James had stilled, noting the miniscule space between them. It was exactly the sort of situation that would usually make him wary, but there was a comfort in Grace’s amber eyes that steadied him and he exhaled.
“What do you wish to know, Miss Sharpe?”
“Why were you so against me shadowing you when I first asked?”
James felt his nerves fray at the question, but he would answer it, because despite what he had thought that night, it wasn’t as if he was in an embarrassing position.
“In truth, I was caught off guard that night and perhaps my ego was bruised a little,” he said steadily, staring at her. “It is not a very professional thing to admit.”
The slight bounce between her brow caught his attention.
“But I don’t understand. Why would your ego be bruised? Unless you… Oh…” Her face suddenly smoothed with recognition. “Oh.”
Oh indeed. Was there ever a more patheticOhspoken before?
“Yes, well, I wouldn’t worry about it.”
“Oh dear,” she said, her eyes unfocused as she leaned back away from him. “I can’t believe I didn’t realize it.”
“It’s quite all right.”
“No, it isn’t. You thought…” Her gaze fell to the ground. “But, your aunt.”
Now it was James’s turn to frown.
“My aunt?”
“It’s just… She told me that, well, that you were, um… how should I say this?”
“In her own words. I’m used to them, believe me.”
Grace hesitated before continuing.
“Well, she said that you were outside the idea of companionship ever since, um… Well, you know.”
He let out a sigh.
“Since Catriona.” Grace nodded. “Yes, well, that was a situation.” A silent pause followed and when he glanced at Grace, she appeared far more interested than he cared for her to be. He sensed her curiosity building, questions hovering on her lips as was her usual response to learning a new topic. He leaned back himself. “What do you wish to know?”
“Everything.”
A laugh escaped him.
“Everything?”
“Yes. How did you meet? Were you in love with her? Was she in love with you? Why did she leave? Were you able to forgive her?”
Although it was a series of incredibly private questions, James seemed almost eager to unload the answers, as he had never been able to speak freely about it. Not with his friends or family. It was just something that he was expected to bear by himself, silently and stoically as he always behaved. Not to mention, no one had ever asked him point blank any of these questions.
Taking a deep breath, he leaned forward again, resting his elbows on his knees as he clasped his hands together.
“We met three years ago, during one of her father’s lectures. I had known Sir Ward for a few years, since the end of my studies at the university, but never knew he had a daughter. She was the Wards’ only child and so they raised her to have a proper education and she was brilliant.” He peered up. “She wanted to be a doctor too.”
Grace’s eyes widened at the confession.
“Did she?”
“Yes, and she was quite capable. She was studying under her father as an apprentice since she wasn’t admitted to any of the universities due to her sex. Even with her father, who is renowned in the medical field, they still wouldn’t permit her.
