Far Beyond Scandalous by Bethany Sefchick

what might have transpired had I not been present."  
    Then he pulled back, not wanting to
appear too improper, and immediately, he missed the warmth of her skin.   This was a tangled, complex dance between
them, and he was acutely aware that he was skirting close to the line of
ungentlemanly behavior.   "But
enough of that.   Your mother's health is
of the utmost importance."   He did
his best to cloak himself in his official physician's persona once more, even
though he knew he had long ago crossed the line of formality with the woman
seated beside him.
    Still, Gibson did his best to
appear every bit the proper royal physician, not knowing how he would be
received after so much time had passed.   For all he knew, Amy despised him now that she had been given an
opportunity to reflect upon that day, and that only concern for her mother's
health was preventing her from tossing him out.   "For everyone's sakes, including yours, we must discuss what
comes next, as well as what led to her finding herself in this state.   What all has your mother been attending to
the last several weeks?   You mentioned
earlier that she was extremely tired."   Not that he hadn't been able to see that for himself at first glance.
    "I do not know
precisely."   Amy wished that she
did.   In times past, there would not
have been any secrets between mother and daughter.   However, ever since Amy's father had departed on his latest trip,
there had been an underlying current of secrecy, however slight.   It was clear that Theodosia did not want her
daughter discovering how she spent her days.   "She closets herself away for much of the morning, not receiving
callers until very late in the day.   In
the past, we traditionally kept some appointments in the morning, such as
visits to the modiste, but now we make those visits in the afternoon, if we go
at all."
    Gibson frowned in confusion.   "And this is not like your mother or
her typical schedule?"   He hated to
admit that he no longer knew much about aristocratic households or their
operations, especially where women were concerned.
    Shaking her head, Amy fought the
urge to twist her hands in fear.   Other
than his brief grasping of her ungloved hand, Gibson had given her no real
indication that they still shared the same closeness they had once enjoyed, and
she did not want to press him, even though she longed for the comfort he could
offer.   "We have never been
strictly traditional, despite our royal ties.   We rise earlier than most households, keep morning appointments when it
suits us, and, in general, do as we please."   When he simply looked at her, she shrugged.   "When you are at the very top of the
social circle, much is forgiven.   You
remember that much, at least, I am certain."
    "I do."   He simply preferred not to think about what
might have been if he could help it; it was far too painful.   He was about to ask another question when he
heard a throat being clear behind him.
    "Perhaps I can be of some
help.   Doctor.   My lady."   Towson
stood at the drawing room doors, straight as an arrow and yet still somehow
uncomfortable.   He had been rushing
about ever since his mistress had returned home unconscious, and now,
apparently, he had taken to eavesdropping.   Amy really couldn't scold him for it, however.   She would have done the same in his place.
    "Do you know what Lady
Evanston has been doing as of late that has caused her to ignore her
health?   As her physician, I need as
much information as you can provide."   Gibson rose and drew himself up to his full height just as he had back
at the ball, needing Towson to see him as someone worthy of trust.   A family's butler was the gatekeeper of all,
something that Gibson remembered all too well from his own youth.
    "She has been managing
everything.   All of it.   Down to the last and most insignificant
detail."   There was a note of pride
in the butler's voice, mixed with a strong amount of worry as