The doctor chuckled. “That is the spirit.” He shifted his gaze towards Roswell and Anette. “Would you mind stepping out while I apply the leeches?”
Roswell tipped his head. “Yes, of course,” he said. “I shall return later this afternoon to see how my mother is faring.”
Once he had led Anette into the corridor, Roswell clasped his hands behind his back, feeling a sudden need to fill the silence. “I’m sorry about what my mother said back there.”
“You have no need to apologize,” Anette assured him as they started to head towards the stairs. “She was right.”
“She was?”
Anette kept her gaze straight ahead as she replied, “I should be so lucky to find a man that would treat me as a partner, a helpmate, and not as some prize to be won.”
Placing a hand on her sleeve, he gently turned her to face him. “Is that what you think you are?”
“I fear that gentlemen are far more interested in my dowry than what I have to offer,” she admitted.
“They are wrong to do so,” he said. “You are good, and kind, and you are beautiful on the inside and out. Any man would be lucky to have you as their wife.”
She lowered her gaze to the lapels of his jacket. “I don’t feel beautiful.”
He placed his finger under her chin and raised it until she looked at him. “Trust me, I have never known a more beautiful young woman than you.”
Her eyes searched his, as if gauging his sincerity. He hoped she found what she was looking for because it was the truth. He had always found her to be beautiful, even in their youth. And her flaws only seemed to enhance her beauty.
“Come,” he encouraged as he dropped his hand. “We should return you to your brother before he comes looking for us.”
As much as he wanted to remain in her presence, it was not his place to do so.
ChapterFourteen
Anette had never felt more beautiful than she did when she was around Roswell. He saw the real her, making her feel as if she truly mattered to someone. But that didn’t mean he loved her. No, but he did care for her. Why couldn’t that be enough for her?
Could she ever be truly satisfied being his friend, knowing he would never be hers? Regardless, he needed her now and she would move heaven and earth to help ease his pain. She would just have to sort out her emotions later.
As they descended the stairs, a knock came at the door and the butler crossed the entry hall to open the door.
“Good morning, Mr. Barnard,” the butler said as he opened the door wide.
A low growl came from the back of Roswell’s throat as a tall, dark-haired man stepped inside.
Anette turned her head and gave him a curious look. “What is the matter?” she asked in a hushed voice.
“That is the man I was telling you about; the Frenchman,” Roswell explained, his eyes narrowing on his guest.
Octavia’s cheerful voice came from the doorway of the drawing room. “Mr. Barnard,” she greeted.
Mr. Barnard bowed. “I hope I did not arrive too early.”
“Of course not,” Octavia said, dropping into a curtsy. “It is always a pleasure to see you.”
“You are much too kind.”
Octavia gestured towards Anette. “Are you acquainted with Miss Bolingbroke, the daughter of Lord Oxley?”
“I am not,” Mr. Barnard said, shifting his gaze towards her. “Enchanted.”
Anette dropped into a curtsy. “It is a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
Mr. Barnard acknowledged her with a dip of his head before shifting his gaze to Roswell. “My lord. I trust all is well with you.”
