Chapter 8
D espite all the quick steps and fast-paced music, Arthur felt as though he could finally breathe. He was dancing with Miss Templeton. Speaking with her. Quite easily, in fact. If one ignored his bumbling attempt to ask her to dance. Which Arthur fully intended to do. Immediately.
Approaching a lady ought not to be a terrifying thing. Or so his family were fond of saying; only his youngest brother ever seemed to appreciate the nerves it produced, but then, Owen was a quiet soul as well. To their thinking, a rejection was of no consequence as another lady was bound to accept. That sounded so simple and easy, yet when faced with asking Miss Templeton to dance, Arthur’s tongue had refused to see the logic in such a straightforward approach.
Yet now, they were speaking freely.
Granted, they were mostly speaking about doctoring, but this was the simplicity that his family promised him. And with each passing minute, Arthur found it easier to broach other subjects and venture into unknown territory, which Miss Templeton seemed just as eager to discuss. Beyond medicine and herbology, he couldn’t claim a vast deal of their interests aligned, but it was equally fascinating to hear her expound on music and literature.
The more she spoke, the more animated Miss Templeton became, and Arthur couldn’t help but match her enthusiasm. She was no silly, giggling young miss but a lady with intelligence and experience, and when the music ended, they hardly countenanced the shift, standing where the song left them as she described the latest novel to have captured her attention.
But realizing that their time was coming to a close had Arthur in a dither; there had to be some way to keep her by his side. To ask her to dance twice in a row would raise eyebrows, and no doubt she had a partner waiting to stand up with her, but perhaps he could linger near her friends, and when Miss Templeton was free once more, he could slip into the conversation as he had before.
“You do not ride?” asked Miss Templeton with such a level of surprise that one might’ve thought he’d said he enjoyed kicking puppies.
“There isn’t much use for it in London,” he said, his brows rising just a touch, though it had more to do with the easy manner in which he responded. Such a reaction ought to have left Arthur stumbling over an apology, yet he felt no need to do so. Miss Templeton’s expression was so open, and she spoke to him as though they weren’t new acquaintances but old friends, and Arthur found it more and more difficult to remain discomforted in her presence.
As long as he didn’t attempt to invite her on an outing. Which was precisely what he longed to do, yet his tongue glued itself to his palate every time he contemplated such a venture. Not that he’d know where to take her at any rate; Oakham didn’t boast many entertainments.
“I suppose that is true, but it seems excessively odd,” replied Miss Templeton. “I don’t know of a physician who doesn’t ride, else they’d spend more of their time traveling between patients than seeing to them. ”
“That is a valid point,” said Arthur with a frown. “As I am still getting settled, it hasn’t been an issue yet, but having seen how far away so many of the cottages are, I can well imagine that it is problematic. Do you ride?”
Miss Templeton broke into a broad smile. “Yes, though I cannot go as often as I like. It is a wonderful way to clear my thoughts, and it allows me to enjoy more scenery than I can whilst walking.”
“Being born and bred in London, I cannot say I have ever been atop a horse before. I suppose I should learn to drive a gig as well,” said Arthur as his mind sped through the possibility.
Could he ask Miss Templeton to teach him? That was a prime excuse to secure more of her time if ever he saw one, and Arthur suspected he knew what her answer would be, for the lady seemed generous to her core.
But would she find it odd? Or distasteful that he required her assistance? Saints above, his peers at school would’ve mocked him mercilessly for asking a lady to teach him, and though it mattered not a jot to Arthur (especially as it had the added benefit of allowing him a reasonable excuse to be in her presence), he couldn’t help but wonder if she mightn’t think less of him.
Plenty of ladies longed for burly men without a dash of weakness to be found. Arthur knew that far too well, as the sight of his naked head was enough for most ladies to dismiss him out of hand. Those who didn’t seemed only to tolerate the deficiency, and nothing made a man feel more desired than having his physical flaws tolerated .
Miss Templeton’s behavior during the surgery suggested she didn’t tolerate fools. Yet neither did she blanche at accepting or giving assistance when required.
A gamble, to be certain. But surely, it was a worthy one. It would take some weeks for him to learn to ride or drive, and in the meantime, Arthur would be granted her company. Eventually, they might simply slip into courtship without him having to be so bold as to declare his intentions. Allow the lady to acclimate to the idea slowly first.
“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 arm through 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 in the 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.
Jerking himself back to the conversation, Arthur smiled and apologized. “I fear my wits are lagging. Do forgive me, but I am overcome with how welcoming everyone has been.”
“We are so grateful to have a proper physician in our midst once more,” said Mrs. Slater. “It has been too long.”
“That it has,” added Mr. Slater with a nod before the couple took their leave.
Finch continued to introduce him around, and Arthur ran out of ways to express his thanks for the effusive praise and enthusiasm displayed by every resident of Oakham he met. Patients were always grateful for the assistance he offered, but the villagers’ eagerness was far beyond anything he’d anticipated receiving. In London, he was just one of many physicians and surgeons from whom the populace could pick, but here, they viewed him as a gift from On High.
Which was both thrilling and disconcerting all at once.
But no matter where they wandered, Arthur found his attention turning toward the stately lady. Surely, his overtures hadn’t failed to catch her attention. A gentleman seeking out a specific lady for a dance couldn’t help but be noticed, and Miss Templeton had seemed pleased with their time together. Once his tongue had finally decided to obey its master, that is.
Was it too soon to seek her out once more? Finch seemed determined to parade him about the assembly, but the gentleman would be required to stand up a set or two himself, and that would allow Arthur the opportunity to sneak over to Miss Templeton again. Assuming she welcomed his company. If she didn’t, he supposed that would be a clear enough sign of her feelings.
“I must say, Dr. Vaughn, I was impressed to hear of your efforts upon arriving in Oakham,” said Mrs. Giles with raised brows. “How fortuitous that you were on hand when Mr. Evans required a surgeon. But I cannot imagine witnessing such a feat. Right there on the road? That is impressive, sir.”
“It was certainly unexpected, but I am grateful to have been on hand,” replied Arthur. “And that Miss Templeton was there as well. Without her quick thinking and expert assistance, I doubt it would’ve fared well for Mr. Evans.”
Mrs. Giles’ bright expression tightened, the edge of her smile growing tight as she and Mr. Bennington stared at him.
“That doesn’t surprise me in the least,” said Finch, who was the only one who seemed undisturbed by Arthur’s statement. “Miss Templeton is excessively intelligent and capable.”
“Ah, yes. Mr. Templeton is quite impressive ,” murmured Mr. Bennington in a snide voice so low that Arthur wasn’t certain he’d heard properly, and without absolute clarity on the gentleman’s comment, Arthur didn’t feel confident in refuting the fellow. Though it didn’t stop him from clenching his jaw.
“My dear Mr. Finch, you promised to stand up with me. The bachelors like Dr. Vaughn only wish to dance with the pretty, young ladies, and the gentlemen of my age are determined to hide in the card room all night. You must take pity on me,” said Mrs. Giles, shifting the subject as the next tune was struck.
“I cannot believe I nearly forgot, madam,” said Finch with a curt bow before offering his hand to her. “If we may?”
In quick succession, the pair were off to their business, and though Arthur couldn’t confront Mr. Bennington, neither did he wish to spend another moment in the fellow’s company. Turning away, Arthur’s feet directed him toward Miss Templeton.
Only to see Mr. Gadd at her side once more.