The Lady in the Tower Read Online Free

this.  “I’m sorry, but I must be
on my way.”
    “Of course.
I’ll have Higgins bring your carriage around.”
    “I didn’t
bring a carriage. Higgins can call a hackney.”
    His brows
lifted. “You came in a hired vehicle? Then I shall see you home in my
carriage.”
    Her fingers
tightened about the handle of her bag. If he overwhelmed her in the duchess’s
front hall, what would he do in the confines of a closed carriage? A spark of
curiosity mingled with something else, both of which she ruthlessly pushed
aside. “Thank you, but that’s not necessary.”
    “Not
necessary, but sensible. Ah, Higgins. Perfect timing, my good fellow.”
    She turned to
see the wizened butler emerging from the back of the house, Thornton’s hat and
coat in hand. “I took it upon myself to have your carriage brought around,
sir.” He thrust the accouterments at Thornton as if he couldn’t be rid of the
man fast enough.
    Of course
Thornton had his own carriage. His patients could
afford to pay far beyond the usual physician’s salary. She couldn’t decide if she
was impressed, or envious. Probably a measure of both.
    As Thornton
donned his coat, Higgins turned to her. “How is Her Grace, my lady?”
    “She’s
resting, Higgins. Please assure she is not disturbed.”
    “Certainly, my
lady.”
    Thornton
suddenly turned to Jane. “I’d give her to . . . luncheon, would you say? Before
anyone should disturb her?”
    For the second
time in as many minutes, Jane was left thunderstruck. Before, when Albert had
been ill, Sir Richard hadn’t deigned to include her at all.
    Jane nodded to
the servant. “Sir Richard is correct.”
    Higgins
frowned. “But she’ll need her breakfast, for she had nothing to eat.”
    “Her Grace
needs rest more than food right now. However, if she’s yet to stir by luncheon,
look in on her, but quietly. If she’s awake, then by all means bring her
something but keep it light.”
    “Agreed,”
Thornton said. “No roasted beef, or cream sauces. If she’s still sleeping,
leave her alone. She can eat when she awakes.”
    Higgins looked
resentful, but Jane gently pushed the point home. “Is that understood,
Higgins?”
    The servant
cast another doubtful look at Thornton, but nodded. “As you say, my lady.”
    “Thank you,
Higgins. Her Grace is lucky to have you to care for her.” At this, he beamed,
and straightened as much as his stooped spine would allow.
    Thornton held
the door open. Outside on the curb stood a well-rigged black landau. “May I
have your direction, my lady?”
    The thought of
sitting in another closed carriage, especially with Thornton so close, was
enough to unsettle her insides. But to refuse his offer now, after his
professional courtesy, would seem mean-spirited.
    With a mental
sigh, she gave him her address and accepted his hand into the carriage. She
only hoped, for both their sakes, she wouldn’t regret the decision.

Chapter 3
     
    Richard tilted
his head to consider his traveling companion. So this was the “wicked widow.”
Despite the October chill, she wore neither bonnet nor gloves; rather than
boots, she wore thin slippers, the sort one might wear
to tea. He thought it highly likely that, in her determination to quickly come
to her friend’s side, she’d barely remembered to don the coat. It had been
interesting to watch her attend the duchess. I wonder the purpose of the
essential oils. He would ask, but as soon as the carriage had lurched
forward, she’d turned to stare out the window as if transfixed by the scenery,
thereby eliminating the need for conversation.
    Perhaps that’s
for the best. And yet he couldn’t stop looking at her pure profile. Such
a lovely nose, and those lips—He shook his head at his ridiculous
thoughts. I’ve seen lovely women before; there’s no reason to think this one
is any different.
    Perhaps he
felt this way because he’d known and respected her father. There weren’t many
in London’s medical field who did not know