“I actually enjoyed the cleaning. I’m proud that we could all come together. It was rather fun. I think even the dowager had a good time, although her servants did the work.”
“She and I supervised,” Mrs. Warbler said proudly.
Mr. Thurlowe broke in. “Excuse me, ladies, I must leave. Miss Taylor, forgive me. Patients, you know.” Before anyone could respond, he was gone. There was no peck on the cheek or loving regret in his manner. He just left.
Gemma realized he must truly abhor her if he was going to dash off and not spend time with the woman he was supposed to marry very soon.
However, he did not travel far before the dowager cornered him.
Miss Taylor began introducing Gemma to her companions. “These are my guardians, and better angels one could not find. This is Squire Nelson and his wife—”
She continued with introductions. However, the duchess had a carrying voice and Gemma doubted if there was anyone in the sanctuary who didn’t hear her say, “—Mrs. Warbler shared this salve she received from Gemma. I rubbed it on my knee and it feels immeasurably better. In fact, Gemma”—she turned, drawing Gemma into the exchange—“please come here.”
“Excuse me,” Gemma murmured to the Nelsons to give the exchange between doctor and dowager her full attention. “Yes, Your Grace?”
“I need more of that salve.”
“Unfortunately, I gave Mrs. Warbler all I have.”
“Then make more.”
“I will, once I have the ingredients,” Gemma assured her. “They are expensive.”
“I will buy them for you. I need that salve. I can move my knee easily without pain for the first time in ages.”
“Well, thank you, Your Grace.Thank you.” By now, everyone in the small church was listening to the exchange.
“And you should look into the salve, Mr. Thurlowe,” the dowager advised. “It has beneficial properties.”
His smile appeared forced. “I’m certain it does... However, please excuse me, Your Grace.”
“Of course, carry on,” the dowager answered and he left with a bow.
From that moment on, Gemma was bombarded with questions about her salve. Apparently, there were more aches and pains in Maidenshop than one could have imagined.
Of course, Gemma didn’t believe her salve was for everyone and she said as much. Once her doors opened, she promised she would listen to people’s ailments and see if she had a recipe that could help them. She told them about her gran and the healing history of her family and there was much interest. Mrs. Warbler beamed as if Gemma was her favorite child.
In this manner, she joined the flow out of the church. It felt good to be included. She also had the opportunity, now that she had her bearings, to thank many of the women who had given so generously of their time the day before.
At one point the dowager pulled her aside to let her know that she was serious about offering to pay for the salve’s ingredients. They stood amongst the gravestones surrounding the church. “I want that salve concocted with all haste. Why, I did more yesterday than I have for an age and I’m thankful to Elizabeth for sharing what you gave her. I could sleep without pain.”
“I will do my best, Your Grace.”
“See that you do. We are so happy to have you with us, Mrs. Estep—”
“Gemma,” Gemma said without thinking and then realized no one corrected a duchess. “Your Grace, I mean, please call me Gemma. I prefer that to my married name.”
The dowager’s brows lifted with interest. “There is a story.”
“And I will happily share it someday.”
“Very good,Gemma.” The duchess swept away.
Gemma drew a deep breath and released it. Over by the church door, people were milling around. She needed this quiet moment to herself and moved toward the back of the church building.
She was doing it.She was rebuilding her life, and it was better than she could imagine—
Her gaze caught on a headstone that was newer than the others. She walked toward it and beforeshe saw the name, she knew it was her uncle’s.Andrew MacMhuirich.
