"N&S: John Thornton, Love Lessons", by Gratiana Lovelace (2013-2014) (Done)

Ch. 38 (PG): Dr. Houghton is Very Attentive

Dr. Houghton: Smiling at Miss Fanny Thornton’s kindness to her sister-in-law, he responds.  “Mrs. Thornton, I agree with Miss Thornton.  You cannot be too careful in my estimation.  Some robust women have more delicate pregnancies than could be suspected, and I think that you are among them.  I suggest that you allow yourself a few more days or a week of rest to fully recover.”

Fanny: “See, Margaret?  Let us pamper you and enjoy it while you can.”  Fanny smiles warmly at her sister-in-law.

Margaret:    “Very well.”  Margaret agrees reluctantly.  “But I want it noted that I wish to be up and about as soon as I am allowed.”  Margaret smiles feistily.

Dr. Houghton: “Your request will be taken under advisement.”  The thirty year old young doctor intones bemusedly [(3) right]. 

After watching his examination and discussion with Margaret, Fanny thinks that the doctor seems to be about her brother’s age--he is actually a few years younger than John.  Perhaps it is the doctor’s serious tone when talking to his patients that make him seem older, she wonders.   He is tall, she will grant him that.  And he has a not unpleasant face.  But, of course, he is not Baird, and Fanny lowers her eyes and looks away to hide her sadness.

Margaret:  “Thank you Dr. Houghton.”  She nods her thanks.

Dr. Houghton:  “You’re most welcome!”  He says effusively, then he rubs his hands together.  “Now!  If Miss Thornton will show me out, I will visit Mr. Thornton at his office with my report of your progress to him.” He smiles hopefully at the lovely Fanny Thornton as he picks up his medical bag.

Fanny: “Of course, Dr. Houghton.  This way, if you please.”  Fanny nods graciously and gestures toward the door.  As she and the doctor walk out of Margaret’s bed chamber, Fanny smiles over her shoulder to Margaret.  “I will be back in a few minutes with our tea, Margaret.”

Margaret:  “Thank you, Fanny.”  She smiles at her doting sister-in-law. Then Margaret ponders while shaking her head bemusedly, who would have ever thought that Fanny would become so selflessly caring? 

***

Fanny and Dr. Houghton walk in polite silence through the third floor bed chamber hallway and down the stairs to Thornton Manor’s front door that leads out to the busy mill yard.

Fanny:  Fanny turns to Dr. Houghton as she opens her front door and hands him his hat.  “Thank you for tending to my sister-in-law, Margaret, Dr. Houghton.”  Though she thinks that Dr. Houghton seems rather taciturn and awkward around her--she knows not the source of his behavior, she is being polite and courteous.   But his care of Margaret has been fine so far, so Fanny gives him the benefit of the doubt.

Dr. Houghton: “It is my pleasure, Miss Thornton.”  He smiles at her, wanting to say more but feeling tongue tied in her lovely presence.

Fanny:  Fanny’s brow wrinkles [(4) right], wondering why the doctor is not leaving.  She has to get Margaret her tea.  So she points to the building where her brother’s office is located.  “You will find my brother John, on the second floor of that building.  Once you enter the building, ask the floor supervisor and they can direct you.”  She smiles politely at him.

Dr. Houghton: He nods his head.  “Thank you most kindly, Miss Thornton.  I shall dicuss his wife’s progress with Mr. Thornton directly.”  The doctor tips his hat to her and leaves Thornton Manor, intending to speak with Mr. Thornton about his wife’s health--among other things.

After being directed to Mr. John Thornton’s office by the floor supervisor, Dr. Houghton removes his hat and smooths his hair down.  He has naturally wavy hair, so he is fighting a losing battle.  Dr. Houghton knocks twice on the opaque glass of the office door.