Chapter 26
The day after the hearing, Dr. Finch came to Yew Cottage. Miss Lotty welcomed him, and he sat down with the ladies in the parlour to take tea together.
For a time, the three engaged in general small talk. Then he looked at Anne and parted his lips as if to speak, but with a glance at Miss Newland, shut them again, taking yet another sip of tea, clearly reticent to speak about something on his mind within her hearing.
Noticing, Miss Newland excused herself, saying, “I will just pop over to Miss Birt’s to see how her . . . greengages are coming on.”
Despite the awkward moment, it was good to see the kind woman in better spirits, and once again able to walk on her own two feet.
When she had gone, Dr. Finch sheepishly ducked his head. “Sorry. I was not very subtle in my hints, was I?”
“She won’t mind. Miss Lotty is very kind and understanding.”
“Indeed she is. I find myself growing quite fond of her and . . . others.”
He cleared his throat. Anne braced herself, eager and uncertain at once, but when he began speaking, the topic was not at all what she’d expected.
“I hope you don’t mind. But I wrote to one of my instructors at Guy’s Hospital.
A man I highly respect, who keeps up with all the latest developments, medicinally and surgically speaking.
He verified a few things for me. One, you were right to dissuade your father from the riskier treatments he considered for your mother.
Hemlock in even small amounts can be poisonous, as was evident in Lady Celia’s case.
“And as far as the treatise that described collapsing a lung to allow it to rest—it was a theory but not a proven one. Dr. Carson was not able to show a successful practical outcome of such a procedure. The one documented clinical case failed.
“Based on what my instructor told me, and what I’ve read, and my own more limited experience, I believe you and your father did everything you could do for your mother. The sad truth is there is still no successful treatment for consumption. I pray to God one day there shall be.”
He clasped his hands in his lap. “Again, I hope you don’t mind that I looked into this. I did not want to say anything to you until I could confirm with someone more learned than I.”
A myriad of emotions washed over Anne. Surprise. Relief. Gratitude. She was touched he would take the time, that he cared. “No, I . . . don’t mind. In fact I am grateful. Thank you.”
A few moments of quiet passed, then he asked, “What will you do now?”
“I think I shall spend some time with my father and half siblings. And visit Fanny too.”
“Oh. I thought—hoped—you might remain with Miss Newland.”
“She has certainly welcomed me to stay on. Yet I confess I am weary of all the whispers and secrets and deception.”
“Including my own.”
“As I said, I have forgiven you. Yours did not include poison, threats, and murder. I love Painswick and may yet return when the hullabaloo dies down. But first I think I need some time away. I have written to my father to ask that he fetch me home.”
“I understand.”
She tilted her head and looked at him. “What about you? Will you stay on?”
“I would like to. Dr. Marsland made it clear my partnership with him was only a trial. And now with him awaiting trial . . . I don’t know. Some people may be leery of me, due to my association with Marsland, brief though it was.”
Anne smiled and touched his sleeve. “As I told you before, I think people who know you see you as a kind and caring physician. Not as experienced as Dr. Marsland, perhaps, but I believe many will be willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. And the fact that Miss Fitzjohn is lending her support will ease the transition.”
He looked down, grimaced, then looked up again. “It’s not only my association with Marsland, though, is it? There’s Rosa as well. Not everyone will overlook a niece living with me who has a child born out of wedlock.”
“Some will mind, I can’t deny. Yet she is hardly the first to face such a predicament, nor will she be the last. And she’s such a sweet, amiable young woman, she is sure to win people over in time.”
“Thank you.”
“And . . . I hate to say it, but she is probably not the only female in Painswick to have been led astray by Jude Dalby. I would not be surprised if she is met with more compassion and understanding than you expect.”
“I hope you are right.”
He leaned his elbows on his knees, bridging the distance between them to grasp her hands.
“Anne, you know I care for you, don’t you? And I would like nothing more than to . . . pursue a future with you, but at the moment my own future is rather uncertain.”
It was her turn to say “I understand.” She reminded herself of her resolve to avoid romance and live a single, useful life. But her heart felt heavy as she walked him to the door and said good-night.
Miss Fitzjohn invited Anne to join her and Jasper for dinner at Painswick Court. She had invited Mr. Palling as well.
Though happy to share a final meal with Katherine and Jasper before leaving Painswick, Anne was nervous to return.
When she arrived, Katherine greeted her warmly. “Thank you for coming. Jasper has news to share, but he wanted you to hear it too. Come in and sit down.”
