“No. I wish to speak with you as well.” If Father had looked stern the other day, he was positively furious now.
“I hope I can assist with whatever happened,” Perry said.
“I’m glad you’re eager to assist, Ravenscroft, because it’s a matter that involves you.” Her father put both hands on the pommel of his walking stick. “I spoke with a few colleagues and friends of mine this morning, respectable physicians who would be the perfect examiners for Edith’s test.”
She didn’t allow herself to be relieved.
Father twitched his hands over the pommel. “My friends categorically refused to have anything to do withmydaughter because of a rumour circulating recently. Witnesses claim to have seen Edith and you, Ravenscroft, in a scandalous…position in Hyde Park, of all places. My daughter was seen with….” He paused, anger flashing red across his face. “With her skirts up while you…I can’t end the sentence.”
Oh, no. The darn snake incident. “Father, nothing untoward happened.”
“The incident is not what it seems,” Perry said. “A snake slid under Edith’s skirts, and I was assisting her in taking it out. Safety, not debauchery.”
“Do you expect me to believe this story?” Father raised his voice. “A snake? In Hyde Park in early spring? Please, do not insult my intelligence, Ravenscroft.”
“We aren’t lying, Father. That’s exactly what happened. Do you think I’m stupid enough to behave in such a wanton manner with an earl in a public park?”
“You’ve changed so much in the past years. I’m not sure I know you at all, Edith.” His words were like a punch in her stomach.
She swallowed past the lump in her throat. “I would never do that, and Perry would never behave in such a fashion.”
“Many people are now saying Lord Ravenscroft isn’t a gentleman,” her father insisted.
Perry paled, and a tremor went through him. He fiddled with the collar of his shirt, taking deep breaths.
“Do you realise what will happen to your sister’s reputation when the rumour reaches her?” Father huffed. “There was a time when you cared about Marianne.”
“I do care, and maybe it escaped your notice, but such a rumour would ruin me as well.”
“Dr. Winkworth,” Perry said. “Tell me what I can do to make the situation better.”
Father turned his glacial stare to him. “You should know there’s only one solution to end the rumours and save my daughter’s reputation.”
Marriage. Edith closed her fists as worry flared in her chest. Perry would surely do the honourable thing and marry her, which wasn’t the reason she was worried. They shouldn’t be forced to get married because of a rumour.
Perry cleared his throat. “But if Edith marries me, she won’t be able to find employment.”
“Edith’s medical career will end anyway if her reputation is nothing short of impeccable,” Father said.
“Rumours come and go, Father. If I stay quiet for a while and avoid going out, people will stop gossiping about me.”
“What about your tutor? I don’t have the qualifications to examine and validate your admission test. You need a certified professor. How will you find a tutor who wants to work with you? I’ve exhausted my rather extensive list of friends.”
“Dr. Winkworth.” Perry held up his hand. “I’ve been around physicians, hospitals, and doctors of all sorts. Plus as Ravenscroft, I have some influence. Allow me to ask the people I know. I’m sure I’ll find someone, and needless to say, I’m more than willing to marry Edith, should this be the most suitable solution. No, even if it shouldn’t. I want to marry your daughter.”
Father’s stance slouched a fraction. “I didn’t expect that, Ravenscroft.” He glanced at Edith. “I’m pleasantly surprised.”
Perry bowed his head. “You can count on me. I’ll do everything to protect…” He barely finished talking when he dropped to the floor, his body stiffening.
“Perry.” She rushed to him.
Her father copied her. “Ravenscroft.”
Perry lay stiff on the floor. His legs spasmed, and his eyes flared wide open. Edith held his head on her lap while Father blocked his legs and arms.
“We’re here, Ravenscroft,” Father said. “Breathe deeply, if you can hear me. Control your breathing.”
“Perry,” she whispered, caressing his forehead.
