Hannah took a deep breath of the fresh air as she emerged onto the verandah. It was crisp and sunny out, and she felt so very alive. So very happy.
Of course, she’d be even happier when Dr. Alcott arrived. The line between patient and friend was blurring more and more every day. As she healed, her need for his services was dwindling, but her desire for his friendship—or something more—was growing by leaps and bounds.
“Oh, Evan!” she said, heading toward her usual spot at the far end of the verandah. “I didn’t expect to find you out here.”
Her brother dropped the paper he’d been reading and smiled up at her as she limped along the wall toward him. “Well, good morning, Bunny,” he said, straightening in his chair. “Have you broken your fast yet?”
“Not yet,” she admitted. “But I’ve already instructed Alice to have my breakfast brought out here. How is Grace? I haven’t seen much of her lately.”
“My wife,” he began, “is not feeling herself, I’m afraid.”
“Oh, dear.” Hannah had heard how pregnancy could affect one’s state. It didn’t sound fun at all, and yet, she’d give anything to experience it. “The baby?”
Evan nodded, a piece of his dark hair falling over one eye. “It’s terrible, really. Tossing up her accounts at all hours of the day.”
“Funny how fast it came on. She was fine just a couple weeks ago, having tea and going to garden parties. Is it normal?”
“How should I know?” Evan shrugged.
“Perhaps Dr. Alcott could look after her, what with Dr. Pritchard being away.”
“I would hate to take his focus away from you when you’re doing so well.”
“My need for him is dwindling.” Unfortunately. “I think I can spare him to examine Grace once in a while and make certain all is coming along as it should with the baby.”
Evan glanced up at her. “You’re certain?”
“More than certain.” Besides, if Dr. Alcott was seeing to Grace throughout her pregnancy, that would guarantee another seven months or so of his presence in their home, even if Hannah didn’t need him anymore. She’d not say no to that.
“I will speak to him when he arrives then.” Evan gestured toward somewhere behind Hannah. “Here comes your breakfast now. I will leave you to it while I go to check on Grace.”
“Please ask if I may visit her later on, won’t you? I’ve quite missed her company.”
Evan leaned down to place a kiss on her cheek. “I will indeed.”
Hannah tucked into her meal, which consisted of eggs, bacon and sweet biscuits with a side of rum butter. She’d managed to find a way to incorporate Lady Wolverly’s delectable rum butter into almost every meal lately. Between herself and her mother, the stuff would be gone soon. She made a mental note to order more jars just as Dr. Alcott walked through the doors onto the verandah. He looked especially happy today, and that, in turn, made Hannah happy.
“I was wondering how long I’d have to wait to see you this morning,” she said as he approached. They’d become quite bold and quite familiar lately, and it warmed Hannah’s heart. This was what she’d always longed for with Beeston. Friendship. Laughter. Long conversations and challenging discourse. Of course, all she’d gotten was indifference for ten long years.
“Well, your wait is over, my lady,” he said as he took a seat at the table across from her. “I didn’t expect to find you down here, though. Did anyone help you from your room?”
Hannah smiled proudly and shook her head. “No. I did it all by myself.”
“I see you’re quite proud of that fact,” he said. “But I’d rather you have someone with you…just in case.”
“Your concern is heartwarming, but as you can see, I made it here just fine.”
“Still…”
“I’ve just been talking with Somerset,” she went on, not allowing him to crush her good mood with his over-cautiousness. “My sister-in-law is having quite a time with the babe.”
Dr. Alcott’s dark brows knitted together. “I was hoping Her Grace had avoided morning sickness.”
“Oh, it’s not just the morning, you know? Somerset says it’s all day. We’ve both agreed we’d like to have you look after her during the pregnancy, but of course, he will speak to you himself.”
“I would be more than happy to, but Dr. Pritchard will be back soon. Wouldn’t the duchess prefer to be under his care?”
Hannah blinked up at him. “I don’t see why. He left me in your care, and quite frankly, I’m glad he did.” Her heart was racing now. There were things she wanted to say—things that shouldn’t be expressed from patient to doctor—but somehow she just couldn’t help herself. “It hasn’t all been fun, but I would say that the last couple months have been…” She swallowed. Could she say it? Could she open the door that might lead to more? “Well, they have been the best months of my life.”
She was shaking. Like a leaf about to break free of its branch. Why wasn’t he saying anything? Why did he just sit there, staring at her? She couldn’t stand it. Hadn’t she, in some way, just confessed her feelings for him? And there he sat, saying nothing.
“Aren’t you going to say something?” she asked, terrified that his answer was going to be something she didn’t want to hear.
And then, just when she was about to excuse herself out of embarrassment, a smile broke out on his lips, lighting his eyes as his gaze bore into her.
“To be truthful, I would rather not say anything.”
Oh, of course. He was laughing at her. How could she have misread the signs? How could she have mistaken his kindness for flirtation? What a fool she was! And if she excused herself, it would be even more awkward, for she walked so slowly, and then, of course, he’d want to assist her…
“Hannah,” he said, and his tone was so soft, so gentle, that it immediately quieted her whirling thoughts.
