Colin’s return to Erskine House couldn’t have come at a more opportune time, according to Robbie.
He strode into the morning room, well dressed and relaxed, and his first words, when he saw Birdie sitting on the settee, were, “And who is this charming creature?”
“This is my sister, Birdie,” Robbie announced. She watched the different emotions inch over his face as he looked at Birdie. He was bemused, then enlightened, and then, finally smitten. Robbie knew the look well. It rarely took the male of the species to come to that conclusion any faster.
He joined Birdie on the settee and took her hand in his. “It’s my pleasure to meet you, madam. I have heard so much about you.”
Delighted for the attention, Birdie tittered. “It’s nice to meet one of Gavin’s friends, sir. And might I say, you have the most calming voice. Are you a preacher?”
He laughed, apparently delighted with her, and said, “No, madam, I am a doctor.”
Birdie perked right up. “A doctor? Well, now isn’t that most interesting. Where is it that you practice?”
He glanced at the others, and then answered, “I’m currently not practicing medicine, madam. I’m on a hiatus.”
“And where did you practice before, may I ask?”
“In Edinburgh. I was a surgeon.”
Birdie let out a great, huge sigh. “Oh, if you could perform a miracle on me and heal my sightless eyes.”
Robbie rolled hers. “Apparently Birdie suffers from hysterical blindness, Colin.”
“I see. Tell me how it happened.”
Birdie, happy to be the center of attention, told her story again, embellishing it here and there to make it more dramatic for her new conquest.
• • •
Later, in the library, Colin sat almost speechless, a glass of brandy in his hand.
Gavin waved his hand in front of his friend’s face. “Hello? You in there?”
Colin blinked and focused on Gavin. “She is exquisite.”
“I did tell you that, didn’t I?”
“I couldn’t imagine any woman having such perfect features. She is completely symmetrical, did you know that? One side of her face is not more beautiful than the other; they are both perfection.”
Gavin raised one cynical brow. Considering Colin’s own ravaged features, Gavin wasn’t surprised that it was something he would notice. “I guess I hadn’t detected that.” He watched his friend. “So now do you think I made the most intelligent mistake of my life?”
“I won’t lie to you. She would have been quite the beauty on your arm. But, after getting to know Robbie, I still think it was a mistake in your favor.”
“Why, so you can step in and become Birdie’s hero?” Gavin said it with humor, not malice.
Colin grunted. “Like that would be possible. Imagine her horror if her sight should return at some point when she was sitting with me. The shock might blind her for good.”
“You’re too hard on yourself. She might surprise you. Anyone can change, you know.”
“How about you? Are you sorry now that you didn’t send Robbie packing when she arrived?”
Gavin was quiet for a moment, then said, “I’ve become very fond of Robbie. We fit well together. There is no drama, no theatrics. I’m not sure I could handle that sort of thing in my life.”
“But you think about it, don’t you?” Colin asked with a sly smile. “Don’t tell me the moment you heard that Birdie was coming, you didn’t feel a twinge of excitement?”
“Actually, what I felt was curiosity. Strange, I wasn’t knocked for a loop when she walked into the room. Yes, she is beautiful, I won’t deny it. But I was more curious as to how Robbie would react to her sister being here.”
“And how did she react?”
“I think she was feeling far more than she let on. She was polite and sympathetic, and I believe they were honest reactions. But remember, Birdie took her beau. Was she thinking that perhaps Birdie would try to steal me away as well?”
Colin nodded. “Just imagine what Birdie would do if she ever discovered the truth.”
“God forbid,” Gavin replied, a shiver racing up his spine.
“Robbie worked with a nurse in Edinburgh whom she feels would be a good companion for Birdie. She has a young son with palsy. This might be just the place for them.”
“Palsy,” Colin repeated. “I’ve always been interested in it. What causes it and all that. Is it an accident at birth, or is it something that happens very early on in the growth stage of the fetus?”
“Ah, if you stick around, you might be able to pick the chap’s brain,” Gavin remarked.
“Indeed. I guess I’ve always preferred being here rather than in the city.” He was quiet a moment, then asked, “Is Birdie aware you have already taken control of her life?”
“It’s Robbie’s plan; it’s a good one. No matter what Birdie is or is not, I can’t imagine her not feeling grateful for such a proposal.”
“But seriously, Gavin, you don’t expect her to stay here indefinitely, do you? Live right under your nose? Be present at every evening meal? Surely Robbie wouldn’t be comfortable with that.”
“No, I don’t imagine she would. And truthfully, neither would I. This is all so sudden I haven’t really thought of a future plan. But until I do, we must be absolutely sure that Birdie feels welcome. This is my home, and I will insist that she be taken care of until something else can be worked out.”
