Page 84 of Libby's London Merchant
“In his day, lad. That day is long over, but he still knows more about horses than any man who ever drew breath, I declare. He has accepted the position and will work out well, but he needs an assistant. Someone young and agile, someone like you, Joseph. Would you consider the position?”
Libby watched her brother’s face. She glanced at her mother and looked away quickly. Mama was crying, the tears sliding quietly down her beautiful face. Impulsively, Libby turned to the doctor. “You’re the best man I know, Anthony,” she whispered.
“I hope you still feel that way in a few minutes,” was his comment to her. “Joseph, I have put it to you. We can discuss salary later with your uncle, if your mother thinks that advisable. Your duties will also include driving me on calls occasionally, particularly if I have been out already and am too tired to do so myself. I recall that was good advice from Nez, and I shall take it.”
Mama blew her nose, composed herself, and looked at the doctor. “Sir, does your father know of this?”
Anthony smiled. “It was his idea, ma’am. I wasn’t bright enough to think of it.”
Mama sighed and looked away. Libby watched her shoulders relax, the tension gone.
Joseph leapt to his feet. “I will do it, sir. Then Mama will not be a watering pot.”
They laughed, and Anthony rose, holding out his hand. “Let us shake on it, Joseph. Very good. Is it too much to ask, or could you leave with me in the morning? Hops harvest is upon us, and we are all needed at home.”
Joseph looked at his mother, who nodded, her eyes bright. “Yes, sir, I can. I shall go pack right now.” He ran to the door and looked back at the doctor, his voice filled with quiet dignity. “Of all things, this is what I wanted the most, a chance to earn my own way. I will never disappoint you.”
It was the doctor’s turn to look thoughtful and rub at the spot between his eyes. “I know that, lad. Seems to run in your family, doesn’t it?”
Joseph was gone, pounding up the stairs. They heard him let out a shout as the door closed to his room..
The doctor held out his hand to Libby, who took it and let him lift her up. “The second matter requires a different setting, Mrs. Ames. I have something I need to say to Elizabeth that I have been putting off. Will you excuse us?”
Mystified, Mama nodded. Elizabeth reached for her bonnet, but the doctor set it aside. “No. I can’t see your face with that lovely bit of foofraw on your head.”
Wordlessly, she followed him into the street and onto Marine Parade, where other couples strolled. He made his way toward the Promenade, her hand clutching his arm rather too tight.
Now he will cry off, she thought, and braced herself for the inevitable. To her surprise, he began to speak of inconsequentials. In another moment, she was at her ease and laughing along with him. And noticing, too, how ladies glanced his way, some peeking around their escorts for a second look.
“Don’t look now, sir, but you are being much admired,” she said as they strolled along. “Gentlemen and ladies both seem to find you notable.”
“Ah, silly you! If it is men, they are admiring you, my dear, as all men always will. It is their nature. If the men glance my way, it is envy.”
She laughed and he tipped up his spectacles to give her that nearsighted stare she had been missing. “Envy, dear Elizabeth, envy! I hope that I also give them something to live for. The knowledge that no matter how well-stuffed and homely the man, it is possible to engage the interest of beauty.” He kissed her hand. “Heaven knows how, but there you are.”
“Knothead,” she declared with some feeling. “When it is women who plainly admire you, how do you explain that away, Doctor?”
“Simple, Elizabeth, simple! I am surprised that your fine brain did not beat me to the reason. The women admire you first, as all women must. It is their nature. Then they look at me and realize how great is your compassion.”
She cast him a speaking glance and he threw back his head and laughed. The sound brought tears to her eyes, which she declared came from sand blowing in from the beach, when he broke off and looked at her with some consternation. “Elizabeth, what is the matter?” he asked.
She shook her head and refused to look at him. “I think I am just glad to hear you laugh,” she whispered. “I didn’t leave you in very comfortable circumstance.”
He crooked her arm in his again and strolled along the boardwalk, moving away from the crowds that swarmed near the Royal Pavilion. “No, it was not a happy time. Father is better, but he will never be well again, I fear. Curious, Elizabeth, but he looks old now, where he did not before. He requires more of my time, and I give it gladly. I think we have talked more in the past month than we have in twenty-five years.” He sighed. “So much to make up for.”
And then she understood what he was trying to tell her. There wasn’t room in his life for her right now. She turned her face into his sleeve, feeling a physical pain at the thought of what was coming. She couldn’t bear a second rejection. Something in her rebelled against it. She would have to beat him to the conclusion. She turned to face him, and he stopped walking.
“Anthony, you don’t have to apologize or run around Robin Hood’s barn.”
He looked down at her, surprised. “What on earth are you talking about? Here I am trying to work up the nerve—”
“Don’t,” she cut in. “I know that proposal of yours was impulsive, and please don’t think that I will hold you to it.” She held up her hand when he tried to speak. “Now, let me finish. It was lovely of you and I appreciate your kindness more than you know, but I’m not a fool.”
“I know that,” he murmured. “You’re just weary of being buffeted about.”
She nodded and leaned her forehead against his chest. “Let’s go back now. You don’t need to say anything. I understand perfectly.”
He took her by the shoulders and led her over to a nearby bench, sitting her down firmly. “You don’t have the slightest inkling of what I am about to say, my dear.”
