Sprig of Thyme

by Jenna Dawlish

  Leonard did not answer and they sat silently for some time, both deep in thought. Leonard's head was full of each and every revelation he had heard. He studied Joel's face. His anguish was clear, from the furrowed brow, to the distant gaze in his blue eyes. Everything about him, from the tone of his voice and the expressions over the last hour or so showed that he was haunted by everything that had happened. There was not a doubt in his mind that he loved Adella, but how much of his anguish was through guilt? Joel knew the Adella of five years ago, not the woman she was now.

  The clock ticked and the room remained a quiet place of reflection until Leonard was roused from his thoughts by Joel, “So, Dr Preston, now that you know my story, you will stay as our Doctor?”

  “Yes. Of course.”

  There was no other option was there?

  “Thank you,” he said, his tense shoulders relaxed.

  “You could answer me one thing,” Leonard said, “Why did you procure me as your wife's physician in the first place?”

  “In hindsight, I know it was wrong, but it was because of Adella. I wanted, I needed to see her again.”

  “But surely you could have seen her without hiring me?”

  “Yes, but I suppose, I wanted you to earn the money. In a way I suppose that was a reason. Or at least what I convinced myself.”

  Leonard nodded, not fully convinced that Joel wasn't at least a little bit strange.

  “Now I must ask for your help,” Joel said.

  “Oh?”

  Joel stood up and walked to his bureau, opened it and took out a small pile of papers. He sat back down and handed them to Leonard.

  “What are these?”

  “A few years ago I purchased an annuity for Adella. Those are the details. It is the sum of one hundred pounds a year until her death.” He paused, before continuing, “Even after her marriage.”

  “After her marriage? But you intend to marry her yourself.”

  “Yes. That is true. I fully intend to win her back as I have said. However, in the case of my death or that she resolutely refuses me, that is for her.”

  Leonard glanced at the papers and was unable to hide his shock. “That is a generous amount, but why do you need my help?”

  “She will not accept it if she knows it's from me.”

  “That's true.”

  “It is true at the moment. But if you do have to give it to her, I would like you to - that is, could you in some way convince her that a distant relative left it to her? Or something, anything so that she has the money and does not know it is from me.”

  Leonard breathed in deeply. “I do not wish to lie to her.”

  “You must,” he said firmly. “The money is hers, it is small recompense for what I did, but I could never stand the thought that she could one day fall into poverty. Please, you must think of something. Though like I said. I fully intend to win her again and what we are discussing now will be a moot point.”

  “A hundred pounds a year is a good amount. Many people live on fractions of that,” Leonard said.

  “I simply wish her to avoid poverty and live a comfortable life – should circumstance contrive against us. Will you take the papers and by whatever means make sure she has the income if we are not married?”

  “Of course. I will think through what the best action will be. But you must be assured that I would never let her suffer from want of anything.”

  “I know,” Joel said. “But I want to help her. I have to. You see that don't you?”

  Leonard nodded, “Yes, I see it plainly.” He placed the papers in his inside jacket pocket. He started to wonder which was going to be more difficult; keeping Joel's secret from Adella or finding a convincing way to give her the money. Because he suddenly remembered now that he could speak of none of this to Adella. How would he sit down to eat with her every day without mentioning it? How could he see her anguish as she wondered why she had been treated so badly and not say anything? Yet he held it in his power now to tell her, to relieve her pain. But he was honour bound to say nothing.

  Leonard was about to ask about Joel's father but they both heard the front door bell and a few moments later, Frederick came through.

  “It's pouring with rain and I am soaked,” he said as he entered, but he was smiling. “Forgot to take a damned umbrella again! Still, I think my overcoat took the brunt of the rain and I am only slightly damp underneath.”

  He patted his jacket and then turned to Joel and then Leonard. He stepped forward, offered his hand to the doctor. The two shook hands, “Well now. I hope I haven't missed all the interesting talk.” He poured himself a glass of brandy and sat himself in front of the fire.

