Chapter 5 #2
Miss Fitzgibbon opened the door for her, and Mr. Osborne stood from his chair. “Thank you, Matron. I’ll require a few minutes to discuss a private matter.”
Miss Fitzgibbon’s dark eyes were on Ginger. “Is that amenable to you, Sister Whitman?”
“Yes, of course.” She appreciated the matron asking. Many matrons listened to the chain of command without question. That the matron had taken the time to inquire whether Ginger wanted to be left alone with Peter Osborne spoke of her excellent character.
The door shut and Osborne faced her. In the light of day and at closer proximity, he was younger than she’d imagined—perhaps in his late twenties.
His jaw was strong, with a full but well-trimmed beard and moustache a similar dark blond color to his hair.
He was handsome. The corners of his grey eyes had soft lines that crinkled with his smile.
He removed his hat. “I hope you’re more at ease today, Lady Virginia.
I realized after I left you last night how very startling my appearance may have been. ”
“Mr. Osborne.” Ginger clasped her hands together in front of her. “How can I help you?”
Osborne motioned toward the chair beside him. “Please. Do be seated.”
She did, stiffly, feeling encroached upon with him still so close.
He moved around to the other side of the desk, inspected the matron’s chair, then sat. With his eyes still on her, he pulled out a silver cigarette case and offered her a cigarette, which she declined.
Lighting a cigarette, he leaned back in his seat, his manner elegant. “Lady Virginia, it’s come to Sir Reginald Wingate’s attention that there’s been some quite irregular behavior surrounding you.”
This must be about the deserter from the train. She set her hands on the arms of the chair. “I can explain, Mr. Osborne. I had two patients at once, both with equally dire wounds. The deserter would have died regardless of orders …”
He gave her a quizzical look. “Yes?”
“Is this about the deserter?”
“No.” He drew on his cigarette. Smoke trailed from his lips.
Sheepishly, she set her hands back on her lap. “Ah.” Heat rose to her cheeks. “In that case, please proceed.”
He gave her a patient smile. “I don’t think I have to inform you of the surprising discovery we made of your involvement in several government affairs last spring. The matter with your father was a messy business, one I’m certain you’d rather forget.”
Her throat tightened. Just how much did he know of what had happened with her father? Or her? Lord Helton had promised to keep the information sealed. “I didn’t know my involvement was known, to be honest.”
“It isn’t. But I’m able to know what I’d like.” Osborne tapped the ash from the tip of his cigarette. “But you impressed Sir Reginald. Both with your ingenuity, determination, and discretion. Which makes you an ideal candidate for another task of such care and importance.”
Her lips parted. He was … offering her a job?
She settled back in her seat, the tension in her gut dissolving as the realization dawned on her. “Mr. Osborne”—she tried to think straight—“I’m flattered, but what little help I gave to the government was haphazard at best. I’ve always felt I muddled the whole affair.”
“The reports we’ve had from Lord Helton have struck quite a different note.” Osborne raised an eyebrow.
Lord Helton. He’d promised to help her—but sing her praises? “Whatever job you may have, I sincerely doubt I am the best suited for it. And I have my duties as a nurse, which are my priority.”
“Yet your term of service is about to expire.”
He’d looked into that? “Yes, but—”
“We would compensate you well for your work, Lady Virginia.” Osborne extinguished his cigarette against the case, then dusted the ash from it, depositing the butt in the rubbish bin.
How well compensated? She leaned forward with interest. Money wasn’t something she had the luxury of turning down anymore.
“The matter at hand is delicate and, frankly, Sir Reginald and I believe you may be the best person for the job.”
Me? What on earth could Lord Helton have said about her?
Ginger bit her lower lip. “Would it be dangerous?”
The chair groaned as Osborne straightened, replacing his cigarette case in his front pocket. “It could be. Your discretion would have to be absolute. That would be the single factor that would determine how dangerous it is.”
“Can I inquire more as to the job?”
“Unfortunately, we can’t reveal much more until you’ve agreed to do it.
Given us your word. However, as I think of it, it may be of use to have you continue some sort of work in a hospital as a cover, as we don’t wish for your work with us to be known.
You wish to attend the London School of Medicine, I think? ”
Now his words truly floored her. Only a handful of people knew about that. She’d told Matron Fitzgibbons and a few nurses. And her former fiancé, Dr. James Clark. Who had they been talking to? She felt exposed and shifted under the weight of Mr. Osborne’s intelligent gaze.
“Yes, that’s my wish.”
“An expensive wish, I believe. Your family has recently lost its fortune.” He cleared his throat.
“However, I may arrange a scholarship for you. As well as safe passage home to England for your mother and sister in the spring. In the meantime, I believe we could find an adequate situation for you to continue your work in service for the troops that would not require an extension of your service as a nurse.”
His words made her head spin. Everything he offered would ease the problems she’d been worried about. It seemed too good to be true.
But what about Noah?
As it was, she didn’t know when she’d see him again. Their promises to each other wouldn’t change if she were here or in London. But the thought of being further from him made her uneasy.
The cornflower-blue sky outside the window seemed so peaceful, unlike her. “May I have time to consider your offer?”
Mr. Osborne stood and gave her his card. “I’ll be at this location for the next two days. Then I return to Cairo. I’d like to have the matter settled by then.” He replaced his hat. “Good day, Lady Virginia.”
The door clicked shut as he left. Ginger stared at the space he’d vacated. For the second time that day, she wished she could contact Noah, ask for his advice. He’d be able to help her decide. She really had no one to discuss the matter with.
She tugged at her bloodstained apron, her fingertips trembling. The decision before her had the potential to change so much—and she’d have to make it utterly alone.