The Pembroke Palace Collection by Julianne MacLean

Author:Julianne MacLean [MacLean, Julianne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Julianne MacLean Publishing Inc.
Published: 2013-08-25T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Two

London

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE meeting with her publisher, Charlotte instructed her coachman to take her to Dr. Thomas’s medical offices on Park Lane. A short while later she was greeted by the clerk at the front desk and shown into her father’s study, which was located down a narrow red-carpeted corridor at the rear of the clinic.

As always, Charlotte paused at the door to behold the cluttered yet cozy state of the room, with books and papers piled high and spread everywhere, and a faded coat of dark green paint on the walls. Aside from the fact that there was a skeleton standing by the window, the room was quite inviting, though definitely in need of a woman’s touch. Dr. Thomas needed some help with organization. Charlotte suspected, however, that too much of it might upset his professional balance. He was a brilliant surgeon who specialized in diseases of the brain, and he probably knew the exact location of every book and document in the building.

This was obviously his sanctuary, his place of private reflection, where he researched the newest methods of scientific investigation. Charlotte was exceedingly proud of her father, and pleased that he derived so much pleasure from his work. He’d told her his work gave his life meaning, even when he had been forced to endure certain disappointments.

He was referring, of course, to the loss of his great love—Charlotte’s mother Adelaide, now the Dowager Duchess of Pembroke. It had been years since Charlotte and Dr. Thomas spoke of it, but she knew the hole in his heart would remain there forever, just as the hole in her own heart would always be a part of her. ‘Like father like daughter,’ he once said to her. ‘We are two peas in a pod.’

Not exactly, however, for his lost love was still alive and now attainable. There was hope for them yet.

She heard her father leave one of the examination rooms and approach her from behind. “William,” Charlotte said with a warm smile as she waited in the doorway.

They were on intimate enough terms to use their given names, at least in private, but he refused to let her call him ‘Papa.’ It was not to be acknowledged.

“My darling girl,” he said, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. “What brings you to London? Another meeting with your publisher, I suspect? They must be so pleased with the success of your book.”

“Yes, and they are eager for me to finish the next one. My editor had all sorts of questions about it this morning.”

“What sorts of questions?” he asked as he moved into the room and closed the door behind them.

Charlotte took a seat in the leather chair in front of the desk and told him more about her meeting.

After they had caught up on each other’s news, Charlotte sat forward on the edge of her chair and folded her hands primly on top of her reticule. “Did I mention that Mother is here in London as well?” she asked.

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