Chapter 9 #3
The next day, James left Dubovski’s with the pearl and sapphire collar tucked into the pocket of his justaucorps and the infamous sapphire pin attached to the jabot at his neck.
The purchase of these two items did not bring him the relief and satisfaction he had hoped for.
Instead, he felt only an emptiness. It would be a strain on his purse, particularly since he had only expectations to his name and not an actual income.
It was five o’clock in the afternoon, and he was almost at the entrance of the enclosed gardens of the Capuchin monastery when he spotted Morry approaching, leaning on his cane.
“You had the same thought as me,” he said, taking Morry by his free arm and adjusting to his gait.
“Not precisely the same, I imagine,” Morry admitted. “I am pushing myself toward healing. I shall certainly suffer for it later today.”
“Mr. Vroomen has not recommended a poultice to offset the pain?”
“He has, but I have no one to make it for me, and I am not skilled in such things myself.” They were now inside the gardens, which bustled with people despite the cold.
James batted down that excuse. “Your aunt would ask a pharmacist to make one up for you if you confided in her more. She dotes on you. Both she and your uncle do.”
Morry made a face. “I cannot bear being coddled, even by such excellent people as my aunt and uncle.”
“My dear sir, allow me to remind you that there is a difference between accepting help and expecting people to coddle you.”
He spotted Miss Bainesworth walking in their direction. Good! She had not delayed in following his advice, at least not in taking exercise. As they had last met while he was acting as physician, he thought it best to merely nod a greeting and continue on.
Miss Bainesworth raised her eyes to James and his companion before stopping to greet them.
“Mr. Fletcher, how do you do?” She was well covered against the cold, and it was not immediately apparent how thin she truly was. The air lent color to her cheeks that was much like the bloom of youth. She looked as well as he had seen her.
“Miss Bainesworth,” he said, bowing. “Are you acquainted with Mr. Moreau?”
She smiled at Morry. “I am not. However, your reputation precedes you.” When he looked puzzled, she added, “I hear you fought bravely in India.”
Morry forced a smile and shook his head. “There is no bravery in war. We do only what we can to survive and advance our country’s cause.”
Miss Bainesworth accepted this with a nod. Had he not spoken with her in an intimate setting, James might have wondered why she was walking alone. Now he merely suspected she was lonely. Had she no acquaintances among the other young ladies?
She dipped her head in farewell. James saw Morry turn to watch her leave and, prompted by chivalry, called out, “Miss Bainesworth, would you care to walk with us?”
She turned back, a note of anxiety in her eyes. “I do not wish to disturb you.” When they both protested this, she relented. “I would be glad of your company. I have few acquaintances in Spa despite it being my second season here.”
“Of course you must join us,” Morry said, his usual warmth coloring his voice. “I will even give you my arm, if you don’t mind my slow pace.”
This coaxed a genuine smile from her. “Not at all. I am suffering from fatigue myself, so your pace will suit me.”
They moved forward, with Miss Bainesworth continuing on Morry’s arm and James on her other side, walking freely.
They carried on a light conversation, seemingly with no shortage of things to say, and James wondered again whether she had any female companions.
He wished he could introduce her to Amy, although such a thing would probably not be wise.
Presenting Amy to someone who was in need of friends simply because she would make a good one bore too strongly of their old intimacy.
He waited until there was a pause in the conversation, cleared his throat, and chose a wiser proposal.
“If you have few acquaintances here, Miss Bainesworth, perhaps I might introduce you to my betrothed. I am sure she will be happy to present you to others in her circle. Miss Prexley has grown up in Spa and knows everyone.”
There was a slight pause before Miss Bainesworth responded. “You are very kind, but we are acquainted. We met on my last visit.”
He did not gather from the tone of her voice that the acquaintance had been a good one.
He hoped it was not because Isabel had snubbed her.
She had plenty of connections, including other young ladies like Miss Ferrin, and she mingled with women of more elevated status as well.
Surely her friendship would be a boon to someone of Miss Bainesworth’s situation?
In any case, he had done all he could. If Miss Bainesworth did not wish to pursue a friendship with Isabel, he would have to let her find her own path. Perhaps she might meet Amy and her sisters in some other way, and the friendships would form naturally.
He barely heard Miss Bainesworth and his friend’s resumed conversation as his thoughts returned to his betrothed.
The jewelry sat like a weight in his pocket, and he reasoned again that the purchase was a wise one.
Since he must see this marriage through, it was time to focus on wooing Isabel and attempt to turn it into a love match.
He should have thought of that before offering for her, but he supposed it was not too late for such a thing.
In any case, this was the only path open to him now.