He jabbed a thumb in the general direction of the brothel. “A patient. More than one actually.”
Annoyance left a bitter taste in her mouth. He lied on her face.
“A patient? Why, are you a physician?” she asked.
“A surgeon more than a physician. I practised in the army.” He patted his leather bag. “I worked with the army surgeons until I learnt the trade. I don’t have a certificate though, but I’m thinking about getting a proper degree.”
And she was supposed to believe that? “You’d excuse me if I doubt your word. I saw you coming out of the brothel with a slip of a girl clinging to you like an extra limb.” She didn’t mean to sound so angry, but she wouldn’t apologise for her tone.
His eyebrows drew together. “I was?—”
Once she started talking, she couldn’t stop her tongue. “Don’t you know those poor girls were likely forced into that life by sad circumstances? Taking advantage of their misfortune is appalling.”
He held up a hand. “Yes, but?—”
“The fact you pay them for their services doesn’t make it all right,” she went on. “They don’t want to have a tumble, but they must in order to survive. Not to mention they won’t probably see more than a farthing since they have to hand their earnings to the madam of the brothel. This is hardly a fair trade. I thought you were different.”
“Cora!” His commanding tone shut her up. She had more to say but held her tongue. “I didn’t visit the brothel to pay for a tumble. I went there to visit a few girls who needed help. They can’t afford to pay for a physician, and unfortunately, many respectable doctors prefer not to call on a brothel for fear that their reputation might be damaged. I’m the only option for them, and I don’t mind. If you don’t believe me, you may go inside and ask.” His tone was polite but firm.
“Oh.” She shuffled her feet, wishing that a natural event, like a dinosaur suddenly returning from extinction, saved her from the embarrassing moment. “It’s that I saw that girl hugging you.”
“Jane?” He huffed. “She’s a child, barely eighteen. I could be her father.”
“Yes, that’s what I— oh, bother.” She rubbed the space between her eyebrows. “I apologise for jumping to conclusions. I meant no offence.”
“You did.”
“Yes, I did. But I regret it. Apologies.”
He scowled. “Accepted.”
“Great.”
“Great.”
They stood in the middle of the pavement, and she found it difficult to meet his gaze. Or to ask him about his offer of money. How annoying.
“I really am sorry,” she said. “I haven’t met many remarkable examples of gentlemen. You truly are honourable.”
“I appreciate your courage to confront me.” He offered her his arm. “May I escort you wherever you are going?”
She didn’t take it. “David is having a riding lesson at the park. I was going there.”
“Excellent. I love horses. And I haven’t seen David in years. He must be twelve now.”
She slid her arm through his. “Thirteen.”
“A young man then. How’s he faring?”
She found herself leaning against his solid shoulder. “He’s so handsome and clever. He can speak without problems. He’s still hesitant but much better.”
“I had no doubt.” His muscles stiffened under her arm. “And is his father equally fond of him?”
She’d been wrong. The most embarrassing moment in her life was right now when she had to confess that David’s father disliked his own child so much he didn’t even call him by his name. “Not really.”
His muscles stiffened further. “What is Roxbury complaining about?”
“Everything.”
