“Very much.”
Tristan halted. The beginnings of an idea were taking shape in Tristan’s mind. “Yet you live close by Ember Hall. Is there much call for a physician so far north?”
David Bryce tightened his lips regretfully. “Alas, not so much.”
“We have great need for a new physician here at Wolvesley.” Tristan kept his voice light. “But I assume you have obligations to keep you further north. Family, perchance?”
“No family, my lord.” The man simpered. “’Twould be an honour indeed to work at Wolvesley.”
Tristan smiled. What he was about to do was wrong, mayhap. But cross as he was with her, he still had a role to play as Mirrie’s protector.
If this man had intentions towards Mirrie, Tristan would do well to test the strength of them.
“’Tis a demanding role.” He pretended to pause to think. “We would need to see if you would suit.”
“Of course.” The physician nodded eagerly.
“The salary, of course, reflects the post.” He named the sum, which he knew would exceed the man’s current earnings.
David Bryce’s eyes opened even wider.
Tristan began walking again. They had all but reached the steps of the keep. He glanced at the fountain and the memory of what he had witnessed there last night caused him such a surge of rage that he almost dunked Mr Bryce headfirst into the pool.
Instead he swivelled around, pretending to enjoy the view. “Would that be amenable to you?” he asked, calmly.
“Very much, my lord.”
Tristan wanted to get away from this man, but his test was not yet complete. He put his hands behind his back and forced himself to walk steadily up the stone steps.
“And would an immediate start be possible?”
“I am at your disposal.” The physician smiled again. Evidently the prospect of so much coin had put him in an excellent humour.
“Are you sure?” He frowned in a pretence at concern. “I know that Miss Mirabel and Lord Jonah plan to return to Ember Hall later today. Do you not wish to accompany them? To gather your belongings, or say your goodbyes?” He lingered long over the last suggestion.
But Mr Bryce appeared still caught up in contemplation of the promised coin. “There is naught to return for,” he announced. “If it pleases your lordship, I will begin straight away.”
“It pleases me.” Tristan waved to the passing Seneschal. “This man will see you settled in.” He raised his eyebrows and the Seneschal bowed his acquiescence. “Please excuse me, gentlemen, I have business to attend to.”
Tristan had never walked away from anyone with such speed.
As much as Mr Bryce’s avarice left him cold, he calculated Mirrie’s foolishness as the greater crime. The woman had accepted advances from a man who weighed her against coin and found her lacking.
As far as Tristan could see, he had provided her with a lucky escape.
Later that morn, when Jonah and Mirrie departed in the carriage, he did not join the rest of his family in waving them off.
He told himself that he hardly even noticed them leave.
Chapter Eighteen
Frida’s bedchamber wasa haven of peace. The polished wooden furniture seemed to glow in the sunshine whilst a warm breeze brought the fragrance of summer grass in through the open window. Frida sat up in bed, looking tired but happy.
“She’s such a dear little thing.” Mirrie hovered over the walnut cradle and gazed into the sleeping face of Frida’s new baby.
“Aye, but she has a good pair of lungs on her. You mark my words, you’ll be wanting to head back to Wolvesley Castle for a bit of peace before the sun rises on the morrow.”
Callum’s ready smile belied his words. He stood by Frida’s side, one hand on her shoulder, beaming down at his little daughter, born on midsummer’s eve.