  He paused briefly, looked at Leonard and surveyed him over his glass. Then finally placed the brandy on the table said, “So, you are the brother.”

  “Yes.” Leonard threw him an appraising stare back.

  “I have finished telling Doctor Preston everything,” Joel interrupted giving Frederick a stern look, as if to warn him not to upset his guest.

  Frederick seemed to take the hint, “And what do you think of Joel's story?”

  “I think his father deserves to be transported to Australia for all he has done.”

  Frederick gave a small laugh, “Transportation is too good for him.”

  “I must admit, if there were a way to rid myself of him then I would have done it a hundred times over,” Joel said.

  “Now Joel, I know you, you would never carry through such a threat,” Frederick said. “Though there are vast amounts of people who would be grateful to you if you did. Mr Saunders for a start. He hates your father more than you do. Then there's your mother, she will be more than happy to be rid of the tyrant that is the bane of her life. Mr Holden, Mrs Holden, your brothers, my mother. Goodness, how she runs to avoid speaking to him -”

  Joel interrupted, “Thank you Frederick, I do not think Dr Preston would like a full list of those who have a grievance with my father. We will be here all night!”

  Leonard chose his words carefully, “Your father has many enemies, but from the small amount you have told me, I think I can surmise what sort of man he is. Particularly when he is finding you a new wife before the other is dead.”

  Frederick stood up quickly, “Ah, but Dr Preston, when I heard that Joel was to tell you everything, I was a little surprised. But what do yo think of his plan?”

  “What plan might that be?” Leonard asked tentatively.

  “To hide his youngest brother Michael until he is twenty one.” Frederick replied.

  Joel covered his brow with his hand, “You should not have mentioned anything to Doctor Preston. I do not want to worry him.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Frederick and Joel exchanged a glance.

  “You should tell him everything,” Frederick said. “He has a right to know.”

  “Very well.”

  “What is this?”

  “After Cynthia is dead, I will confront my father. I have to. But I am not expecting him to give in at all.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I am not expecting my father to give in. So I must safe guard Sarah and Michael – the youngest of my brothers. He is nineteen. So I must hide him until he is 21. ”

  “Otherwise your father will use the same threat as before.” Leonard finished for him.”

  “Exactly. But this time I will not give in. I am older and wiser and determined not to be at his mercy.”

  “What of your other brothers. Will they help you?”

  “James is in India, in the army and glad to stay there while my father is alive. Henry is at University. He might help, but he too is happy to be away from home.”

  “Henry would definitely help, and Michael is a strong young man, he will stand up to him too,” Frederick said.

  “It seems to me,” Leonard said, 'that this is pure surmising. Are you really sure that your father will really make you marry again?”

  “He will try, yes. I to
ld you before. I have not produced an heir, and he wants to make sure that I do. He has spoken plainly of it several times. I am sorry Dr Preston. I do not mean to overly concern you with my own problems. My aim in telling you all this tonight was to explain my behaviour to Adella, and give you the annuity papers. Nothing more. Anything else you must not trouble yourself with. Frederick, it was wrong of you to mention this to Dr Preston.”

  “I will help you in any way I can,” Leonard said and turned his head to Frederick, ignoring Joel's protestations.

  “It is a kind offer, but I can never accept your help. It would be insupportable,” Joel said.

  “You deny me the right to make my sister happy?”

  “Look. Dr Preston, I appreciate the offer, really I do, but I cannot see what you could do. Even if I could allow myself to let you.”

  There was a knock at the door, and a maid entered.

  “Yes, what is it?” Joel said.

  “Pardon sir, but it's Mrs Polwarth, she is asking for you.”

  “Very well. I will be up in a moment.” He placed his cigar in the ashtray. “Please excuse me.”

  “Of course!” Leonard said, “If there is anything I can do, send for me.”

