Ecstasy Wears Emeralds

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Authors: Renee Bernard
turned his back on her and never returned to Standish Crossing.
    And now I’ve called him a villain and a liar—in return for everything he’s done for me. He opened his home and practice, and taught me, even if I have forced him to it; he’s been gracious enough, hasn’t he?
    Peter James was barely an acquaintance, but she’d felt comfortable with him. He’d smiled and seemed encouraging when she’d hinted at her ambitions where Rowan had called them absurd and done everything he could in their first conversations to dissuade her. I tell Rowan nothing of myself, not because I’m afraid of him, but because it’s all too easy to like him.
    Perhaps I already do like him too much. Am I in danger, like Charlotte, of falling under his spell? But what danger could he represent? Haven’t I already lost my reputation and perhaps my place in society? There’s no going back! I have to amend things and convince him to continue my apprenticeship and take me forward.
    I have to prove to him that I’m truly sorry.
    Because she was.

Chapter 6

    It was late in the afternoon when the bell finally rang, heralding his return. Gayle glanced quickly at the mirror, a habit of vanity, smoothing one of the black braids of hair back to tuck it up out of the way and into an elegant twist. She’d deliberately selected one of her better work dresses, the periwinkle print flattering her coloring and figure. It was a feeble gesture, but she was afraid that she’d done so much damage to the strange relationship they’d enjoyed that perhaps even the smallest thing would help her cause.
    She came down the stairs so quickly that she found him still in the entryway with Carter.
    â€œYou look tired, doctor. And”—Carter was holding out what remained of Rowan’s mangled hat—“mishap, sir?”
    â€œSee what Mrs. Evans can do to restore the damn thing. I must have accidentally sat on it in the carriage.”
    Carter gave it a dubious look—as the crown of it hung by a single thread—before nodding. “We’ll do our best.”
    Rowan gently caught his arm as he turned away. “Wait, Carter. Don’t bother Mrs. Evans with it. I don’t think a street urchin would want it in its current condition. Why don’t you ask her to buy me a new one, instead? I have an account at that haberdashery off Drummond Street. Theo can drive her and she may even enjoy the outing.”
    Carter brightened considerably. “She’d like that a great deal, doctor. But don’t be surprised if she isn’t after you to get a new coat while you’re at it.”
    â€œOne thing at a time, Mr. Carter. One thing at a time.”
    â€œDr. West,” Gayle spoke to him as she descended the stairs, anxious to catch him before he announced that he was going to his room to rest.
    Carter’s look was disgruntled iron as he left with the doctor’s hat to find Mrs. Evans. But Rowan’s eyes were clear and his expression neutral. “Miss Renshaw.”
    â€œI’m . . . sorry.” She’d intended to try small talk and remark on the unseasonably warm weather for his call, but the words of regret tumbled out.
    Two steps from the bottom, she was standing nearly eye to eye with him, and for the first time, Gayle was aware that Rowan’s eyes were the color of an English forest, dark green and brown in a potent blend.
    At last, he spoke. “As am I.” He picked up his leather bag. “If you don’t mind, I’ll drop this off in my private study on our way upstairs.”
    She walked with him up the staircase, surprised at the sudden forgiveness so easily given. “Thank you. I’d expected a bit more yelling and you’ve every right to do so. I was horrible this morning.”
    They reached the landing to the first floor and he opened the doors into his private study. “Yes, you were.”
    She opened her mouth to

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