Page 52 of The Gentleman Physician

“Where is her ladyship?” he asked, tone barely respectful. “Taken by the vapors? Overcome by grief?”

Julia thought it best not to say anything about her cousin, but she peered at him over her shoulder with no small amount of disgust. “A house of mourning, sir.”

His dark eyes flicked their gaze away from her and to the top of the stairs, which she quickly climbed. The sooner she got him out of the house, the better.

The valet stood in the doorway to his former master’s room but stepped aside when Julia approached. As she entered, she saw Thurston standing at attention by the hearth, his sharp eyes forward, though she knew he would miss nothing that occurred before him. His show of solidarity with her, and with the family temporarily in his charge, warmed her heart and brought some confidence back to her countenance.

“Your late brother, sir.”

His body would be cleaned and dressed today, by a professionally hired undertaker and the valet. For now, he remained in his nightclothes, the blankets pulled up around him, appearing as if he only slept.

Julia did not fear death, nor did she fear the dead. Sitting in the room all night, while exhausting, had been peaceful. A good man had gone away from the world, but he had done all he could to make it a better place for those under his care. Sitting near his bed, in a plush chair, with her work and thoughts to keep her busy, Julia had almost felt grateful for the duty her cousin asked of her.

Mr. Macon approached the bed hesitantly, with some measure of reverence, and stood at its head for a long moment.

Julia exchanged a glance with Thurston. “Please see to it that Mr. Macon has what time he needs, then show him out,” she said quietly.

She left the room without looking back at the man who would cause more pain for her cousin, for she had no doubt that his plans remained unchanged.

She had only gone halfway down the hall towards the parlor, thinking she ought to return to see if Virginia had need of her, when she heard men’s voices drifting up from the entryway. With Mr. Macon, the butler, and the valet upstairs, she couldn’t imagine who could be disturbing the solemnity of the house.

She decided to see to the people responsible. Julia lifted her skirt and returned the way she’d come, descending the stairs with quick steps, in time to see the study door closed by a footman.

“John?” she asked, coming to a stop at the foot of the stairs. “Who is in there? We are not accepting visitors.”

“I know that, Miss Devon,” he said, his voice hushed in the echoing place. “But they came by the trade entrance and said they would wait. It’s that barrister, Mr. Olivier, and Doctor Hastings.”

At Nathaniel’s name, her heart leaped and carried her forward several hopeful steps until her mind sorted through the rest of what the footman had said. “Oh.” She stilled. “They must be here to see my cousin. Let me speak to them and you wait here in case we need to send for her.”

“Yes, miss.” He bowed and then opened the door for her.

This time when she walked into the room, two sets of eyes were upon her. Mr. Olivier had barely sat down, it appeared, and hurried back to his feet. Nathaniel was in the middle of the room with his arms folded across his chest.

She curtsied, they bowed, and then Mr. Olivier began talking. But her eyes remained caught by Nathaniel’s piercing blue gaze. His frown was not one of displeasure, but of serious study and concern. His eyes looked nowhere but into hers, questions swirling in their depths. His whole body leaned slightly towards her as if he wished to take a step in her direction. But his feet remained rooted to the spot where he stood.

“Miss Devon? Miss Devon?”

Julia turned to Mr. Olivier, realizing her inattention had been noticed but uncertain how long she’d been staring at Nathaniel.

“Pardon me, Mr. Olivier. I am afraid it’s been a difficult morning and I am not quite myself. What were you saying?” Every joint in her body moved haltingly, like rusted hinges, and her muscles remained taut and tired. The day had only begun and she wanted nothing more than to curl up in a ball and sleep in some quiet corner.

Doubtless she’d been imagining Nathaniel’s compelling and expectant expression. She dared not glance at him again, or she might see his perplexity at being stared at in such a fervent manner.

“I asked if you thought it would be possible to meet with her ladyship. I know this is a difficult time, but I do not put it past her brother-in-law to let the matter lie until a proper amount of mourning time has passed.”

“He is actually here, right now. Mr. Macon is upstairs.” Julia knew she hadn’t really answered the question, but her mind remained heavy with fatigue. She cleared her throat and looked down, ordering her thoughts. “I think my cousin would meet with you. Please wait here, and I can put your request to her.”

“Thank you. We will wait as long as necessary.” Mr. Olivier bowed and Julia returned the courtesy.

She made it all the way to the door before she sneaked a glance at Nathaniel, glancing up barely long enough to meet his eyes, certain she would see nothing extraordinary.

The intensity of his stare, while not as great as it had been before, nearly arrested her. Concern filled his eyes, his jaw muscles remained tight, and his whole body bristled with pent-up emotion. Julia’s lips parted slightly and in her surprise she nearly spoke, but she recalled her duty and swiftly left the room, shutting the door behind her.

Her heart hammered against her chest and Julia tried to remember if she’d ever seen Nathaniel study her in such a manner before.

A footstep on the stair brought her attention upward. Mr. Macon descended, each footfall loud and intentional, but he only shot her one irritated glanced before making his way to the front door, which John swiftly opened and closed again upon him.

Julia looked to the head of the stairs and saw Thurston at the top, his customary stern expression in place.