Because the Royal College must first attest that I actually am a worthy practitioner, and not a bored grandee who thought to amuse himself by masquerading as a doctor’s apprentice!Stifling this, and the sigh that accompanied it, Alwyn said instead, “Because I would seem foolish and presumptuous if I made her an offer before obtaining my degree.”
Sliger speared another bite. “But you’ll have it very soon, so your present lack of money needn’t keep you silent.”
Even if Alwyn had wanted to correct this supposition, he wouldn’t have had time as the boy then promptly asked, “Are you quite sure your aunt would like her?”
“Myaunt?” Alwyn was taken completely off-guard. “Well, of course. Why wouldn’t she?”
Swallowing, Sliger raised his eyebrows knowingly. “Some elderly women are quite finicky about the company they keep.”
“I’ve no worries whatsoever on that point.”
“Well then, if you truly believe that Miss Ever—erm,this particular young ladyis exceptionally well-suited for the rôle you have in mind for her, then you ought to speak with her immediately, before this other family secures her for employment.”
Alwyn stared at the young soothsayer’s crumb-speckled lips.
It’s true that holding my tongue thus far has only run me aground. Why not out with it? All of it?
Or at least part of it?
Blast! I’ve dithered enough for a lifetime! Certainly I can trust Miss Everson with the truth — and if she says she cannot love me after learning of it, I’ll be no worse off than I am now.
Getting to his feet, he mashed his hat onto his head and threw a couple of coins on the table. As he strode out of the door, Sliger called after him, “Godspeed!”
Alwyn hurried off towards Mayfair just as evening fell.
The Barest Civility
DOWNSTAIRS, there was a clang of the bell summoning the servants to their dinner.
Upstairs, Belinda was stewing.
Since hearing Mr Alwyn’s inspiring story, she had wanted him to know that she also sought to be useful and good.
So this morning in the front hall, I blathered on to him about being Dora’s companion as if it weren’t a mere notion!
Recalling the particulars that her tongue had reeled off, she cringed.‘Lovely family’, indeed! I can barely tolerate the mother, and have yet to even meet the father.And no one has ever said a word to me of Lancashire.
When she had heard herself slipping into these fabrications, it seemed there was no stopping. And then, his response had been so strange — an appeal for time that he might present her with an alternative.
What couldthatpossibly be?
In any case, I certainly must tell Aunt Rose about all of this.Leaving her room, Lindy headed down the hallway to where she believed her aunt to be.She may hear us discussing it, and she’s had enough surprises this week.
As she reached the bedroom door, Lee was coming out, looking eager for his meal. Slipping in, she found Rose standing at the foot of the poster bed, regarding her husband. Tucked under the blanket in repose, his mouth was agape, making himlook very much like an overlarge, hairy child, vulnerable and sweet.
“He sleeps so much of the time,” Rose said, solemnly.
Belinda put a hand on her aunt’s back, standing beside her for a long moment. She would not speak of her plan while Rose seemed unable to hear it.
But suddenly, another bell sounded — that of the front door.
Curious, the two of them moved to peer out of the window. A pair of women stood on the doorstep below, their faces hidden by their bonnets, but seeing a beaded reticule dangling from one of their arms, Lindy knew,It’s the Chaffees!
“No!” Rose gasped. “How dare they come at this hour? Probably hoping to catch us unaware – well blast them, it’s worked!”
Seeing her aunt wide-eyed and weepy, Belinda hardly recognized her. Over the years, Rose had proven herself to be the one person Lindy could always count on for wisdom and clear-thinking.
What a state they put her in! And it’s entirely my fault they've come at all.
