He gestured to the large canopied bed. The room also held two armchairs and a low tea table near the fireplace.
Imperiously, the woman said, “Whatever for? Rumors of my near-demise have been greatly exaggerated, as you see. I suppose you instructed that young Dr. Finch to second your prescription for bed rest? It’s tiresome! If I spend too much time in that bed, I doubt I shall ever rise again.”
Her sharp gaze landed on Anne. “And who is this, pray?”
He swept an arm toward her. “This is Miss Anne Loveday. She is here visiting Miss Charlotte Newland.”
“How nice for them both,” she dryly replied.
Anne waited, expecting for the woman to scowl at her any moment and say something like“Iknow who you are,and I don’t want youhere any more than I wanted your sister to marrymy nephew.”
But she did not.
Instead she waved a dismissive hand in Anne’s direction. “I don’t know this person. Why is she in my bedchamber?”
“You may not have met her but you were some acquainted with her grandparents. Thomas and Sarah Spring? Their daughter was Deborah Spring.”
“Vaguely. All dead now, I believe.”
“Yes, sadly. And her father is a surgeon-apothecary. He spent some time in Painswick but has now practiced near Gloucester for many years.”
She frowned. “What is that to me? Is Humpage retiring? Is that what you’re telling me? You’re referring me to some stranger all the way in Gloucester?”
“No, my lady. I only meant to suggest that Miss Loveday has experience and has agreed to serve as your chamber nurse until a replacement might be found.”
“I don’t need another nurse.”
“Nurse and ... companion, then, if you prefer? I believe you are getting by without a lady’s maid at present, so her company might be welcome.”
“You are misinformed there. I have a lady’s maid.”
“Oh. I...”
“Where is Dr. Finch?” the woman demanded.
Displeasure tightened the skin around the physician’s eyes. Whether from the younger man’s absence or the woman’s preference for him, Anne did not know.
He replied, “I did not think two physicians were required to make a simple introduction.”
“Humph.”
“But I assure you Dr. Finch is in favor of Miss Loveday staying here. He expressed his strong relief that she should be with you to oversee your care when we are not able to do so. And, of course, should anything arise between our calls, Miss Loveday will let us know straightaway.”
“Very well. We shall see how we go on.”
“Oh. Well ... good.” He seemed rather surprised at her quick agreement. Anne was as well.
He continued, “Shall I ask Buxton to appoint a room for her somewhere?”
“No need. Sir Herbert’s dressing room is right through there.” She lifted her cane toward a door across the room. “This bedchamber has adjoining his and hers dressing rooms. Mine is just there.” She pointed to a door on the opposite side of the room, nearer her bed.
Dr. Marsland hesitated. “Oh, I ... did not think you would want someone else to sleep in your late husband’s rooms.”
“It is not a mausoleum. Besides, his valet slept there. I don’t suggest she sleep in Sir Herbert’s actual bed.”
“I see. Well. As you wish.”
“When Mrs. Horlick was my nurse, she slept in a chair here in my room. Snored terribly. I’d prefer this nurse to sleep in the next room.”
