Page 187 of Eternal Craving

“Cornwall,” I blurted out.

Jacob looked at me. “Who does she know in Cornwall?”

“Our aunt,” Marcus said. “She’s taken a turn for the worse.”

Jacob frowned. “Rachel didn’t mention it.”

I avoided his gaze.

“Rachel’s very private,” Marcus offered.

“She’s not the only one.”

“And what about you?” I asked Jacob. “What are your plans?”

“I hope to continue with my studies, keep Dr. Potts’ old practice running, just as he intended. Provide medicine for the poor. A few of my clients are wealthy and, as such, I’m able to take care of those less fortunate. I’ve had a private benefactor who’s supplemented my income.” Jacob’s expression changed to one of realization.

Anxious to leave, I gestured to the waitress for the bill.

“That money, it came from you, didn’t it?” Jacob’s face looked flushed.

“Well, I?—”

“Of course.” He shook his head.

I smiled at him. “Sometime in the near future, I imagine you’ll want to join the business.”

“My vocation is medicine.” Jacob shook his head. “I have no head for business and no interest in it.”

“You might change your mind.”

Jacob lifted his chin. “I take great pride in what I do. Any other kind of life is superficial.”

“Why, thank you.” I pretended to be offended.

“Life isn’t all about decadence.” Jacob glowered. “You’ve pushed your food around with your nose in the air. That would have fed a starving child, of which London has many.”

I sighed.

“You, too.” Jacob turned to Marcus.

“We understand, Jacob,” I said, frustrated.

“No, you don’t,” he snapped.

“Being wealthy enables us to give to the poor,” I said.

Several of the other guests stared in our direction.

Marcus leaned toward Jacob. “Rachel would love to go to the park with you.”

Jacob’s face showed a subtle change in expression.

“She leaves for Cornwall on Wednesday,” Marcus said, “so why not take her to the park tomorrow?”

Jacob glared at both of us. “You’re trying to placate me?”

“I’m offering you an olive branch,” Marcus said. “Your father and I came from those lowly origins you talk of. We dressed in rags and ate bread and water.”