  When Joel left the room Frederick waited for the door to close, then spoke immediately, “Dr Preston, if I think you can be of any help, I will let you know. Joel needs all the friends he can get with regards to this matter.”

  “He is determined to win back Adella. He has turned out better than his father I think.”

  Frederick nodded. “Yes. It is a wonder how having such a father can make a child the opposite.” His face grew serious. 'Never doubt he loves Adella. I have never seen anyone so broken than when he returned from Sidmouth. He told me everything about her as soon as he could speak to me alone. The day he married Cynthia, I was grooms man and practically held him up through the ceremony. It was the only reason I did it; to help him through it, though I wholly disapproved of the marriage. Cynthia didn't notice of course, too caught up in the moment of marrying to such advantage. I probably should not tell you this, but I know he has been to Bath several times in the last few years with the sole purpose of catching a glimpse of your sister.”

  Leonard jaw dropped, “He did that?”

  “Yes. He made sure that she didn't see him of course. But he told me about it one night when we both drunk too much. Couldn't hold him back once he'd mentioned her name. Talked about her for hours on end. I am an expert on her now.”

  “I wish I could tell her a little of what I have learnt tonight. She is deeply troubled by Joel's presence in Bath.”

  “Yes. She is very bitter isn't she? Something I told her myself the other night.”

  “You have met Adella?”

  “Yes. Two nights ago when a young girl blundered into a little soirée we attended. Adella came in to retrieve her.”

  “Yes, you were there weren't you!” Leonard said, “I thought I had seen you before. I was there so briefly I hardly took note.”

  “Well, I too wanted to tell her everything then goodness knows how you will keep his secret. Anyway, Joel has made me swear never to tell her either. He has always been adamant that she should not know until Cynthia is dead. Too caught up in convention for his own good.”

  “This is all a little strange talk.”

  “What do you mean?”

  ”All this talk of what will happen once Cynthia is dead. It's rather grotesque.”

  “I suppose it is.” Frederick drained is glass and poured himself another drink. “The thing is, Cynthia has been a thorn in his side all through their marriage. She treats him with disdain, she talks down to him, sides with Joel's father with everything. She hates seeing her daughter, is ill all the time and blames Joel for it.”

  “She has little to recommend herself as a wife?”

  “She is what Joel thought she would be before he married her; self-centred, selfish and uncaring. She cares for nothing except status and is the worst snob I've ever met.”

  “You have very strong feelings about her.”

  Frederick gave a small laugh when he saw Leonard's raised eyebrows.

  “Yes. She has nothing but her beauty to recommend her, and that fast wares away once you get to know the beast within.”

  Frederick continued, “I think he should tell Adella now.”

  “Do you?”

  “Yes.”

  “I told him earlier that I believe she would understand.”

  “I think if she is as discerning as I think she is, she will take time to come to terms with what happened in Sidmouth. I think he should tell her now so that he has plenty of time to win her round. They would probably have to marry before the mourning period is over, but that is a mere formality. He has a small quantity of money in his own right. There is some from his mother's side and what is left from Cynthia's dowry. He paid for the annuity from that. They could live very comfortable lives, and I will see that they will want for nothing.”

  “Pardon me, but did you say, he bought an annuity for Adella from his wife's money?”

  “Yes, where else would he get the money from? He has to account for every penny his father gives him. I told you, do not doubt he loves her.”

  The door opened and the same maid from earlier came in.

  “If you please sirs, Mr Polwarth must stay with Mrs Polwarth for now and wished you to know that he would like you to stay as long as you liked.”

  “Thank you Claire,” Frederick said dismissing her with a small wave of his hand.

  When the door was shut, Leonard commented, “Cynthia seems to depend greatly on her husband.”

  “Yes. He is the only one who will put up with her. He has a strange notion that since he married her, he should look after her, even if he has no affection for her.”

  “A noble quality.”

  “Undoubtedly.”

