Chapter 5 #2
“You will laugh, but I wished to be a physician, or a surgeon-apothecary like my father.”
“Why would I laugh?”
“Because I am a woman, if you haven’t noticed.”
He looked at her and said in a low, serious voice, “Yes, Miss Loveday. A fact of which I am very much aware.”
Anne felt her neck heat at his words. She braved a glance at him and saw his own face redden as well.
“Well, I . . .” He cleared his throat. “I shall leave you to your work.”
Later, on her way back upstairs, Anne glanced into the family parlour and saw Miss Fitzjohn.
Noticing her, the woman called, “Ah, Miss Loveday. Have you heard our news?”
Anne walked closer and stood in the doorway.
“We are to be quite a full house soon,” Katherine Fitzjohn continued. “My two cousins are coming to stay.”
Anne’s stomach fell. “Two cousins . . . here?”
Katherine nodded. “You must have met them at some point. Colonel Jasper Paine and—”
“Colonel? He’s moved up in the ranks.”
“Yes. And Mr. Jude Dalby.”
“H-he is not going to live here, surely?”
“If Mamma allows it. He has been living in Brook House, one of the properties owned by his late wife’s family.
Clothiers, you know. The Pallings? But apparently there are too many memories in the house since his wife’s death.
So he wants to move back here. Though I suppose he will still spend a good deal of time at the mill—he gained a life interest through his marriage. ”
“And the colonel? I suppose he is on leave?”
“Or something like that. I don’t understand the particulars. Details give me a headache, and I have far too many of those as it is.”
Concern rose. “Perhaps there is something I can do to help. What has Dr. Marsland prescribed?”
“Dr. Finch attends me now. The new doctor? You have met him, I trust?”
“I have.”
“Handsome, you must allow.”
“Oh, I . . . yes.”
“Mamma is sure his knowledge and skills are more up-to-date than Marsland’s, so she prefers me to see Dr. Finch nowadays. That, and . . . other reasons. Though I still talk to Dr. Marsland from time to time when he calls on Mamma.”
“I see.”
“At all events, both doctors prescribe fresh air and rest. I take plenty of each, I assure you.”
“Is that all? Next time you have a headache, let me know and I shall give you something more effective.”
“Very well, I shall. Thank you.”
Anne returned to Lady Celia’s room and set about her tasks. Thoughts of Mr. Dalby staying under the same roof crowded Anne’s brain, giving her a headache of her own.
The next day, Anne returned Lady Celia’s breakfast tray to the kitchen and then went for a brief stroll around the churchyard, pausing once again at her grandparents’ grave.
At the sound of approaching boot-falls, Anne turned. A man came striding up the path toward her, dressed in an army officer’s uniform: red jacket with gold facings and epaulets, darker red sash, light pantaloons, and a knapsack over his shoulder.
Closer now, she recognized him. Jasper Paine.
Light-brown hair, long side-whiskers a shade lighter, and hazel eyes.
In fact, his coloring was rather similar to her own.
With his time away with the military, she had not seen much of him in recent years.
Her visits to her grandparents had not often coincided with his leaves.
His expression seemed distracted, even troubled.
When he saw her, however, a bright smile broke over his handsome face. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t little Annie Loveday, all grown up and lovelier than ever.”
Pleasure flowed through her at his greeting. “Good day to you too, Jasper Paine. Though I suppose I should call you Colonel now.”
His smile dimmed somewhat. “Jasper will do. We’ve known each other since childhood, after all. Though it’s been far too long since I’ve seen you.” He gestured around the churchyard. “We used to play hide-and-seek here, remember? You, me, Fanny, Albert Palling, and a few others.”
“I remember.”
Noticing the grave, his expression sobered. “I was very sorry to hear about your grandparents. Excellent people.”
“Thank you.”
Studying the dates carved into the stone, he said, “Has it really been three years?”
“Nearly, yes.”
“And how long since we’ve seen each other?”
“I believe it was the summer before they died. This is my first trip back since Fanny—since we sold their house.”
“How is your sister?” Sincere concern shone in his eyes.
Anne swallowed. “She is well. Married to a kindly rector.”
