Branches of Love Boxed by Sally Britton

Author:Sally Britton
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2019-08-26T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12

LADY HUNTINGTON had asked Nathaniel to tea. She sent a card through her footman and made it clear, in her steady, bold handwriting, that this was a social call and not an appointment with her physician. He couldn’t imagine why the distinction was necessary, as most of his calls on her wound up being more conversational than medical in nature. But as she remained one of his favorite patients, he accepted the invitation.

Then he spent an hour rearranging his schedule by sending notes to patients who needed to be kept abreast of his whereabouts, such as the Macon family. Nathaniel reminded himself he ought to see about hiring an assistant, or perhaps a nurse, to aid him in the daily upkeep of his work. His income was such that he might manage to employ someone if he budgeted carefully. Of course, he had several new patients, thanks to the concert he attended with Miss Felicity.

“Ah, prompt as always, Doctor Hastings.” Lady Huntington greeted him with her usual warmth, standing and offering her hand to him. He bowed over it with exaggerated pomp, knowing how much she enjoyed any sort of spectacle.

“My lady, thank you for the invitation. I hope you are well?”

“As well as ever, thank you. But that is the last word we will have on my health.” She nodded smartly and gestured for him to take a seat. Then she rang for tea. “I would much rather discuss you, Doctor Hastings.”

“Me?” The idea startled him. He expected she would have gossip she wished to share, or perhaps only invited him on a social call to show her appreciation for his services. Why a woman of her importance in society would take an interest in him beyond that was a mystery.

“Yes, young man. It has come to my attention that you are an honest sort of physician, with pleasing manners, and a complete lack of arrogance.” Her eyes glittered merrily and she smiled with great satisfaction. “Your mother obviously instilled a great many virtues in you. I have done some probing into your family, and I must say I am impressed. Your people are known for their integrity.”

“Thank you, my lady.” What could he say to such compliments? Hardly anyone in Bath knew of his connections, and they were not particularly high. As he was a second son to a baron, and a somewhat reclusive baron at that, Nathaniel rarely found anyone who knew his family.

“I understand your attendance at the concert brought you to the attention of other prominent people in Bath?”

“It did, my lady. Thank you for the part you played in that.” He knew he couldn’t show enough gratitude for the faith she placed in him. But he would strive to make certain she never had reason to regret recommending him.

“Excellent. But we must turn our minds to work on other ways to promote you.”

“Promote me?” he repeated, surprised this would even be a concern for her. “My lady, your kind words to others have already done much to improve my practice.

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