turned his back on her and never returned to Standish Crossing.
And now Iâve called him a villain and a liarâin return for everything heâs done for me. He opened his home and practice, and taught me, even if I have forced him to it; heâs been gracious enough, hasnât he?
Peter James was barely an acquaintance, but sheâd felt comfortable with him. Heâd smiled and seemed encouraging when sheâd 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 Iâm afraid of him, but because itâs 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? Havenât I already lost my reputation and perhaps my place in society? Thereâs 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 Iâm 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. Sheâd 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 sheâd done so much damage to the strange relationship theyâd 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.
âYou look tired, doctor. AndââCarter was holding out what remained of Rowanâs mangled hatââmishap, sir?â
âSee what Mrs. Evans can do to restore the damn thing. I must have accidentally sat on it in the carriage.â
Carter gave it a dubious lookâas the crown of it hung by a single threadâbefore nodding. âWeâll do our best.â
Rowan gently caught his arm as he turned away. âWait, Carter. Donât bother Mrs. Evans with it. I donât think a street urchin would want it in its current condition. Why donât 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.â
Carter brightened considerably. âSheâd like that a great deal, doctor. But donât be surprised if she isnât after you to get a new coat while youâre at it.â
âOne thing at a time, Mr. Carter. One thing at a time.â
âDr. West,â 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.
Carterâs look was disgruntled iron as he left with the doctorâs hat to find Mrs. Evans. But Rowanâs eyes were clear and his expression neutral. âMiss Renshaw.â
âIâm . . . sorry.â Sheâd 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 Rowanâs eyes were the color of an English forest, dark green and brown in a potent blend.
At last, he spoke. âAs am I.â He picked up his leather bag. âIf you donât mind, Iâll drop this off in my private study on our way upstairs.â
She walked with him up the staircase, surprised at the sudden forgiveness so easily given. âThank you. Iâd expected a bit more yelling and youâve every right to do so. I was horrible this morning.â
They reached the landing to the first floor and he opened the doors into his private study. âYes, you were.â
She opened her mouth to
Katlin Stack, Russell Barber