Too bad,she had said, though Charlotte had the distinct impression it was Mrs. Taylor herself who was disappointed. Charlotte admired Thomas and enjoyed his friendship, his easy acceptance, and their shared love of growing things—but friendship was all she felt for him. Wasn’t it?
“Are you certain you want me to go? You will be all right?”
“I do know how to care for my own child.”
“Of course you do. I only meant ... Well, she has been fed, so you should be fine.”
Thomas had mentioned he would be visiting cousins this day, so Charlotte didn’t take the sea path but instead walked into the village. There, she walked from shop to shop, idly taking in the displays in the windows. She planned to stay away from the end of the street where Dr. Kendall kept his offices.
Turning, she walked right into the man.
“Oh! Dr. Kendall, you startled me.”
“Miss Lamb.” He bowed. “Do forgive me.”
She dipped her head. “Good day, Dr. Kendall.” She turned her face back toward the milliner’s window, effectively dismissing him, allowing him to walk on without appearing rude. She felt his gaze on her, but feigned interest in the bonnets, hats, and hair ornaments on display. He stepped past her. After their last awkward encounter, he was no doubt relieved to have this unexpected meeting done with as quickly as possible.
His footsteps halted. “I say, Miss Lamb?”
Surprised, she turned toward him as he retraced his steps to stand before her.
“I am on my way to take tea at the little shop on the corner. I do not suppose you would care to join me?”
She pursed her lips, but her brain didn’t know quite what words to form. Finally, she managed, “Why?”
“I know things may be a bit awkward between us at present, but I see no need for us to continue so. Your current ... station ... in life might be somewhat of a shock to a proper Londoner, I suppose. But here, in this small village, well, such things are quite ordinary and need not form a barrier between us.”
She looked down at her hands, clasped before her.
“Come now, Miss Lamb. Have we not a dear friend in common? Are we not two educated gentlepeople, free to take tea together in a public place?”
“I wonder you did not miss your calling, Dr. Kendall. Politics would have suited you.” She could not keep a hint of a smile from softening her words.
“Is that a yes?”
“Very well.”
He grinned.
But before they had taken four steps, a young voice called out, “Dr. Kendall! Dr. Kendall!”
They turned and watched a young boy running toward them at full speed, panic evident in his features. “Mrs. Henning says come quick! She needs you something awful.”
Kendall’s expression grew grim. He turned briefly. “The midwife. Forgive me, Miss Lamb—perhaps another time.”
“Of course you must go.”
“Would you mind coming with me? I may need an extra pair of hands.”
“Of course.”
“Mrs. Collins, is it?” Dr. Kendall called out to the boy, who was already turning back.
“Yes, sir.”
“Bring this lady along, if you please.” And to Charlotte he said, “I’ll run on ahead.”
She nodded, but he was already jogging up the street.
