Page 36 of A Gentleman's Wife

Chapter Seventeen

With a pair of enthusiastic hunting dogs at his feet and a brace of pheasants in his hand, Thomas had little to vex him. A successful hunt would make any man feel like himself again. And though he was satisfied, a nagging thought in the back of his mind constantly made him think of Marianne. It had been a cold, gray morning, reminding him of the steely color of her eyes, but also making him worry if the stiffness in her hand would increase. Not to mention, the ball was a mere day away, and though she put up a strong front, he could tell it was weighing on her. Which meant his worries for her were weighing on him. Even with the distraction of a hunt.

Still, he did not want his guest to feel neglected. Reaching out to pat the doctor on the back, Thomas said, “Thank you for accompanying me, Mr. Sanders.”

“It was my pleasure, Mr. Ramsbury,” the doctor replied. “It’s been a great while since I enjoyed a morning hunt.”

They strode back to Primrose House, and because Thomas couldn’t keep Marianne from his mind, he went on. “I must also thank you for everything you’ve done for my wife. She has counted you as one of the few friends in her life, and it means a great deal to me that you are here.”

Mr. Sanders grimaced. “I am not without my regrets. I am humbled that she thinks highly of me, even when I know she will tell you I have not always been her greatest ally. Since I started treating her, every medical requirement I enforced was legitimate, but while she lived in her father’s house, I could only do so much. It’s clear to see she’s much more relaxed here. She might still have the cramps in her arm, but that’s only natural with all the poor weather we’ve had recently. And she’s not had an episode since she’s arrived, has she?”

Thomas shrugged. “Not that I know of.” But would she have mentioned something like that? Did she trust him enough to tell him such things?

“Just know that seeing her now, in your care, has made a world of difference in comparison. When I tell you she has blossomed and thrived here, I hope you understand my full meaning.”

Thomas nodded. He did understand how imperative it was for Marianne to have a different home atmosphere, and he’d striven to provide that. But was this ball going to ruin everything he’d carefully built for her?

“I am glad of it, though I am certain it is more circumstantial than anything. And I hope you will continue to consider my offer. Seeing as you are one of the few who knows how to address her condition so well, and you already have a rapport with her, I would be willing to help with finding you a place to live or whatever financial support you’d require to move your business here to Hampshire.”

Mr. Sanders cleared his throat. “I have given it a good deal of thought, and I’m inclined to accept your offer. I would need to return home to put my affairs in order, and see my current patients are looked after, but I think I would be very happy here.”

“Excellent.” Thomas was relieved that his wife would have medical care nearby whenever she would need it. “I’ll have Collins scour the current houses for let and send references for any within your budget.”

“I’m most obliged.” Then Thomas noticed the man’s steps had gone rather stiff. “Though there is one aspect I’d like to discuss with you first, as it would directly impact your wife.”

Thomas turned immediately. “How do you mean?”

Mr. Sanders hemmed and hawed for a moment before speaking. “While I am not an old man yet, I have lived a good portion of my life without a wife, and I feel like if I am to settle here, I would like to proceed with that as well.” He paused, and Thomas waited for the connection. “My visits with your wife have provided me with plenty of time to interact with her maid, Miss Eliza, and I find her to be a lovely woman, who is similar to me in age and temperament. I believe we would get along swimmingly, except for…”

Understanding dawned. “It would leave Marianne without a maid.”

“Precisely.” Mr. Sanders swung his cane as he walked. “I would hate to deprive your wife of such a competent and helpful aid like Miss Eliza. Though I wondered… she would, of course, need a lady’s maid, but with Marianne so happily settled here, would she need as attentive a maid if she has you as the amenable and observant husband?”

It was an excellent question. Thomas knew how Marianne depended on Eliza, and to ask her to change that so soon after their marriage would perhaps make her panic. But if Thomas were the one to help her with things pertaining to her health going forward, then perhaps a regular lady’s maid would suffice. It would require a delicate handling, to be sure.

“Let us discuss this again after the ball has concluded. I do not wish to add any additional stressors to Marianne’s list of things to worry over,” Thomas said.

“Of course. I appreciate your assistance in the matter.”

As they neared the property line and Primrose House came into view, Thomas found more thoughts surfacing. “Though I must ask, are you certain of Miss Eliza’s inclination to accept? There is a slight class distinction. Is her lack of dowry of any consequence?”

The doctor, who was probably fifteen years Thomas’s senior with graying hair at his temples, looked to the ground as his ears turned a bright pink. “I do not believe her to be indifferent. We’ve not spoken on the matter directly, but I think I’ve made my intentions known.” Then he cleared his throat and straightened his shoulders. “And I don’t have many monetary expectations. I’ve already inherited my father’s money, though no property came with it. And I have no desire to do more than I already do, helping the poor country folks in need of a physician. But to have a woman in my life is one thing I’ve sorely lacked for some years, and I think Miss Eliza would fit the role quite nicely.”

“Allow me to inquire discreetly on both counts––if Marianne would be willing to give her up, and if Eliza would be interested in a change of position.” Thomas found himself smiling. “I have no doubt she’d be honored to marry a respectable gentleman such as yourself.”

“You are very kind, sir. Miss Eliza is an intelligent woman, and I know she will be an asset to me as a physician’s wife, but she is also more than that. She is witty and charming, and… quite beautiful, I dare say.”

Thomas couldn’t keep from grinning. Mr. Sanders sounded completely besotted. “Then I wish you joy, and I hope we can find a suitable arrangement very soon.”

Mr. Sanders turned to shake his hand. “My thanks, Mr. Ramsbury. I think now I shall call for a bath to wash the morning hunt from me.”

They shared a laugh and parted, then Thomas made his way to the kitchens. “Mrs. Bamber?” he called.

She appeared almost instantly. “Good morning, sir.”

“Good morning. You can deliver these pheasants to Monsieur Dupont and have him incorporate them into the menu however he sees fit.”

Mrs. Bamber took the bag and nodded. “Very good, sir.”

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