* * *
As Anthony entered his study, he found his black and white kitten, Herbert, sprawled on the floor sunbathing.
He chuckled, “Good day to you, Herbert.”
Yes, Anthony had selected a most sensible name for his kitten, unlike Cecilia, who had chosen to name hers after a flower, of all things. As Anthony settled into his chair, Herbert jumped onto his lap.
Alas, Anthony’s plan to use the kittens as a way to get closer to Miss Meyer had not worked at all because it just so happened that there really wasn’t much to discuss about cats.
“It turns out that you little wretches don’t do much apart from sleep. I can’t even use you as an excuse to go for a stroll around the garden with Miss Meyer and her kitten.”
Herbert’s only response was to continue grooming himself quite thoroughly. All the same, Anthony was growing quite fond of Herbert, so he wasn’t too displeased about this.
Besides, regardless of the kittens, he was getting to spend a lot of time with Miss Meyer now. He found himself arranging to have luncheon with both her and Cecilia on an almost daily basis. And if he missed it, he would arrange for tea or orange juice to be brought to the garden for them to share.
He foolishly used to believe that he thought of Miss Meyer merely as a friend, but yesterday’s events had proven that he was long past that point now. Checking to see no one was around, he pulled out the note from yesterday and stared at it for what must have been the hundredth time since he had received it.
Reading it had a twofold effect on him. On one hand, it brought him unspeakable joy. But on the other, it was as though he was carrying a heavy weight. Of course, this was to be expected for if you carry anything for too long, it will start to feel quite heavy.
And secrets weigh the heaviest of all, both on the mind and the heart.
Yes, the note both renewed Anthony’s strength and sapped him of it at the same time. He was growing tired of not having anyone to share his secret with, not even Colin or Kenneth.
I know they always support me, but I’m not sure that they will this time.
“Oh, what have I gotten myself into this time, Herbert?”
A knock at the door caused him to hastily stuff the note back into his pocket, “Please come in.”
As requested, Fletcher had brought Dr. Wentworth to discuss the aggravating influenza that was making its way around the staff.
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, Dr. Wentworth. I promise I won’t keep you long, I understand that you are very busy these days. May I offer you a drink?”
Dr. Wentworth thanked him courteously and poured himself a glass.
“Indeed, Your Grace. This is a most busy season. The influenza is wasting no time in its mission to wreak havoc wherever it goes.”
This news disturbed Anthony quite deeply.
“Is it deadly, Dr. Wentworth?”
“I have consulted with some other physicians, and our general consensus regarding this particular influenza is that no, typically it is not deadly. However, the symptoms, which are always the same, can take quite a toll on a person’s body.”
“There’s vomiting, sweating, stomach pain, and in extreme cases, seizures. Although I am quite pleased to report that none ofmypatients have died.”
“That is certainly very reassuring to hear, Dr. Wentworth. For you see, my sister is still quite young and a bit on the frail side. I would be quite anxious for her sake should she also happen to fall ill to this vile influenza.”
Dr. Wentworth nodded sympathetically, “That is understandable, Your Grace. But do not fear! By my own life, I shall do everything in my power to restore Lady Cecilia’s health should the need arise.”
“What is more, the other physicians and I have discovered that Daffy’s Elixir is quite effective against this influenza. In fact, I prescribed it for your other maid, Jenny, just last week. And I was not at all surprised to find that she was already in tiptop shape when I visited today.”
“I have written another prescription for the same elixir for young Philippa. Once Mrs. Oakley visits the apothecary, we can expect Philippa to also make a full recovery by the end of the week.”
After several minutes of small talk, Dr. Wentworth asked to take his leave for still had one more patient to see for the day. So Anthony walked him to the steps outside and thanked him once more for his services.
As he turned to make his way back to the study, Miss Meyer and Cecilia came around the corner, apparently having finished their lesson.
Cecilia cradled Daisy the kitten in her arms, while Miss Meyer cradled the history books.
