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Post by Anne on Aug 26, 2008 17:43:13 GMT -5
*Anne led Marilla by the hand into the office, helping her to sit. The old woman was spry, but her vision had gotten so bad she could scarcely make out large shapes and bright colours.
Anne took another chair at the doctor's invitation and cleared her throat, speaking nervously.*
"...Doctor Hartley...while we're exceedingly grateful for your offer, and the chance to come meet with you...we must wonder...well, that is...one must ask...we are not rich, you see...and..."
*She bit her lip.*
"How much would the surgery cost?"
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Aug 26, 2008 18:31:20 GMT -5
**THIS IS NOT DARCY**
Dr. Hartley pursed his lips, his fingers steepled before him on his desk. Why Fitzwilliam Darcy was paying for the operation, he could guess. What he could not fathom was why he would wish the ladies to remain in ignorance. Still, the gentleman's whims were his own affair, even if Hartley thought it would rather improve his chances than lessen them, should such a thing be known.
"The operation has been paid for," he said, in his best doctor voice, low and calm and clear. "The hospital with which I am affiliated is quite rich, with many donors, whose whim it is to use their philanthropy to aid others and advance the cause of science."
He regarded the two women gravely. Obviously not related, and the older one clearly uncomfortable. Though whether it was her unaccustomed blindness or the newness of a big city, he could not be certain. The other was more poised and assured, despite her apparent high spirits.
"The surgery is yours, should you wish to undergo it, Mrs. Cuthbert."
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Post by Anne on Aug 27, 2008 3:54:00 GMT -5
"Miss, please, I've never been married," *replied Marilla.* "...thank you, Doctor Hartley...we will...consider it."
"Consider it? Marilla, what is there to consider?" *blurted Anne.* "You could see again..."
"Are there any...risks...involved with the surgery, Doctor? It's so...new..."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Aug 27, 2008 10:16:04 GMT -5
"There are always risks," Hartley said gently. "With any surgery. In my practice, however, roughly 66 out of every 100 people experiences a drastic, measurable change for the better. 20 have no change, for better or worse. There is a 4% chance that a patient's vision may worsen--but that is certain, given enough time."
((He's an amazing doctor!))
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Post by Anne on Aug 27, 2008 11:05:39 GMT -5
*Anne nodded, but still glanced to Marilla. After what seemed an achingly long time, Marilla nodded curtly, but Anne noted the visible relaxing of muscles in her face which denoted pleasure in her reserved friend.*
"I'll do it," *said Marilla. Anne beamed at her, then at Doctor Hartley.*
"How soon can the surgery be performed, Doctor?" *she asked brightly.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Aug 27, 2008 11:15:09 GMT -5
Hartley smiled, more mildly, and checked his diary.
"Would next week work for you, Miss? Tuesday, 9 am?"
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Post by Anne on Aug 27, 2008 11:35:59 GMT -5
"That will be sufficient," *said Marilla, nodding.* "Tell me--how soon would I be able to travel following the operation? You will understand...that a life in such a place as London would not be feasible for very long. I have a farm to run," *she explained.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Aug 27, 2008 11:51:29 GMT -5
Hartley spread his hands.
"I understand. But it is a delicate operation, and you must be watched to make certain nothing else must be done. You will also be effectively blind for a few weeks, as your eyes heal. I would venture no less than three weeks before you might be permitted to sail again. I apologize for that inconvenience."
Though, to his mind, it was far more inconvenient to run a farm while blind.
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Post by Anne on Aug 27, 2008 12:14:41 GMT -5
*Anne looked at Marilla and swallowed as the older woman made no comment.*
"...Marilla...my savings...we'll be alright. Three weeks--we can do it. There will even be a little left over."
"Anne Shirley, don't you dare! I'm certain we'll manage somehow..."
"We will manage definitely, and I'm determined to do it, Marilla. It's the least I can do. You raised me..."
"Stuff and nonsense, Anne! I'll not have you trying to repay Christian duty with--"
"I'm sorry to interrupt Marilla, but you'd better save your breath to cool your porridge as you know quite well how determined I am."
*Marilla paused, then smiled warmly in Anne's direction.*
"...you blessed girl," *she muttered.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Aug 27, 2008 12:21:33 GMT -5
Hartley watched their minor power struggle until it subsided.
"If I may interject, ladies; with all due respect, I believe Miss Shirley is right. Your farm will fare far better with you in complete possession of your eyesight. And I will do my utmost to provide that for you."
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Post by Anne on Aug 27, 2008 12:34:25 GMT -5
"Thank you, Doctor Hartley," *said Marilla, and Anne echoed the statement as they rose to go, each shaking the Doctor's hand--Marilla with some difficulty locating it at first. Anne led Marilla from the office, and they went to the clean and respectable inn where they were staying, in a quiet, though by no means fashionable part of London.*
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