  Joel returned a full hour later, by which time Leonard was ready to leave. He had exhausted all topics of conversation with Frederick. It wasn't that they didn't get on, but an hour talking with a new acquaintance was enough. He was given an umbrella as promised and made his way home through the downpour at a much slower pace than normal. All this time, Joel never stopped loving his sister. Circumstances and fate led him to make decisions no man should ever have the misfortune to do. But he knew his promise as a professional and gentleman meant he could not disclose anything until Cynthia died. Even then, it was up to Joel to tell her himself. Perhaps, in the fullness of time, things would work themselves out. It did give him a peace in his own mind to know that Adella was secure financially whatever happened. It was a generous gift, though somewhat unsavoury that Cynthia's fortune paid for the upkeep of a woman her husband loved.

  It was such thoughts as these that filled his head when he finally arrived back home. The house was warm and there was a merry din coming from the sitting room. He entered to find his sister laughing along with Helen and Flora over a game of cards, coins were scattered over the table. The real warmth within was infectious joy, such a contrast from the house he left earlier.

  “Leonard, you must come and help me. Helen and Flora are ganging up on me and fleecing me of all my pennies!” Despite her protestations, Adella was smiling broadly.

  “I would not dare interfere in any dispute amongst ladies. I would make too many enemies!”

  They all giggled as he sat down next to Flora.

  “But Leonard, as my brother, you should support me.”

  “Ah,” Helen said, as a customer and supporter of our Uncle's business, you should support Flora and I, for I am sure we will make sure Uncle always serves you first!”

  “Once your game is over, I will play.” Leonard said. 'Flora and I can be partners and -”

  “No! You must partner me Dr Preston,” Helen insisted.

  But Leonard ignored her and when the time came to deal the cards he did as he chose.

  An hour later, Helen and Flora left, their Uncle collected them.


  “It was a happy evening,” Adella said closing the front door. “Despite my losses. Remind me never to make my stakes higher than a few half pennies.”

  “I never knew you were such a gambler,” Leonard said grinning.

  “Neither did I! But I did enjoy it. Would you like more tea? I think the pot is still warm.” Leonard nodded and after giving him the drink Adella sat down.

  “Did you have a pleasant evening?” she asked.

  “Yes,” he said, trying not to colour, for since his arrival, he was desperately trying to think of something other than all he learned that evening.

  “Who was it you visited again? I can't remember who you said it was.”

  “Oh, er – it was just a passing acquaintance. One of my patients who thought they might like to spend an evening with their physician.”

  “I hope they didn't ask you lots of medical questions.”

  “No, no. Not at all. We spoke of many things....” He gulped down the rest of his tea, stood up abruptly and said, 'I better get to bed. Busy day tomorrow!”

  “But it is Sunday tomorrow, you have only one call to make,” Adella said, “to Mrs Polwarth.”

  Leonard searched her face briefly for any emotion, but she betrayed none. Then she added, “I better air your jacket. It smells strongly of cigar smoke. You would not like your patients being offended by the smell? Particularly the delicate women!”

  “Is the smell that obvious?”

  For a moment Leonard wondered whether Joel smoked cigars during his time with Adella, and that she would know where he had been. But he pushed the thought away, there were plenty of men who smoked cigars.

  In his room, Leonard dwelt long on the evening he spent in the company Joel and then Adella. Such contrast! Joel had been full of regret and longing love, Adella smiling and joyful. She was happy now. He suddenly regretted offering to help Joel. For he was struck by the severity and malice of Mr Polwarth's father and feared for Adella if she were made aware of the truth and her sentiments for him were renewed. She was happy these last few years helping him, running his house and assisting him. If she married someone other than Joel then she would be happier. Someone steady, trustworthy and with an ordinary family who would embrace her, cherish her and welcome her. There were several men he knew about in Bath who he noticed admired her. Surely she would be better off with one of them, one who would not ruin her happiness.