“Like children, which is what they are. They must be made to understand that their circumstances at Hurstwell depend largely on their own actions.” He sighed. “Certain people, Turner, are simply born a burden to those around them. It is up to us to keep that burden off the family, to keep them safe, however we can. This is our mission.” He gestured toward the bolted door. “This is what we do for them—for the families. For the rest of the world.”

A burden. Yet Mitchell saw traces of their Creator wrapped up in each intricately designed patient, and he had the intense feeling that locking them up deprived this asylum—the world at large—of the blessing of them.

“I’ll thank you to let me do my work and trust the method.” He puffed out a breath, smoothing back his oiled hair. “I’m not above hearing your ideas, Turner, but I’ll only implement what I believe is best. Something with scientific evidence to support its use.”

Turner ground his teeth. “Where’s your proof on the efficacy of these restraints?”

“It’s the only way to administer the medicine she needs most—sedation . . . and truth. Hard, pointed, black-and-white truth that will puncture her delusions and set her free. And I cannot administer either while she’s fighting me.” He gently poked at a red mark on his cheek to prove his point.

Mitchell stood his ground, afraid of what he’d do if he stepped forward. “Do you honestly believe this will cure anyone? Has it yet?” He pictured the wild creature with the flaming hair and fiery spirit and wondered if it was the delusions that held her captive—or this man. “I daresay I’d fight tooth and nail if someone tried to keep me in that place, Doctor. Would she even attack without being provoked?”

“I don’t care to find out.” The man’s look was pointed. “What if I left her free with a mere slap on the wrist and she grew bold—attacked another patient? What then? I’m not willing to take that risk. She has been admitted, and I’ll do what I must to ensure she—and everyone else—are kept safe.”

“We’d do better to aid them, Doctor, rather than defeat them. They are not the enemy. They’re fighting an enemy, and we must be on their side.”

“And what good do you see coming of that, Doctor? Have you heard any happy endings come from this asylum? From any across England?”