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‘I was going to talk to Phe about one of my patients.’
‘You’re a doctor?’
‘Community nurse and midwife.’
‘Wow. I bet that can be really interesting. And rewarding.’
‘It has its moments.’
‘I’ll bet. So, what did you need?’
‘Patient is pregnant, coming to the end of her second trimester, and suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum. We thought we had it under control, but the meds that had been working have lost efficacy. Even getting to appointments is too much for her… so she’s on my home visits list.’
‘Oh dear. That sounds… bad.’
‘You have no idea what hyperemesis gravidarum is, have you?’
‘Not a clue. But whatever it is, I’m sure you’ll get her sorted.’
Mia was slightly shocked that someone she’d known for half a cup of tea could think so highly of her. She gave herself another mental shake to refocus. ‘It’s morning sickness. If morning sickness lasted all day, and was so severe mum-to-be basically can’t keep anything down.’
‘Oh. I suppose that explains the smell.’
‘Damn it, I thought I’d got rid of it! I’m so sorry. Is it really bad?’ Even the thought of smelling of vomit turned her stomach.
‘Sorry. I’ve got a really good sense of smell. Others probably wouldn’t have noticed.’
‘Still gross.’ She frowned.
Aiden stood and ran his finger along a shelf before grabbing a small bottle. ‘Try this on your pulse points.’
Mia opened the lid and sniffed: it was fresh, zingy and a bit heady.
‘Mandarin, bergamot and a touch of aloe. Better known as Ophelia’s Don’t Regret the Morning After blend.’
‘She’s dreadful.’ Mia laughed as she rubbed spots of the oil on her wrists and neck. ‘Brilliant, but dreadful. Thanks.’
‘You’re welcome. So, your patient is struggling to eat…?’
‘And drink.’ Mia pulled a face. ‘I can help with IV hydration and nutrition, but it’s hardly ideal. If we can’t find something she can keep down more easily, she’ll end up back in hospital.’
‘And you’re hoping Ophelia and Rayenne might have something helpful?’
Mia nodded. ‘I know it’s a long shot, but I thought it was worth asking. I just want to make sure we’ve tried everything possible.’
‘You owe that to your patient.’ Aiden nodded, and Mia was glad he understood. ‘It might not be such a long shot – women have been pregnant since long before we had anti-sickness drugs and patches. There must have been ways to deal with this then.’
‘Exactly. So, what do you think?’
‘Me? I’m only just learning about her teas and cosmetics. Ophelia’s probably a better bet.’
‘This tea is very good. I’m interested to hear your thoughts.’
‘You’re putting me on the spot here.’
‘I’m pretty sure you can handle it.’ Mia fixed her gaze on Aiden. ‘Come on. I’m waiting,’ she teased.
‘All right.’ He nodded, stroking his neatly trimmed beard. ‘Off the top of my head I know ginger is good for sickness.’
