Page 53 of The Scholar's Key
“You are afraid to be hurt. That is the problem.”
“I’ve been down this road before,” Noah said. “I promised myself I would not return.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that I thought I would marry before, until the woman offered herself to Eric instead.”
“I see,” his uncle said, furrowing his brow. “What did your brother do about it?”
“He didn’t realize I had feelings for her. He flirted a bit but had no intentions for her himself. It was enough for me to realize, however, that I meant nothing to her, and likely never will to anyone else. I have nothing particularly interesting to offer.”
“You have yourself.”
Noah snorted. “What good is that?”
“You are too hard on yourself.”
“I am realistic.”
“So what is your plan, then? To spend your life alone?”
“I have friends. Family.”
“But not love,” his uncle said ruefully. “Well, son, I cannot tell you what to do or how to live your life. I can tell you, however, that you will regret not pursuing what you want – especially when it is so close.”
“I’ve tried that before,” Noah said, looking off in the distance. “I shall be fine without.”
“Very well,” his uncle said with a sigh as he rose from the table. “Whatever you say.”
Noah nodded as he returned to his plate in front of him, even though he had lost most of his appetite.
“I shall see you tonight, Uncle,” he said, and his uncle nodded before tipping back his cup to finish his coffee.
Noah would love to stay here in Bath, for many reasons. He could spend more time with Percy, perhaps – or at least find excuses to be in the same room as her from time to time – but he realized there was more at play. The thought of returning to London and truly beginning this great project was daunting. He was doubting himself once more, as he was so wont to do.
And, he decided, he was done with it. At least, in this aspect of his life.
“Thank you, Uncle,” he said. “For everything, truly.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” his uncle said, pushing away from the table. “Your aunt has a great deal of plans for you with some of the young women of Bath. You might have something else to say to me by the end of it.”
He laughed at himself now as he walked away, and Noah put down his fork and followed him out. This was going to be an interesting day, indeed.
* * *
Percy was quiteexcited about the day ahead of her. From the moment she had heard they were to travel to Bath, she had imagined what it might be like to take in the waters.
Now she would finally know – even if she had to do so with her cousins’ non-stop chattering excitedly in her ear.
“What do you think they will do? Do you think they will perfect my skin?” Rebecca asked, and Elizabeth smiled, clasping her hands together excitedly as they waited in the Pump Room for their water to be brought to them. They would drink them first before submerging themselves. Apparently, that was how the most benefit was found, and their aunt was quite keen on the healing she hoped it would bring to her muscles.
“Do you think they can act like a love potion, causing a man to fall in love with you?”
“Waters cannot do that, can they?”
“Why not? I’ve heard they can cure a barren womb.”
“Then yes, you must be right,” Rebecca said, before leaning in toward Elizabeth as they were served water in glasses. It was somewhat murky, with deposits floating around within it. “Do you have a certain gentleman in mind?”
