Miss Shaw and the Doctor

by Fenella J Miller

  He grinned sheepishly as he arranged freshly baked scones, butter, and conserve on a plate for her. “I apologise most humbly for barking at you. My only excuse is that my leg was smarting. I fear I did not notice you had as much need as I to change your raiment.”

  She reached over the table and rested her hand on his. “I do hope you were not seriously scalded? If I had thought, I would have thrown that vase of flowers on your leg. I’m surprised, as a medical man, that you did not suggest it yourself.”

  His unexpected shout of laughter startled her. “Good heavens, I’m fortunate you did not. But, you are quite right, cold water is exactly the right thing for a burn of any sort. I’m surprised you know such a thing.”

  “Before my papa passed away, he was a pastor, you know. I was encouraged to accompany the local physician on his rounds. He was a good doctor, open-minded when it came to new practices; if I had been born a gentleman I’m certain I would have become a doctor myself.” Quickly removing her hand, she busied herself spreading butter on the still warm scone.

  “And an excellent one you would have made; perhaps one day in the future it will be possible for women to join our ranks. I, for one, do not hold with the view that females are an inferior species and lack the intelligence to do the same work as a man.”

  What an extraordinary conversation to be having at such a time as this. Did he think she was a radical, like Mrs. Wollstonecraft, that she supported Lady Fenwick’s desertion? She paused as she raised her food to her mouth. “I don’t wish you to think that I am in favour of a wife deserting her husband as a matter of course when things become difficult. Both parties make a solemn promise in the sight of God when they are married. The wife promises to honour and obey, so I believe that she ought to do so if she can.”

  He nodded as if in agreement. “From your words, my dear, I take it you think there are exceptions to this rule?”

  Her mouth was full; she could not answer until she had swallowed. Smiling in her direction, he poured her a large bowl of chocolate. She wished she’d asked for coffee now; slurping was not something she wished to do in front of him.

  “Lady Fenwick would not have abandoned Sir John if she had not been driven to it by his intransigence. We both know Isobel was not to blame for Lottie’s death, and she does not deserve to be punished at all, let alone be sent away forever. I’m sure when his grief is less he will reconsider.”

  “I beg to disagree. I have known Sir John for three years now. He’s not a clever man, but is certainly one to bear grudges. It would take nothing short of a miracle to make him change his mind. All Lady Fenwick is doing by her absence is hardening his resolve. However, he won’t be arriving to take Isobel from us. At this moment he is gallivanting across the countryside in his search for his errant wife.”

  Her appetite vanished at his statement. Sir John would be even more incensed which would not help Isobel one jot. Even the hot chocolate no longer seemed appealing. In fact the further she was from the tray the more comfortable she’d feel. “I shall leave you to finish your breakfast; I’m no longer hungry. However, if you’d be so kind as to bring me a cup of coffee when you’re done, I should be most grateful.”

  The knife he was holding clattered on to the plate. “Go and sit by the window, I’ll bring your drink immediately.”

  Sarah selected an upright bentwood chair, which was light enough for her to carry to the open window. This was already pushed up to its fullest extent, and there was an ample sill upon which to place the coffee when it came. The fresh air soon revived her, settled her normally docile digestion.

  “Too much excitement can play havoc with one’s equilibrium, Sarah. I don’t like to see you so discommoded.” He placed her drink within easy reach of her hand and brought up a similar chair, placing it rather close to hers. “My love, it would make things so much simpler if I did have the right to take care of you. Please, can I ask you to reconsider your decision?”

  This was exactly what she’d dreamt of hearing—he wished to become affianced to her once more. She was about to tell him there was nothing she would like better when doubts assailed her. He had not said what matter he wished her to reconsider—she had no wish to embarrass herself, or him, by then answering in the affirmative a question he had not actually asked.

  “Sarah, sweetheart, am I mistaken? Is your hesitation a sign that you no longer have feelings for me? No longer wish to become my wife at some time in the future?”

  Joy flooded through her. She raised her face, unable for a moment to reply. “Dr.…Adam, my feelings have not changed one iota. I love you with all my heart, and if you are still prepared to take me as your betrothed knowing it could be a considerable time before we can be together, then I am happy to become your responsibility.”

  His fingers closed over hers, and he gently drew her to her feet. His arms encircled her, and she leant her face against his chest and heard his heart thumping beneath his snow white shirt front. He was as moved as she by the moment. Shyly she looked up, and he responded by placing his lips on hers. This sweet gesture sealed the bond between them.

  Then he briskly moved his chair to the far side of the window. Swinging it round, he straddled it and folded his arms across the chair back. She returned to her seat, knowing everything was changed. Whatever happened, she believed one day she would be his wife, and that was all that mattered.

  The cup rattled in the saucer and she took a few sips. The bitterness cleared her head as nothing else could. Replacing the item carefully on the window sill she smiled across at him. “Well, how is this matter to be resolved?”

  “Firstly, I shall send a letter after Sir John, telling him Isobel and Lorna have suffered a setback, and are in no condition to return to Bentley Manor.”

