Together, she and Grandfather looped arms and descended the two flights of stairs to the hotel foyer amid lively conversation, her maid a few paces behind. She stole a searching glance about the lobby, though she refused to acknowledge she scrutinized every passing gentleman in hope of seeing Matthew. She’d told him not to come, and without fail, he’d respected her wishes. He was honest and fair, and one couldn’t fault another for such admirable qualities.
“There you are.”
She turned at the sound of Henry’s greeting.
“Good morning, Kirkman.” Grandfather smiled. “Theodosia wished me to see a physician and I’ve obliged.”
“Yes. We’re headed to Dr. Fletcher’s office this morning and we should go. My carriage is out front. The address is near Hoxton Square. It will take us an hour’s travel with the morning traffic.”
“That long?” Theodosia shook her head at the inconvenience, a beat of apprehension awakened. “Why didn’t we find somewhere closer to stay overnight?”
Henry grinned, apparently unaware of her worry. “Only the best is acceptable. I wanted both you and Lord Talbot to be as relaxed as possible.”
“That was thoughtful, although the long carriage ride may prove his undoing.”
They all climbed into Kirkman’s carriage and took wheel. Theodosia adjusted her skirts on the seat before she darted her eyes from the window to her grandfather and back again.
“Did you sleep well?” Henry inquired. “Mivart’s boasts of having the most comfortable beds in England.”
“I’m sure that’s true.” There was no reason to disappoint Henry’s thoughtful efforts. What was done couldn’t be undone now.
“I’ve arranged it all with great care,” he continued. “I hope you’re pleased with the rooms and service.”
Now what was this about? She looked at Grandfather, who stared out the window at the passing coaches.
“Thank you again.” She eyed Henry intently. “Is there more?”
“I mean to prove what a considerate match I’d be, not just by my actions in arranging for this trip, but in all respects.”
She bit her lower lip to stifle her immediate response.
“He would be a fine husband, dear.” Grandfather turned with a sudden interest in the conversation. “We’ve known Kirkman for more years than I can count. I give you both my blessing.”
“No.” She gentled her tone. “You misunderstand.” She speared Kirkman with a glare meant to render him mute, and passed a glance to Dora, who showed the possession of a valued lady’s maid by remaining politely invisible. “Henry spoke out of turn and besides, we didn’t come to London to discuss my future plans, but yours, Grandfather.”
“Let’s hope the physician is agreeable and meets with us in a timely manner,” Kirkman added quickly.
“What do you mean? I thought we had the first appointment of the day.” She laid her hand upon her grandfather’s sleeve, hoping her tone didn’t alarm him despite she tried desperately to withhold emotion.
“I wrote to him and explained the situation but never received a confirmation. I’m sure he’ll take the time to see Lord Talbot.” Kirkman’s smile dimmed. “Besides, I wanted to do this for you. To prove how well I can take care of matters if needed. To show you I’m excellent husband material and able to offer more than companionship and security.”
“You needn’t prove anything.” She closed her eyes and summoned patience. Whether Dr. Fletcher would be amenable to their visit was a matter of uncertainty now. A foreboding shadow of ill ease caused her reply to come out sharp. “Why is it you need to marry so quickly? You’ve told me you must, but you never revealed why.”
“I can’t.” Kirkman shifted his eyes to the landscape outside the window.
“Can’t or won’t?”
“I’m not at liberty to say.” His expression transformed to displeasure. “It’s one of the conditions, unfortunately. And worse, it’s complicated.”
“You want me to accept your proposal and yet you won’t even confide in me the reason for this rush to the altar?” She lost some of her anger, too tired to attempt understanding.
“The reason would have no bearing upon your decision, and it’s not like I would never tell you. Afterward, I’d be happy to discuss it.” Henry nodded, his eyes meeting hers with intensity.
“That sounds like a fool’s bargain.”
“Not at all.” Kirkman scowled. “I told you it’s complicated.”
“Life certainly is.” Grandfather’s unexpected interjection brought a hint of jocularity to their conversation, although it thereafter took a polite end.
