ought to share a toast to our esteemed friend, the one and only Doctor Fairweather!” announced Lord Kensington.
All the men raised their glasses and then drank heartily. Among them, it seemed that only Nathaniel was directly impacted by the knowledge of these efforts. He was the man who had been hoping for a time that would come when these illnesses were researched with interest and intellect. Doctor Fairweather seemed the perfect man for the job.
And with that, all the men went their separate ways. There was still much of the day left to be had and many of them had work to do. Typically, they enjoyed meeting in the evenings, but once each month, they would gather on a Friday as today and relax as they had done.
The club was a peaceful zone where they could be free of the concerns of the world. For many, it was a time to escape nagging wives, loud children, and the demands of the crown. But for Nathaniel, it was duty that bound him to this place. Duty and a sense of yearning to belong with these men.
“Much to do?” The Duke of Morningside asked, sidling up to Nathaniel.
“Oh, not a great deal. I must go into town and find a gift for my grandmother. Something charming for her birthday. I haven’t the foggiest idea what it is that I seek, but I am sure to find something.”
“Oh yes, I am sure you shall. She is a woman of good taste, but also of great gratitude,” the duke acknowledged.
“She is indeed.”
“Just be sure that if you need anything at all, you remember that I am ready and willing to assist you. I understand that you have had quite a lot of new responsibilities come to you in the last few months and, while your father did well to prepare you, it is quite different than actually taking them on,” the duke offered.
Nathaniel nodded, grateful for the offer. The duke, as the majority of the other men, had been a good friend to his father. Losing him had affected these men as well, who knew the late earl to be a kind, respectable man of good standing. It seemed that time would tell if Nathaniel could ever live up to the presence that his father had been among his friends.
In the meantime, Nathaniel would make every effort. But for now, his efforts lay elsewhere.
He put his hat upon his head and straightened his coattails. He had to look his best everywhere he went, as a representative of his family as well as the king. Leaving the club, he tried to consider what he might purchase for his grandmother. After all, she was a woman of great means. She had everything she might ever want or need.
But he would shop until he found something. Something that would be liked by an elderly dowager. Nathaniel would certainly have to rely on the shop assistants and that generally meant that he would be sold only the finest, most expensive items. But he did not mind so much on her behalf. After all, his grandmother had done a great deal for him.
Nathaniel exited the doors of the club and wandered into the streets of London, uncertain what he might find. The day was bright and clear and filled with a sense of promise. It almost felt as though he might find something not just for his grandmother, but also for himself.
Chapter 3
With her notebook tucked under her arm, Olivia allowed herself to gaze at the sights of the city around her. She hoped that inspiration might strike, despite that not being her primary purpose in the walk.
