“I do,” Henry said, determined to push through the pain and fatigue. Better that he test his stamina this evening to find his limits rather than doing so at the Yard with the other officers watching him. He smiled at Amelia. “Would you care to join us?”
“I would, thank you. May I send a message to Fernsby to let him know?”
“Of course—and while you do that, I’ll change,” Henry advised.
After his mother and Amelia left, Stubbs arrived, clearly at Henry’s mother’s behest, to help him dress.
“I believe I can manage,” Henry protested, cheeks burning.
“I’m sure you can, sir,” the butler agreed, only to offer a conspiratorial smile. “But I don’t think either one of us wants to advise Mrs. Field that we didn’t comply with her wishes.”
“She can be quite determined,” Henry admitted, easily able to imagine his mother’s displeasure if he didn’t permit Stubbs to help him.
“You didn’t hear anything of the sort from me, sir. Besides, we wouldn’t want you to wear yourself out before you arrived in the dining room, not with company.”
With effort and numerous winces, Henry was soon dressed, though less than pleased by how much the simple movements required to put on clothes caused his side and shoulder to hurt. Perhaps he should stay with his parents a little longer before returning to his lodging house.
He ventured to the drawing room, happy to find his favorite people in the entire world gathered together. He paused in the doorway, appreciating the moment, especially since they were so clearly enjoying one another’s company.
His father was listening to a story Amelia was telling, seeming transfixed by what she said, something Henry could relate to. His mother listened as well, nodding in agreement. Amelia gestured, her face animated as she spoke.
The moment meant more to Henry than he could say. He could easily imagine future evenings like this, perhaps even with Amelia’s parents joining them. His family and her family becoming…their family.
Amelia was a gift in his life, and he intended to treasure every moment with her.
As if feeling the weight of his regard she glanced up, a smile lighting her face, her brown eyes glowing with happiness. She was beautiful, inside and out. His love for her seemed to deepen daily, and he was more than relieved she hadn’t appeared to decide the dangers associated with his job were too much. He intended to do all he could to reassure her, and take care each and every day with the hope they would have a lifetime together.
“Henry,” his mother greeted him, her watchful gaze sweeping over him as if to assess how he was faring.
That had him standing straighter before he stepped forward.
“Right on time,” his father declared and rose to pour him a drink. “Amelia was telling us about Master Leopold.”
Henry’s gaze shifted to her. “He has taken over her household and everyone in it.”
“True.” She nodded with a laugh. “I can’t imagine where we would be without him.”
“He sounds delightful,” his mother said as Henry took the glass from his father and joined them. She looked at his father. “Perhaps we should consider getting a cat, Thurmond.”
“Hmmm. I don’t see how we could expect to find one with as interesting a personality as Master Leopold.”
The conversation continued around him as Henry leaned back in his chair and listened, sipping his whiskey.
“I mentioned the sanatorium to your parents,” Amelia advised lightly, “and your mother happens to know someone who was recently a patient.”
“And they still live?” Henryasked with a lifted brow.
“You remember Mr. Olson, don’t you, Henry? He does indeed still live and on the next street.” At Henry’s nod, his mother continued, “He gave a glowing report of the place.”
“He told your mother it was the best thing he ever did for his health,” his father added.
“What did he suffer from?” Amelia asked politely.
“Gout.” His father shook his head. “Such a painful problem. He says the fasting helped considerably.”
“Mr. Olson, yes. I remember him being a rather large man,” Henry said, relieved the man’s image came to mind.
“Not anymore.” His parents shared a look, then his father added, “I nearly didn’t recognize him. He looks much different, though I didn’t realize he’d been at that sanatorium.”
