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John pointed to the empty chair next to Lady Samantha, who was busily refilling cups around the table. Braden found that odd, since Mrs. Girvin remained by the door, not making the slightest attempt to help her employer.
Lady Samantha, meanwhile, chatted to the gentlemen in a cheerful voice as she waited on them. Why in God’s name did the blasted fellows treat her like a serving girl?
“Can I get you some tea or coffee, Dr. Kendrick?” she asked as she came back around the table.
“That won’t be necessary,” he said, more brusquely than he intended.
When she colored up, he wanted to kick himself.
“But thank you all the same,” he added. “Most kind.”
She cast him a wary glance, before sliding into the chair that he held out for her. When Braden took his seat, he felt like ten times an idiot.
“I believe we’re ready to start,” John said.
“Finally,” muttered the walrus.
John glanced over his shoulder at the housekeeper, still observing the room.
“That will be all, Mrs. Girvin,” he pointedly said.
She nodded. “Please ring if you need anything else.”
When she’d closed the door, John called the meeting to order. The first item was to introduce Braden.
Braden recognized the names of the mix of businessmen, bankers, and barristers, with a clergyman and two aristocrats for good measure. The bristling walrus was Sir Gregory Arthur, and the venerable ancient, Lord Robertson. It didn’t take a genius to realize that they were members of the old guard on the board.
In fact, most of the men seemed to be old guard, with the exception of Arthur Baines, a noted barrister who was one of the younger board members. He actually acknowledged Braden’s introduction with a smile and a friendly word.
Clearly, John and Lady Samantha had their work cut out for them against this lot.
“As you know, this is mostly a formality,” John said, “but I need a motion to accept Dr. Kendrick to fill the current vacancy on the board.”
“So moved, and delighted to do so,” said Arthur Baines. “Dr. Kendrick will make a fine addition.”
Sir Gregory loudly sniffed.
“Perhaps someone can second the motion,” John dryly noted.
“Seconded,” Lady Samantha said.
“Thank you. Dr. Kendrick, would you mind giving the board a brief overview of your experience and training?”
John had already given him a few suggestions, so Braden made a point of emphasizing his extensive education in Edinburgh, as well as his additional training in Hanover.
“Very impressive credentials,” Baines said with approval.
“I’m grateful that I was able to train in Edinburgh,” Braden replied. “The medical college is certainly on par with any university in Europe. And our hospitals are, naturally, second to none.”
Murmurs of approval rose from around the table. As John had predicted, a little national pride went a long way with this group of staunch, old-fashioned Scots.
“Yes, that’s all very well,” said Sir Gregory, “but we already have one physician on the board. Why do we need another?”
Arthur Baines leaned slightly forward. “We have two aristocrats and two businessmen, so why not two physicians? They would certainly seem to be more useful than the rest of us.” He chuckled. “And we certainly don’t need more barristers.”
Mr. Paisley, a textile magnate, scowled at Baines. “The foundation certainly seems to need our money, or am I mistaken in that?”
“Your generosity is greatly appreciated,” Lady Samantha said with a winning smile. “I cannot imagine how we would get along without you, or without any of our board members. You are all quite invaluable.”
