Forever in My Heart by Jo Goodman Read Free Book Online

making the tea and bring it to the room across from Megan's. I'll put this young lady in there and find her some dry clothes. I don't think a hot bath would be amiss. Get Jane to help you make one ready." Feeling like something less than the Good Samaritan, she helped her guest to her feet.
     
"I think there's some laudanum in the medicine cupboard in my apartment. Bring the bottle when you bring the tea."
     
Beth saluted smartly which brought a glimmer of a smile from the madam.
     
Mrs. Hall linked arms with her patient, supporting her.
     
"This way, dear heart, we're going to take care of you."
     
She was given no choice but to follow and was actually very relieved that decisions were completely taken out of her hands.
     
She could barely put one foot in front of the other. Clear thinking was quite simply beyond her.
     
Mrs. Hall chatted the entire time she hovered, helping her out of her damp clothes and into a clean nightshift, turning down the bed, then brushing out her hair. She commented on her appearance, the quality of her clothes, the fine stitching of her gown, and the tailored cut of her coat. She remarked on the oddity of her being in the company of Harlan Porter. She called him a procurer of young women in deference to what she thought were her guest's finer sensibilities; then chastised her roundly for being where she had no business being in the first place.
     
There was neither denial nor confirmation of any of Mrs. Hall's suspicions, leaving the madam to wonder if she had correctly surmised anything about her guest. When Mrs. Hall held up the laudanum to be taken it was accepted without demur. Lassitude was like a comfortably warm blanket and it was accepted, even reveled in.
     
She understood the nature of Mrs. Hall's business, understood the position of Mrs. Hall within the house, but none of it mattered.
     
The coddling was reassuring. It was only a matter of time before she would be strong enough to go home. She would rest for a few hours and then leave, and think of a way to reward Mrs. Hall for her kindness.
     
It was her last thought before she drifted off to sleep.
     
Mrs. Hall ordered Beth and Jane to leave the bath they had drawn. She tucked the covers around her patient and tiptoed out of the room. As an afterthought she returned long enough to remove all the liquor from the sideboard cabinet, then went to see to her other guests while she waited for Morrison.
     
* * * She woke suddenly, frightened and disoriented. The single lamp on the bedside table didn't afford much light. She squinted at the clock on the mantel and made it out to be just past midnight. Her heartbeat slowed as she recalled the events of the evening and recognized the strange surroundings as a safe haven. She pulled the comforter around her shoulders and snuggled more deeply into the soft mattress.
     
The door handle turned. She sat up suddenly and stared at the imposing figure silhouetted in the doorway. Her immediate thought was to run as he stepped inside, then she saw him drop a leather bag on the table just inside the door and her breathing came easier.
     
The doctor! It was all she could do not to laugh hysterically with relief.
     
She watched him look around the room and finally walk over to the dressing screen. He moved a panel aside and dipped his finger in the bath Beth and Jane had prepared. As soon as he turned his attention toward her she looked away.
     
"I've interrupted your bath," he said.
     
She wanted to tell him it didn't matter, that the sleep had done her as well, but the aching tightness in her throat was still there.
     
She shrugged instead. The wide strap of her nightshift slipped over her shoulder and she hurriedly put it back in place. To her embarrassment it fell again. This time she let it go. Feeling unaccountably shy in front of the physician, she lowered her head so her hair fell forward, shielding her.
     
"Your display of modesty is duly noted," he said. "Affecting, but quite