Page 57 of Pursuing Mr. Mattingly

“I don’t know, Hannah.” Her head dropped again to Oliver’s shoulder. “We need to summon a physician.”

“Of course. That’s exactly what we should do.” Was it possible her doctor in London had made a mistake in diagnosis? Medical knowledge wasn’t that accurate no matter how much skill a physician claimed to have, and with women’s health, even less so. His heartbeat accelerated the longer he thought about the possibility. Did that mean he would indeed have years with his wife, a future to look forward to with her? He would do everything within his power so that she received the best care, because he loved her to distraction. “Do you think you can stand? We’ll walk back to the picnic site, and you can have a rest there before we return to the house.”

I need answers and quickly.

Once he had them, he would ride for London. It didn’t matter how long it took, but he would return to Town and summon the best physicians and surgeons he could find, have them come out to Ettesmere Park and examine his wife.

If there was a chance, however slim, that she could be healed of whatever illness she struggled with, then he would pay whatever it took to see that she received that care.

“I suppose I can.” She offered a hand to her daughter. “Help me up. At the very least, I can wrap the quilt around me since my dress is ruined. And a cup of tea sounds marvelous right now.”

Hannah tugged Sophia up into a standing position and then threw herself into her mother’s arms. “I am glad you are here.”

“So am I.” Over Hannah’s head, she looked at him. “I’m so sorry.”

He frowned. “For what?”

“For falling into the creek. For needing a rescue.”

“Well, didn’t you say I’m your hero?” His chuckle fell flat when she didn’t join in.

She didn’t smile, which had been his intention. “I’m sorry that you married me in haste while we repented at leisure.”

What the devil did that mean? Shouldn’t she be ecstatic that there was a chance she would live to old age? That they could perhaps enjoy a long and happy marriage?

But she obviously struggled with her thoughts and wasn’t inclined to share. He would question her once they were alone. Before he could lead the way back toward the picnic area, Hannah released her mother only to bounce into his path and then she threw herself into his arms.

“Thank you for rescuing my mother, Oliver.” She clung to him as if he would vanish in the next second. “You are exactly what a papa should be.”

His chest tightened, not from worry this time, but from the pure thrill of hearing those words. For a few seconds, Oliver held the girl close. “You are quite welcome. I would do anything for you and your mother.”

And if that meant calling in favors from London’s peers, then he would. He wouldn’t stop in his quest until someone told him that Sophia would return to full health.

I simply cannot lose her.

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