• • •
Robbie sent off a missive to Lydia immediately, telling her of the position and explaining that both she and Karl were most welcome. To ice the cake, she sent coinage enough for them to travel by coach to Galashiels. She did not go into detail about her sister’s personality. But even at her worst, Birdie would be easier to care for than the girls whom she had treated at Lydia’s little clinic. Or so she hoped.
One day as she passed through the hallway near Birdie’s apartment, Mrs. Murray came barreling out of her room, carrying a load of laundry, steam coming out of her ears.
“What is it, Mrs. Murray?”
The woman stopped. “What is it? What isn’t it? That sister of yours has a never ending list of chores for me to do.” She huffed. “I wouldn’t be surprised if her poor Mr. Bean didn’t throw himself under that carriage just to get away from her.”
Robbie bit her lip. “I’ll talk with her. Please, you aren’t her servant. I’ll take care of her until her new companion arrives. You just stick to the job you do so incredibly well.”
Mrs. Murray studied her. “Are ye sure the two of ye are related?”
Robbie gave her a wan smile. She found Birdie in her apartment, fanning herself with an elaborately decorated Japanese fan.
“It’s me, Birdie.”
“Oh, Robbie. Come,” she said, patting the space beside her. “Sit with me.”
Robbie obliged. “Tell me about your life before the accident.”
A rare embarrassed smile curved Birdie’s mouth. “I took him away from you.”
“Yes,” Robbie answered, “You did.” She wanted in the worst way to add that everything Robbie had ever had was the one thing Birdie wanted, but she held her tongue. Instead she asked, “Were you happy?”
Birdie blinked repeatedly, something Robbie had noticed she did now that she couldn’t see. “I suppose I was. He had a lovely townhouse in Glasgow. Three beautiful floors with fine-looking furnishings and servants.” On a sigh, she added, “I loved it there. The help treated me like a queen, and Joey made sure I had everything I wanted.” A wistful look spread across her face. “Now I suppose I’ll have nothing. Nothing at all.” She sniffed and dabbed at her nose with a lacy handkerchief.
“He also had a small country house which he loved more than the house in town, but of course, I didn’t care much for being in the country. What was there to do? Rarely was there a ball or a party, and if there was, they were all country bumpkins. I had nothing in common with them. And to make matters worse, it was quiet all the time.” She lifted one delicate shoulder. “You know how I hate it when there’s no excitement.”
How well I do. “But he was kind to you?”
“Oh, yes. Joey was a kind man.” She frowned. “Rather bland, however, don’t you think?”
“He and I had lively discussions about Scottish politics,” Robbie explained.
Birdie made a face. “Oh, pooh. I can’t stand it when men talk politics. When Joey tried, I feigned exhaustion and went to my room.”
Poor Joe, Robbie thought. Poor, besotted Joseph Bean. Perhaps Robbie really had dodged a bullet. Perhaps Birdie had actually done her a favor. And, she thought, a wry expression on her face, perhaps Joe did purposely throw himself under the carriage.
“…and to leave me penniless. What am I to do? Who will care for me?” Again, the expensive lacy, linen square went to dab at her nose.
Robbie was grateful her sister couldn’t see, for her own expression was less than pleasant or sympathetic. Birdie had not reformed. Robbie changed the subject by telling Birdie about Lydia.
Birdie frowned. “You mean you have hired this woman without my knowledge? How do you know I’ll like her? Maybe she’ll be mean. Maybe I’d rather just stay here with you.” She gave her sister a pretty pout.
Robbie took a deep breath. “Birdie, Lydia is a trained nurse. She will be a wonderful companion, and since you need the care, surely you can’t decline this help. Gavin is busy at the school, and I have duties here as well.” Well, her writing was a duty, wasn’t it? “It wouldn’t be fair to leave you to your own devices, since you aren’t able to see. But I do hope you’ll work at becoming a little independent,” she finished.
Birdie sat with her arms across her chest and her chin upturned. “Colin could help me.”
“Colin isn’t always going to be here, Birdie, and he isn’t a lap dog, so don’t go relying on him to keep you entertained.”
“Don’t scold me, Robbie,” she whispered. “I am blind. I can’t do things for myself.”
“But surely there are some things you can learn to do,” she countered.
“Like what? Read? Take a walk? Travel to Edinburgh alone? I think not,” Birdie answered, her voice tight.
“But how about learning to get around without having someone always with you? Do you have a cane?”
Birdie tsked. “I’m not crippled. I’m blind.”
“A cane would help you ‘feel’ your way. It could be used to detect things in front of you that you can’t see.”
“So would a dog,” she said. “I’d rather have a dog.”