  She waited expectantly for him to continue. He raised an eyebrow and she giggled. “I beg your pardon, I did not realise I was supposed to comment. Such a missive will give us valuable time, but this is not a solution. Either I break the law or disobey my employer’s instructions; in either case I shall certainly lose my position.”

  “I can’t say that I would be sorry if that happened. It would mean we could be married immediately.” He raised a placating hand as she drew breath to protest. “I know, my dear, it might be beneficial to us but disastrous to the children. We must put their needs first, for the moment at least.”

  “Is that your only idea? It does not solve the problem of how to keep Isobel safe until matters improve between Sir John and Lady Fenwick.”

  “My suggestion is you take the girls to the seaside in order for them to convalesce. If you do it on my advice, and we let Sir John know I am now your betrothed, he can have no objection to your going.”

  “My mother is living in Poole, a small town in Dorset.”

  “Excellent. You must write to her at once, tell her the situation and ask if you and the girls can stay with her for the rest of the summer.”

  “I can’t do that. She is the unpaid companion to an elderly relative; even if the house were large enough, I should not wish to take the girls there.”

  He paced the room; she noticed he walked with his eyes shut. A dangerous habit, especially when she’d been obliged to move his furniture around. Abruptly he halted and bounded back to sit down once more. “I have it; I shall send Fred Burton, my estate manager, to your mother’s dwelling. He must collect her and together they can find a suitable house to rent for the remainder of the summer. Mrs. Shaw must engage the necessary staff, and make things ready for you. My mother can accompany you and the girls on the journey.”

  Her head was spinning; she could hardly take in what he said. “We are to live in Dorset? My mother will not be able to go back—”

  “I know that. I told you things would be simpler if I am your betrothed. What could be easier than my taking on the responsibility of your only relative? When we return here she will, of course, accompany us.”

  There was a one small flaw in his plan. “But, Adam, what about you
rself? Are you to remain here in this house all alone?”

  “Certainly not. I have one or two business and medical matters to attend to before I can leave. But be assured, darling girl, I shall join you as soon as I’m able. I have not taken a break from my work since I qualified. It will do me good to be away for a while.”

  “But what of your patients? How will they go on without you?”

  “There is an excellent apothecary in the village, also two goodwives in the neighbourhood who already deliver the majority of the babies. I shall speak to Dr. Jeffries, a colleague of mine in the next town; I’m sure he will take on any urgent cases in my absence.”

  Sarah drained her coffee. “In which case, I shall return to my chamber to compose my letter, I—”

  “Do it here. There’s ink and paper on the desk. Burton will be in the office; I shall go and speak to him directly. Can you have your missive completed within fifteen minutes?”

  “Easily, and another thing: I must give you the money Lady Fenwick sent me. I haven’t dared to count it, but it seems a vast amount. I shudder to think what she was obliged to do in order to obtain so much without her husband’s knowledge.”

  His hand shot out to catch the roll of notes. He flicked through it. “There must be 200 pounds at least. I shall put it in the safe and return it when her ladyship is in residence again.”

  Whilst she was penning the letter, she felt ashamed of the happiness that ran through her. Was it wrong to feel like this so soon after the tragedy? She must make sure she kept her feelings to herself; it would not do to upset the girls. She would tell them, and the staff, hers was an engagement of convenience in order that Adam could legitimately take charge of her welfare.

  They were both hoping society in general, and her employer in particular, would consider it acceptable that Adam took responsibility for the girls as well as herself. The fact Sir John was no longer in the neighbourhood, and there were no other male relatives to step into his shoes in his absence, should be enough to smooth things over.

  It must be made very clear to both her mama, and his, that this was a business arrangement. Her mama would think it nonsensical to be engaged to a man with no limit to the time before the actual nuptials took place. She must endeavour to convince Adam this was the best way forward. He must desist at once in larding his conversation with endearments; she must attempt to remain unmoved when he was nearby.

  Up to an hour ago, they had behaved as friends when they were together, keeping their feelings obscured behind good manners. Hiding their love was going to be more difficult, but if they were to put the girls’ welfare before their own, then it must be done.

  Explaining to her mother, without revealing how she felt about Adam, was harder than she’d expected. Even writing to her mama about this engagement without substance, one that would be broken off when matters resolved themselves at Bentley Manor, was upsetting. This was the first time she had ever deliberately misled her parent. She prayed when her beloved mama eventually discovered the truth, she would understand.

  Within the hour, Mr. Burton had left on the long journey to Dorset. He was to travel by post—exorbitantly expensive, but Adam insisted matters were arranged speedily.

  “I shall send you all in my travelling carriage. It has recently been resprung, and one of Burton’s tasks is to arrange your overnight accommodation and to have a fresh team waiting at each post house. With luck, you shall be on your way by the beginning of next week.”

  Now was the moment she’d been dreading. She must persuade him to agree to her deception. “Adam, I have told my mother we have become engaged solely to give you the right to take care of us. In other words, it’s a business arrangement, one that will be dissolved when matters right themselves between Sir John and Lady Fenwick.” She braced herself for his angry denial.

