Page 64 of Tamed By a Passionate Lady
They had not exchanged another word after James’ request to speak to him privately. Both Mr. and Mrs. Townshend seemed intent on their breakfast. Occasionally, Adaline spoke to Isabel, but for most of the time, they were unusually silent. Reuben could only imagine that they were still ensconced in their nauseating little love bubble.
But as soon as they had finished eating Adaline had stood up, asking Isabel if she would care to join her in the garden. The two ladies had already disappeared before James wiped his mouth with his napkin, throwing it onto the table.
“Shall we go to the parlour?” he said, turning to Reuben. He didn’t smile.
Now, he sat down on the green upholstered sofa, staring at James curiously. He was probably about to apologise for how angry he had been the night before. It was unlike James to lose his temper, and on the rare occasions it had happened in the past, he had always been regretful and conciliatory.
Reuben tried hard not to let his lip curl in contempt. It was just another example of how weak and pathetic James was. His father had always told him that a real man never apologised; that a real man spoke his mind in the moment, and did not care for the consequences.
As if on cue, James turned to him. “I am sorry that we both raised our voices in anger last night,” he said slowly. “I think that we were both a little overwhelmed…”
Reuben smiled. Good old James. He was predictable, even in this new guise. “Such is life, old chap,” he replied. “I can only imagine how hard it must be for you, struggling to remember your life. Ididsay that you should not shoot the messenger. It was never my intention to distress you…”
James nodded. “I have slept on it, and I understand that now,” he said slowly. “It has, as you say, been hard for me, in many ways. Struggling to remember, yet still trying to put all of my energy into getting well. I often feel exhausted with it all, a lot of the time.” He paused, gazing beyond Reuben, out of the window. “It is such a lovely day today, I would like to be outside and forget about it all for a while. Dr. Brown said that the air is good for me. Would you like to accompany me on a walk along the top of the cliffs?”
“Walk?” Reuben’s face twisted in grim amusement. “I rather think that is an impossibility for you at the moment, old chap.” He looked pointedly at the wheelchair.
James smiled ruefully. “I can get Groves, my manservant, to push me,” he said. “We do not have to go so very far. I must admit I am a bit restless, and even a short venture will probably satisfy me. What do you say?”
Reuben looked at him carefully. James was so pathetically eager to please, to atone for their quarrel. The proposal of a walk was obviously his olive branch. And who was he to deny him?
He took a deep breath. “That would be marvellous,” he said, forcing a wide smile onto his face. “When would you like to venture out?”
“Right now,” said James quickly. “No time to waste after all, hey? My accident has taught me that. We must grasp life with both hands, while we still can.”
“Indeed,” said Reuben, trying to repress the snort that had risen in his throat. He lowered his eyes to hide the contempt that would surely be plain for his old friend to see.
Chapter 24
Adaline gazed across the lawn, a worried frown darkening her face. James was outside the house, in the grounds, being pushed along in his wheelchair by Groves, his manservant. By his side walked Reuben Montgomery, exuding the same patronising air that he always did. Even looking at him made her furiously angry.
Her hand gripped her charcoal tightly as she watched them. They were heading to the edge of the gardens, now. And the next minute they left them entirely, Groves seemingly struggling a little with the chair on the uneven ground.
Her mouth dropped open, stunned. What was James doing?
Her frown deepened. Her husband had not enlightened her on how he was going to deal with Reuben Montgomery. He had only promised her that he would. But she had never expected him to go on a friendly walk with him, out of the grounds of the estate. It seemed an odd thing to do, in the circumstances.
“Adaline?” Isabel was staring at her closely. “You look quite pale. Are you not well?”
Adaline forced herself to turn back to the younger woman. It would not achieve anything if she distressed Isabel, as well. She had no idea what was going on, of course, and Adaline had no desire to enlighten her. Things were complicated enough at Birkenhead Lodge as it was.
“Never mind,” she said, plastering a smile onto her face. “Just a passing worry, that is all.” She paused. “How is your drawing coming along?”
Isabel looked down at her sketchpad, instantly distracted. She didn’t look at all pleased with what she was viewing there. Her mouth pursed and she frowned, shaking her head from side to side.
“I am afraid that I do not have your artistic skill, Adaline,” she said, in a small voice. “My rose bush looks rather like an octopus, I do believe.”
Adaline laughed. “You are so amusing, my dear! Here, let me look at it for you. I might be able to make some suggestions, on how you can make improvements, if they are indeed needed.”
Isabel sighed heavily, handing over her sketchbook. But just as Adaline looked down at the paper, ready to critique, she was distracted by the sound of carriage wheels coming up the track towards the house.
She stood up, slowly, as the carriage pulled into the circular driveway at the front of the property. A tall man descended the step, gazing up at the house.
“I do believe it is Dr. Brown,” she said slowly, frowning. She turned back to Isabel. “I must have forgotten that he was due here today.”
She walked quickly over the lawn, to the front of the house, calling his name. Dr. Brown looked surprised to see her approaching him from the garden, but quickly recovered, striding towards her.
“We are sitting out in the garden,” she said, smiling. “It seems a shame to waste such a lovely day.”
