A Gentleman’s Wife by Willis Courtney

Author:Willis, Courtney
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-07-13T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

With a pair of enthusiastic hunting dogs at his feet and a brace of pheasants in his hand, Thomas had little to vex him. A successful hunt would make any man feel like himself again. And though he was satisfied, a nagging thought in the back of his mind constantly made him think of Marianne. It had been a cold, gray morning, reminding him of the steely color of her eyes, but also making him worry if the stiffness in her hand would increase. Not to mention, the ball was a mere day away, and though she put up a strong front, he could tell it was weighing on her. Which meant his worries for her were weighing on him. Even with the distraction of a hunt.

Still, he did not want his guest to feel neglected. Reaching out to pat the doctor on the back, Thomas said, “Thank you for accompanying me, Mr. Sanders.”

“It was my pleasure, Mr. Ramsbury,” the doctor replied. “It’s been a great while since I enjoyed a morning hunt.”

They strode back to Primrose House, and because Thomas couldn’t keep Marianne from his mind, he went on. “I must also thank you for everything you’ve done for my wife. She has counted you as one of the few friends in her life, and it means a great deal to me that you are here.”

Mr. Sanders grimaced. “I am not without my regrets. I am humbled that she thinks highly of me, even when I know she will tell you I have not always been her greatest ally. Since I started treating her, every medical requirement I enforced was legitimate, but while she lived in her father’s house, I could only do so much. It’s clear to see she’s much more relaxed here. She might still have the cramps in her arm, but that’s only natural with all the poor weather we’ve had recently. And she’s not had an episode since she’s arrived, has she?”

Thomas shrugged. “Not that I know of.” But would she have mentioned something like that? Did she trust him enough to tell him such things?

“Just know that seeing her now, in your care, has made a world of difference in comparison. When I tell you she has blossomed and thrived here, I hope you understand my full meaning.”

Thomas nodded. He did understand how imperative it was for Marianne to have a different home atmosphere, and he’d striven to provide that. But was this ball going to ruin everything he’d carefully built for her?

“I am glad of it, though I am certain it is more circumstantial than anything. And I hope you will continue to consider my offer. Seeing as you are one of the few who knows how to address her condition so well, and you already have a rapport with her, I would be willing to help with finding you a place to live or whatever financial support you’d require to move your business here to Hampshire.”

Mr. Sanders cleared his throat. “I have given it a good deal of thought, and I’m inclined to accept your offer.

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