David Bryce bowed to Tristan. “It is my pleasure, my lord.”
“Mr Bryce.” Tristan nodded. The man’s smile was wide, but it could not hide the tremor of anxiety in his hands, nor the sheen of perspiration on his brow.
Not a keen traveller,he concluded.
“Tris.” This from Jonah, who dipped into the smallest of formal bows.
“Jonah.” Tristan’s greeting was equally lukewarm. “We do not oft see you at Wolvesley for these occasions.”
“I thought to make an exception.” Jonah inclined his head. “Also to bring David. I heard from Mother that there were some issues with the castle physician?”
“Aye, that is true enough.”
The small group began walking towards the keep, through early evening shadows which lengthened around them.
“Does Father continue to recover?” Esme asked, taking his arm.
“He is almost back at full strength.” Tristan gave her a reassuring smile.
“I am happy to hear it, my lord.”
Tristan cast a glance at the physician. “Did you come prepared to treat him?”
He sensed Jonah’s displeasure at the question, but could not guess why he bristled. Mr Bryce, however, answered readily enough. “I am always prepared for a patient.”
“David is here as our guest.” Jonah self-importantly cleared his throat. “He is a friend of Ember Hall. Frida and Mirabel both hold him in high esteem.”
“You are too kind,” muttered the physician.
Tristan threw him a smile, hoping to set him at ease. The man was as nervous as a hound expecting a beating. “That is praise indeed. My sister Frida does not readily place her trust in any physician.”
Mr Bryce seemed to walk taller. “I have been pleased to treat little Miss Flora to Lady Frida’s satisfaction.”
“Excellent,” Tristan replied, but his mind had taken flight elsewhere and he hardly heard as Jonah took up the mantle of extolling Mr Bryce’s skills and experience.
Instead, he found himself recalling a conversation from the last time he visited Ember Hall.
Did Jonah not speak of a physician who had intentions towards Mirrie?
Tristan’s pace increased as his memories sharpened into focus.
The physician’s name had been David.
And this same man was now here, at Wolvesley Castle.
“You have a most marvellous home, milord,” the physician said, resting a hand on his breast as his gaze swept around approvingly.
Tristan nodded; his thoughts not easily budged. Did a lowly physician really imagine he could court Mirrie?
HisMirrie?
Tristan nodded, making an outward show of attention as Jonah continued to list Mr Bryce’s many virtues as a physician.
“It is possible he could take a second look at Father?” Jonah concluded.
Tristan’s smile remained fixed in place. “You must ask Father yourself. I’m afraid he may be a little weary of physicians now.” He fixed Mr Bryce with his gaze. “But by all means, make your enquiries. I will leave you in my brother’s capable hands.” He made a show of bowing to Jonah. “I have matters to attend to. You will find your way, of course?”
It was not really a question, but Esme answered it impatiently. “Jonah has not been back at Wolvesley for some time, Tristan. But have no fear. You go about your business, whatever it may be. I will play hostess while a servant fetches Mother.” She took both men’s arms in a proprietorial gesture and marched them in the direction of the great hall.