They traveled several miles in silence, each inhabitant of the lush interior lost in their own pensive considerations. When the carriage at last arrived, Theodosia was desperate for fresh air.
Dr. Fletcher’s office was a squat brick building with a single walnut door and two tall rectangular windows. Aside from two smaller gigs, a finely made phaeton was parked outside and Theodosia squinted in the early sun, unable to distinguish the wiry driver on the boot or any insignia to reveal the owner, though the stunning matched grays were unmistakable. Her pulse skipped, anxious and at the same time apprehensive. This was no coincidence, and while her heart warmed with the swift memory of their midnight kiss, she wondered at Matthew’s presence here and how their visit might unravel from this point. They didn’t even have a legitimate appointment, thanks to Henry’s self-serving plan. Would this be just another embarrassment in a growing list?
Not cut from coward’s cloth, Theodosia cleared her throat and began walking. Kirkman and Grandfather moved ahead and she followed a few steps behind, careful to lift her hems and not catch a heel on a stone or step into a puddle left by the recent poor weather. Dora trailed, at the ready to offer help if needed. Inside, the offices were simple and sterile looking, with whitewashed walls and plain tiles on the floor. A line of chairs rested near one wall and a stout wooden table sat below one of the rectangular windows.
Without hesitation, Kirkman spoke in a quiet tone to the secretary, who shook his head firmly in the negative. Things did not appear as smoothly arranged as he’d sought her to believe. Distress held her lips tight as Kirkman returned to where they waited in a nearby corner.
“The doctor is unavailable at this time, although his secretary advised we should take a seat and wait. With a bit of luck, Dr. Fletcher will see us before his office hours end.” Kirkman’s expression seemed to cast more doubt upon the subject than his words.
“You said you’d arranged an appointment.” She hardly disguised her frustration, on edge that a lengthy delay would cause Grandfather to become disagreeable.
“I’m sure it will be fine.” Kirkman turned to Lord Talbot. “Would you like to take a seat until Dr. Fletcher can see you?”
“I’d rather not see the physician,” Grandfather replied. “I’m feeling fine. Is this why we’ve come to London?”
Theodosia pressed her lids together tight in a blink that lasted far too long but provided the patience needed. A familiar voice sounded and her eyes shot open.
The Earl of Whittingham exited the far door followed by another, older gentleman.
“Thank you again.”
The men shook hands before Matthew turned on the threshold. For a moment her breathing hitched, his fine form showcased by the doorframe as if a work of art. Had he come seeking advice and counsel for his own health? She’d hadn’t asked about his leg when they’d spoken last night, and now admonished herself for the oversight.
“Yes, here they are now, Dr. Fletcher.” Matthew’s eyes caught hers.
The physician was a man of opposites by comparison. White hair formed a circle around a bare pate, his shoulders narrow and build slight. He wore a long, plain coat with deep pockets over his clothes. The two men approached and introductions were made.
“I’ve taken the liberty of speaking to Dr. Fletcher on your behalf. I hope you—”
“A word, Whittingham,” Kirkman
interrupted with a cold warning. “You’ve overstepped.”
“Lord Kirkman, please.” Theodosia glared in his direction. “No matter how the appointment has come about, let’s not forget the reason we’re here.”
This subdued Kirkman’s hostility, at least for the time being, and he moved his attention to Matthew, as if intent to watch the man with upmost perspicacity.
“Why are we here? Why is everyone quarreling?”
Theodosia touched her grandfather’s arm, a comforting smile at the ready. “I’d like to speak to Dr. Fletcher. Would you accompany me into his office while the gentlemen wait outside?”
Phrased in such a way, she knew her grandfather would never refuse.
“Of course, dear.”
* * *
Matthew watched Theodosia and Lord Talbot until the door closed and they were safely tucked inside the physician’s office, away from the reception area.
