The Lass Wore Black Read Free Page A

lap. He was an intelligent young man.
    “I’m concerned about her,” she admitted. “She doesn’t seem to be improving.”
    “I’m not the only physician you’ve summoned, am I, Mrs. MacTavish?”
    Yes, he was an intelligent young man.
    “You are the sixth, Dr. Thorburn. Everyone else was summarily dismissed.”
    In actuality, Catriona had threatened them with bodily harm.
    He didn’t speak, didn’t question her, simply waited, a patience she would have admired if it hadn’t been directed toward her.
    “She throws things,” she said after a suitable moment of silence.
    “She’s spoiled, then.”
    Dina shook her head. “Not spoiled. Troubled. She does come out of the room, but only at midnight. She takes the back stairs to the kitchen and out to the courtyard and walks the square. I’ve seen her myself.”
    “I don’t know how you want me to help her,” he said.
    “She was badly injured, Dr. Thorburn. Her face was cut by shattered glass. The physicians in London said there was nothing they could do.”
    “She was scarred, then.”
    She nodded. “Would you not look at her and see if there’s anything to be done?”
    Somehow, she needed to give Catriona hope. Perhaps, then, the girl wouldn’t just sit at the window and stare out at the world like a prisoner trapped in her own body.
    The tears came abruptly, but not entirely unexpectedly. Whenever she thought of Catriona, she became weepy.
    “She was such a beautiful girl,” she said. “But she’ll never be beautiful again.” She composed herself, then frowned down at her clasped hands. “The first time I saw her face, I recoiled. To go from what she looked like to what she looks like now would be a difficult journey for anyone.”
    “I cannot perform miracles, Mrs. MacTavish.”
    His voice had altered, taken on a stern tone, as if she were one of those Old Town mothers guilty of drinking too much and neglecting her children.
    She tapped her foot against the carpet.
    “You have always struck me as an intense young man,” she said. “Someone who would not accept a barrier. You crawl over it, or walk around it, or perhaps you would even break through it.”
    Still, he remained silent, that look in his eyes warning her that she had only a few minutes to convince him. Otherwise, he would claim the press of his social obligations and leave.
    “Will you not at least try, Dr. Thorburn?”
    “I have never had to convince a patient to allow me to treat them, Mrs. MacTavish.”
    She nodded. “Ordinarily, I would agree with you. However, Catriona has always been extraordinarily stubborn. Both of the Cameron girls are, I daresay, each in her own way.”
    “Catriona Cameron?”
    She nodded. “No doubt you’ve heard of her. She was renowned for her beauty. Quite popular in London, as well. A duke was about to make an offer.” She sighed, bit back that thought and concentrated on the present. It was never good to weep over what could not be changed.
    For a moment he sat there, frowning at the floor, his hands loosely joined between his open legs. He made her substantial chairs look tiny, as if he sat in a dollhouse of her making.
    “Very well,” he said, and stood.
    Surprised, she stood as well, looking up at him. “You’ll see her, then?”
    “I will attempt to see her,” he said. “I can promise nothing, especially if five other doctors have tried and failed.”
    “Oh, but you are not like the others, Dr. Thorburn,” she said. Less a compliment than the truth, but he waved off her comment impatiently.
    A few moments later they were outside Catriona’s suite, a lovely set of rooms comprised of a sitting room, bedroom, and a small bathing chamber. Her nephew had ordered it refurbished for Catriona’s stay.
    Beside the door was a long sideboard, and on it a tray with Catriona’s evening meal, still untouched.
    “Does she take her meals in her room?”
    Had he not been listening?
    “She doesn’t leave her room, Dr. Thorburn. Not during the