The Deceptive Lady Darby (Lost Ladies of London 2)

“Everything always comes back to the dreaded sickness,” she said with a hint of amusement.

“That’s exactly why I called at Dr Taylor’s house.” He walked over to the desk and grabbed her chemise, suppressed a grin when he noticed her staring at his bare buttocks. “I wanted to speak to his housekeeper, to ask who makes the tonics and tinctures he provides.”

“And what did you learn? With the doctor’s hectic schedule I doubt he has time to make them himself.”

“Reverend Wilmslow’s wife provides the herbs and plants used in the potions.” He helped Rose into her chemise, his fingers grazing her breasts just to tease her a little more. “By all accounts, she is a keen botanist who once tried to convince Mr Watson that natural remedies were by far a better means of treating the mentally challenged.”

“Well, that explains the reverend’s theory about the illness. Although I can see why he didn’t mention it, few men would admit to their wives being so knowledgeable. What do you propose to do?”

“I’ve told every member of the household that they are not to drink the tonics.” He held up her stays, and she pushed her arms through the straps. Christian tugged on the ties, kissed the soft swell of her breasts bulging up from her chemise, before stepping back. “Mrs Hibbet will take control of all medicine brought into the house.”

Rose’s gaze flicked briefly to his manhood. “Before you hand me my dress would you mind slipping into your breeches?”

He gave a mischievous wink. “Why? Is the sight proving somewhat of a distraction?”

&n

bsp; “You know it is.” Moistening her lips, she watched him dress. “You were gone all day. Where else did your curious mind take you?”

“To London.”

“London?”

“I took a bottle of the tincture to an apothecary and asked for an analysis. He will write with his findings.” He helped her into her dress and fought the urge to strip her naked again. “For the first time in years, my mind is clear. Indeed, I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before.”

“Why would you? Who can one trust if not a doctor or a man of God?”

“That’s what I’m struggling to understand.” He believed most people were capable of deceit to a certain extent. “Being married to Cassandra taught me to recognise the traits of a liar. But why would I suspect them? What would either man have to gain?”

She blinked rapidly. Perhaps it was uncouth to mention his wife after what had just occurred.

“You do pay Dr Taylor for his visits.”

He shrugged. “Taylor is a wealthy enough man in his own right. He received a surprise inheritance a couple of years ago.”

“And yet he still works as a doctor?”

“He does it for the love of the work as well as the money.”

“One cannot deny that Dr Taylor has a caring, approachable manner when dealing with his patients. Indeed, that was my initial assessment of his character. But I admit to finding him a little arrogant.”

“Arrogant? That surprises me.” He didn’t see Taylor the same way, although that could have something to do with Christian’s status in society. “And what of Reverend Wilmslow? Do you find him arrogant, too?”

“After what Mrs Hibbet told me, I think the man is a serpent in the Garden of Eden — out to deceive, out to make an immoral act seem like a caring gesture.”

“You speak of the misunderstanding with Jane.”

“Was it a misunderstanding?”

“Wilmslow argued he uses a hands-on approach when it comes to healing.” Jane had expressed doubt as to whether the reverend meant anything inappropriate. “There was no evidence to suggest otherwise.”

“Talking of evidence, there’s something I want to ask you.”

Christian took her hand and brought it to his lips. “Ask me anything. I shall keep no secrets from you.”

He thought he saw guilt flash across her face, but her gaze fell and then it was gone. “How do you know your wife and Mr Watson were having an affair?”

Christian jerked his head back. “I found them together in their woodland hideaway. I heard rumours in the village. On a few occasions, Mrs Wilmslow mentioned Cassandra’s fondness for Watson.”