“What is it, Kirkman?” He noted the irritable edge of his question but didn’t feel the need to adjust his tone. The ever-proposing Kirkman had graciously accompanied Theodosia and her grandfather to London, and that was well done, but aside from the singular deed, the overreaching, wishful-thinking gentleman grated on Matthew’s last nerve.
“What is what exactly?” Kirkman seemed of equal disposition.
“What exactly is your relationship with Lady Leighton?” No need to mince syllables. He didn’t care if the question would be interpreted as inappropriate. Besides, he planned to ask Theodosia the same question later. He’d collect and compare his notes as any scientist worth his weight would do. He worked with facts. Why he needed the information was another matter altogether, and at the moment he dismissed it as too taxing for the brain. Instead, he speared Kirkman with a glare meant to hurry him to an answer. When a man deliberated too long, it lent suspicion as to the truth of his answer.
“We’re childhood friends and I intend to convince her to marry me.”
“I doubt anyone can convince the lady of anything.”
“I’m not so sure of that, and as I’ve stated, I’ve known her almost two decades.”
“Be sure.” Matthew indulged in a throaty chuckle meant to invoke unease. “I’ve known her a fortnight and I couldn’t be more certain. Lady Leighton is intelligent and determined.” He paused to let that thought sink into Kirkman’s brainbox. “A lethal combination.”
“Perhaps.” Kirkman withdrew his pocket watch and noted the time. “I’ve an important appointment that can’t be missed. I trust the physician will assist, now that a meeting is under way. Shall I leave my carriage at Lady Leighton’s disposal, or are you here to usurp me?”
“The latter.” Matthew nodded in the affirmative. “Good day, Kirkman.”
* * *
Nearly an hour had passed before Theodosia exited Dr. Fletcher’s office and returned to the waiting vestibule. She saw Matthew near the far window, his back to her, though he glanced over his shoulder and turned at the sound of the door. She stifled a smile. She owed the earl her sincerest gratitude.
“I don’t know what you did or how you did it, but I’m sincerely thankful.” Her eyes searched his handsome face, noting the gleam in his golden-brown gaze, the wily smile that played about his mouth. A subtle warmth composed of reassurance and affirmation settled in her soul. Somehow Matthew caused her to feel safer, hopeful, just by his presence.
“I merely mentioned to the doctor Lord Talbot would likely be resistant if he perceived his intelligence in question. After a brief conversation and a bit of creative thinking, Dr. Fletcher suggested your grandfather might be agreeable if he thought himself a contributor to a scientific study. The physician’s invitation to have your grandfather visit him at home and be treated as a guest while actually under observation was a clever suggestion.” At last, Matthew let a smile free. “I assume it went smoothly.”
“It did.” She exhaled, a sense of relief flooding her from head to toe. “Grandfather accepted Dr. Fletcher’s invitation. I’m not sure if he confused your invitation with the physician’s, but it doesn’t matter. I’m just happy the doctor will have a good length of time to spend with Grandfather. I won’t know what to do with myself while I wait, but I couldn’t be more appreciative.” She darted a look over his shoulder. “Oh, did Lord Kirkman leave?”
“He mentioned something about a private appointment requiring his attention.” Matthew nodded toward the window and the uncommon sunshine outside. “Why don’t you spend the day with me? I promise you an afternoon guaranteed to chase away troubles.”
“I can’t just leave.” She glanced right and left, assured no one overheard their conversation.
“Did you expect to sit in this stuffy waiting room with your maid all day?” He chuckled. “You do realize Dr. Fletcher will depart at some point and return to his home with your grandfather.”
“Still.” She dropped her eyes to her hands. “I dislike London and all the crowded attractions the upper orders deem worthy. I’d rather go to the hotel immediately.”
“I’ll bring you to Mivart’s later this evening. Now the entire day awaits.” He smiled down at her and waited until she matched his gaze. “I won’t take you anywhere you expect to go. I know secrets in this city that any learned scientist would devour with avid interest.” He waggled his brows with a charming smile.