Louie padded into the hall to greet Anne, and she bent down to rub his silky ears, tears pricking her eyes at the memory of Lady Celia doing the same.
She accepted a glass of champagne and listened as Mr. Palling described the recent promising offers he had received for his mills.
She noticed Katherine meet Mr. Palling’s gaze, a new twinkle in her eye.
Finally Katherine said, “Enough suspense, Jasper. Do tell us your news.”
“Very well. As you know, I recently spent a few days away in London. I confided my travel plans to Aunt Celia before I left, but I didn’t announce them to anyone else because I feared the outcome.
Of course I was dreadfully sorry to learn upon my return that I’d been absent when Aunt C died. I regret I was not here for you, Kat.”
“I know. Go on.”
“The judge advocate general, after reviewing the minutes of my case, recommended that the conviction be reversed. He argued I should not be punished for neglecting to seek a method of redress—a duel—that is forbidden by both the military and the common law.”
“Oh, I’m so glad!” Anne enthused. “And relieved.”
Jasper nodded. “I am as well.”
“This calls for a celebration indeed,” Katherine said. “I see why you requested champagne.”
“What will you do now?” Anne asked. “Rejoin your regiment?”
“I think not. I wouldn’t behave differently if and when another such challenge arose. And it most likely would. I believe I will get out. Resign while I still have a commission to sell.”
“About time.” Katherine raised her glass. “Hear, hear, and huzzah.”
After the toast, Jasper turned to her. “And how are you, Anne? I hope the events of the last few weeks have not shaken you too badly?”
“Not too badly,” she replied. “Though I shall not soon be agreeing to sit at any sickbeds.”
“I hope there are no ill feelings,” Katherine said. “We know you did you best for Mamma.”
Anne swallowed. “Thank you.”
Jasper smiled at her across the table. “In fact, we miss you here, Anne. Miss Stark as well. The place is far too quiet with you two gone. Not to mention dear Aunt C.”
“True,” Katherine said, her gaze lingering on Albert Palling. “And we appreciate you joining us tonight. The both of you.”
Later, when Anne was preparing to depart for the evening, Katherine took her aside and said, “Might I ask one more favor of you?”
“If I am able.”
“Will you go to Valley View Lodge with me tomorrow? I wish to pay a call on Rosa Stark. And her child.”
Anne instantly felt on her guard. “Rosa . . . told you about him?
“Yes, right before she left. Although I already knew.”
“Oh? Did your mother tell you?”
“In a way. But I’ll explain tomorrow.”
After that, Jasper insisted on walking Anne back to Yew Cottage.
As they strolled across the churchyard, he said, “I wanted to tell you. Aunt Celia was very generous to me in her will—far more than I expected. With the inheritance and the sale of my commission, it seems I may be able to marry for affection after all.”
“Oh.” A moment of uneasiness pinched Anne’s stomach. “I am . . . glad for you.”
“Don’t worry. You know I like you a great deal, but I am well aware another man has gained your affection.”
Anne’s face heated. “Well . . . perhaps.”
“I wish you happy, Anne. I truly do. One day, I hope, I shall find someone too.”
Anne considered, then said, “You mentioned missing Rosa Stark, as well as me and your aunt. Perhaps you might pay a call on Rosa one day soon?”
He looked at her, brows high. “I admit that thought has crossed my mind. Do you think it would be a good idea?”
“I do.” Good heavens, Anne thought. Was she matchmaking now? She was becoming as bad as Nancy! “Although not tomorrow. Katherine and I are calling then. Has she . . . said anything about Rosa?”
“To me? No. Too busy sharing lovelorn grins with Albert.”
Anne laughed. “As well she should.”
“I agree. Long overdue, I gather. I am happy for them both.”
“So am I.”
The next day, Katherine and Anne walked to Valley View Lodge together.
“I’m nervous,” Katherine admitted.
“Why? What do you intend to do?”
Katherine eyed her in concern. “What do you mean? Why do you ask it like that?”
“Well, I know Dr. Finch was not eager for Mr. Dalby to learn about the child and perhaps interfere in his life somehow. And not in the traditional, marriage sort of way.”
“Good heavens, Anne. I have no diabolical plans, I assure you. I wish to meet the child and to . . . pass along some news. Good news, I hope.”
They arrived at the house and were met by a surprised Mrs. Tufley. “Gracious me! Good day, Miss Fitzjohn, Miss Loveday. Do come in. I’ll let the doctor know you’re here.”
“Thank you.”
She led them into a small, sunny room. “Come and sit here in the parlour. They’re out in the back garden.”