This, his first sign of remorse, seemed sincere. Reminding herself again of his recent bereavement, Anne decided to be gracious.
“Very well. We shall speak no more about it.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your forbearance and am in your debt.” He raised a finger as a new thought struck. “And something you said has just given me an idea....”
After a quick bow, he turned and strode away without further explanation.
For a moment she watched him go, and then she returned to Painswick Court. When she went upstairs, she again saw Dr. Finch standing with Rosa in the corridor, the two whispering together.
See?Anne thought. Miss Lotty was wrong about who Dr. Finch liked. And maybe Miss Birt was wrong about Dr. Marsland admiring Lotty as well.
A few hours later, Anne finished kneading and stretching Lady Celia’s swollen calves and ankles, and pulled the bedclothes back over her legs. Her patient begrudgingly praised her. “Thank you, Anne. That was ... most ... therapeutic.”
“You’re welcome.”
After a moment, Lady Celia added, “I understand my nephew Jude Dalby has been coming around, whining about his lot, and wanting to live here again. I’ve half a mind to refuse.”
“Oh?” Anne replied, feigning nonchalance.
“I warned him not to marry Miss Palling, but would he listen? No. If he’s unhappy now, that is hardly my fault.”
Anne licked dry lips. “You ... forbade the match?”
“Not exactly, but I advised him to marry a woman of means. His mother, my younger sister, did not heed my advice either and married a man without property or prospects.So Jude has little coming to him, besides whatever I decide to leave him.”
“I thought the Pallings were wealthy?”
“They were. Like many clothier families, they owned one mill and bought another. Houses too. But I knew the prosperity would not last. My own banker and solicitor advised me against any further investment in the mills. Jude would not listen.”
“The mills are struggling?” Anne asked in surprise.
Lady Celia nodded. “If I’m right, he’ll reap a share of debt instead of the profits he longed for.”
A loud knock sounded.
“Come!”
The door opened, and Mr. Jude Dalby entered. In his arms ... a small dog.
“I’ve brought you a gift, Aunt.” The impertinent man sent Anne a wink over his aunt’s head.
“What?” Lady Celia frowned. “I don’t need a dog. I don’t have the energy to train a pup!”
“He’s not a puppy. He’s nearly two years old and already trained. He was Esther’s pet and is as sweet and docile as she was, God rest her.”
Poor Esther, Anne thought, remembering Albert Palling’s soft-spoken sister.
“Why give him to me?” Lady Celia asked. “I suppose it’s your way of toadying up to me, so I’ll agree to let you move back here.”
“You always had dogs when I was a boy. I thought he might be good company for you.” He smiled at Anne. “Although I see you already have pleasant company.”
“Humph.” Lady Celia studied the white-and-liver-colored spaniel with long ears and a feathery tail. “What’s his name?”
“Louie.”
Mr. Dalby lowered the small dog to the bed, and he immediatelysat, eyeing his potential new mistress with placid interest.
Lady Celia tentatively reached and out stroked one silky ear. The dog leaned in to relish her touch.
