“Learning to handle a carriage or cart would be useful as well,” she added, jerking him out of his musings. “In the country, you never know when you might require that skill, even if you do not own one.”
Brushing aside thoughts of future outings with Miss Templeton, Arthur forced himself to focus on the here and now. It wouldn’t do to rush matters when he could easily ruin his chances tonight. Simply ask Miss Templeton if he might accompany her for the evening. That was a small thing. Surely, he could manage that.
The telltale tightness in his throat had Arthur cursing himself, but drawing in a deep breath, he thought through the words.
“Might I join you tonight, Miss Templeton?”
Or perhaps,“It would be my honor if I could accompany you about the assembly.”
But that wasn’t a question. True though it may be, it was more of a statement than an invitation.
“Miss Templeton—” he began.
A gentleman appeared at the lady’s elbow. “There you are, you minx. Been hiding from me, have you?”
Miss Templeton laughed. “I am certain you’ve been too occupied to notice me.”
“Yes, but no evening is complete unless you stand up with me,” he replied with a roguish smile. Taking her by the hand, the gentleman waggled his brows. “Come now, Vi. Dance with me.”
With a sigh, she turned her attention to Arthur, a smile on her lips. “Dr. Vaughn, may I introduce Mr. Osborn Gadd. He’s an old friend of my family.”
The gentleman gasped like a prima donna. “You claim a family connection only? I am mortally wounded!”
“What you are is ridiculous,” she said with an exasperated—but amused—shake of her head. Shifting, she slid her armthrough Mr. Gadd’s, holding it with a familiarity that knifed through Arthur’s chest. But as they moved to take their places, she stopped and looked at Arthur. “Thank you for the dance, Dr. Vaughn. It was delightful.”
A few little words, yet the warmth in her tone melted the chill that had taken hold of him. Miss Templeton’s eyes were a lovely shade of brown, so much richer and deeper than one often found, and they glowed as a smile graced her full lips.
“I—” Arthur swallowed, forcing down the lump that formed in his throat. “The honor was all mine, Miss Templeton.”
Another broad smile, and she turned away, breaking the spell. Arthur stood there watching as the pair joined the lines of dancers and remained there until a gentleman to his right pointedly cleared his throat. Glancing about, Arthur realized he was in the way and quickly moved to the side, though his gaze never strayed from Miss Templeton and Mr. Gadd as the pair laughed and grinned, looking every bit the courting couple.
She had a beau. That revelation was no surprise; a lady of Miss Templeton’s caliber was bound to have many.
Yet even as Arthur stood there, watching his hopes die a terrible death, his father’s voice came to his thoughts, doling out a piece of wisdom he’d often dispensed when his sons ventured into the courting arena.
“Unless she is married and beyond your grasp, do not surrender until she tells you to.”
Mr. Gadd may be a suitor or simply a rival for her affection. Their friendly manners certainly testified that it was likely the former, but Arthur couldn’t ignore the possibility that matters weren’t settled between the pair, and there was a possibility—
“There you are, Arthur,” called Finch as he approached, slapping a hand on the fellow’s shoulder. “You snuck away there for a moment, but there are still many people you need to meet before the night is done.”
Arthur held back a sigh. Yes, this was part and parcel of having a profession; despite his mind feeling overly saturated with new names and faces, he needed to establish a presence inthe area. Especially if he wished to remain and have an income healthy enough to provide for a family.
And that thought drew his attention back to Miss Templeton as Finch led him further down the room.
“Mr. and Mrs. Slater, may I present Dr. Arthur Vaughn—” he began, but the pair quickly cut the introduction short when Mrs. Slater burst into a grin.
“Oh, we know the good doctor,” she said, reaching forward to gently tap her fan against Arthur’s forearm. “He was a dear and looked after my megrim a few days ago. Finally gave me some relief.”
“I am pleased to hear you are on the mend,” replied Arthur.
“So much better, Doctor,” added Mr. Slater, reaching forward to shake his hand. “She’d been struggling with it for days, and it finally subsided. You are a godsend.”
Arthur couldn’t help but wonder if Miss Templeton had a remedy for megrims. If her salve were any indication, it would likely be quite useful. Would she share her recipe? Perhaps show him how she made it? The salve was quite effective, and Arthur wouldn’t go amiss if he kept a pot of it in his satchel.
His eyes drifted to where the lady danced alongside Mr. Gadd. Miss Templeton laughed at something he’d said, her attention so fixed on her partner that Arthur couldn’t stop his chest from burning at the sight.
“Dr. Vaughn?” called Mr. Slater with a questioning tone.
