Page 29 of The Gentleman Physician

“Have you had breakfast yet, Miss Devon?” Mrs. Olivier asked, her curiosity gleaming behind a cordial expression.

“I have not,” Julia admitted, glancing sideways at Nathaniel.

“Oh, he always eats with us,” Mr. Olivier said, startling her with his deep voice. She had thought he looked more like a tenor than a bass. “You needn’t stand on ceremony here, Miss Devon. Please, have a seat and fill a plate. Though some think it bad form, I think discussing business at breakfast ensures it turns out right for all parties.”

Nathaniel chuckled at this odd pronouncement and pulled out a chair, gesturing for Julia to take it. Once she was seated, Nathaniel took the chair beside her, positioning him across from Mrs. Olivier and she across from the barrister.

“Thank you for seeing me, Mr. Olivier. And thank you for breakfast,” she added, trying to relax.

“I must confess,” Mrs. Olivier began, “when Nathaniel’s note arrived last evening, it was most cryptic. Do you mind that I stay while you explain matters, to satiate my own curiosity as well as for propriety?”

Julia shook her head, glancing from the barrister to his wife. “Not at all, Mrs. Olivier.”

“Good. Then let’s get on with it.” Mr. Olivier began to butter a roll with a great deal of energy, and Julia wondered if he was always zealous with his food or if it was the prospect of her conversation that gave him such animation.

“Nate didn’t tell us much in the note, only that he needed to bring Miss Devon to our home at ten o’clock in the morning to discuss a delicate legal matter. I cannot imagine you wish to bring a suit against anyone, or entail any possessions, and unless you are facing transportation, I cannot guess what brings you here.” He punctuated his little speech with a grin and a hearty bite of his food.

His easy manner made Julia feel more at ease instead of awkward. She sensed no lack of care in his manner, only a robust personality.

“If I ever do find myself being shipped to New South Wales, I will certainly apply to you for aid,” she said, trying to keep a straight face, though she appreciated the levity.

She caught Nathaniel staring at her, his expression betraying his surprise. Perhaps he did not think the situation merited any measure of humor. She bit her bottom lip and wondered when she would ever stop disappointing him.

Julia continued more seriously. “My need today is for some legal advice on a matter pertaining to another person entirely.”

“Who would that be?” Mr. Olivier asked, drawing her attention back to him. He looked interested, at least.

“My cousin, Lady Virginia Macon, Baroness of Heatherton. Her husband, the baron, is one of Doctor Hasting’s patients. I am afraid he is not to be with us much longer. He has arranged for all the care of his worldly possessions to pass to his wife, as she is the trustee and guardian of the heir, his six-year-old son, until he comes of age. All of this has been settled very firmly, but the baron’s brother is determined to challenge the will.” Julia forgot her hunger, and that she even sat at a dining table, while she explained Virginia’s plight.

“My cousin’s solicitor is gone from town, and the baron’s brother, Mr. Macon, has been out to see a lawyer. Lady Heatherton is already overburdened with her husband’s care and loss. This act of her brother-in-law has placed a crushing weight on her and she does not know what is to be done.”

Mr. Olivier had stopped eating as she spoke and sat with his arms folded across his chest, studying her with half-closed eyes. “You have come here for advice on her behalf? Does she know you are here?”

Julia shook her head. “I did not want to worry her further or raise her expectations if there is nothing we can do.” She dropped her eyes to her plate, the weight of worry on her heart. “She is one of the kindest people I know, and I would do anything to help her in this difficult time.”

For a long moment, the room remained silent, and Julia wondered if any help would be offered.

“Please, have some coffee, Miss Devon,” Mrs. Olivier said at last. Julia looked up to find a cup being passed to Nathaniel, and he then held it out to her.

“Thank you,” she whispered, taking it from him. Her hopes were swiftly dropping.

“I see why Nate said the matter was delicate.” Mr. Olivier sighed and leaned forward in his chair, dropping his elbows onto its armrests. “Though wills are often contested, as most families have some amount of dramatic circumstances, matters of guardianship are not taken lightly, especially if a title is involved.”

Julia nodded solemnly and sipped at her drink, trying to focus less on her fears and more on the breakfast before her. Though she hadn’t eaten a thing, she did not feel hungry. Discussing Virginia’s difficulties with near strangers made her uneasy. Suppose they could not even help and she had betrayed a familial trust?

Nathaniel shifted in his chair, bringing his concerned expression to her notice. He had not touched any of his food yet, either. But he started talking, in a solemn tone.

“My understanding is that Mr. Macon is attempting to dismiss the will by questioning his brother’s state of mind during its writing. As the only witnesses to the will being changed were the absent solicitor, his secretary, and his wife, it is nearly a matter of the brother’s word against Lady Heatherton’s. How will this play out before the judiciary?” Nathaniel laid out the case more succinctly than she could’ve managed.

Julia looked askance at him, surprised he knew as many details as he did, and that he would assist her in explaining the situation. His loyalty to the Macons was commendable indeed. But what was more surprising was that he caught her peering at him and smiled.

It was a smile of encouragement and sympathy. The way his eyes crinkled at the corners lent truth to his countenance, no pity to be seen. She had not thought to ever receive such a thing from him again.

“Truthfully, without representation of some sort, Lady Heatherton could face a ruling without even being heard. Though she is a lady of title, once her husband passes on, her importance is greatly diminished. Her solicitor needs to be present to testify, or at least the secretary with other legal representation. That would lend her ladyship some credibility. I also think you ought to make a statement, Nate. As the physician you are aware of the baron’s state of mind. Do you think he was of sound judgement when he created the will?”

“Yes, I do.” Nathaniel’s firm answer heartened her considerably.

“If the solicitor cannot be brought back swiftly, then we could delay Mr. Macon’s ability to be heard. I will have to look into things when I go in to my offices, but I think it can be managed.”