The Doctor's Little Ward (Little History Series Book 3) by Ava Sinclair

Author:Ava Sinclair [Sinclair, Ava]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: AR
Publisher: Stormy Night Publications
Published: 2015-07-09T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven: The Runaway Bride

“It’s the cousin who he was supposed to marry, isn’t it?” Abigail felt a surge of dread as Nurse Trinket explained the situation later that morning.

“It is,” the nurse responded. “But your guardian is seeing to your marriage certificate today. He loves you, Abigail, to the extent that a guarded man like Simon can love anyone. Do not let this woman threaten the security you feel.”

Abigail turned so that Nurse Trinket could button the back of her dress. The hastily arranged lunch necessitated the need for a more appropriate dress. Now a more mature version of herself stared back at Abigail from the mirror, a more acceptable version. But as much as she wanted to heed the nurse’s advice, inside she still felt every bit the insecure little girl.

Entering the dining room around noon did nothing to improve her confidence. Simon’s aunt and cousin were already there. The older woman appraised her with cool disdain, the younger with competitive resentment.

Nurse Trinket made the introductions, and then reluctantly excused herself when Simon’s aunt Helen insisted on the three of them dining without—as she put it—‘the encumbrance of staff.’

“We were surprised to hear of the engagement,” Aunt Helen said when the last of the food was brought in and they were alone. “Very surprised. Tell me, how is it that my nephew knew your father?”

“They served together on the Orient, aboard the Havoc. My father saved Dr. Abbott’s life.”

“He must have felt very indebted to the man to agree to marry you,” Susan said tightly. With a night to stew on the loss of Simon, and without him there to moderate the conversation, her spite was coming to the fore. “I do hope you have a large dowry.”

“No, ma’am. None at all.” Abigail said, dipping up a spoonful of soup.

“I’m not that much older than you that you should call me ma’am,” Susan said tightly.

Abigail raised an eyebrow. “No. Of course not.”

The women ate in silence for a moment before Helen spoke.

“With no dowry, I can only assume your parents were not of means. How did they see to your education?”

Abigail felt her face flush with heat. “When I was small, I had a tutor for reading and for some math.”

“Some?” Susan raised an elegant eyebrow. “A doctor’s wife is expected to entertain, to hold conversations, to be active in the community. She should have more than a remedial education. What does Simon have to say about your… deficits?”

Abigail felt her heart begin to pound. “We’ve not discussed it.”

“Oh, my,” Helen said. “He’ll pay for his haste in marrying you when you reveal yourself to be ill-equipped to mingle in polite society.” Beside her, Susan snickered.

“I suppose this is why he took you as ward before wife,” Susan remarked. “He sees you as a child and not as a woman. Not as an equal. But a man like Simon Abbott does not often realize what’s good for him. And it would take a selfish child indeed to take

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