“Yes.” She looked down at the baby and stroked his hair. “Henry … although my husband wants to call him by one of his middle names, Leicester. He thinks it sounds distinguished. I think it’s a mouthful.”
“Well, whatever his name, it’s a happy conclusion.”
“For us, certainly. But I sometimes think …” She bit her lip. “I wonder about the mother. Who she is. If she’s at peace. Frederick says I mustn’t dwell on it.”
“Well, we can’t always command our thoughts. It seems natural to wonder. But don’t worry about your baby. He’ll be fine in a few days.” Julia smiled. “Whatever you decide to call him.”
“Thank you, Doctor.” Mrs. Locock gathered her things and stood.
Lady Styles and Julia walked Mrs. Locock and the wet nurse to their carriage. By the time they rolled away, the baby was asleep in his mother’s arms.
“With the weather turning on us, she’s anxious to get the baby home, Susan said. “I didn’t want to make her wait for me. The fog is likely to grow worse.”
“There’s a cabstand a few steps away at the top of Circus Road, so you’ll have no difficulty.”
Lady Styles sighed. “Mary Locock is a sweet soul but a worrier.”
“Not unusual with new mothers. Come inside.” Julia took her arm. “And tell me what I can do for you.”
“First, I have a request from the Princess of Wales.” Susan smiled. “Your conversation about women patients preferring women doctors got her thinking. Could the princess call on you to treat the illnesses of her female household staff?”
“Of course. Princess Alexandra’s offer is an honor.”
“I explained to Alix that your afternoons are devoted to the clinic … but perhaps your mornings?”
“They’re freer than I’d like, so yes.”
“Splendid. I mentioned it to the housekeeper, hoping you’d agree.” Susan smiled. “Mrs. Craddock said to put her name at the head of your list.”
Julia shook her head. “This is a morning of surprises. Now, how can I help you?”
“I’m not ill, at least as far as I know. I suppose what I want is a … talking consultation.”
“Very well.” Julia gestured to a pair of chairs. “Let’s sit by the fire.” After Lady Styles had settled into her seat, Julia said, “Now, in your own good time, tell me your concerns.”
Susan looked down at her hands. She twisted her wedding ring, frowning. “I suppose I should begin with my marriage. It wasn’t a happy one. My husband died four years after our wedding.”
“I’ve noticed your half mourning. So, you’ve been a widow for …”
“Nearly three years. I’m not naïve, Doctor. My late husband was my senior by over a decade, and one imagines men have … experiences that women lack.”
“Generally, that’s true.”
“But I was unaware of the extent of my husband’s profligacy. One isn’t supposed to say these things, but his death was a release. Now, Alix’s anxiety has made me wonder if I have reason to worry that he may have infected me.”
Julia reached across and squeezed her hand. “If polite society knew how many ladies come to me with your fears. Let me see if I can relieve them.”
The doctor questioned her about the range of syphilis symptoms. Happily, Lady Styles was free of them all.
“Timing is critical,” Julia said. “The disease often goes through a long, latent period. And the sufferer is least infectious during the latent stage.”
“So, my husband …”
“Either he was free of the disease, or his illness was at the stage when the disease was quiescent.”
“Thank you, Doctor. You’ve lifted a weight. And should I ever marry again … Well, one wouldn’t want to cause harm to another person.”
“Of course.” Julia wondered if she had a particular gentleman in mind.
