The Duke and the Dressmaker (The St. James Series) by Keira Montclair Page B

spoke tenderly to Sara. He did not want to frighten her. Obviously, the poor woman had already had a rough day.
    Sara glanced down at her hand with a perplexed look. “My hand, why I don’t…” She closed her eyes and put her head back down into the pillow as she groaned. “No!”
    Philip held her right hand in his and brushed his thumb across the back of her hand. “Lady Downey, you can trust me. I will help you. Please tell me what happened.”
    Sara shook her head as she gazed into his blue eyes.
    The duchess waved her hand in front of her face. “Philip, please go wash. You reek of fish. You must be making the poor girl sick.”
    Sara gave Philip a small smile and closed her eyes again.
    “It is all right. The smell of fish does not bother me. It reminds me of my father.”
    Stevens appeared at the door. “The physician, Your Grace.”
    Philip stood immediately. “Of course, Dr. Newberry. Come right in. Let me introduce you to Lady Downey. She must have taken a fall or something.” Philip hovered as the doctor approached the bed.
    “Lady Downey, it is my pleasure to meet you. That is quite a bruise on your hand, young lady.”
    He turned to Philip. “With all due respect, Your Grace, I would like to examine the lady in private. Of course, Duchess, you may stay if you like and if Lady Downey is agreeable.” Dr. Newberry bowed to the dowager.
    “Of course, she may stay.” Sara offered a weak smile.
    Mary ushered Philip out the door and whispered, “Go wash up, please. Fiddle-de-dee, you are rank.”
    Philip waited downstairs for Dr. Newberry. He paced, thinking about all the reasons he should be in the room with Sara and the doctor.
    A short time later, Dr. Newberry descended the stairs.
    Philip rushed to his side. “Dr. Newberry, what happened? Is she all right?”
    “Oh, I expect she will be fine. The lady doesn’t want to talk about what happened. But she has a broken finger. I suspect it was done intentionally by someone. It has an odd angle to it.”
    “What did she tell you?” Philip asked.
    “Something about falling down a stairway, catching her fingers on a railing. I don’t believe it myself.” He shook his head, crossing his arms.
    “Why did she collapse?” Philip motioned Dr. Newberry to a chair and asked for tea. His mother followed.
    “Probably shock,” Dr. Newberry answered. “Breaking a finger causes considerable pain, and she did walk all the way from her shop. Frankly, I don’t know how she made it this far. She also bears several bruises on her body. Someone knocked her about pretty well.”
    Philip’s blood boiled at the thought of someone beating Sara. He stared at the physician. “Any idea who?”
    “No, and she is not saying. Where is her husband? She is married. Is he not in the picture anymore?” His gaze went from Philip to Mary St. James.
    “Rumor says her husband is dead. He ran away with their money. I believe he was with my ex-wife.” Philip stopped and stared out the window for a moment.
    “Then who would you suspect? Who else has she angered?” Dr. Newberry asked as he sipped his tea.
    “I am afraid I don’t know much about Lady Downey’s life. I only recently met her. She has been making gowns for my sister.”
    “Well, try to find out. Someone could cause serious injury to this young lady, and she refuses to get the authorities involved.” Dr. Newberry pointed his finger at him. “She needs some protection in my opinion.”
    “Thank you, Doctor, I will keep that in mind.” Philip said, shifting his hands into his pockets.
    Mary shook her head. “Poor girl.”
    “Duchess, I gave her some laudanum. She should sleep for a while. I would advise bed rest for a couple of days.” He pushed away from the table. “Thanks for the tea, Your Grace.”
    “Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, Dr. Newberry,” Mary said. Stevens escorted the doctor to the door.
    “Tell me your thoughts, Mother. I know you want to.” Philip smiled