Gemma felt the boy's skinny wrist for his pulse and then smiled at the child's father. "He's fine. It's the laudanum, that's all." She turned to smile up at the worried Mrs. Orren. "He's to stay abed until I see him again. He's not to walk at all, not even a step. I'll be back in a few days to check on him. You must watch his foot. It will swell a bit, but mind it doesn't turn dark and that he can still wiggle his toes and feel a pinprick. Understood?"

"Raise it up."

Everyone turned to look at Mr. Worthington, who had spoken for the first time since entering the house. He stiffened a bit and no wonder, for it was as if a piece of furniture had spoken. He swallowed. "Hurt less, raised up."

Gemma couldn't help it. She grinned at him, a wide smile she rarely used, but there was something about his wary reticence that brought to mind a glorious stag halting in alarm in the forest before leaping magnificently away. "Mr. Worthington is entirely correct. Keeping his leg raised on a pile of quilts or pillows should ease the throbbing quite a bit."

Mr. Worthington had stopped looking at the sheep herder's family with alarm. His attention was now entirely fixed on her. Her grin faded at the darkening intensity in his gaze. She withdrew slightly from the contact, turning to her open case beside her on the floor and rummaging for a moment. She took out a small vial and tipped a measured amount of laudanum into it. She corked it and handed it to Mrs. Orren. "He may have three drops in a glass of milk after a meal. Give him stews and things that are easy to eat. We don't want him moving any more than necessary. And the milk is important. Have you a cow?"

"No Missus Oakes, but we've a fine milk goat for t' children. Will that do?"

Gemma nodded. "As good or better. Watch for fever. A little bit is to be expected and cool cloths can be applied. If it gets too high, you must fetch me." Not that there was a great deal she could do if the boy took infection. Nonetheless, she would try. She also reached into her case and handed the good wife a folded paper packet. "Willow bark tea will help for fever and even a little bit with the pain. Start weak and only get stronger if need be."

Mrs. Orren held the medicines to her bosom and nodded most seriously. "Yes Missus. Thank you so, Missus. It's good of you to take the trouble. Look at him sleeping now, like it never happened."

Gemma nodded, although when the laudanum wore off the little boy would most definitely be making his unhappiness heard once more, but Mrs. Orren was an experienced mother. Gemma felt ill-equipped to offer any advice other than medicinal.