Page 16 of The Gentleman Physician

But, she reminded herself sternly, he was family to the baron, and his elder brother’s imminent death could have something to do with his attitude. He must have only just arrived in Bath, too, and a long journey would hardly put anyone in an agreeable state of mind. Julia took herself in hand and curtsied again.

“Excuse me, Mr. Macon. Perhaps we may get to know each other tomorrow. Good evening.” Julia walked by him, trying not to look too closely at him again. She had no wish to detain the man from his drink.

After obtaining the sanctuary of her room, she rang for Emily. It did not take long for the young woman to come and help Julia remove her clothing.

“Good night, Miss Devon,” Emily said before closing the door behind her. “I hope you have pleasant dreams.”

Julia tucked the covers beneath her chin and closed her eyes, waiting for sleep to take her away from the cares and heartaches of the day.

Her mind had other tricks to play, however, and Julia found herself remembering the ball where she had been formally introduced to Nathaniel Hastings. The event was a successful crush, every room and hall filled with people conversing, wearing their best clothes and society simpers, and she had sat on a chair watching in fascination.

The variety of colors and styles in women’s gowns amazed her; the gentlemen standing in small groups, in varying shades of blues, grays, and browns, were as interesting to study, if for entirely different reasons. They were all like exotic birds, showing off their fine feathers, in search of a mate.

Aunt Jacqueline had sat near her, speaking to one of her friends, sharing her views on the world at large. The hostess of the ball, Lady Rachel Carew, approached and Julia stood quickly when she realized the woman was making directly for her, with a familiar gentleman in tow.

Though he now wore blue instead of gray, Julia recognized him at once as the man who had appeared at her carriage window. The rose he’d gifted her now sat on her bedside table, a delightful token of their interlude.

“Miss Devon, might I present Mr. Nathaniel Hastings, lately of Gloucestershire. Mr. Hastings, Miss Devon is from Kettering, Northhamptonshire, and niece to Lady Darvel.” Lady Carew made the introductions with a disinterested smile, wafting the air with her fan. “Mr. Hastings expressed a wish to meet you, Miss Devon.”

“You do me honor, Mr. Hastings,” Julia had said, surprised she managed more than a whisper. She did not ever expect to see him again, though she secretly hoped she might.

“It is a true pleasure to meet you at last, Miss Devon,” he said, bowing to her. “Might I engage your hand for the next dance?”

Julia nearly said yes before she remembered to glance at her aunt, who appraised the man briefly before offering a slight nod.

“Yes, thank you.”

He took her hand to lead her to the floor. She could feel the heat of his grasp through the silk of her glove. His touch was gentle, his fingers strong, and in that moment Julia knew Nathaniel Hastings was different. His smile charmed her, the way his eyes danced intrigued her, and his attention made her feel important.

But that first dance, as wonderful as it had been, laid the foundations for the greatest disappointment of her life.

Julia sighed and rolled over in her bed, squeezing her eyes shut tighter, banishing the memories back into the furthest corners of her mind. She needed her rest and thinking on Nathaniel Hastings would not be conducive to that sleep.

∞ ∞ ∞

Julia’s memories of Nathaniel Hastings were not so easily banished as she might have hoped. Rest eluded her most of the night, leaving Julia’s whole form sagging before her dressing table as Emily arranged curls around Julia’s ears. Though she’d rather leave off the intricate style, she knew she ought to retain some measure of decorum now that another guest resided in the home, even if she planned to spend most of her day assisting Virginia or shepherding the boys.

“Emily, where is my cousin this morning?” she asked the maid, though she stared into her own dark eyes in the mirror. The lines beneath them told all too clearly of her lack of sleep.

“Her ladyship is sleeping, miss. She left instructions last night not to disturb her unless you, Lord Heatherton, or the children had need of her. I imagine she’ll ring for her breakfast and that will be the first we know of her.”

“I hope so. She needs her rest.” Julia pursed her lips and tilted her head to one side. “I think you’ve done all you can for me today. I’m afraid I will have to go down the way I am.”

The maid actually giggled. “You look very pretty, miss. I’m certain Mr. Macon will think so.”

Julia’s eyebrows shot up. “Mr. Macon? I don’t care a fig for Mr. Macon, beyond the need to practice basic manners in his presence.” Emily giggled and Julia bit the inside of her cheeks to keep from grinning. “Is he awake yet? I thought he’d be sleeping for a time, due to his late arrival.” Among other things, she silently added to herself.

“He rang for his valet about the time I came up to help you, miss.” Emily gathered up the curling tongs and extra hairpins. “But I imagine we finished up first.”

Julia nodded her thanks for the information and gathered up her favorite lavender shawl. She made her way down the steps and to the dining hall, where she had taken breakfast with Virginia the last several days. The children ate in the nursery, the baron in his chamber, and though Virginia had been taking her morning meal in bed before Julia came, she would not allow her cousin to eat alone. Today, Julia anticipated sharing the table with a near-stranger.

She came down and took up a plate, filling it from the sideboard. It looked as though the cook was putting on an extra show, with a new guest to impress and feed. Julia didn’t mind, as she enjoyed sampling everything that came up from the kitchen. Her cousin’s cook, Mrs. Rainey, was especially adept at sauces.

Julia had seated herself and taken her first bite when Gerard Macon entered the room. He paused at the doorway and made his bow.

“Please, don’t get up,” he said with a raised hand. “I’m starving and I imagine you are as well.” He went directly to the food. He filled his plate rapidly with rashers of bacon, pastries, and berries in a cream sauce.

“Miss Devon, I must apologize for my rudeness last night,” he said, taking her by surprise, without turning around. “I was fatigued by my travels and did not do our introduction the honor it likely deserved.” He turned from the food, plate in hand, and looked over the table carefully before choosing the seat across from her, nearest the head.