Ahead of her on the path, Dr. Taylor stopped short.
“Kendall? Richard Kendall?”
The man with the golden hair looked up. His heart-shaped boyish face broke into a wide smile.
“Taylor! Is it really you?” The two men strode toward one another, shook hands vigorously and slapped one another’s shoulders. Charlotte stood to the side, off the path, where she could observe without intruding.
She had rarely seen Daniel Taylor smile so warmly, with such genuine delight. She felt unexpected tears prick her eyes at the happy sight of good friends reunited. And perhaps the slightest twinge of envy.
Two workmen were walking toward the bridge now, crates of fish on their shoulders. One looked at her boldly. Unconsciously, she took a step closer to Dr. Taylor.
“I thought you were practicing in London,” Dr. Kendall said.
“I am.”
“What brings you to our fair village, then?”
“My wife and I let a seaside cottage not far from here.”
“Well, do introduce me.”
Following his friend’s gaze, Dr. Taylor looked over his shoulder in her direction. “Oh, no this isn’t my ... That is, Mrs. Taylor is at the cottage with our daughter. This is Miss Charlotte Lamb.
Our ... friend of the family.”
“Miss Lamb.” The man’s smile was guileless, which Charlotte found both relieving and charming. He bowed, then looked up at Daniel, brows raised.
“Oh!” Daniel started. “Forgive me. Miss Lamb, may I present Dr. Richard Kendall, physician and friend.”
“How do you do, sir.” Charlotte curtsied.
“Very well indeed. Pleased beyond reason to run into old Taylor here. We were at university together, did you know?”
Charlotte shook her head.
“Miss Lamb, you never saw poorer, sorrier excuses for candidates, I can tell you.”
“None poorer, I assure you,” Daniel agreed.
“Miss Lamb ...” Kendall eyes lighted as he repeated her name.
“NottheMiss Lamb, surely.”
Charlotte cocked her head to one side, uncertain. “I am not sure ...”
“Of Kent. Doddington, was it?” He looked at Daniel, whose face began to redden.
“Yes,” Charlotte said, uneasy.
“Taylor here spoke quite highly of you at Edinburgh, I can tell you.”
Daniel cleared his throat. “You have quite the memory, Kendall.”
“Yes. Helps me sort out my many patients and their various complaints.”
“I’m sure you do so admirably.”
“I try. Now do tell me exactly where you are staying. I probably know the place. Probably set a bone there or bled somebody nearby.” He smiled teasingly at Charlotte.
