“He has already had a very nice run, chasing the groom,” said Elinor hardheartedly. “And I do not mean to go out walking today.”
“Oh, well, I dare say I shall be able to take him myself presently!” he said.
“You will not get up today!”
“Not get up? Good God, of course I shall! There is nothing amiss with me beyond this hole in my shoulder!”
She extracted a promise that at least he would not get up until Dr. Greenlaw had seen him, and went off to confer with Mrs. Barrow. By the time she had emerged from the kitchen the doctor’s gig was at the door and he was taking off his greatcoat in the hall. She was able to give him a comfortable account of his patient, but begged him as she led him upstairs not to permit of Nicky’s leaving his bed that day. He said dryly that he doubted whether anyone could keep Nicky in bed if he had taken it into his head to get up.
“I wish his brother were here!” she said.
“Ay, Mr. Nicholas would mind him,” he agreed.
“I hold myself entirely to blame for what has happened!”
He looked surprised. “I am sure I do not know why you should, ma’am.”
She recollected that Nicky had not taken him into his confidence, and said quickly, “For permitting him to remain here last night, I mean!”