Robbie chewed the inside of her cheek. Ever since the arrival of her sister, her cheek had gotten raw. “But Lydia Dunn will be here within a week, and I’ll not have you treat her shabbily.”
“Oh, all right,” Birdie said with a huff. “I hope she can read. I may not have been the scholar you are, Robbie, but I did love to read before this,” she said, waving her hand over her eyes, “happened.”
Suddenly Lady Perlina bounded into the room, making straight for them as they sat on the settee. Exuberant as always, Lady jumped onto Robbie’s lap and immediately stuck her wet nose in Birdie’s ear.
“Oh! Oh, what…” Birdie reached out, her hand rubbing against Lady’s fur. “Oh, Robbie, it’s a dog. A sweet dog. Remember when Papa forbade us to have one because they didn’t belong in the house?”
Robbie was amazed at her sister’s reaction. For some reason, she had thought Birdie would scream and leap off the couch. “I do remember him saying that. This is Lady,” she introduced.
Birdie’s features actually softened. It was the first time Robbie had ever seen her sister so serene. “Lady,” she repeated, allowing the pup to lick her hand. “Will she sit with me, do you think? I would love to have her sit with me.”
Once again, Robbie had something that Birdie wanted. But how could she refuse her? And what harm would it actually do? “She’s still a puppy, Birdie, she’s not really trained, so I can’t promise she’ll do as you want her to.”
Birdie bent and put her face against the puppy’s fur. “She smells just like a dog. It’s an earthy smell, don’t you think?” Lady was lavishing Birdie with kisses. And Birdie didn’t squirm away. How very unusual, thought Robbie.
“Yes, she certainly smells like a dog. I’ve bathed her a few times, but I always seem to come out wetter than she does,” Robbie said with a laugh. Then, “Birdie, I have some work I must get to. Will you be all right here alone?”
“With Lady? Of course. Go. Do your work. And if you see Gavin anywhere, tell him I’d like to see him. And, also, tell that Murray woman I need fresh bedding—”
“Mrs. Murray isn’t your personal servant. That’s why I’ve hired someone. If you need your bedding changed, I’ll do it myself.” She turned to leave.
“But, Robbie?”
With a patient sigh, she said, “Yes?”
“After you’ve changed the bedding, could you get me some tea and biscuits?”
“Of course.” Robbie left in a hurry before her sister could demand anything else. She prayed Lydia and Karl had no obstacles to overcome that would keep them from arriving on time.
In the hallway, she met Colin.
“How is she doing?”
Robbie took a deep breath. “She’s being typical Birdie, demanding something from everyone. I think she’s even confiscated my dog. Whatever Robbie has, Birdie wants, was always my chant as a girl, and things don’t seem to have changed.”
Colin merely chuckled. “What can I do to help?”
“Read to her. She misses it, and it would keep her occupied for a spell.”
“Done,” he said with a nod. “I’ll pick something from the library and go right in.”
“You’re a saint, Colin, thank you.”
Later, a rider came with a message. It was addressed to Robbie. She recognized Lydia’s handwriting, and her stomach flipped. Inside, it said:
Awful, terrible news, Robbie. I’m bereft! My Karl was put upon by thugs last evening and they beat him terribly. He died in my arms. I am unable to travel at this point.
Robbie sank into a chair in the foyer. Oh, my God. For this to happen to Lydia! Poor, sweet Karl; he never had a chance.
She rushed into the library where both Colin and Gavin were conversing over Birdie’s care. They both looked up.
“Robbie? What’s wrong?” Gavin stood immediately and went to her side.
She handed him the note. After he read it, he said, “Has she other family?”
Robbie rubbed her hands over her face. “No. No one. She and Karl were so very alone in the world.” Tears threatened, not because she now wouldn’t have Lydia to care for Birdie, but for Lydia’s pain.
“Perhaps you should go to her,” Gavin suggested.
Robbie’s head came up. “How can I do that?”
He gave her a patient smile. “Quite easily. I have a carriage, a driver, and a very good friend,” he said, looking at Colin, “who could accompany you on the journey. I would go myself, but I have promised the students we would do a special project this next week. I don’t want to disappoint them.”
“Splendid idea!” Colin said. “And we can stay at my townhouse. Eve will be delighted.”
Robbie was stunned. “Both of you would do this for me?”
Gavin shrugged. “I think that’s what we’re here for, don’t you agree, friend?”
Colin nodded. “We should probably go quickly. Pack a bag, and let’s get on the road.”
This was all happening so fast! “What about Birdie?”
“Ah, yes,” Gavin answered. After a moment he said, “What if we ask your maid, Maureen, to be with her until we can figure something out? With you gone she won’t have so much to do anyway. I’d even pay her extra to do it.”
With everything apparently settled, soon Robbie and Colin were on their way.