“Yes?” she replied, her body tingling from hearing her Christian name on his lips.
“They have been the best months of my life, too.”
Chapter 13
“Really?” The word came out so quietly that he barely heard it.
“Yes,” he confirmed, feeling emboldened now that she’d come out with her own feelings. He moved to the edge of his chair, putting him that much closer to her. “Is it all right that I call you Hannah?”
“More than all right.” Her smile beamed from ear to ear. “But am I to continue to call you Dr. Alcott?”
He took hold of her hand. They had touched many times in the past months, but this was different. This was not doctor to patient, this was human to human. And dare he hope, lover to lover? There was so much promise in this simple gesture of holding hands, and it took all of Graham’s willpower to keep from exploring those unspoken promises.
“I would be honored if you would call me Graham.”
“Graham,” she whispered, as if it were a prayer. Then she swallowed, her slender throat working, her brows coming together in a frown. “What does this all mean?”
Graham had no idea. “I’ve never fallen in love with a patient before,” he said, making her frown fall away in favor of a laugh.
“I’m very glad for that.”
“But if you’re asking where we go from here, I really don’t know. I can’t imagine your family will be thrilled to hear that we…”
“Care for one another?”
It was all Graham could do not to sweep her into his arms and kiss her until she forgot her own name just then. How could her husband not have seen what a lovely creature she was? How could he have treated her so poorly, this beautiful angel that sat before him? It was unfathomable that anyone would ever take advantage of her, and Graham swore no one ever would again. He would be her protector from now on, and she’d never come to any harm so long as he was alive.
“Care for one another,” he confirmed.
Hannah closed her eyes. There was a smile on her lips, but one couldn’t miss the tiny tear that eked from between her eyelids.
“I—I’ve wanted to say something to you for so long.”
“And I you.”
“But you’re right,” she continued. “What will my family say?”
“I suspect this will be challenging territory.” He took both her hands now and squeezed. “But we will navigate it together, if you will have me.”
She gave a snort of laughter through her tears. “Of course I will have you. But we may want to consider elopement.”
“No.” He was happy to give her just about anything to make her happy but that was not one of them.
“No?” She batted her lashes at him, her eyes wide as a young doe.
“I want to marry you,” he said, making certain he was clear on that point, though saying it aloud was somewhat terrifying, if he was being honest. “But I’ll not do it in secrecy, as if we have something to hide.”
“But the scandal…”
“Is of no consequence to me,” he finished for her. “I want our families to be there. I know how much yours means to you, and there is no one more precious to me in this world than my sister.” He quirked a smile. “Although, there is someone who may offer a challenge to that position.”
Hannah gave a little laugh, and squeezed his hands that were still entwined with hers. “I suppose the news would reach the gossips either way, wouldn’t it? What with Chloe being a Wetherby and all. News travels fast with that family.”
“Then it is settled.” He started to pull away—he was so full of excited energy, he needed to stand or walk or run to Surrey and back—but Hannah kept him still.
“Wait,” she said, meeting his eyes with a sober plea in her own. “Might we keep this a secret? Just for a little while,” she added to reassure him. “This is all so…new, and I just want to savor it for a bit before the rest of the world starts offering their opinions on the matter.”
Graham supposed it was all moving rather too quickly anyway. In a normal situation, he would court her for several months before offering for her hand and then there would be several more weeks or even months of waiting before they married. Of course, they’d have to have the banns read, so that would take time, but he could see the logic in her request. It would be nice to have this secret between the two of them. Besides, surely the dowager wouldn’t allow them to be alone if there was any sign of affection between them. Perhaps they could take advantage of their current situation.
“I think that is a wise idea,” he finally replied. “What if we were to announce our engagement at my sister’s soiree? It will be a small gathering, mostly family and close friends. I can think of no better time to make such an announcement.”
That serene smile he loved so much graced Hannah’s lips. “I think that is a wonderful idea.”
The breeze lifted a strand of her mahogany hair just as he lifted her hand to his mouth. He closed his eyes as he pressed his lips to her soft skin, lingering far longer than he should.
“Ho, there! Dr. Alcott!” came the boisterous greeting of the duke from somewhere behind him.
Hannah’s face flushed pink, but Graham kept his calm, holding onto her hand and offering a wink to reassure her.
“Your pulse is just fine,” he said, slowly lowering her hand back to her lap just before he turned to greet his future brother-in-law. “Your Grace.”
“Everything all right?” he asked, his eyes narrowed on Graham.
“Just checking her pulse. I wanted to make certain she wasn’t taxing herself by being out here.”
Somerset took a seat. “Her progress is remarkable, Doctor. I feel horrible I ever doubted you.”
“It is not the first time I have been challenged, and I don’t imagine it will be the last.”
“Well, not from me, ever again,” Somerset said. “Which leads me to my next question…”
“I’ve already told him,” Hannah put in. “And he says he is happy to care for Grace.”