Her eyes widened before she could stifle her curiosity. “Wait.” She took his arm though she kept her feet still. “I must send a message to Collins at the hotel. Grandfather’s things will need to be forwarded. He does so much better when articles are familiar.”
“We’ll make the necessary arrangements for Lord Talbot, so you needn’t worry.” His amusement fell away, his eyes sincere. “Allow me to change your mind about London.”
“Only today. Just for a little while.” She shook her head, her conditions in place, although she remained aware she might be making a grave mistake.
“By the by, I’ve been meaning to ask you about Lord Kirkman.”
“Yes.” She had an inkling she knew his next question.
“What is your relationship with the gentleman?”
“Friendship.” She wouldn’t offer more.
“Like ours?” He grinned and her heart flipped over in her chest.
For the briefest instance she recalled his kiss, the press of his muscular frame against her and the sensation of his tongue as it coaxed hers into play. She grew warm, once again flustered by the intimate experience. “Not at all.”
One dark brow climbed upward.
She shook her head in the negative, anxious to erase the threat of emotion. It was as if her body called to his, her mind all too ready to draw conclusions. She dealt with fact. Facts were safe. Facts were fair and honest and logical. Facts didn’t hurt one for unknown reasons or cause unexpected heartache.
He edged closer. “Very good then. Let’s get this day under way.”
Chapter Nineteen
They climbed into Matthew’s stylish carriage, where Theodosia was startled to see Coggs inside. Matthew introduced his valet to Dora with a gleam in his eye and the interaction caused Theodosia a qualm of suspicion, though it was swiftly dismissed as Matthew rapped on the roof and the carriage jerked forward through the slush-covered gutter and out into the wet roadway. The weather had improved, although they still needed to bundle against the cold temperature, and with four occupants inside the carriage, the interior warmed considerably.
“I’ve instructed my driver to visit Blackfriars first.”
His boots shuffled against the floor as if he sought a preferred position. Despite the carriage was large and comfortable, she suspected his long legs, bent at any angle, would become cramped. She didn’t dare ask if he’d used the ginger salve she’d prepared for him, unwilling to be disappointed at the answer.
“Blackfriars?” Her mind whirled with the suggestion. What could they possibly seek in such an ominous-sounding place? She knew few locations beyond those written about in popular books,
and with no desire to seek amusements in a city she despised, she hadn’t an idea where he might take her today. The carriage rattled over a long stretch of cobblestones before he replied.
“Apothecaries Hall, of course. You mentioned an interest in botanical science.” He grinned knowingly. “It’s the least I can do after you provided me with your exceptional restorative salve.”
Impressed by his thoughtfulness, she paused a moment. “You’ve given this a great deal of thought, haven’t you?”
“As all things.”
“Even though you had no idea I would agree to this outing?”
He didn’t answer.
They traveled in silence a bit farther, though she could sense a level of perception that seemed more acute than any conversation. The air warmed quickly within the carriage and the scent of his shaving soap found her eager to evoke another remembrance of their kisses. She noted the way sunrays streamed through the square window and outlined his profile, the strong set of his jaw and chin, his thick dark brows, and how the light glossed his hair with a becoming amber gleam.
She swallowed, desperately forcing her thoughts elsewhere than the intriguing handsome man across from her. When she huffed a quiet exhale, he turned his attention, almost as if he could read her thoughts. The scoundrel. Their eyes met and held for longer than appropriate. She hoped Dora and Coggs weren’t as perceptive.
The carriage leaned to the right as they rounded the corner of Black Friars Lane and she forced her attention elsewhere. They parked and exited onto the narrow cobbled street that tilted toward the Thames, no more than a stone’s throw away.
“Milady.” Matthew clasped his walking stick in one hand and offered his arm. “My valet and your maid will follow.”
He guided them over the threshold of a dark passage where gilt unicorn statues marked the entrance to an elongated courtyard, the façades of several storefronts marked by unusual signs that jutted from each building on blackened wrought-iron brackets. A gust of bitter wind caused a symphony of creaks and groans, the signs asway in unison as if they beckoned her forward.
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