“What cells?” Dr. Finch asked.
“Did you not know? Painswick Court once housed a courtroom, with cells beneath to hold prisoners awaiting trial.”
Dr. Finch shook his head.
“Would not surprise me if the ghost spends time there as well. Seems the perfect place to haunt.”
Anne had heard rumors about prison cells, and they’d featured in some of Jasper’s stories, but she had not known if they were real or still existed.
“Come, now. That’s enough of that,” Miss Lotty insisted. “It is the Sabbath, after all.”
“I agree,” Dr. Marsland said. “And these two had better focus on more earthly concerns for now. Speaking of which...” He turned to Dr. Finch. “Youwillbe calling on Lady Celia this afternoon, correct?”
“Yes. Planning to.”
“Good.”
After they had eaten, Dr. Marsland departed first. Dr. Finch retrieved his hat and turned to Anne. “Since I’ll be calling on Lady Celia this afternoon, I shall likely see you later.”
Anne nodded as he headed out the door and noticed Ursula and Lotty exchange knowing looks.
Soon after that, Ursula left as well. Anne remained at Yew Cottage long enough to help with the washing up and to chat with Miss Lotty for a time, just the two of them.
“Dr. Finch likes you, Anne,” Miss Lotty said. “That’s plain to see.”
Thinking of Rosa, Anne shrugged. “I don’t know. Besides, I’ve decided to remain single and devote my life to caring for others and good works, like you have.”
Lotty raised her eyebrows in surprise.
“May I ask,” Anne said, “were you ever tempted to marry?”
“Tempted? Heavens, no.”
There,see, Anne thought.I am not alone in choosing to avoid marriage.
Lotty went on, “How could I be tempted when I was never asked?”
“Oh.” Anne blinked. “That surprises me. You’re so pretty and kind and genteel.”
“Thank you, my dear.” Lotty grinned wryly. “Always did like you.”
“I thought you’d remained single by choice,” Anne said. “Determined to live a productive life on your own terms.”
“Gracious, no. You credit me with modern views and far more courage than I possess. I would have liked to marry. I would still consider it if ... if someone I truly cared about proposed.”
Anne pressed her lips together, then prompted, “Like Dr. Marsland?”
Lotty chuckled awkwardly and began fiddling with the Roman coin. “You’ve been talking to Ursula, I see. She has taken it into her head to see romance in his kind attentions.” Lotty rubbed her thumb over the coin’s face. “But as I’ve often told her, we are just friends.”
Noticing the woman’s averted gaze and pink cheeks, Anne thought perhaps Ursula was right and the lady doth protest too much. “How long have you been acquainted with Dr. Marsland?”
“Oh, nearly fifteen years now. After Oxford, he practiced in Nailsworth for a time with an older man before establishinghimself here. He arrived not long after my father died, while I was nursing my mother through her final illness. He was kindness itself to Mamma during those difficult days, and kind to me as well. We have been friends ever since. There was a time several years ago I thought...” Lotty shook her head. “Then he ... withdrew somewhat. Let me know—subtly—that he was courting someone. He didn’t—wouldn’t—say who, for all of Ursula’s wheedling.
“We didn’t see much of him for a time, but then he started calling again. I could see he was depressed. She had clearly turned him down, whoever she was. I knew then that I could not compete with her memory. Yet I would be his friend and offer what consolation and companionship I could.
“Ursula thinks he has renewed his interest in me now.” Another shake of her head. “I don’t believe he has. Not ... romantically speaking. In either case, I value Richard’s friendship. And while it isn’t romance, friendship is worth a great deal.”
Anne squeezed her hand. “I wholeheartedly agree.”
