“In a roundabout way,” Grace said, her eyes dropping a fraction. “Dr. Barkley informed Dr. Hall that he is to mentor me over the next six months, during my time in Glasgow.”
“And what power does Dr. Barkley have over Dr. Hall to command him this way?”
“It would seem as though old Miss Fletcher is actually Dr. Hall’s aunt and she has quite a lot of influence on him,” Grace said, a proud smile coming to her lips. “Supposedly, he is the one who keeps her in such stylish gowns. And for whatever reason, she has insisted, quite ardently, that her nephew grant me a six-month commitment.”
“How fortune for you, indeed, my dear,” Belle said, her silver eyes twinkling with delight and possibly mischief.
“It is. And I will offer my thanks to Miss Fletcher and Dr. Barkley at once for using their powers to coerce Dr. Hall into agreement.”
“But are you certain you wish to do this?” Hope asked, concerned. “A professional life for a lady is… Well, it’s not done often.”
“No, it isn’t. And it can be very difficult,” Aunt Belle said as she peered back down at her. Then, she winked. “But I believe if there was anyone ready for such an adventure, it would be our Grace.”
Grace smiled.
“Thank you, Aunt Belle.”
“But who will go with you?” Hope asked, still worried.
“Well,” Grace said, nodding toward Logan. “Mr. Harris had the suggestion that his sister, Arabella might accompany me, if,” she said, turning back to Aunt Belle, “we have a chaperone. That way I can work with Dr. Hall and Arabella can enjoy the social side of the city.” Her expression turned pleading. “Would you be able to chaperone us, Aunt Belle?”
The old woman stood up and clapped her hands together loudly.
“Why, what a brilliant idea, indeed!” she said, giving Grace a kiss on the cheek. “I would love too. Oh. Except,” she turned to Faith, “I’ve a prior commitment.”
Faith stared at her aunt and then at Logan. Heading to London had been the idea, but since she had concocted that plan, everything had changed. Gazing over at Logan, Faith suddenly felt as if all eyes were on them.
“If I could,” he started, reaching for Faith’s hands as he came forward. “I was hoping that I might convince you to stay in Scotland for just a little while longer.”
“Just a little while?”
Logan smiled.
“If I say forever, will you hold it against me?”
Faith giggled, ashamed that her eyes felt suddenly wet. She turned to face her aunt.
“I…” she started before shaking her head. “Aunt Belle? Would you mind terribly if we don’t go to London?”
Belle gave her a gentle smile.
“Of course not, dear,” she said before turning to Hope. “And now I believe it’s your turn to share some news?”
Hope swallowed visibly, gave everyone a short nod, and turned to Graham.
“Well, since everyone is sharing. I… um, we, actually…” Hope stumbled through her words as Graham’s hand came to rest on her arm.
“What is it?”
“We…” Hope said, her cheeks turning bright red. “We are… Expecting.”
Graham frowned ever so slightly as if he didn’t understand.
“Expecting?” he repeated. “Expecting what?”
“You know,” she said.
For a fraction of a moment, it seemed hedidn’tknow, but then Graham’s entire face changed.
