Dr. White consulted the gold watch hanging on a sparkling chain from his waistcoat. He gathered a brown folder from his desk and sat down opposite Kate. “I know you’re anxious, Miss Anstruther. Most understandable. So let me tell you all I know.”
The doctor drew eyeglasses from his pocket and propped them on his nose. He opened the folder and consulted several sheets of closely written notes. “Let’s see. Your sister was seen wandering the streets in Westminster two nights ago in a state of extreme agitation and mental confusion. While that is not an unusual condition for some, it was clear to observers that your sister was a woman of status, not a tramp down in her cups. She was approached by a constable who determined that she was unable to make a satisfactory accounting of herself and displayed a paranoia that was aggressive and dangerous. As it didn’t appear to be the obvious result of alcohol or narcotic, the constable had her brought here.
“She was admitted and questioned by one of our doctors. During a brief moment of lucidity, she claimed to be the daughter of Sir Roland Anstruther. At which point, I was called to consult, having seen both of his daughters in the past at various functions, and I confirmed that she was Sir Roland’s youngest.” He put aside the papers. “I then sent a message to Hartley Hall, and here you are.”
“What is wrong with her?” Kate asked.
“I don’t know, to be frank. But let me caution you, the disorders of the mind are not so simple as mere physical maladies. That said, I haven’t had the opportunity to do more than make the briefest of observations. And she has been under enormous sedation to stifle her deranged behaviors.”
“Did she mention a man named Hibbert?” Kate said.
Dr. White consulted his notes for a few moments. “No. Is he someone of importance to her?”
“He was.”
The doctor’s gaze flicked uncomfortably to Simon. “May I speak quite frankly, Miss Anstruther?”
“Yes,” Kate replied. “You may say anything in front of anyone here.”
His voice lowered. “A physical examination of your sister gives me ample reason to believe she may have been ill-used by a man. I’m very sorry to tell you that.”
Kate gripped the arms of the chair, threatening to rip them off. “Could that violation explain her extreme condition?”
Dr. White removed his eyeglasses and held them thoughtfully. “I don’t know. Despite our desire to categorize all forms of life, the human mind resists the most cunning tactics of science. Every person is an individual with unique reactions to emotional disturbances. Miss Anstruther, would you characterize your sister as a sensible young woman normally?”
Kate looked down and back up with solid conviction. “Yes. Normally.”
“I see.” Dr. White paused to adjust his tie. “I am going to recommend that you take your sister home.”
Kate relaxed visibly. “Thank you, Doctor. So you think she will be fine once we bring her home?”
“I won’t tell you that, but I strongly suggest you keep her at home for the foreseeable future. The normality of that environment can do nothing but help her. And quite frankly, a woman of her stature and family shouldn’t be here. I’ve managed to keep the knowledge of her identity confined to a few here to decrease the possibility that the public will learn that the daughter of Sir Roland Anstruther was a resident, even for a short while. I wish to minimize the potential for scandal at all costs. I have pulled all the papers that were filled out at her admission. As of now, she was never here.”
“Thank you, Dr. White.”
“I will provide you with a strong tincture of opiates that will assist you in keeping her calm. I fear I cannot give you much hope for her future, but I do not wish to dissuade you from hoping.”
Kate exclaimed, “Isn’t that a bit extreme?”
“I understand your consternation, but remember, you haven’t seen her. I don’t know how she acted prior, but I can only assume she wasn’t in her current state.” He gave Kate a pointed stare. “You weren’t keeping her confined, were you?”
“No, of course not.”
Dr. White replaced his glasses and gave an odd, inappropriate smile. “Well, you will now.”
Chapter Thirteen