Page 55 of A Deal with the Earl (Necessary Arrangements 1)

Robert glanced at Julie, and she gave him a resolute stare. “Yes, I am sure,” he said.

The doctor took a deep breath before speaking again. “I am not here as a harbinger of good news, I’m afraid.”

Julie sucked in her breath, and Robert took her hand in his.

“After I left this house yesterday, I’ve done extensive research and contacted some of my colleagues here in London and sent several letters abroad. Although the letters won’t be answered for weeks, I think I have a good idea of what’s ailing Lady Mary.” He cleared his throat again before continuing.

Both Julie and Robert regarded him impatiently.

“I’d rather not upset her ladyship,” he said, looking pleadingly at Clydesdale.

“Please, go on,” Julie said, instinctively squeezing Robert’s hand harder.

The doctor grimaced. “What I am about to say is not for lady’s ears,” he said carefully.

“Oh, for God’s sake,” Julie threw up her hands in frustration. “Please, just tell us.”

“All right,” the older man cleared his throat and adjusted his spectacles. “It appears to me that Lady Mary was not treated right during her time in the asylum. She has some deep bruising and what looks like burns on some parts of her body, and other evidence of abuse.”

Julie’s mouth fell open, and she felt Robert stiffen by her side. His arm felt like a piece of granite. Of course, she knew or at least suspected that she wasn’t treated kindly in York asylum after the way they’ve found her, butdeep bruisingandburns? What other abuse was he talking about?

“As I understood from our conversation earlier,” the doctor looked at Julie, “Lady Mary had suffered from maladies of the chest before, but not so severe as the night before.”

Julie nodded.

“It might be wise to conclude that her condition worsened by the severe neglect and abuse she’s suffered as a result of spending years at the asylum.”

Julie flinched and stiffened at the words. If only she had found a way to get Mary out sooner. She felt Robert’s hand cover hers as if he read her mind and tried to reassure her that there was nothing she could have done. Julie relaxed slightly at the touch.

“How can we help her now?” she asked the doctor, her throat dry.

“I am afraid you can’t,” the doctor stated evenly.

“I beg your pardon?”

“What do you mean?”

Robert and Julie asked simultaneously.

“There’s not much known about the maladies of the chest. They usually strike unannounced with very severe consequences for the patient. Lady Mary, on the other hand, had been suffering from it for quite a while. It is known that stress and overall well-being of a person can worsen the situation, but there are no known cures for it.”

“That’s impossible. She is too young,” Julie heard her husband’s voice through the buzzing in her head. His voice sounded far away, although he hadn’t moved from the settee they both occupied.

“Yes, well, unfortunately, the disease doesn’t differentiate young from old. Besides, Lady Mary also suffers from simplemindedness.” Doctor paused. “Some people in her situation barely live to be sixteen.”

Julie felt the blood drain out of her face. Her lips felt dry, her tongue swollen. She couldn’t say anything if she wanted to.Sixteen. Mary would be sixteen in less than a fortnight. Julie felt Robert squeeze her hand, and she was grateful to have him there beside her. She would fall apart if it weren’t for him.

“Is there anything we can do?” Robert asked in a hoarse voice.

“Keep her comfortable. Spend time as a family. Make some memories.”

Julie felt tears trickling down her face. What the doctor had meant, but omitted to say was,say goodbye.

“But she is all right now? She doesn’t need bed rest, special diet, anything?” Robert continued his questioning.

“I am afraid nothing will change her prognosis, for either the better or for worse.” The doctor stood at these words. “I apologize for not being able to do more.”

The buzzing in Julie’s head grew louder, the sounds of voices grew distant and blurred as if underwater.

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