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Chapter Two
Mid-December 1813
London, England
“Congratulations. You nowhave an heir.” Gus held up his glass of cognac. “Mother and son are both doing well. I’ve given your five very anxious daughters strict orders to let them both rest tonight.”
“Thank you, Dr. Wharren, but I’m afraid they’ve already disobeyed. My wife wouldn’t deny them a look at their new little brother.” Nathaniel slapped his sibling on the back. “I must say it’s an advantage to have a physician in the family. Your education was worth every guinea. I may have inherited the earldom, but you, dear brother, have a skill I can only envy.”
It was late, and the room’s only light came from the hearth. The fire crackled and popped as he leaned an elbow against the mantel. “The midwife did most of the work. I didn’t get here until near the end.”
“Just in time. The woman was petrified to turn the babe. Thought she’d be held responsible if mother or son died.”
Gus nodded. “They often are.”
“If I’d lost her…” His brother ran a hand through his dark hair. Fatigue dulled his green eyes. His cravat had been discarded hours ago, leaving his rumpled linen shirt open at the chest. “Charlotte is my world.”
“I find more hopeless cases than happy ones in this profession.” Gus fell into the winged-back chair and soaked in the warmth of the flames. He retied his own shirt at the throat and rolled down his sleeves. “I wonder if I made the right choice.”
“What happened?” Nathaniel joined him and filled both glasses with more of the amber liquid. “Something in particular must have you in the dungeon.”
He let out a long, ragged sigh. “If I wanted to deal with so much death, I’d have joined the army.”
Augustus Wharren, fourth son of an earl, had wanted a profession that would improve people’s lot in life. At first, his clients came from all classes of society. Thetonhad made him wealthy, but their complaints were often so trivial he held back a laugh. So, he’d taken onpro bonowork and took on cases in the rookeries. But the slums of London were often worse than the threat of death. After ten years, Gus still suffered deep depressions when he lost a patient. He wished to leave London and think about another future.
Money was no longer an issue. Besides his lucrative practice, his grandmother had recently left him a generous annual income and a property near the Scottish border.
“You’re a gentle soul, Gus. Perhaps the life of a country squire?” Nathaniel pursed his lips. “A sweet country girl, a stable of horses, some sheep, perhaps.”
“Sounds idyllic, but I need todosomething. I’m not a gentleman of leisure.”
Nathaniel snorted. “I would never accuse you of that. Have you considered marriage? A discussion with Charlotte can ease my mind and my conscience.”
“She’s a rare woman. If I ever find one like her, I’d consider getting buckled.”
“Fair enough. Are you hungry? I’ll arrange for a cold repast.”
Gus nodded. “We need to discuss my move to Northumberland.”
“You still want to spend the winter in that drafty old mansion?” Nathaniel chuckled. “I swear our ancestors are still whispering in those dark, shadowy halls.”
“I always felt they watched over us when we visited Grandmama.”
“The portraits in the gallery.” Nathaniel shivered dramatically. “Those painted eyes seemed to follow us.”
Gus managed a laugh. “Perhaps they were. I’ll take a few months and get the place in order. It needs some work.”
“I hope you find your way.”
He held Nathaniel’s emerald gaze, so much like his own. The two could have been twins except for the eight years separating them. He would miss their talks. “I do too, Brother. I do too.”
*
Gus shrugged intohis greatcoat and pulled on his leather gloves. It had taken him less than a week to refer his clients to another physician and shutter his practice for the time being. The carriage was waiting, along with his favorite gelding saddled and tied to the back. It would be a long journey to Northumberland. The thought of being trapped inside a stuffy velvet-lined box for days didn’t appeal to him. He’d ride whenever possible. With final instructions to his townhouse staff, he put on his hat, mounted his horse, and followed the coach out of town.
His mood lightened as London faded behind him. Perhaps this reprieve was the perfect medicine for his soul. An odd buoyancy lifted his spirits and grew stronger as he neared Bliss Manor. Gus had the strangest feeling, a premonition of sorts, that his life was about to change.
The two inns along the way provided decent meals and clean rooms. Both innkeepers recognized him, as his family had followed this route often during his childhood. Now his heart pounded as the horse trotted up the familiar lane toward his grandmother’s home.Hishome.