  Instead his mouth curved, and he touched her cheek lightly with one finger. “Exactly what I was going to suggest, sweetheart. Time enough to reveal our love when we are in a position to act upon it. We must continue as before; it’s going to be the hardest part of this tangle. Every time I see you I want to hold you. I want to shout from the tallest mountain how happy I am that the most wonderful girl loves me as much as I love her.”

  He opened his arms and she walked into them; she belonged there. She was safe and loved when within his embrace. Women who were married to seafaring men or soldiers often only saw their men folk for a month or two every other year. At least she would have the blessing of his company, be able to talk to him whenever she wished.

  This time she stepped away first. “All that matters, my love, is for the girls to be safe and happy. We must pray something persuades Sir John to change his mind about sending Isobel away. If that happens, it will be the first step to our being together.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Within three days, a note from Mr. Burton arrived by express, saying a suitable house had been leased and everything would be ready for their arrival by the end of the week. Adam beamed at Sarah. “My word, your mother’s a marvel. How she has accomplished so much in less than a day I cannot imagine.”

  “I am certain being freed from her servitude so unexpectedly will have given her the necessary vigour to achieve the impossible. Did Mr. Burton say what kind of house she has found?”

  “Read it yourself, my dear. Mama says your packing is all but done. The baggage must leave this morning, so you can depart the day after tomorrow. That should be ample time. I’m sure you would not wish to arrive before your belongings. Have you decided which of the girls will accompany the trunks?”

  Sarah looked up from the brief letter with a smile. “How typical of a man to write so little upon the subject so vital to our well-being. ‘The house is substantial and no more than a stone’s throw from the sea.’ I am already consumed with curiosity and must now wait until I see this place for myself.”

  As they were alone in his study, they were able to be more relaxed than would otherwise be possible. He shook his head in mock despair. “My love, you have not answered my question. Will you be ready to leave in two days, and who is to leave today?”

  “Both Nancy and Jo are going. You have more than sufficient staff to do their duties until we leave. Betty is to act as abigail to both your mother and myself. She will travel in the carriage with us.”

  “It’s a journey of almost one hundred and fifty miles. You do not want to be cramped. My new travelling carriage is luxurious, but three children and three adults will be a tight squeeze.” He closed his eyes, and she barely resisted the urge to reach out and touch him. She loved the way his forehead creased whilst he was thinking. “I shall hire a second carriage, then Mama may take her own dresser and Mrs. Shaw can share Betty with you.”

  “Oh, the expense will be dreadful. We can manage—”

  Her protests were silenced by a light kiss. “I believe there’s something you are not aware of. You’re obviously under the misapprehension that I am living in straitened circumstances. My father made a fortune in India, and I am an extremely wealthy man.”

  Her mouth opened. She felt as if the stone had lodged in her chest. This was not good news: for him to marry a governess when he was merely a village doctor was just acceptable. For a wealthy man, an extremely wealthy man, to do so would be considered a misalliance by society.

  “I see. I had no notion you were a wealthy man. Pray excuse me—I have business elsewhere.” She was almost at the door when he stepped in front of her, blocking her passage.

  “Now, my darling, you understand why I did not tell you this. I knew you would think yourself an unsuitable match and run away.”

  She stared firmly at her slippers, refusing to answer or look up. His hand cupped her chin and gently raised it until she was staring into his strange eyes. “You are the daughter of a parson, well-educated and quite definitely a member of the gentility. That you are obliged to work as a governess is to your credit not your shame. I know what you’re thinking, that it will somehow damage
my reputation.”

  “You know that’s true; I should have realised by the size of your house and the fact that you have an estate manager. It did not occur to me that you’re a man of substance. You dress simply and live without ostentation.”

  His smile made her toes curl in their slippers. He was irresistible when he looked at her like this. “Exactly so, sweetheart. I am not extravagant, I only employ so many staff in order to give them work. I bought a large estate for the same reason. I work because medicine interests me. It gives purpose to my days.” His hands transferred to her shoulders and gently squeezed. “I love you, and I don’t give a fig for society. If I had fallen in love with your abigail instead of you I should not have hesitated to marry her. I am wealthy enough to please myself and disregard the opprobrium of others.”

  Betty was old enough to be his mother; the thought of him offering for her made her smile. Blinking back her tears, she stretched out and kissed him. His shock was laughable. “If you would prefer to transfer your affections to Betty, then please do not mind me.” She stepped away from him and looked pointedly at the door.

  “You, if you will forgive me for saying so, my darling, are an impertinent baggage. I can see that I shall have to take you in hand once we’re married.” He scowled ferociously and opened the door. She could hear him laughing as she ran upstairs to give instructions for the trunks to be carried down immediately.

  Even Isobel became more animated when she was told they would be departing in two days. “How long will the journey take, Miss Shaw? Shall we all be travelling in the same carriage?”

  “We shall be stopping overnight three times, and Mr. Burton has reserved our accommodation. Dr. Moorcroft is sending two carriages, so we shall have ample room.”

  Lorna put her arm around her twin. “Isobel, we shall be gone before Papa returns. You shall not be sent away to school. You shall stay with us as Mama wishes you to.”