Somerset turned his ice-blue gaze on Graham. “Is that true?”
“You think I would lie?” Hannah interrupted.
“May I speak with the doctor myself, Bunny?” he asked of his sister then turned to Graham again. Graham couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him. He was no stranger to sibling spats, and knowing other siblings had similar arguments was somewhat comforting.
“Your sister is correct,” Graham finally put in. “I would be happy to be of service. Should I see to her now?”
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Hannah said. “Poor girl has been suffering so. Perhaps you can ease her suffering as you’ve done mine.”
Any fool could see the loving way she looked at him, with admiration and adoration in her eyes. If she wanted to keep things a secret, she wasn’t doing a very good job of it. Of course, he probably wasn’t either. He only need glance at her to feel his heart lift along with the corners of his lips.
“I will endeavor to do my best,” he replied, lingering in her gaze.
“Well, then,” Somerset said, giving two loud knocks on the garden table, “I shall lead the way. Are you all right for now, Bunny?”
“I’m fine,” she assured her brother. “I shall sit here and read for a while.”
As much as Graham wanted to stay by her side and hold her hands all afternoon, he also felt the familiar excitement of seeing to a new patient. The anticipation of helping someone find their way back to good health. So he dutifully followed Somerset through the house to the ducal chambers on the second floor.
“I will warn you,” the duke said as they approached the door. “She is quite ill.”
“It is not so unusual for a woman in her position,” Graham assured the man. “Another few weeks and she should be right as rain. But hopefully I can do something to ease her ailments in the meantime.”
The duke nodded and then opened the door quietly. It was dark inside and smelled of sickness—much like Hannah’s room had smelled that first day he’d come to meet her. How much had changed in such a short amount of time.
A small figure writhed upon the bed, covered in blankets. Graham went to her and placed a hand on her back. She groaned but didn’t settle.
“Darling,” the duke said, approaching the other side of the bed. “Dr. Alcott is here to see you.”
There was a small whimper, and then, “Can you help me?”
Graham smiled. “I can try,” he said. “Tell me what you’re feeling.”
“Like I…” She put her hand to her mouth. “Like I can’t get through a sentence without…”
Graham reached for the chamber pot and held it out for her while she heaved into it.
“Have you been able to eat anything?”
She shook her head no.
“Drink anything?”
No again.
“All right. We must first settle your stomach so that you can keep food and drink in, lest you become dehydrated. You may still feel ill, perhaps for a few more weeks, but that is completely normal.”
“This is torture,” she whimpered as she lifted her teary eyes to him.
“So I’ve heard. But you will be fine. I will return shortly with tea and bread.”
He settled her back onto her pillows and then left to instruct Cook on how to prepare a tea of ginger and peppermint for Her Grace. Once he had the nourishments in hand, he headed back toward the ducal chambers. He was halfway up the first staircase when a sweet and familiar voice called out for him.
“Dr. Alcott,” said the voice, and when he turned to find Hannah standing behind him, clutching the banister, she gave him a wink. “How is my sister-in-law?”
He descended the steps again, until he stood just over her. Light from the fanlight poured into the room, shining upon her dark hair as if she truly wore a halo above her head. The urge to kiss her was stronger than ever, but this was neither the time nor the place. “She is as expected. Quite nauseous, unable to keep food down.”
Hannah’s lovely, dark brows drew together with concern. “Will she and the babe be all right?”
Graham nodded, giving what he hoped was a reassuring smile, and gestured to the tray he held in his hands. “Once she’s had this, they will be.”
While concern still marred her brow, she gave him a smile in return, touching her hand to his arm. “Thank you,” she said. “And, erm…if you would come see me after you’ve seen to Grace, I do believe my leg needs tending to.”
Everything in her tone and in her eyes told him her leg was just fine, but he would go to her, nonetheless.
Chapter 14
She was mad. There was no other explanation. Had she really invited him to her room with a fib and a seductive wink? Goodness, she was a harridan, a harlot! She had never done anything like this, not even in the early days with Beeston. He had been so pursuant of her, she hadn’t needed to. But this was different. She wasn’t an innocent this time. Dr. Alcott—Graham—wasn’t a powerful lord that put stars in her eyes and clouded her judgment.
No, this was far more special. There was friendship and tenderness and…everything that wasn’t there with Beeston.
Damn Beeston! Why was she thinking of him at a time like this? Why did his memory choose to creep up and strangle her just when happiness was within her grasp?
“Hannah?”
Hannah whirled, her heart racing, to find Dr. Alcott behind her. Graham. Blast, it would take time to get used to calling him by his given name.
“I didn’t hear you come in,” she said, clutching her hand to her chest. How had he opened and closed the door without her knowing?
“Did I startle you?”
He had, but that wasn’t why her heart was racing. “I’m fine,” she breathed, her eyes locked with his. The air in the room heavy. The charge of passion palpable between them, drawing them together, an unseen force that neither could deny.
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