The William Monk Mysteries_ The First Three Novels - Anne Perry [219]
Callandra came down the stairs within a few minutes, dressed in what she no doubt considered fashionable, but which was actually two years out of date and not the most flattering of colors. Her hair was already beginning to come out of its pins, although she must have left her dressing room no more than a moment ago, but the whole effect was redeemed by the intelligence and vitality in her face—and her evident pleasure in seeing Hester, even at this hour, and unannounced. It did not take her more than one glance to realize that something was wrong.
“What is it, my dear?” she said on reaching the bottom stair. “What has happened?”
There was no purpose in being evasive, least of all with Callandra.
“I treated a child without the doctor’s permission—he was not there. The child seems to be recovering nicely—but I have been dismissed.” It was out. She searched Callandra’s face.
“Indeed.” Callandra’s eyebrows rose only slightly, “And the child was ill, I presume?”
“Feverish and becoming delirious.”
“With what did you treat it?”
“Loxa quinine, theriac, Hoffman’s mineral liquor—and a little ale to make it palatable.”
“Seems very reasonable.” Callandra led the way to the withdrawing room. “But outside your authority, of course.”
“Yes,” Hester agreed quietly.
Callandra closed the door behind them. “And you are not sorry,” she added. “I assume you would do the same again?”
“I—”
“Do not lie to me, my dear. I am quite sure you would. It is a great pity they do not permit women to study medicine. You would make a fine doctor. You have intelligence, judgment and courage without bravado. But you are a woman, and that is an end of it.” She sat down on a large and extremely comfortable sofa and signaled Hester to do the same. “And what do you intend to do now?”
“I have no idea.”
“I thought not. Well perhaps you should begin by coming with me to the theater. You have had an extremely trying day and something in the realm of fantasy will be a satisfactory contrast. Then we will discuss what you are to do next. Forgive me for such an indelicate question, but have you sufficient funds to settle your accommodation for another week or two?”
Hester found herself smiling at such mundane practicality, so far from the moral outrage and portent of social disaster she might have expected from anyone else.
“Yes-yes I have.”
“I hope that is the truth.” Callandra’s wild eyebrows rose inquiringly. “Good. Then that gives us a little time. If not, you would be welcome to stay with me until you obtain something more suitable.”
It was better to tell it all now.
“I exceeded my authority,” Hester confessed. “Pomeroy was extremely angry and will not give me any kind of reference. In fact I would be surprised if he did not inform all his colleagues of my behavior.”
“I imagine he will,” Callandra agreed. “If he is asked. But so long as the child recovers and survives he will be unlikely to raise the subject if he does not have to.” She regarded Hester critically. “Oh dear, you are not exactly dressed for an evening out, are you? Still, it is too late to do a great deal now; you must come as you are. Perhaps my maid could dress your hair? That at least would help. Go upstairs and tell her I request it.”
Hester hesitated; it had all been so rapid.
“Well don’t stand there! Callandra encouraged.” Have you eaten? We can have some refreshment there, but it will not be a proper meal
“Yes—yes I have. Thank you—”
“Then go and have your hair dressed—be quick!”
Hester obeyed because she had no better idea.
The theater was crowded with people bent on enjoying themselves, women fashionably dressed in crinoline skirts full of flounces and flowers, lace, velvet, fringes and ribbons and all manner of femininity. Hester felt outstandingly plain and not in the least like laughing, and the thought of flirting with some trivial and idiotic young man was enough to make her lose what little of her temper was left. It was only her debt, and her fondness for Callandra,