“But sir,” Alwyn spoke slowly as yet another possible misfortune formed in his head. “What ifyouare denounced for having taken me on as your apprentice?”
“Me,denounced? Impossible!” Felix glowered at such absurdity. “Everyone acquainted with me knows I am anexcellentpractitioner. And they will know the same ofyou!”
As the doctor’s words sank in, Alwyn’s heaviness lifted.
He knows me truly now, and remains convinced.Looking steadily at the man, he said, “Thank you, sir — I’ve never had a friend as good as you.”
“Yes well, it has been my pleasure, I assure you. NowLord Farrmore, let’s think this through, shall we?” Felix sat back down. “In two weeks’ time, you will sit for your exam, pass it with ease, and by dinnertime you will declare yourself to the young lady. A faultless plan, think you not?” He leaned back, resting his hands upon his paunch.
Though Alwyn may have appeared thoughtful at the man’s suggestion, his mind was elsewhere.
Felix holds nothing against me. But Miss Everson…
He shook his head faintly.
“No? Do you fear she’ll reject you even then?” The doctor chortled. “Perhaps she’ll hold out for someone with a duchy?”
…she may want to settle with the Hartleys straightaway.
“I must speak with her tonight, or she may go off to Lancashire,” Alwyn muttered.
Felix frowned. “Lancashire? How does that fit in?”
The young man shot up from his chair. “I’ve no time to tell you now.”
In a few quick strides, he had snapped up his satchel and was through the front door.
If only she will listen! To which theatre was she going?
Dashing down the steps to the street, he hailed a hansom cab, and told its driver, “To the Adelphi — hurry, man!”
Up in the Box
AT PRECISELY six o’clock, Belinda saw the anticipated carriage pull up in front of the townhouse, so she ducked into the parlour to bid her aunt and uncle goodbye.
“Darling,” Rose said, catching her hand. “I am so thankful we met with the Hartleys in Green Park on Monday. Otherwise your stay in town would have been very dull, thus far.”
George turned to her. Though half of his face drooped, there was a bright look in his eyes.
“You like…the daughter, yes?” he asked. “You always speak…highly of her.”
Lindy was pleased to see that he was taking an interest in matters outside himself.
His mind is coming back to him.
“I like her very much,” she replied, stooping to kiss his cheek. “We are often amused by the same things.”
And I hope to spend much more time with her in the very near future.
Her uncle nodded, but as Belinda tied the ribbons of her mantle, doubt began to cavil her.
Truly, Dora's parents may not see any need for her to have a hired companion. Am I not already acting as one tonight, and without them paying me a penny?
But what other doors are open to me? she wondered with a sigh, heading out front.
As she went down the steps, an arm, clad in bright yellow silk, popped out of the carriage window.
“Belinda, come, come!” Mrs Hartley beckoned. “Let’s be off!”
