Page 37 of The Baron Takes a Wife

His mind began to race, but then he felt a steady presence on both sides of his body. On his left, Elena had taken his hand and massaged his knuckles. On his right, Goliath had positioned his body to block people from jostling against David, as if he had sensed what was wrong without being told. David felt his thoughts begin to slow down, and his breathing eased. He hadn’t even had to count backward from ten. David looked down at the animal, feeling something shift between them just then. He realized the dog had done this several times before, but he had been too preoccupied to notice.

Elena was observing both of them, and he was starting to realize why she had brought the dog that day beyond asking for the Greens’ medical advice. He smiled to himself as they walked in, the anxiety slipping away like a breeze on their backs. Clever woman, his wife. Clever and kind and caring. If only they could sneak off to some empty ward, he would show her all his appreciation. He tugged at his collar, which had begun to feel tight as they climbed the steps to the hospital. As it had been built in one of the newer styles, there were steps up to a large central area that opened up into wings. Usually, the steps felt overwhelming, but he felt a renewed vigor that day that he couldn’t quite explain.

As they entered, they walked by Mrs. Raeburn, who seemed to be reading through some papers near the entrance. She looked up to see Elena and gave her a slow smile.

“Elena! But who is this fine fellow?” Mrs. Raeburn looked Goliath over with a decidedly neutral expression. He had never seen Elena look so timid as she brought Goliath forward.

“You don’t mind, do you? We found him on the way home the last time we were here. I wanted to have someone check his hind legs. Also, he is a wonderful, brave dog, and we thought, well, I thought, perhaps some of the soldiers and other patients might like to see him…?” While she explained confidently, David knew her well enough to sense her nervousness, as she used her hands more than usual as she spoke, then smoothed her gown and hair as she waited while Mrs. Raeburn regarded the dog.

“He is well-behaved?

“I vouch for him completely.” Elena gave Goliath a look out of the corner of her eye, and he sat and held his head up straight.

Mrs. Raeburn inspected Goliath for a long moment, then sighed. “He may do some good. Of course, some doctors will complain that I had a dog at my hospital when the cleanliness here is better than most private hospitals.” She stopped and looked to the heavens for a moment before going on. “I suppose I do not much care for what my critics say. Let them complain to the board that a peer of the realm brought a well-behaved dog.” She waved toward Goliath. “Show him around.”

Elena gave that radiant smile again, and David felt his knees go weak. He realized that one of the benefits of walking with a cane was that his legs didn’t go out from under him every time she smiled.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw something he had rarely ever seen in his entire life. His aunt had not yet said anything, her expression intent and focused. He couldn’t remember the last time she had held her tongue on any matter.

“Mrs. Raeburn, please let me introduce my aunt, Miss Sophie Plemmons.”

The women considered each other. Mrs. Raeburn gave a slight nod.

“Please, you must call me Suzanne.”

Again, his aunt seemed struck mute. David could count the occasions he had seen her without anything to say on one hand. Finally, when she realized everyone was looking at her, Sophie said quickly, “Is there a Mister Raeburn?”

“Alas, no, my husband left us over ten years ago.”

Again, another long pause.

“And you have not remarried?”

This was horribly impersonal for someone she had just met, but Sophie rarely followed social niceties, and Mrs. Raeburn did not seem to mind, though she looked a little perplexed at this new person as if unable to read her intentions.

“There was so much to do.” She gestured around.

The corner of Sophie’s mouth ticked up slightly.

“Naturally.”

Mrs. Raeburn nodded again, then turned her attention to Elena.

“Come, let’s see if your notion about this dog is correct.”

As David, Irene, and Sophie began to follow the two women and the dog, David heard his aunt murmur, “What a singular woman.”

Irene and David looked at each other in surprise. That was the highest praise they had ever heard their aunt bestow upon anyone, let alone a virtual stranger.

As they neared the adjacent convalescent home, David looked down at Goliath. He really was a rather exceptional dog, staying with the group instead of racing off. Stepping into the convalescent ward, David scanned the large room. McDaniel wasn’t there. His heart began to pound. He had just spoken to the man. He must be here. Goliath nudged him in the leg, and he turned to see Elena’s worried expression mirror his own anxiety.

“The man I spoke to last time. Where is he?”

Mrs. Raeburn’s face was drawn.

“There was an incident.”

That fear and dread he felt every time one of his regiment did not come back crept into his chest. He steeled himself for the worst.