Chapter Four
Justin grasped his wifes shoulder and shook her lightly. Her head, hidden by the fur-lined hood, lolled forward onto her chest. A scowl creased his forehead. No one slept that soundly. The woman must be ill. Footsteps signaled the drivers approach. A blast of cold air hit him as the door was opened.
Justin scooped his new wifes limp body into his arms, climbed from the carriage and hurried toward the inn. With one booted foot he gave the door a solid, satisfying kick.
Breams? Josiah Breams! Open the door!
There was a protesting squeak of cold hinges. The door opened.
Good evening, sir. Weve been expecting you and your Good heavens, sir! The proprietor of the inn stared down at the cloak-draped body hanging across Justins arms. Has there been an accident, sir? Is your wife injured?
No, theres been no accidentshes taken ill. Justin pushed past the portly proprietor and headed for the stairs. Have you prepared the room?
Oh, yes, sir. The little man closed the door and scurried forward, hurrying to get ahead of Justins long-legged strides. Its all exactly as you asked. He puffed his way up the long flight of stairs, using the banister to pull himself upward. Im sure youll be pleased. I laid the fire and
Save your air. Youll have an apoplectic fit. Justin followed the puffing, panting little man down the hall to a small, corner room.
Yes, sir. The corpulent proprietor gasped out the words and opened the bedroom door. Justin brushed past the little mans protruding paunch and headed for the bed.
There! He deposited Elizabeth on the quilt-covered mattress and turned toward the proprietor who was busily poking up the fire. Ill do that. You go get your wife toWhat is it? His eyes narrowed as he peered down at Josiahs face.
Whats wrong?
My wifes not here.
Not here? Then who is going to tend my wife?
Perhaps I might be of some assistance.
Justin pivoted. A tall, thin man with dark, penetrating eyes and brown hair stood in the open doorway. There was a black leather bag in his hand. And who might you be?
Thaddeous Allenat your service. The man gave a small, polite bow of his head. I am a physician with the Pennsylvania Hospital.
Come in, Dr. Allen, come in! Justin crossed the room in three long strides and waved the doctor inside. I would be most grateful if you would tend my wife. She has collapsed, and I am at a loss as to what to do for her.
Yes. I witnessed your arrival. You seemed in need of aid, so I went for my bag.
In need of aid? Justins left brow lifted. You are a man of great tact, Doctor. I freely admit my helpless state.
Then, if you will permit me? The doctors gaze slid past Justin to Elizabeths still form as Josiah Breams left the room. At Justins answering nod he crossed to the bed and placed his black bag on the nightstand. Tell me, Mr. Randolph, when did your wife collapse?
You know me, Doctor?
Indeed. All of Philadelphia knows of Justin Randolphespecially those of us who have occasion to visit the waterfront.
Justin dipped his head. Youre too kind, Doctor. Now, about my wife He scowled at the inert form on the bed. Perhaps collapse was too strong a word. She fell asleep while traveling and I was unable to rouse her upon our arrival.
I see. I have one more question before I proceed. Is your wife with child?
With child? Of course not. We He stopped, staring at the doctor in sudden, stunned silence. How could he know? It was certainly possible. With child! Justin gave a short bark of laughter. So much for his clever plan. He had been tricked again. Made a fool of by aa
By sheer dint of will, Justin forced down the anger surging through him. I cannot answer that question, Doctor. But, if you should find that to be the cause of her collapse, I would be most grateful if you would inform me at once. You see, we were married this evening.
There was a knock on the door. Justin whipped around and yanked it open. What is it?
Ive returned, sir. Josiah sent me. He said your brides taken ill and you had need of me. The proprietors wife glanced toward the bed.
I do indeed. Justin stepped to one side allowing the woman entrance. His gaze swept to Thaddeous Allen. Daisy will assist you in anything you require, Doctor. I shall be downstairs, awaiting your diagnosis. With a curt bow of his head he left the room.
The doctor whistled softly as the door clicked shut. That is one angry man.
He has a right. Likely he didnt plan on a weddin night like this. Daisy Breams trudged to the bed and began to undo the fastenings on Elizabeths cloak. Likely she didnt either. She pushed the cloak off the young womans shoulders and the hood fell away. Here now, whats this?
The doctor stepped closer. There was a large purple bruise swelling the left side of Justin Randolphs brides face. He grabbed a spill from the box on the mantel, lit the candle on the nightstand, then slid it closer to the bed, studying the discoloration. He frowned and stepped back out of the way. Remove her gown, Daisy. But proceed carefullyI expect she has other injuries.