He understands. Kendra needed to leave London to lay to rest the ghost of her lost child. But she also looked forward to spending time with Lucas.

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 12

Lucas was buzzing with anticipation when Lady Kirkland called for him at Duval House the next morning. After greeting Suzanne and admiring Madeline, the countess led the way outside, saying with a smile, “You look like a schoolboy being taken to Astley’s Circus for a birthday treat.”

He grinned as he helped her into her carriage. “Is it that obvious? I am looking forward to seeing your infirmary. It’s been too long since I’ve done anything useful.”

“You sound like my brother Daniel,” she said as she settled into the leather seat. “Surgery and medicine are his passions. When he inherited a barony, he went searching for a wife who could manage the estate while he continued his medical work.”

Amused, Lucas asked, “Was he able to find a capable female estate manager who was willing to marry him?”

“He did, and she has become another passion for him. She’s a most satisfactory sister-in-law,” his companion replied with a smile. “Not only is Daniel able to continue his doctoring, but he’s established cottage hospitals in towns near where he and his wife live and he hopes to start more.”

Intrigued, Lucas said, “It sounds as if you’re creating an empire of good works! How did you begin?”

“Daniel and I started a free infirmary in Bristol where we lived,” she explained. “It wasn’t long before I realized that abused women and their children needed a shelter to escape violent partners, so we established Zion House. Now there are Zion Houses in several cities, and each one has at least a small infirmary.”

“Impressive! Where do you get your funding?”

The countess’s eyes gleamed. “I importune wealthy people. My husband says I have a genius for cornering prospects and convincing them to open their wallets.”

Lucas grinned. “No doubt you got your start by practicing on him, Lady Kirkland?”

She chuckled. “Of course. But please, call me Laurel. Since I have high hopes of enlisting you as part of our medical team, I want to be on friendly terms with you.”

“Call me Lucas then.” He shook his head admiringly. “You’re a dangerous woman, Laurel.”

“My husband says that, too,” she said mischievously. With her determination and charm, it was easy to see how she’d built a large charitable institution. She continued, “Tell me about your own medical background. Suzanne and Simon speak highly of you, but I’d like to know more about your experiences.”

“You know that bonesetters aren’t trained like surgeons and physicians,” he replied. “We serve apprenticeships.”

She nodded. “My brother has wanted to be a doctor since he was in the nursery. Were you the same?”