Page 87 of Ghost of the Ton

“But boys can be useful,” Mia continued. “After all, many fine doctors are men. Perhaps Billy can show us what men are capable of if they apply their minds appropriately. Billy, would you like to apply a bandage to Ada’s leg?”

He shook his head.

“It’s only fair that you try,” Mia said. “If a young man is prone to accidents—or is often present when accidents occur—he must know how to deal with any injuries sustained. With that in mind, I think you’re the most appropriate person to bandage Ada’s leg today.”

Billy glanced about the room, his eyes shimmering with uncertainty.

“You want to be a capable man when you grow up, don’t you, Billy? To look after your wife and children—and to look after your mother.”

At the mention of his mother, Billy’s lip wobbled.

“Go on, Billy,” one of the boys said.

“Your mother’s very kind,” Mia said, her voice softening. “I’m sure she’d be very proud if you could show her how to tie a bandage.”

The boy scraped his chair back and stood.

Mia held out her hand. Billy approached her and took it, and she leaned over him and whispered something in his ear. His color deepened, then he picked up a bandage.

“Remember what I said? You need to tie it tight enough so it won’t work loose, but not too tight. You wouldn’t want to hurt Ada, would you?”

He gave a slight shake to the head, and Ada flinched.

“Now, Ada, perhaps we might learn to trust Billy. You’re not going to hurt Ada, are you, young man?” The steel had returned to Mia’s voice.

“No, ma’am.”

The boy held the bandage against Ada’s leg, then, while Mia issued gentle instructions, he wound the bandage around her ankle and secured it with a knot.

“Is that comfortable, Ada?” he said.

The little girl’s eyes widened and she nodded. “Aye. Thank ye for not hurting me.”

Billy retreated.

“Not so fast,” Mia said, catching his hand. She patted his shoulder, and Hamish caught her whispered words of praise: “Well done, young man. Your mother is fortunate to have such a capable son.”

The boy flushed with pleasure.

“Class, I think Billy deserves a round of applause, don’t you?” she said.

The children clapped as Billy resumed his seat.

“Well done, everyone,” the teacher said, “especially ye, Billy and Ada. Now, it’s almost the end of the day, so make sure yer desks are tidy. Miss Lucas, did ye have anything else to say?”

“I just have some questions for the children,” Mia said. “Remember what I talked about at the beginning of the lesson? Who can tell me the name of the disease I caught in London that caused these marks?”

She gestured to her face, and a volley of hands shot up.

“Yes, Calum?” she said.

“Smallpox?”

“That’s right. And what do we call the process that doctors follow to ensure you’re protected from diseases like smallpox?”

Several hands went down, until there were two left aloft.

“Billy—and Jamie,” Euphramia said. “Who would like to answer?”