Mr. Cole turned on the ball of his foot like a soldier on parade and marched off so quickly that Verity almost had to pinch herself to believe he had ever been there. Why had he returned at all? It would remain a riddle if she did not call after him.
Should she call? Surely, if it had been important, Mr. Cole would have stayed. Meanwhile, poor Dr. Westbridge was trying his best to propose marriage. It would be very rude to interrupt his efforts.
“And if we call the banns, it will be weeks before I can depart for Brussels.”
Mr. Cole had gone. Arthur Westbridge remained. For all his understated manner, it was Arthur Westbridge who was declaring himself. William Cole was charming and witty, his kiss passionate, his friendship precious. But he had not considered her a worthy prize to speak up for.
“I was hoping, if you would honor me and sayyes, we might at least be engaged. We could write each other without fear of indiscretion. And when I returned, we could be married without further delay. I wish I could offer you more. But my duty calls me to tend to service before self. You are, of course, very much more than duty, dear Miss Lockhart. Yet I must ask for your patience.”
His words permeated Verity’s heart at last. He truly cared for her. Not with fanfare or displays of affection, but quietly and sincerely. Wasn’t that all she really wanted? What need had she of a sensual mouth and lively eyes, or the way a uniform hugged the figure of a man, if that man kept walking away?
Dr. Westbridge continued gently. “I do not mean to press you, but I intend to leave with the regiment tomorrow, if they will allow it. I must have your answer, Miss Lockhart. Would you consider me a tolerable husband? I will accept your answer,whatever it may be, though my hopes are that you will not break my simple heart.”
“Yes.”
Verity said the word so suddenly, she surprised even herself. But why should she not say it? His was a perfectly good offer. It was real and kind and heartfelt. He would never hurt her, never confuse her with actions he would later be ashamed of. He would not flirt or play games. And she would be able to study and sketch, even be encouraged to do so.
“Yes?” said Dr. Westbridge, his mouth expanding into a broad smile.
“Yes,” repeated Verity. “I will marry you. Though I am sorry I must see you off to war. I will worry terribly.”
Westbridge took her by the hand. “Do not fear. I will be serving in a hospital, and nowhere near the battlefront. I will be quite safe.”
“That is good,” she answered, gazing down at the hand that enveloped hers. “Then it is settled.”
As if the good news should be shared at once, the Sinclairs now approached the carriage with their baskets and blankets and children. Hope was the first to read the situation and draw the happy conclusion. She saw the doctor’s beaming smile, his hand wrapping Verity’s, and cried, “You certainly took your time, Dr. Westbridge! We had all but given up on you. Come see, Daniel, you are to have a new brother-in-law!”
Verity blushed. It felt good to have something to celebrate. No more confused feelings. No more wondering if she would ever find a good match. She would not have to fear forhislife in battle. Her new husband might even have greater passion in the bedroom than he expressed when he was speaking. After all, Daniel was not a flashy fellow, yet her sister seemed very happy.
After congratulatory handshakes and kisses on the cheek, Dr. Westbridge reluctantly bid them adieu. He needed to talk toCaptain Larson at once. If his plans were acceptable, there was still much to be organized, letters to be written to the families he tended to. Fortunately, Munro was a big city, and there were sufficient physicians who could take up his medical duties while he was away.
Hope tried to lift the spirits of the newly betrothed couple whose parting was imminent. “We shall take good care of your bride-to-be, Dr. Westbridge. By the time you return, she will be ready to take on the responsibilities of an excellent wife and be aching to do so. No doubt, she will write you every day. And you must do so, too, sir, even if it is but a page and the letters arrive all in a batch after the inevitable delays of wartime post.”
“I shall do my very best,” agreed the doctor. He cast his eyes warmly upon Verity. “I wonder, would it be possible for Miss Lockhart to come and see me off tomorrow? I would let you know my plans as soon as they are confirmed.”
“I should like that very much,” Verity said, as much to her sister as her betrothed. “Everything is so rushed in this moment. I would be grateful for another hour with my very own gentleman.”
“Arthur,” said the doctor. “I would have you call me by my name. Then I may carry the memory of the sound with me abroad.”
“Arthur.” Verity tested the name upon her tongue. It felt unfamiliar, but not unpleasant. “Will you call me ‘Verity’?” she replied shyly.
“I would be happy to, my dearest Verity.” Their eyes met briefly before Arthur added, “Now I must make haste. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.” He released her hand with a perfunctory kiss before turning to Daniel. “Thank you for watching over Miss Lockhart for me. I am most grateful.”
“It will be my pleasure,” Hope’s husband replied. “We wish you well with all that must yet be accomplished in a short space of time.”
And then Arthur was off, hastening along the same path Mr. Cole had abandoned her on.
It was a strange feeling, being suddenly engaged. Strange, yet bringing a wonderful sense of purpose. No more time wasted fretting about finding a suitor. She could assemble hertrousseauin readiness for their life together.
Already, she envisioned herself taking notes of the little flying, hopping, buzzing things in the Sinclairs’ garden so that she might report it all to Arthur. Such news would help him think of home. It would be her first act of devotion to the man she would marry.
But was he the man she loved?
Verity glared inwardly at the version of herself that had spoken up.Be quiet!she told it.You are not wanted here. I can be happy. You will not spoil it.
And yet the little voice niggled at her while the driver steered the carriage home, throughout the excited chatter of her sister, and long after Verity had gone to bed. It whispered of two kisses on her hand, one that roused her to longing and a sense of loss, and one that merely reminded her she was spoken for.
She had saidyes. And that should be the end of it. And yet, when sleep finally claimed Verity’s thoughts, they had still been lingering on the back of Lieutenant William Cole as he had walked out of her life.
