Page 28 of The Gentleman Physician

“Would he remove them from their mother, do you think?” he asked, resuming their walk.

“I don’t know. If he had all the power, even if he allowed her to remain with them, would she have any say in how they were brought up?” she asked, shaking her head as she spoke. “The baron is not even gone yet and his brother is acting the part of a villain. You have spoken to Lord Heatherton many times. Have you ever thought him to be lacking in his mental faculties?”

“Never,” he answered firmly. “He is lucid and intelligent. Anyone who has seen him in the past weeks would say the same.”

“But once he is gone, who will give such a testimony?” she asked. “And how will a baroness who has lost her husband appear sound in her own right? Virginia has been grieving her husband for weeks, and I cannot imagine what will happen when he is gone.” She hesitated over the last word, her face paling. “I am asking a great deal of you, Doctor, but I know no one else in Bath. If you could give me some direction to turn for aid, I would be forever grateful.”

They began walking the opposite way again. Nathaniel’s mind worked upon the problem at hand. He could not deny someone who needed his help, even if that someone was Julia Devon. That she had approached him for aid, even after his less than chivalrous behavior towards her, showed her determination.

“I may know someone you could consult,” he said at last. What would Timothy say if he knew what Nathaniel was thinking? “Should I have him come around to the house?”

“No, I would prefer my cousin didn’t know about my inquiries,” she said, then bit her bottom lip. Her eyes were directed forward, but he doubted they saw much of anything, as she concentrated on the problem at hand. “And I do not go out into society, where I might be introduced to him easily.”

Nathaniel considered her needs. If he and Timothy met her in a public place, it would be hard for her to have a private conversation. But he could not send the man to her house, apparently, without raising too many questions. As a single woman, she could not call upon Timothy at his offices. His admiration for Lady Heatherton, his respect for the baron, gave him every reason to want to help their family. But they had their own legal counsel, and surely that person would be consulted?

“Are you certain this is necessary? What of the baron’s solicitor?”

“Out of town,” she answered simply, lifting and lowering one shoulder, her face taking on a rueful expression. “I went by his offices today, between shops. He has been called to the country on a family emergency, I was told.”

“Oh.” That would cause her ladyship some anxiety, not knowing when she might expect help from legal counsel or having to find someone unfamiliar with her husband with which to work. “I see. Very well.” He took in a deep breath and released it slowly. “If you could arrange to be in George Street tomorrow, perhaps around ten o’clock, I could take you on a call to Mr. and Mrs. Olivier.” He gave her the house number.

“I will meet you there. Thank you, Doctor Hastings.” She released his arm and Nathaniel realized they were right where they had started their unexpected parade up and down the walk. “Good day, sir.”

“Good day, Miss Devon.” He finally tipped the brim of his hat to her. She smiled, curtsied, and went on her way. He stayed there, watching her walk with the same gracefulness he remembered from London. After the door to the townhouse shut behind her, he shook himself free of her spell and continued on his way.

One thought intruded on his desire to remain immune to her. Julia Devon remained as lovely as ever she had been, and therefore highly unsuitable to being anyone’s governess.

Chapter Eleven

A hired chair did not cost much in Bath when a single person wished to get around town. Though the address Nathaniel had given her was close enough to make the walk without trouble, Julia thought it best she not be seen wandering the streets alone, and at such an early hour. She did not wish to let anyone know her reason for leaving the house, in order to keep Virginia from worrying and Mr. Macon from meddling. She only told her maid she would be visiting a friend.

With careful planning, Julia managed to arrive precisely on time, and when the men carrying her chair lowered the box to the street, it was Nathaniel Hastings who opened its door and offered his hand to guide her out of it.

Though the contact was brief, and only a polite necessity, Julia’s heart skipped when her fingers touched his palm. Stepping close to him, she smelled the pine and soap scent that lingered on him. She reminded herself with great firmness that he not only held her in distaste, but he likely belonged to another.

He relinquished her hand and offered his arm instead.

“Good morning, Miss Devon,” he said, his rich voice warming her from the inside out.

Julia’s smiled up into his beautiful blue eyes. They looked on her with less disapproval and more concern today. She knew he cared about the Macon family, and his help today proved he remained a gentleman in every possible way.

“Are we expected?” she asked, peering up at the modest townhouse. The brick was darker and the front of the house narrower than her cousin’s home, but the street was clean and pleasant. “It is very early for visits.”

“Not at this house, and not for me,” Nathaniel said, leading her to the entrance. There were no steps or wide stoop here, only an entry directly off the street. “But I did send word, yesterday, of our coming on a matter of business.”

Grateful for his help, Julia nodded and used her free hand to tuck a wayward curl behind her ear. Nathaniel knocked and a young woman, dressed in the dark work clothes of a servant and wearing a starched apron, showed them inside. She curtsied.

“Good morning, Doctor Hastings, sir. The master and the missus are in the dining room and invite you to join them.”

“Excellent. Thank you, Maria.” Nathaniel led them into a hall. The maid helped Julia take off her outer coat and gloves, Nathaniel divested himself of his winter wear.

She checked her hair in a mirror near the entry, then glanced about her with some interest. The home was not half as grand as her cousin’s, but the entry hall was decorated in deep blues and greens, with a handsome portrait of a man and woman across from the mirror. They looked young, the painting new, and she wondered if these were her hosts. The staircase was near at hand, polished wood with a carpet runner of blue, and only a slight curve hid the landing from view.

Julia followed Nathaniel upstairs and into the dining room of Mr. and Mrs. Olivier. She stepped in behind the doctor, her heart in her throat.

Mr. Olivier and his wife stood when Nathaniel introduced her. Julia took everything in quickly, from Mr. Olivier’s fair curls and frown to his wife’s openly curious appraisal of her.

Julia self-consciously smoothed the front of her skirt as discreetly as possible. Had wearing her best walking dress for the occasion been the right thing to do? Her wardrobe, though nothing spectacular, did consist of finely made garments that bespoke some affluence in life. Would they think her unworthy of help, or dismiss her as a woman clearly out of her depth in these sensitive matters?