“So you’re all right, are you? Good.” Mother buttered her piece of toast hard enough to break the slice. “Since you’re all right, I have some news for you. The London School of Medicine for Women is going to open for new enrolment next week. Do you want to try this year?”
If Edith said no, Mother would get angry and lecture her on the importance of having an education and the fact Edith spent her days cataloguing drugs while she could be a medical student,which would lead to another lecture she had no patience for today.
So just to avoid an early morning argument that would go nowhere, she said, “I’ll think about it.”
“I heard the college changed the admission test. It’s harder now.”
Edith nodded.
Mother wasn’t fooled if the way she narrowed her gaze was any indication. “Your father and I are tired of seeing you waste your talent like that.”
She sipped more tea. Her stomach churned in reply. It seemed she couldn’t avoid a sermon.
Mother’s expression softened. “I understand the incident was harrowing. I barely survived it, too. We have to thank your father’s knowledge of medicinal drugs for saving us. But if you don’t want to study, then do as Marianne did.”
Edith paused drinking. “Find a husband?”
“Why not?” Mother’s tone became more high-pitched. “Why waste your time in a dispensary and be tempted by opium every day when you could start your own family and manage a house? Being the mistress of a house isn’t a simple job. It requires organisation and expertise, hard work and patience.”
Hard work and patience seemed things Edith couldn’t afford anymore.
“Honestly.” Mother shook her head. “I can’t believe you’re the same girl who spent all her time studying and reading books. I had to force you to stop reading. You dreamed of becoming a doctor, and now what do you do all day? You lie to us and go out with people I barely know. What a disappointment. Aside from Miss Ferguson, who’s a fine lady, I don’t know any of your friends.”
Daphne had simply more experience than Edith in hiding her vices and her real personality. Edith pushed away her plateof toast. Her stomach didn’t want food anywhere near it. Darn champagne.
Mother’s words weren’t new. At least once a week, she made the same speech about how Edith was a disappointment and how she should find something proper to do.
But that morning, those words hurt like red-hot needles piercing her chest. Maybe because Perry had told her the same things. No, his speech had been ten times more painful than Mother’s because he believed Edith was a doctor. At least Mother, even though ignorant of all the things her daughter did at night, was aware of Edith’s situation and lack of any accomplishments—medical or otherwise.
Mother lowered her voice. “You must think of Marianne as well. She’s a viscountess now. Your behaviour reflects badly on her. Thomas might decide to send Marianne away if the rumours about you ruin her.”
“My name has never appeared on the scandal sheet.” She wasn’t stupid enough to cause a scandal. She was careful not to make that mistake, and Marianne helped, too.
Marianne’s reluctant complicity was another source of worry. More than once, she’d paid for Edith’s mistakes, literally. Marianne’s money had silenced more than one witness to one of Edith’s wild adventures. Not that Marianne condoned her sister’s behaviour, but between dragging her aristocratic husband into a scandal and spending a few pounds, she chose the latter.
“It’s a matter of time before something terrible happens.” Mother wasn’t finished, but the door opening cut her off.
“Madam, miss.” The maid carried a large, colourful bunch of flowers. “These have just arrived. They’re for Miss Winkworth.” She handed the bunch to Edith.
“Flowers?” Mother shifted her gaze from the maid to Edith. “From whom?”
“I don’t know, madam.” The maid curtsied and left.
Edith remained speechless, holding the ridiculously big bouquet. The display of colours brightened the room. There were roses, daffodils, baby breath, tulips, and beautiful, open-mouthed orchids.
“There’s a message.” Mother snatched the small envelope nestled between two roses.
“Mother, wait.”
Mother opened the letter with eager fingers. Her expression of curiosity changed into that of confusion. “They’re from Lord Ravenscroft.”
Oh, no. Edith held her breath, hoping Perry hadn’t written anything compromising in the message.
“I don’t understand.” Mother scowled at her before reading out loud. “Dear Edith, I’m sorry for what happened. These flowers carry my apology and my congratulations on your new medical degree. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful career as a doctor. Yours sincerely, Perry.”
Heavens. Edith put the flowers on the table.
Mother lowered the letter. “What is the meaning of this? Why does Lord Ravenscroft believe you’re a doctor? And why is he apologising?”
