Page 59 of The Gentleman Physician

“Thank goodness. I would not wish to battle her over anyone’s affections.” Julia smiled up at him, easing his worries for her. If she was of a mind to laugh and tease, perhaps her worries had passed.

“Are you going to stand there all day, or will you introduce us?” a saucy, feminine voice asked. “Really, Julia. You’re supposed to be the most proper sister, you know.”

Nathaniel grinned when he saw Julia’s blush and he brought them both around to face their accuser.

He had never met Julia’s family, aside from her father and aunt, but it was easy to see the women were related. They had the same dark hair, similar coloring, but Julia was certainly shorter than her sister.

“As you will soon be brother and sister, I see little need for formality,” Julia said with a crooked smile, sending Nathaniel’s heart into another burst of speed. “Christine Gilbert, this is Doctor Nathaniel Hastings, my betrothed. Nathaniel, this is my troublesome sister, Christine.” She released him and gestured to the people Nathaniel still hadn’t noticed.

“This is Mr. Thomas Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Gilbert.”

The baroness and her sons stood at the door as well, the boys watching him with wide eyes and Lady Heatherton with a subdued smile.

Had everyone witnessed their exuberant greeting?

Nathaniel knew he was blushing if the burning sensation of his ears was anything to go by. But he grinned and bowed. “It is wonderful to meet all of you. At last.”

More pleasantries were exchanged, a servant came for his trunk, and within minutes everyone had poured back inside.

It was some time before Nathaniel had Julia to himself again. Despite the lateness of the hour, the whole family wished to speak to him, cakes and coffee were brought in, and only the two little boys went away to bed.

Until Christine made a loud announcement. “I think we ought to remember that Julia and Nathaniel are to be wed in the morning, at church, and it will not do to have them yawning over their nuptials.”

“Let me show you to your room,” Julia volunteered before another word could be said. Her offer was met with laughter and merry teasing, but her family let them go.

“I thought we would never escape,” he said as he climbed the stair beside her.

“Neither did I.” Her hand was looped through his arm, the other on the rail. “They have such lovely plans for a wedding breakfast, and I have a trunk full of presents from everyone. Christine, her mother-in-law, and Virginia have been most helpful.”

“I am glad to hear it.” He paused when they reached the landing and turned to face her. There had been no mention of other family members, by anyone, but Nathaniel had to know, for Julia’s sake. He asked, “What of your father? And your youngest sister, Rebecca? And Horace?”

Julia’s eyes fell and her hand slipped from his. She wrapped her arms around her middle. “Father’s letter came three days ago. I asked Christine to read it first. She did. Then she tore it up and threw it in the fire.”

Nathaniel’s eyebrows went up. “That bad, was it?”

“She said I needn’t read poison. I think she’s quite finished with him now that she is happily married. But he did say, according to Christine, that he forbid Rebecca and Horace from attending.” Julia’s eyes met his again, pain clearly apparent. “But it will be alright. I’ve had letters from both of them, too. They both sent their good wishes. And Rebecca sent gifts. Books, of course.” She looked down at her slippers, then shrugged and met his eyes again. “I only wish they could be with us tomorrow.”

“As do I.” He held her, kissing the top of her head, his heart aching for her. “As soon as possible, we will have them to visit. Or send you to London to see Rebecca. I promise.”

She nodded and tipped her head back, her smile in place again. “Thank you, Nathaniel.” She kissed him, and he poured all his love and comfort into his response, until the two of them were quite breathless. “I love you,” she whispered against his lips.

“I love you, too,” he answered. “With everything I am.”

He would spend the rest of their lives together proving so, he promised himself, and giving Julia all the happiness he could.

Chapter Twenty-Three

December 1st, 1812

Julia Hastings went through her husband’s schedule once more, arranging his appointments in a manner that would keep him from running across all of Bath multiple times a day. After their wedding, she’d found that while he was a brilliant doctor, he needed a great deal of practice managing his time. She’d taken it upon herself to act as his secretary, writing letters and notes to patients, keeping his office organized, and doing all she could to assist him. At times, he’d even taken her with him, when meeting with new female patients.

Her favorite visits, however, were those made to the less affluent parts of town. She liked to go with him, taking a basket of goods and a knitted blanket or shawl, to spread cheer where she could and share in the mourning when she must. Nathaniel’s work meant he saw a great deal of pain and sorrow, and she found she could help him better when she understood and knew his patients.

She stood from his desk and went to check on dinner, finding her cook, Mrs. Rigsby, putting the final touches on the meal. She’d arranged for Nathaniel’s favorites, and a special dessert.

Julia had news to share with him.

“Darling? Your husband has returned,” his voice called from the entry to their leased rooms. “Are you at home?”