Page 11 of The Gentleman Physician

“Good. Serves her right.” Timothy stood and reached up to tousle his hair, trying to cover as much of the bandage as he could with his light-colored curls. “That woman nearly broke you.”

Nathaniel crossed his arms and went to the window, staring down into the street at the people passing by, in carts and covered chairs, some on foot, everyone with a place to go. He wondered what Julia was doing at this moment. He would go to the baron’s house again tomorrow. Would he see her? Or would she keep out of his way, as she had the day before?

“I can’t say that I wish her ill, or ever have,” he said at last, barely loud enough for Timothy to hear.

“Because you are a gentleman.” Timothy came to the window, searching Nathaniel’s face. “But seeing her put you in a foul mood.”

“That isn’t entirely her fault. She was nothing but considerate. Worried, even, that her presence would change the way I cared for her family.” Her sympathy for her cousin’s plight, when he thought on it, had been genuine. Her promise to stand by the family and help all she could was compassionate.

“You ought to talk to her about it,” Timothy said, tilting his head and narrowing his eyes. “Have it out, as civilly as possible.”

“There is nothing to say that has not already been said,” Nathaniel argued, raising a hand to rub at his forehead. “Her father made it clear my attentions were unwanted and unwelcome. She made me understand that we could have no life together, since I had no fortune or title. No lofty connections. Or don’t you remember?”

“Oh, I remember. For a good six months after, you were the reckless one and I had to be responsible for everything.” Timothy snorted. “But that was almost five years ago. Obviously, it bothers you to this day. That’s why I think you ought to speak to her. Make your peace with the situation. Tell her it hurt, but you’ve put it behind you, and you wish her well. Then maybe you can turn your mind to finding a woman who would see what a fine husband you’d make. Plenty of physicians marry, you know, and support families.”

Nathaniel met his friend’s eyes and saw the earnest concern in them. How would he even begin a conversation like that with Julia? While it was true he’d been hurt by the Devons, dredging up the past would only cause more pain. Or worse. What if she laughed at him, because he hadn’t moved on? Sneered at him for bringing up their past?

Five years ago, he thought she loved him as much as he loved her. He had even convinced himself, at another point, that only her father disapproved of the match. He very nearly went back to her, to tell her he would wait until she was free. But Timothy had talked him out of it. It hadn’t been hard. Nathaniel’s pride was as damaged as his heart, after all.

“Maybe you’re right,” he said out loud, to ease the look of worry Timothy wore. “If the chance presents itself, I will have a frank conversation with her.”

But Nathaniel knew the odds of such an opportunity arising remained slim, especially since he wouldn’t go searching for it. It struck him as best to leave Julia Devon alone. His heart would be safer for it.

Chapter Five

Lingering over the yarn skeins in the shop, Julia glanced from one basket to another, trying to determine which hue would best suit her cousin. Virginia’s golden hair and fair complexion meant that bold colors would be best. Anything too light would only make her appear washed out. Her eyes kept going back to the greens and blues.

Knitting had always been one of Julia’s favorite pastimes, as it kept her hands busy while her mind could wander, and the end result was something she could share with others to brighten their day.

Her latest project would be a shawl for Virginia. Something lovely she could wear at home, even receiving callers. Her eyes skimmed over the baskets of neatly organized colors, and for a brief moment her gaze lingered on the black and gray yarn.

She shuddered and pulled her coat a little tighter. There would be more than enough of those dismal colors in her cousin’s future. Something bright and cheerful would do for now.

With that in mind, Julia at last chose the green, remembering all the blues in Virginia’s sitting room. The green would stand out more and keep her lovely cousin from fading into the background. But the blue was too lovely to leave behind. She picked it up as well.

After she made her purchase, she stepped outside and looked up at the clouds. They promised to drop rain before long, but Julia had one more stop to make. The boys had done an excellent job on their lessons and keeping their nursery tidy. Julia promised them a treat as a result. As Mrs. Rainey, the cook, was already set to give biscuits out when Edward went several days without putting his thumb in his mouth, Julia thought she better find something different for today’s reward.

She went to the apothecary. Most carried small sweets as well as medicines. Purchasing a tin of comfits to keep on her person would be wise in a house with little boys. The sugar-glazed nuts or dried fruit could go a long way to cheer them. At present, she wasn’t worried about spoiling them, either. Doling out treats to them would do a great deal of good and very little harm.

The apothecary the household staff directed her to was well set up in a large, clean establishment on a market street. There were other patrons inside, men and women both, some receiving instruction from the apothecary, others being helped by an assistant in a well-starched white apron.

Julia waited at the counter in front of the shelves of colorful sweets, sorted into glass containers.

“May I help you, madam?” the young man asked when he came from another customer.

She chose a variety of several sugary drops, all wrapped in papers. Empty tins were stacked next to the comfit containers, also for sale. Julia asked that the sweets be put directly into one of the little boxes.

It did not take long to make her purchase, but as she turned with her brown-paper parcel, a boom of thunder sounded overhead.

Others in the shop gasped, one woman rushed to the exit and opened her umbrella before bursting outside, making Julia realize she had nothing to protect her from the rain.

A figure on the other side of the room moved, taking a step in her direction, and she glanced that direction to see Nathaniel.

Warmth flooded her body, only to immediately be replaced by cold regret. Would his presence never stop affecting her?

When did he enter the shop? He certainly hadn’t been among its patrons when she walked in. What was he even doing here?

He’s a doctor, you ninny. Of course he frequents apothecaries, she reminded herself, pasting on a polite smile. She watched his approach, hoping she did not look as uneasy as she felt. “Doctor Hastings.”