“They sound very handsome.”
“Oh indeed, they are.” He held her gaze. “Perhaps I will have the chance to show them to you one day.” Before she was able to agree or object, he asked, “What about you, Viola? Do you have any pets?”
“I have a dog,” she said. “My late husband gave him to me as an engagement present.”
“I see. And does this pup of yours have a name?”
“Rex.” It was her turn to smile at him with the knowledge that she was about to say the unexpected. “He’s a Rottweiler.”
Mr. Lowell’s eyes widened just enough to convey his surprise. “Really?” He studied her a moment, until her skin heated beneath the intensity of his gaze. “I ought to have known, oughtn’t I? A strong woman should own a strong dog. Now I think of it, I imagine you and Rex are well suited for each other and that he is quite an effective protector.”
A charge filled the air between them, born from the deep awareness of how well he already seemed to know her. It was slightly terrifying in a way. Most of all because she sensed that she also saw a part of him that he attempted to hide from the world. Not the rake, but a man with feeling and empathy for others. Her pulse quickened and panic took over. To like him too much would be far too dangerous, since she could not afford to become emotionally entangled with any man. Her past experiences wouldn’t allow it, and neither would her dedication to the hospital or her appreciation for independence. So she stood, forcing him to rise as well.
They started back toward the door leading back to the wing where Mr. Lowell’s room was located. “I think my late husband had the same thing in mind. But I do not need Rex to protect me. I’m perfectly capable of doing so myself.”
“Indeed?” He eyed her with interest.
Heat flared in her cheeks but the urge to astound him was far too tempting to be denied. “My father taught me to use a pistol most effectively. I carry one with me wherever I go. Just in case.”
Mr. Lowell grinned the way a child might do when discovering the secret to a magical trick. “Of course you do.”
“I have no husband or male relations to offer protection,” she explained.
“I see I was wrong to think you were foolish for living alone for a while. On the contrary, you’re a smart woman, Viola, and your father was wise to teach you.”
“To be honest, those hours of practice we spent together when there was time to do so are among the most precious memories of my childhood.”
“I gather he was a busy man.”
“As busy as most physicians, I suspect. Just consider your brother.”
Mr. Lowell nodded. “It is part of the reason why I insisted he take the trip he’d been planning with his wife. I’m glad he did, for no one deserves some time off more than him. Except maybe you.”
They reached the door and went back inside. “My work means the world to me, Mr. Lowell. I do not wish to take a break from it for any reason.” When he looked ready to argue, she added, “It fills my days completely and gives me immense satisfaction. I do not have time for anything else in my life.”
He didn’t respond for a long while after. Not until they reached his room and prepared to part ways. Turning to face her, he spoke with feeling. “You may not think so, but I intend to change your mind on that score. I mean to prove to you that making time for me will benefit you greatly, not only professionally, but”—he dipped his chin and whispered close to her ear—“privately too.”
His breath stroked her cheek, and Viola’s stomach contracted in response. Before she could get her brain working again and voice an answer, however, he was gone, leaving her more rattled than ever before. Because in spite of her efforts to stop him from trying to pursue her, it seemed she’d achieved the opposite.
Irritating man!
The effect he had on her was so distracting she could scarcely concentrate on her work for the rest of the day. Doing so was impossible when his words continued to chase her wherever she went.
It wasn’t until she arrived home later that she was able to find the reprieve she required, though not at all in the way she had hoped.
“The table’s already set so I’ll just have everything brought up to the dining room,” Diana said after greeting her in the hallway. She turned to go but paused to add, “I almost forgot. A letter arrived for you earlier today. I put it on the desk in your study.”
Viola thanked her and went to see who the letter was from. It had not been posted but hand delivered. Apprehension nipped at her skin, turning to full-fledged anxiety the moment she tore the seal and read the bold script.
Viola,
I must confess I was both surprised and relieved to find you absent from Tremaine House upon my arrival. Still, there are matters between us that must be settled, which is why I propose we meet at my home tomorrow afternoon.
In anticipation of your response,
Robert Cartwright, Duke of Tremaine
Inhaling deeply, Viola read the words three more times before dropping the letter onto her desk. She didn’t want to see the man who’d lost his inheritance to her. Not to mention the fact that she’d once been in love with him and that he’d broken her heart. But the most important reason of all was perhaps her decision to marry his father as he lay dying. The act still made her feel guilty, because she knew in her heart she was undeserving of the title she’d gained.
