Page 55 of A Lady's Heart Deceived
“The doctor would like to examine Miss Radley this morning,” he said.
At least someone was asking this time, rather than just assuming. But it still set Piers on edge. As far as he was concerned, and judging by their recent conversation, Maggie was of the same opinion as him—she didn’t need a doctor. What she did need however, was fresh air and time to get her thoughts back into order.
“Maggie doesn’t want or need visitors this morning. I am heading out shortly to get some travel provisions as she and I are heading to Denford Park tomorrow. Coventry no longer agrees with us,” replied Piers.
He ignored the respective frowns from both his brother and the doctor at his use of her first name. Yes, it spoke of a personal familiarity, but he didn’t give a damn what anyone thought of it.
“Lord Denford—I mean, Captain Denford, I must protest. Miss Radley should be kept sedated and confined to bed. Her mental state is not that of someone who should be undertaking any sort of journey,” said the doctor.
Piers fixed Doctor Hewson with a hard glare. “I have spoken to the young lady this morning and she has made her position clear. She is coming with me. I thank you for your concern and wish to reassure you that I shall do everything to ensure that she continues to make a full recovery.”
No. They were not going to treat her like an invalid. Maggie wasn’t suffering from some terrible affliction. She needed privacy and a place to heal. That was exactly what his family home could provide.
The doctor cleared his throat once more. “I must protest.”
Piers held up his hand. “Protest heard, noted, and dismissed.” He turned to his brother. “When the good doctor has left, could you please spare me a few minutes in your study?”
After a moment’s hesitation, Jonathan nodded. “Yes, of course.”
Piers headed back upstairs to wait in Jonathan’s study. He wasn’t interested in conducting a long discussion with Doctor Hewson. If Maggie felt she was well enough to make the journey to Denford Park, that was all he needed to know.
A few minutes later, Jonathan appeared. He closed the door a little more firmly than was required. Piers readied himself for a showdown.
“Was it really necessary for you to be so bloody rude to him? The man graciously made a house call in the middle of the night to assist Maggie, and then this morning, you treated him like he was a beggar at the door,” Jonathan said.
“I have just spoken to Maggie. She is not feeble of mind. That poor girl has suffered a recent shock. Little wonder she is finding things difficult. But the last thing she needs is to be drugged.”
Jonathan fixed him with a look that spoke of deep concern, and also, suspicion. More than likely, he and Elizabeth had spoken and shared their opinions on the subject of what may actually lay between Maggie and Piers. “You are protective of her. More than I think you realize.”
No, actually I am fully aware of how protective I am.
Piers had every reason to have Maggie’s welfare as his top priority. She meant a great deal to him. Seeing her suffer because of that selfish bastard of a former fiancé had cut him to the quick.
“Can I share something with you? And I would appreciate it if you waited until I was finished before you respond,” said Piers.
Jonathan crossed his arms. “If you think telling me that you might be in love with Miss Radley is going to be some sort of surprise, you are gravely mistaken. And no, I am not going to stand here in my own house and have you lecture me. Piers, you are taking a risk with her. If your feelings are of the romantic kind, then you should be very careful about your next move with Maggie.”
Piers hadn’t expected that sort of response. Jonathan’s words tore all the wind out of his sails. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, if you do care for her, you should be honest about your own situation. Taking Maggie home to meet Mama and Papa when you are not in a position to offer for her hand places her reputation at grave risk.”
Trust Jonathan to put things into sharp perspective. And for him to be right.
His own situation was still in a state of flux. Until he could get support from the King of the Netherlands or the Prince of Orange, he was stuck.
Talk about a rock and a hard place.
It was selfish of him, but he wasn’t prepared to give her up.
“Maggie knows enough. I have told her that if I try to resign my commission, I will receive a dishonorable discharge. I’ve also made mention that I have some unfinished business with the army.”
“But not the rest of it? So, what you have told her is a few vague bits and pieces, but nothing of real substance.”
“I don’t think it would be fair to tell her the rest. At least, not yet.”
Jonathan slowly shook his head. “And you think lying to her is being fair?”
Piers didn’t have an answer for that. Lying by omission was still lying. He didn’t want to tell Maggie everything because he didn’t honestly know what to say.
