The Luck of the Bride (The Cavensham Heiresses #3)(49)

“This is heaven. Please, do it again.” Faith’s breathless cry rent the stillness of the hallway. “I think I’m going—”

March finally woke from her stupor. Some reprobate was taking advantage of her sister in the Duke’s yellow salon. Without breaking stride, she stormed into the room determined to stop the cad from hurting Faith.

“What the bloody hell is going on in here?” she snapped.

On the gold settee, Faith reclined against one of the arms. Dr. Mark Kennett had his hands under her dress. The duchess and Dr. Wade Camden jumped from the ivory brocade chairs surrounding the settee.

“March, dearest,” the duchess cried. “Dr. Kennett is here to see if his therapy could possibly help Faith.”

Faith nodded in agreement. “It’s a miracle. The doctor is a certified genius. He knows exactly where to massage my legs and where to apply pressure on my feet and legs. This morning I woke up barely able to walk out of my room let alone tackle any steps. Now, I feel as if I could attend another dance tonight.”

March forced her earlier tension to ease. She’d never seen Faith so happy and pain-free in her life. It truly was a miracle if the doctor could actually change Faith’s circumstances.

“I apologize for my outburst,” she whispered. “I wasn’t aware—”

The duchess glided over and clasped March’s hands. “No need, dearest. However, it’s wonderful news, isn’t it? McCalpin approached Dr. Kennett last evening about coming by this morning to see if he could help Faith.”

“How thoughtful.” He’d arranged it all last night for her sister. March blinked as her traitorous heart fluttered in approval.

“Look,” Faith demanded. When she walked without a cane, the usual morning stiffness was absent. “I actually believe I could walk the entire length of Langham Hall and the adjoining park and still be able to dance this evening.”

March cleared the thickness that had roosted in her voice. “Faith, I’m thrilled for you.” She turned her attention to Dr. Kennett who had made his way to her side. “Thank you. This is nothing short of amazing.”

He dipped his head at her praise, but she could still see that his neck and face had colored into a deep red. “She’s barely had thirty minutes of my attention. With regular treatment, your sister will see remarkable improvement. She has a wonderful attitude.” His gaze settled on Faith. “Besides a lovely and warm personality.”

“That’s very kind of you to say,” March answered.

Dr. Kennett narrowed his eyes, any embarrassment long forgotten as he once again returned to professional demeanor. “If I might, Miss Lawson, I’d like to continue to treat your sister.”

Elated, all March could do was nod. Then she remembered she was no longer responsible for Faith. “While it’s my sister’s decision, perhaps we should discuss this with Lord McCalpin first before making a final decision. He’s her guardian.”

A smile tugged at the doctor’s lips. The effect transformed him into a handsome man, one who knew how to sway a woman’s opinion. “He informed me the decision was yours, and he’d support you.”

Surprised at the announcement, she brought her hand to her heart to stop the infernal pounding. Michael had actually considered her wishes to be involved in all of the decisions that affected her family.

“I promise she’ll receive the very best care,” he added softly. “Now, Miss Lawson, will you allow me to attend to Faith—I mean Miss Faith?”

March nodded. London had certainly been the right place to come. Now Faith would finally receive the care she deserved. Inside, the clump of guilt that March had carried since childhood cracked a little, and a large sliver fell away. Her sister might have a chance to escape from her daily pain. “How much are you asking for the treatment and what are the terms of payment, if I might ask?”

Dr. Kennett shook his head. “Nothing, but if you’ll allow, I’d like for Miss Faith to accompany me to the Royal Society of Physicians one day. I’d like to demonstrate the effectiveness of my treatment with someone who has suffered the effects of a severe injury for years. Miss Faith is intelligent and articulate. My fellow members will learn a great deal from her. They’ll want to know how her improvement has impacted her life.”

“Yes, that’s acceptable to me, but only if Faith agrees.” She let out a sigh of relief mixed with a huff of consternation at her own attitude. Would she ever escape the haunting need to discover what everything cost? All the years scraping and examining every minute purchase in detail had become a bothersome habit, one she needed to break.

“I think that is a wise decision, Miss Lawson. Both you and Miss Faith will be very pleased with the results. I’m confident,” Dr. Camden added.

“I agree,” the duchess added softly. Her gaze drifted to Faith. “This lovely girl is radiant.”

“Thank you, Your Grace,” Faith answered. The sudden blush against her cheeks did make her seem to glow.

“You have my gratitude also, Your Grace,” March added. “I appreciate you staying here with her this morning. I’m certain you had better things to do.”

“Nonsense, March,” she chided. “Your siblings are everything lovely. Both the duke and I were commenting how much we enjoy your family’s company. I should be the one thanking you.”