“I am glad.” He shifted his knapsack, then asked, “And will you be in Painswick long?”
“I’m not certain yet. What about you? How long can they spare you this time?”
He shifted again. “Let’s not talk about all that. Let’s enjoy our time while we can. You’re here visiting Miss Newland, I suppose?”
“I was, yes, but—”
“I do hope I shall see more of you while you’re here.”
Anne replied, “And I hope you don’t wish those words back when you learn that I am staying in Painswick Court for the present.”
His brows rose. “What?”
“Dr. Marsland asked me to take on the role of sickroom nurse during your aunt’s current illness. So unless she rallies quickly or he finds someone more experienced, I shall be doing what I can to help her for a fortnight or so.”
“Good heavens. Not that I disapprove, but . . . well, I am surprised you would be willing, after what happened with your sister.”
“And I was surprised Lady Celia did not refuse to have me for the same reason.”
“Probably doesn’t know.”
Anne huffed. “Doesn’t know!”
“Or perhaps I should say, doesn’t remember.”
Indignation flashed. “Because she has forbidden so many matches?”
“No, that’s not what I meant. Look, it’s been some time. And Jude has married since then, among other things. A lot has happened.”
Anne slowly shook her head, thoughts churning. If only her sister could forget as easily as Mr. Dalby and Lady Celia apparently had.
A few moments of awkward silence followed.
“Yes,” Anne said at last. “A lot has happened. Well, I am headed back there now, so . . .”
“Shall we walk together?” Colonel Paine offered his arm.
She hesitated only a moment before taking it. “Thank you.”
As they passed through the churchyard door and through the trees, Dr. Finch came striding up St. Mary’s Street and onto Painswick Court’s gravel drive.
He looked from her to the handsome officer with interest. Anne immediately felt self-conscious and released Jasper’s arm. A nurse should not be too familiar with one of the family, she knew. She said, “Dr. Finch, have you met Lady Celia’s nephew?”
The doctor’s expression darkened and his nostrils flared. Or was she imagining it?
Uncertain, she went on, “Colonel Paine, this is Dr. Finch, one of your aunt’s physicians, new to Painswick, I believe, since you were last here.”
Jasper nodded. “Dr. Finch.”
Whatever she thought she’d seen in the physician’s expression evaporated, and he said pleasantly, “Ah. Colonel Paine, yes. I’ve heard your aunt mention you. Miss Fitzjohn speaks of you fondly as well.”
“And how is my aunt?” Jasper asked. “I would have come sooner, but I had some . . . official matters to attend to.”
Ernest Finch lifted his chin in understanding. “Her heart is weak. Dr. Marsland is treating her for dropsy. But I should let him give you the particulars.” He glanced toward the house. “Well, I had better hurry in. I was expected half an hour ago. Good day, Colonel. Miss Loveday.”
He gave a short bow and let himself in through the side door.
Jasper sent her a quizzical look. “Good man?”
Anne shrugged. “As far as I know.” Though she still had questions about what she did not yet know about him.
Jasper held the door for her, and the two followed the doctor more sedately into the house.
Anne left Jasper to his happy reunion with Katherine in the parlour and went upstairs. Realizing she needed to use the water closet, she walked past Lady Celia’s room. As she neared the side passage, she heard whispers.
She slowed and peered gingerly around the wall.
There stood Dr. Finch and Rosa, heads bent close in hushed conversation. This was the second time she had seen them alone together. What were they up to? Had Rosa been the woman she’d heard him talking to through the thicket?
Anne thought about retreating unnoticed, but she really needed to use the water closet. So she stepped around the corner and cleared her throat to alert them to her presence.
They leapt apart and looked over, expressions wary.
“I beg your pardon,” Anne said. “Sorry to interrupt.”
“Not at all.” Rosa turned away with a pert lift of her chin. “Dr. Finch was just giving me some . . . unsolicited advice. Good day, Doctor.” Rosa nodded to the man without meeting his eyes and strode past Anne, disappearing into her own room.
For a moment, Dr. Finch’s gaze followed her. Then, probably noticing Anne watching him, he bowed and entered Lady Celia’s room.