It was impossible that her mother was privy to their earlier discussions because they had kept the matter a secret until they were certain. Therefore, she could only assume that her mother feared that something may come from the friendship.
But hopefully everything would soon change as she anxiously awaited the doctor to complete the examination of her ankle. The wrappings had been removed, which was such a relief, and now he carefully moved her foot, but only slightly and noting her tenderness.
Deborah was torn between admitting that it still hurt or denying any discomfort because she could not go back to lying on the chase for another month.
“It is nearly healed,” Dr. Parker announced.
“I can walk about?” Deborah asked anxiously. “I no longer need to lay about on the chaise?”
The doctor chuckled. “You may sit in a chair.”
That was somewhat better, especially since she would be able to take her meals with the family instead of eating alone after a tray had been placed upon her lap.
“However, you cannot walk without assistance.”
That was really no different than needing to be carried about.
“I will rewrap your ankle and foot and secure crutches so that you may move about more freely.”
Crutches! That was what he meant by assistance.
Finally, she would be free of the terrace and could visit her favorite place.
Percy waited in the parlor with the rest of Deborah’s family as Dr. Parker examined her ankle. Would she be required to spend more weeks with her foot elevated or would she finally be allowed to walk?
He was so tired of being under the watchful eye of her mother, and of listening to Peter complain that he needed his older brother, Benjamin Storm, the Earl of Kenley, to return to the estate so that he and Percy could make their yearly trek to Edinburgh to enjoy not only the taverns, but their favorite brothels. Until there was a male relative strong enough to assist Deborah, they could not leave because Lady Kenley forbade the very idea of relying on a footman to carry Deborah when she needed to be moved.
What Peter did not know was that Percy never wanted to visit a lightskirt again. He knew what he wanted for his future and it was one woman.
He nearly came to his feet and started asking questions as soon as the doctor returned but forced himself to remain observant and mildly interested.
“I have given Miss Deborah permission to move about so long as she uses crutches.”
“We can finally leave!” Peter proclaimed.
“Assuming she has someone to still assist her up and down the stairs so that she puts no weight on the injured appendage.”
Crestfallen, Peter fell back against the settee. “Ben did say he was returning tomorrow, correct?” Peter asked his mother.
“Yes.”
He straightened and smiled again. “Then expect Percy and I to be gone the day after.”
“I will not be going with you to Edinburgh,” Percy announced.
Peter narrowed his eyes as if he grew concerned again as to Percy’s reasons.
“My father has written and would like me to return home.”
“Yes, well, you have been with the family much longer than you usually are,” Lady Kenley announced, which was not the truth at all. He had visited about the same amount of time in previous years. He just hadn’t shown Deborah this much attention.
“There are crutches in my carriage since I anticipated the need and will retrieve them.”
“At least there will no longer be a need for someone to be at Deborah’s side constantly,” Peter added with a grin.
“Go up and get your sister,” Lady Kenley ordered as the doctor left to retrieve the crutches.
Tomorrow! The Earl of Kenley was returning tomorrow and when he did, Percy would request a private audience and seek permission to court Deborah. After a month in her home and spending every afternoon with her, Percy knew that it was love. However, he did not tell her that his feelings had deepened. He could not. Not until he spoke to her eldest brother for his permission. Only then would Percy confess to Deborah that he had fallen in love with her and hope that her emotions had also deepened.
