Chapter 14
Dr Goodwin lived between Wolvercote and Godstow in a large thatched house with sprawling gardens overlooking the Thames. Indeed, his ancestors had owned the house for two hundred years, and the doctor inherited the property upon his father’s death five years ago.
“Have you ever offered the doctor a room for the night?” Finlay climbed out of the conveyance at the gate leading to the doctor’s house and stared at the picturesque scene.
“Of course. I offered him the use of the cottage when I first brought Jessica to Blackborne.” She accepted Finlay’s proffered hand and stepped down to the ground. “Though I get the sense he dislikes the house. He’s a busy man, I know, but he is always in a hurry to leave.”
“One presumes he’s good friends with Mr Archer. The weekly journey must be taxing, and he has kept Jessica’s secret for years.”
Sophia brushed her skirts, her pulse racing when she recalled the reason for the creases. “They grew up together, though the doctor is a few years older. Mr Archer’s parents lived in a manor house in Wolvercote.”
“Are his parents alive?”
“No. Mr Archer sold the house and used the funds to set up business in India.”
There had been whisperings the Archers weren’t as affluent as they portrayed. But the gentleman hadn’t needed to marry for a dowry—he had happily married Maud.
“Is there another doctor in the area?” Finlay removed his hat briefly and combed his hair with his fingers. “With Oxford being five miles away, there must be a few medical men willing to cover the surrounding villages.”
Sophia shrugged. “From what he told me, Dr Goodwin replaced Dr Sheldon when the elderly man died.”
“And what of Goodwin’s father? Did he practice medicine?”
Finlay could have asked these questions during the journey had they not been preoccupied. “No, he had something to do with the bank and spent most of his time between London and Oxford. I got the impression Mr Goodwin was disappointed in his son’s choice of profession.”
Finlay stroked his beard while he contemplated the information. He pursed his lips and sighed numerous times. Heaven knows what he was thinking, but Sophia wasn’t surprised when he asked another question.
“About Jessica’s illness, did your father ever seek a second opinion? Did he have someone else examine your sister?”
“Lord, no. He trusted no one, feared what would happen to Jessica if people discovered she was suffering from mild insanity. No. Everyone believes Jessica is married to Mr Archer and living abroad.”
Finlay braced his hands on his hips and released a weary sigh. Everything about him, from his rigid stance to his firm jaw, said something was amiss.
“What troubles you?”
“This whole scene.” He gestured to the large thatched house covered in lush green wisteria. “It seems inconsistent with what we know about the doctor.”
“Inconsistent?”
“This isn’t the house of a young professional man in need of funds. Come. Let us see if the doctor is at home. Having whisked his patient from under his nose in the dead of night, he must be frantic with worry.”
Sophia clutched Finlay’s arm, and they walked through a garden of fragrant rose bushes and neatly trimmed topiary. Finlay knocked on the solid oak door. A stout woman with plump cheeks and benevolent eyes answered.
“Might we enquire if the master of the house is at home?” he said.
Sophia wondered why he had not asked for the doctor by name.
“May I ask who’s calling?”
Finlay made the introduction.
The woman nodded, though seemed flustered at the mention of Sophia’s title. “Won’t you wait inside, my lady?” She directed them into the hall, left them standing near the console table sporting a vase of freshly cut flowers, and scuttled away.
“Godstow is a small place. Do you not know the housekeeper?”
Sophia lowered her voice. “No. Mrs Mitchell used to serve the Goodwins. But that was some time ago.”
The housekeeper returned and explained the master was in his study but would gladly see them. She led them into a bright room where the air was as fresh as a summer meadow. The easel in the corner carried a half-finished painting of hollyhock. The moment Sophia’s gaze fell to the man standing behind the desk, her blood ran cold.