Page 54 of The Gentleman Physician

“What sort of a case do you think you might build in your purchased time?” Julia asked and Nathaniel nearly nodded in approval. That would be his next question.

“First, we will be able to show that your ladyship is quite capable of running her own affairs. Second, no one will be able to use an argument of your being over-emotional after some time has passed. Third, it will allow me to build sympathy for your position with the powers that be. And fourth, we will be able to compile the testimony of the staff and Doctor Hastings into a clear narrative. I have great confidence we will succeed.”

Lady Heatherton nodded, her eyebrows drawn down. “That makes sense to me. And you will keep me apprised of the situation while I am away?”

“Away?” Timothy’s eyebrows shot up. “You don’t mean to stay in Bath?”

“I wish to leave this house as soon as possible,” the baroness said purposefully, but Nathaniel saw her hands curl into fists where they rested in her lap. “My sons need fresh air and room to come to terms with the loss of their father. This house, lovely as it is, holds the memories of my husband’s last painful weeks. I would rather be anywhere else.”

Timothy appeared to consider that idea.

Nathaniel ventured his own thoughts, keeping his tone professional, while his heart beat erratically in his chest. The baroness leaving would mean Julia’s departure as well.

“I must agree that country air would be better for her ladyship and her children, though I hate the thought of them being lost to Bath.” He dared a glance at Julia only to see her staring down at her lap. Did she want to leave? Would she stay, if he asked her to?

“I could return to our estate,” Lady Heatherton said, her voice losing some of its strength.

Julia looked up at that, her half-lidded eyes widening. “Oh, Ginny, I’m not sure that’s wise. You would be all alone out there, unprotected.”

While that argument perplexed Nathaniel, he saw Timothy nodding in agreement.

“It wouldn’t be wise, my lady. It is most important that you keep your sons under your watchful eye.” He leaned forward, wearing one of the most earnest expressions Nathaniel had ever seen on his face.

“I believe a large part of this case will depend upon you having the boys. Their uncle must have no access to them, in case he decides to spirit them away. If the children were with him, he could argue your negligence in providing safety, show that he is a far superior guardian due to nothing more than brute strength. Such things have happened before. It would be better if you went somewhere that he is not familiar with or does not know of at all.”

“I cannot think where.” Lady Heatherton closed her eyes and took a deep, steadying breath. “My mother is in London, my brother at his estate in Suffolk. I confess, going to either of them in my present state would hardly help the case of proving that I am not a hysterical female, given the way they both influence my mood.” She grimaced and lowered her hand, glancing from Timothy to Nathaniel.

“Go to Christine.” All eyes turned to Julia, whose expression had brightened. “Ginny, you must. Her husband and father-in-law will be there, and Kettering is beautiful in the spring. The boys will have all the fresh exercise and air they will need, and you will be well cared for.”

“I couldn’t possibly impose on them,” Lady Heatherton answered delicately, raising a hand to her heart. “They are newlyweds.”

“They haven’t the faintest idea how newlyweds ought to behave,” Julia said, half-smiling. “They live at the family estate, they are attempting to start a horse farm, and they are so delighted in their work and with each other that they will not mind you or the boys at all. In fact, I had a letter from Christine two days ago, and she specifically asked if I thought you would accept an invitation to visit.”

Nathaniel watched Julia’s animated and impassioned speech, both hopeful that her solution would serve Lady Heatherton and agonizing over what it meant for his desire to court and wed her.

Julia would, of course, go with Virginia. Why wouldn’t she? She could be with her beloved sister and cousin. She would be closer to her own home.

“It might work. Especially if you remain at a distance, as your brother-in-law has begun proceedings here in Bath. The locals might see it as overstepping themselves to continue the case while you are completely out of the county.” Timothy started nodding. “This would be an excellent idea.”

Lady Heatherton sighed and nodded. “Very well. I will remove my family to Kettering. My brother-in-law will be overseeing my late husband’s remains on their journey back to the family estate. While he attends to that duty, I will take the children to my cousin.”

It often struck Julia as unfair that women were not expected to accompany a funeral procession, it was considered too much for their delicate constitutions. But now that lack of expectation would serve a purpose for her cousin.

“I will send a letter to Christine immediately,” Julia said, rising to her feet.

“Thank you, Julia.”

Nathaniel and Timothy rose as well, but before Julia could leave the room, Timothy spoke hastily.

“And there are a few other things I should like to discuss with you in private, my lady. If you will allow it?”

“Of course, Mr. Olivier.” She nodded to Nathaniel. “Thank you for your time, Doctor.”

“I am at your service, my lady.” He bowed and turned to see Julia had stopped halfway to the door. In a few quick strides, he passed her to lead her out of the room, and then closed the door behind them.

Julia remained standing in the hall, by the door, staring up at him. “Thank you, Doctor Hastings. Virginia has a very high opinion of you. I know she appreciated your coming.”

Nathaniel stared down into her beautiful brown eyes, watching as the light turned them nearly amber. Julia was the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on. Under his assessing stare, her face regained some color. Julia’s blush made her lovelier still.