The devil doctor *Completed*

No complains

*Wicky*

Sitting at a small table on the terrace with Evangeline, I order the butler to bring tea and biscuits. I've retied every ribbon, secured every button, and yet I still feel slightly askew. Every now and then a few strands of my hair blow across my face in the gentle breeze. No matter how many times I tuck them back into my bun, they come free, reminding me of the madness that consumed me in my tiny study.

I can taste peppermint on my lips, smell sandalwood on my skin. My tea sits untouched and cooling because I don’t want to lose the taste of Billy.

I’m grateful that Ethan didn’t walk in on us, but I had the foresight to send him to the zoological gardens with his governess this morning. I didn’t want him around when the inspector arrived. The last thing I want is for my son to be frightened or to doubt my sanity.

“Wicky, I know it’s none of my business…” Evangeline starts.

“If you’re about to comment on what you walked in on, then I quite agree that it is not your business.” I tell her.

I’m not certain I’ve ever seen Evangeline’s eyes so large with surprise, but then I have never really been one to stand up for herself. However, those days of cowering are behind me. I have nothing to fear any longer. Except for a possible thief or a bout of forgetfulness.

“He’s a commoner,” Evangeline says.

“I’ve had an alpha, thank you very much. And that wasn’t so jolly.” I point out.

“I just don’t want you to get hurt,” Evangeline says softly.

Reaching out, I squeeze my friend’s hand. “I know you mean well. But he’s always been kind to me.”

“Just don’t misinterpret his kindness. Because of your past you’re vulnerable.” I can see in her eyes that she is simply worried.

Shaking my head, I look out over the gardens. “I used to fear everything. I believed my opinion didn’t matter. I thought I was unworthy. I dreaded hosting balls or dinner parties, because I always disappointed Riverdale. Now I can do so much more because I’ve no one to disappoint. Billy enjoyed the ball. He likes my plans for the hospital. He doesn’t judge me, Evangeline. He accepts me as I am.”

“I didn’t realize you knew each other so well.” She says.

I give a secretive smile. “While I was healing he was always there. He brushed my hair once. I was fevered and I think he thought I was unaware of my surroundings, but I was afraid if I let him know that he would stop. A man brushing my hair. I may have begun to fall in love with him then.”

“Just take care, sweetling. Like Claybourne, Jack, and Jay, he is a scoundrel at heart.” She says.

I give five her a small smile, “And I’ve yet to hear any of their mates complain.”