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“It doesn’t matter.” He tapped her on the tip of her nose. “I am under doctor’s orders to rest. I have no need of my carriage.”
He seemed much more relaxed since he’d told her of his sister’s downfall. Confession was good for the soul.
“However, before you go, I want you to remember this when you’re speaking with your father and Mr. Faulkner-Jones.”
“What is that?”
Edwin pulled her closer and cupped her face in his hands and stared into her eyes. “I shall call upon you as soon as your meeting with your father is finished. Please send a note with my driver when he returns.”
Being this close to him, feeling the warmth from his body, the light scent of mint from his mouth, and the tempting hint of his bath soap did strange things to her insides. Before she could count all the places in her body that were reacting to him, he lowered his head and took her lips in a searing kiss. Not something short and innocent, but a deep, passionate joining of their mouths that told of possession, lust, and promises.
Promises she might not be able to accept from him.
Chapter 13
Rayne stepped out of Edwin’s comfortable and well-sprung carriage and stared at her father’s house. It was not her home growing up, since Father and her sisters had lived in the infirmary in town, much like she did now. Once Father retired, he bought this house and as far as Rayne knew, he rarely, if ever, left it.
The thatched stone-built cottage with rambling roses around the door was just the right size for a retired gentleman. Cozy and bright both inside and out, a lovely wooden rocking chair sat next to the front door.
Mrs. Johnson lived in a small room upstairs. Father also employed two young girls who came in each day to do cleaning, laundry, and other household chores. It was a pleasant life.
She realized she was stalling and forced herself to walk up to the front door. She was not looking forward to this conversation because she’d come to the decision that she did not want to marry Mr. Faulkner-Jones. Even if she and Edwin had not shared kisses, and nothing ever came from their friendship, she still would not want to marry her betrothed. She hadn’t chose him, barely knew the man, he seemed to be quite taken with himself, and she wanted more from a marriage than a husband who popped in and out of her life when it was convenient for him.
Reminding herself that she was a woman grown, a respected doctor, and owner of a medical practice, she could do this. Of course, she had rarely gone against Father’s wishes her entire life. Well, truth be known, she didn’t know of any time she’d gone against his wishes.
Both her sisters had married young and to hear them tell it, they had ‘escaped’ from the tyranny. There was no doubt that Father had favored Rayne over her sisters as they all grew up. Sometimes it made her feel good to have his undivided attention and other times she found his absolute interest smothering.
She dropped the knocker on the door and a young girl, dressed in a maid’s uniform opened. “Good afternoon, Dr. Stevens. I am Bessie and I am pleased to meet you.”
“Good day to you as well, Bessie. It’s a pleasure to meet you, as well.” Rayne stepped over the doorstep and pulled off her gloves. She handed them, along with her coat and hat to Bessie and then, smoothing out her dress headed toward the drawing room where she knew Father spent his time when not sleeping.
“Good afternoon, Father.” She walked to where he sat on a comfortable chair in front of the fireplace. She kissed his paper-thin cheek, thinking how much he’d aged since he’d retired.
One never expected one’s parent to age. To her, he was always the wise doctor, who knew what was best for his patients. And his children. He was tall, although not so much anymore. His deep red hair had turned gray and then white over the years. But his piercing blue eyes had not dimmed with age.
“It’s about time you showed up. I don’t like waiting, young lady. You know that.” He harrumphed as she kissed him.
“It is just now three o’clock.” She checked her timepiece pinned to the bodice of her blouse.
“I mean waiting for you to make time for your father. I expected you a few days ago.” He thumped the floor with his cane that was forever by his side. He would never tell her why he needed the cane since he didn’t seem to use it to walk.
At his words and tone, she immediately fell into the submissive girl who did everything possible to please her father. “I’m sorry Father, but one of my patients went into early labor. It turned out the reason was she delivered twins.” She smiled brightly. “Two lovely, healthy girls.”
He grunted. “Damned inconvenient if you ask me.”
After a few moments, she said, “Shall I send for tea?” She made to rise, but her father waved her back into her seat.
“I just had luncheon. No need for tea.”
It was a good thing Rayne had eaten the food she’d brought with her in the carriage, since as usual, Father was only concerned with his own needs. Then she pushed that disloyal thought from her head. Father had done so much for her she had no right to question him. She was a well-trained, respected doctor because her father had believed in her, and had pushed her to do her best.
“I thought Mr. Faulkner-Jones was to be here?” She looked around as if expecting the man to pop out from behind the sofa.
“He will be here shortly. I want to get all of this marriage business out of the way. Faulkner-Jones needs to return to his excavation and doesn’t have time to be dawdling around waiting on you.”
Rayne bit the inside of her cheek to keep from responding. After taking a calming breath, she said. “About that, Father. I don’t believe I want to marry Mr. Faulkner-Jones.”
He waved his hand in dismissal again. “Of course, you do. It’s been arranged for ages and it’s the best thing for you.”
