Page 17 of The Gentleman Physician

“I understand, of course,” she answered graciously. Julia knew Virginia held no true fondness for her brother-in-law and she wondered why. By the light of day, he appeared happier, and his manner of address, though not perfect, was pleasant enough. “Have you seen your brother yet?” she asked.

“No. I understand he needs his rest. His valet will let him know I’m here. I’m sure he will send for me when he is ready.” Mr. Macon tucked into his breakfast without another word on the matter and Julia followed suit. The quiet gave her more time to think on the day ahead of her.

After breakfast, she would make certain Mr. Macon had something to do to while away his time, then she would check on the boys and Nurse Smyth. She had every intention of taking them to the park, possibly after luncheon, when the sun had a chance to warm the air a little. She had also agreed to help Virginia with a few household matters, allowing the baroness more time to sit with her husband.

Julia marveled at the love and devotion her cousin exhibited for the baron. Virginia adored him, and though losing him obviously hurt her greatly, she sat by him day after day, attending to all his needs, with a tenderness that smote Julia’s heart. Though Virginia never hid her tears, Julia also caught her smiling often, reliving better times through her memories.

The baron had arranged matters well for her cousin and his heirs. Virginia told Julia everything about his will. Virginia would have a monthly allowance, modest but sufficient for her means, and she would be the trustee of the estate until her son came of age. The baron’s steward and man of business in London were made aware of the situation and charged with teaching both boys everything they knew about the estate in the country and the investments in town.

They would all be well provided for until Phillip came of age. An amount for Edward’s education in the living of his choice had also been provided.

“You are a quiet one, Miss Devon,” Mr. Macon said abruptly, bringing her out of her thoughts. He was staring at her, eyebrows drawn down in a frown.

“I beg your pardon, Mr. Macon.” She tried to bring herself back to the present. Had she missed something he said? “I am afraid I was wool gathering.”

“Hm.” He dabbed at his lips with his napkin. “What sort of thoughts, Miss Devon, could give you that wistful little smile? Thinking of a beau, perhaps?” His eyes narrowed and one corner of his mouth went upward in a knowing smirk.

Julia nearly gasped at his audacity, but instead forced a complacent expression. “Not at all, sir. Merely reflecting on my duties for the day.”

“Duties? Are you not a guest here?” he asked, gesturing around the room. “Or have you been employed to some purpose? You are my sister-in-law’s cousin, are you not?”

The impertinent tone he used was less forgivable than his pointed questions, but Julia determined she would not take offense. Who knew the man’s emotional state, with his elder brother ill?

“I am indeed, sir. But during this difficult time for the family, I have offered my services to Lady Heatherton in whatever way she has need. My cousin wishes to spend as much time as possible with her husband, and it pleases me to spend time with the little boys. Excuse me, I ought to go check in on them now.” She really had no further wish to be in his company, but when he hurried to stand with her she remembered she needed to help Virginia by setting Gerard Macon at ease in the home.

“Is there anything you require this morning, Mr. Macon? For your diversion?”

He met her eyes pointedly and put a grin on his face. “Not at all, Miss Devon. I will take myself to the study until my brother summons me. Thank you for your kind concern.” He bowed and Julia nodded before hurrying from the room. Something about his air, his very manner, displeased her. He struck her as high-handed and his questions prying.

Julia brushed away those thoughts, determined not to judge the man based on only two meetings, and she took herself to the nursery. The boys were happy to see her, as ever, and rejoiced at the idea of going to the park. They wanted to jump and run more than they could indoors. They began to plan the outing with relish and Nurse Smyth obviously approved.

As Julia prepared to take her leave of the little boys, a light rap on the door drew their attention to Virginia, peeping inside, smiling warmly at her children.

“May I come in?” she asked.

Both boys chorused their approval and Edward began to rattle off the number of things he planned to do with his day, mentioning the walk in the park as an especial treat.

“You two are very fortunate your Cousin Julia loves adventure as much as you do,” Virginia told them, ruffling Edward’s hair. She grinned at Phillip and waved her finger at him. “And I expect you to make sure your brother behaves, Phillip.”

“Yes, Mother,” he answered sweetly.

“Good boy. Now, I must steal Cousin Julia away, but then I will come back and hear your reading lesson.” Virginia kissed Edward on the forehead and stepped out. Julia followed, closing the door behind her.

Virginia did not waste any time, but began speaking right there, in the hallway. “I am told my brother-in-law is here. He arrived last night?”

“Yes, I saw him come in. He was eating breakfast a moment ago.” Julia studied Virginia’s expression carefully. Her cousin’s face had gone pale and she pressed her lips tightly together. “He was not expected?”

Virginia shook her head and raised a hand to rub her forehead. “Not yet. We thought he would take a few days to get here. He must have set off shortly after he received our last letter. Bother.” Virginia glanced up and down the hallway, then took Julia’s hand and dragged her unceremoniously into a room not far from the boys’; an empty guest chamber.

“Is something wrong?” Julia dared to ask when the door was shut and they stood in shadows. “You don’t seem pleased to have him here.”

“I am suspicious,” Virginia admitted, crossing the room to the closed curtains. She opened one side, letting in enough light that they could see each other clearly. “In our last letter, before we knew how Charles’s illness had worsened, I wrote that he would be seeing his lawyer soon.”

“Oh. About the will and the estate,” Julia said. “You think his rush is something to do with the legalities?”

“I do.” Virginia began to pace, clasping her hands before her. “Gerard has never cared much for being the second son. He has said things, veiled insults really, to me and to Charles. When the boys were born, he refused to come to either Christening. Charles said, when they were young, Gerard and he were good friends. But when their father made it clear that Charles was favored, because he would inherit, Gerard became sullen. Resentful. We rarely see him.” She raised one trembling hand to her temple. “I am worried he will only serve to bring hard feelings into this house, and at such a time when we all need peace and comfort.”

“I see.” Julia took in a deep breath and released it carefully. “I hope that is not the case. Perhaps he only wishes to reconcile, to make his own sort of peace before Charles is called Home.”