Page 19 of The Gentleman Physician

“I am not certain what he enjoys,” she muttered, blowing out an exasperated breath. “He is a very critical person. I tell you this not to give air to grievance, but because I know you care about Lord and Lady Heatherton.” She adjusted her hand on his arm, drawing herself a little tighter to him, though she seemed unaware of the movement, her eyes searching for the boys again. “I fear he is causing my cousin some anxiety.”

“Oh?” That brought him fully into the conversation and he banished his personal concerns at this revelation. “At a time like this, Lady Heatherton needs more support than she does worries. Is the baron aware of this? If she is troubled, he must be also.”

Julia bit her bottom lip and shook her head, lowering her eyes to the path beneath their feet. “Virginia doesn’t wish to say anything to him. Though I am given to believe the brothers do not get along, I think Lord Heatherton hopes to have peace between them. That is natural, isn’t it? Toward the end of one’s life?”

Nathaniel nodded, meeting her concerned gaze squarely. “It is. Most people wish to make things right with all and sundry, to be able to leave this life without regrets. While it is good of your cousin to wish this for her husband, Mr. Macon should not be about if he is making this time more difficult.”

“Isn’t that what family does sometimes?” she asked, one corner of her mouth quirking upward. “They make things difficult.” She looked away from him again. “I know it is not in your power to do anything directly, but I thought if you found a way, indirectly, to assist in the situation, it would be appreciated.”

Although he couldn’t think of a thing he might do, Nathaniel found himself nodding his agreement. “Of course, Miss Devon. I will help in any way I can.”

“Thank you.” She stopped walking and he realized they were as far as she could go and maintain her watch of the boys, who appeared to be playing a racing game with a group of other youngsters. “I appreciate your kindness, Doctor Hastings.” She released his arm and it startled him how bereft he felt without that gentle weight upon it.

“Not at all, Miss Devon. Good day to you.” He tipped his hat and half-bowed. She offered a deferential nod and curtsy. Then she turned away and walked back the way they had come. He stayed on the spot, watching as one of the boys ran up to her and began tugging on her muff. She laughed and produced a small box, handing the boy something from it, which he promptly shoved in his mouth before running away.

For all that she was concerned with the affairs of her cousin’s family, she could still laugh and bring happiness to the children. Nathaniel couldn’t say he was surprised.

She’d always had a way of making him smile, too.

Nathaniel was no closer to protecting himself from her. He would need to speak to her earnestly, and soon, to keep his word to Timothy and possibly mend the broken pieces of his heart.

Chapter Eight

Though Nathaniel rarely had opportunity to move about in society, he enjoyed mingling with others. The night of the concert with Miss Felicity Rochester proved to be a delightful evening. She performed early on, as she was relatively unknown and the best performances were usually saved for last. Her companion sat next to him throughout, a delightful woman in her mid-forties named Mrs. Laurent.

Together, the three of them enjoyed the other performances, and there was a grand buffet laid out for anyone feeling peckish afterward. While he was in Miss Felicity’s company, several people had come to pay their compliments to her. In the course of the introductions, they inevitably began speaking to him about the life of a physician in Bath.

Nathaniel had accepted a few cards and handed out one or two of his own. Lady Huntington had been right. The evening proved fruitful for his work as physician. Several people had asked him to visit them or someone they cared for. While his practice was not yet thriving as he hoped it one day would, evenings such as this one created greater security for the future.

Perhaps, when he wished to change his marital status, a night like tonight would make it possible to do so without fear.

He swiftly shoved that thought aside, wondering where it had come from. He had no intention of marrying. Not yet. There was plenty of time for that later.

Nathaniel was speaking to a dowager countess of advanced years when he noticed a footman approached him, moving discreetly but pointedly. Nathaniel had learned how to recognize the earnest movements of someone searching for a doctor but avoiding a spectacle. He stepped aside, toward the wall, giving the footman easier access to him. Servants should not be seen speaking directly to guests at these events; every measure of discretion he could grant was given.

“Pardon me, Doctor Hastings,” the footman said, pitching his voice for Nathaniel’s ears only. “A message has come for you.” He handed the doctor a card. “I have taken the precaution of having your carriage brought around, sir.”

Nathaniel nodded and opened the folded paper.

The words were written in obvious haste, in a feminine hand.

Doctor Hastings, please come to Baron M’s house at once. One of the boys has fallen terribly ill. The baroness fears it is his father’s sickness. Your immediate attention is required. Respectfully, etc., J.D.

Nathaniel tucked the card into a pocket and hastily found Miss Felicity. He explained the situation to her quickly. “You see,” he finished, “I must go. Do you a wish to stay? Ought I to find a way to return you home?”

The young woman, no more than eighteen, shook her head. “Not at all, Doctor. I won’t put you out that way. Let us go, at once, to this family.” She stepped towards the door, raising her hand to motion her companion to follow from her chair against the wall.

“Wait.” He matched his step to hers. “Miss Felicity, it isn’t necessary for you to go with me. I can return you home first.”

“Is it on your way to this household?” she asked, peering up at him through determined eyes.

“No, but—”

She raised a hand to interrupt him. “Doctor Hastings, I have a whole houseful of younger siblings. I would not want anyone, especially a flighty miss, to delay a doctor meant to attend to them. I assure you, I am able to keep still in a downstairs room with Mrs. Laurent for company while you attend to the boy in your care. If the hour grows late, I can return home without you. But there is no use in standing here, arguing about it.” She twisted on her heel and marched from the room, sweeping Mrs. Laurent up as she went.

Nathaniel nearly smiled and followed, pleasantly surprised that the talented musician was also a practical woman. He didn’t know many society misses he could apply that compliment to with any sincerity. Julia, certainly, but few others.

Julia. It was she who had penned the note. He hoped the child, whom she had not named, had nothing more severe than a cold. But in a house where death stood by the door, no one would be able to rest until he, the physician, proclaimed the child out of danger.