Sprig of Thyme

by Jenna Dawlish

  “Quick as you can,” he said trying not to alarm her.

  He waited in the sitting room and took a few moments to fully recover from his rushed arrival. It did not take him long to get back his breath and just in time for when Flora entered.

  “Good morning Dr Preston,” she said brightly, 'You have an urgent errand for me?”

  He turned round, and could not help smiling. She stood inside the door and he took a moment to take in her full beauty. Neatly dressed as ever, today in a white patterned dress, her hair was loosely tied. Her face was clear and bright, eager to hear how she might be of use. He stepped forward, and for a moment faltered. He was desperately unsure of the reaction his words were about to create, but with fresh determination he started to speak. He had to act, and act now.

  “Good morning Miss Alther.” He gave a deep bow. She looked a little surprised at his formality. “I have come here because I have news of Adella.”

  “Oh how wonderful,” Flora said and stepped forward, “How is she?”

  “She is well, though at the present time, she is Bedfordshire.”

  He indicated they they should sit, and Leonard spent the next few minutes telling Flora of Adella's news. She sat, her hands in her lap, saying nothing, and allowed Leonard to speak without interruption.

  “I do hope that Mr Polwarth recovers. So, she has forgiven him. It is as I expected. And she has forgiven you?”

  “Yes. She has and I am glad of it. ” He shifted in his chair, “But it is a sad tale indeed, that two people in love should be separated for so many years,” he leaned forward, “when they clearly should have been together.”

  Flora nodded, “Yes, I do hope there is a happy ending for them. They deserve it.”

  Leonard knew it was now or never. He knelt in front of Flora, and looked steadily into her bewildered eyes, “They are not the only man and woman who deserve a happy ending.”

  He took hold of her hand. “Flora, if I thought I could read your feelings I would have declared myself before now. I have been so unsure, but now, I care not if this changes our friendship forever. Flora, I think you the loveliest woman I have ever met, and I – ” he shifted uncomfortably, and blushed at the words he was about to say, 'I love you. There – I said it. I love you.” He let out a small laugh, unable to hold his emotions together any longer, then continued, 'Is there the smallest chance that you would make me the most fortunate man alive and have me as your husband? If you wish to remain working here with your Uncle and Aunt, I would not mind. Your happiness is all I care about. But I hope - I hope that you would be content with me.”

  Flora trembled a little. Then, gently and yet unconsciously squeezed his hand. “Oh Dr Preston, yes – oh yes. I have loved you for many months too. I have not – that is, I did not think you could love me in return,” she said shaking her head.

  “Not love you! What man could not love you? And I beg you, do not call me Dr Preston any longer; call me Leonard, dearest.”

  She gave a shy smile. “Leonard, I love you.”

  He seized her hand. “Flora, I cannot tell you how many times I have wished to tell you how much I love you, or how when we meet I have wanted to keep hold of your hand and do this.”

  He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it softly. “And then take you in my arms and do this.” With his eyes fixed on hers, he straightened up and pulled her gently to her feet. Holding her to him, he bent his head and their lips met; tentatively at first, then with all the fervour and passion that had been pent up for so long. The minutes passed by in a delicious haze until Leonard became aware of someone moving about in the next room.

  Fearful of interruption by the Alther's or, worse, by Helen, he released Flora and said hurriedly, “I will speak to your Uncle, unless of course, you think I should travel to see your father?”

  “No, speak to Uncle, I know my father will be happy with a letter,” she gave a nervous laugh, “and he would not refuse any man who asked for me now, he has long given hope of my marrying. It will come as a great surprise.”

  Leonard stood up, but kept hold of Flora's hand. “Then I will go to your Uncle now, and write to your father straight afterwards. I do not want anything to delay. But the fact that you are not married only makes my happiness more complete. If the men of this world cannot see your true worth, it is their fault! They are all blind.”

  She smiled in return, and with a kiss as a parting gesture, Leonard left the room to find Mr Alther. He was in the dining room, and his reaction was as Leonard hoped.

  Mr Alther seized Leonard's hand and shook it violently unable to speak, then said, “I congratulate you on your wise choice for a wife. I wish you every happiness. But I am sure you are well matched. Flora is a sensible girl. I'm not sure how we can cope in the shop without her now. She has made herself indispensable.”

  “Flora and I have already spoken of that and I have assured her that should she wish to continue to help here, she has my blessing.”

  “Hmph. We will see. I think married life will suit her, and she will soon lose interest in helping me. Especially when her own family comes along.”

  Leonard could not help but smile at such a thought, “Perhaps.”

  The letter to Flora's father had to wait several hours before Mr and Mrs Alther would let Dr Preston leave, such was the excitement in the household.

  When Mrs Alther was told of the news, she proclaimed, “I am sure I guessed you loved each other,” and clapped her hands together several times.

  “Guessed?” Mr Alther said, “You never told me! I don't think you guessed at all.”

  “Oh hush, I do not tell you everything Mr Alther, that would make things far too dull. It is good that a husband and wife have a few secrets from each other. Remember that Flora.”

  “Oh no. You will not give Flora marital advice.” Mr Alther said, “What other secrets do you have from me?” he said suspiciously.

  Leonard and Flora watched in amusement together as Mr and Mrs Alther argued.

  Finally, when Helen entered the room to see what the noise was about, they broke the news to her. She was all agog with amazement. “But why would you want to marry Flora? She is so old! Wouldn't a younger woman suit you more?” Helen said, “Not me of course but, oh I don't know, someone else. . .anyone else.”

  Leonard took hold of Flora's hand and kissed it, “I can assure you Helen, that no other woman will do for me.”

  He was smiling, but was secretly annoyed, but now was not the time for arguments with his future sister in law. Nothing could cloud Flora's happiness either, she was secure in the thought that soon enough, she would not have to put up with Helen's constant set downs.

  Leonard left, only after he insisted that his patients could not be kept waiting any longer, and it was only after he was on his way home when he remembered that he did not give Mr and Mrs Alther the news of Adella. He smiled to himself, he was sure that his dearest Flora would tell them. In the meantime, he decided he must buy an engagement ring as soon as possible.

  ***

  As soon as Leonard left, Mrs Alther turned to Flora, “I knew you would make a good match. You are a sensible, warm young woman. I knew it would not be wasted.”

  “Can you not stop smiling Flora,” Helen said, “It is most irritating. He's only a Doctor. I have plans for a much better husband, though having a sister married must improve my chances.”

  “Make your own match where you choose, I am happy with mine.” Flora replied.

  “Well, I suppose you will be comfortable. But his house is so small. I do not think you will have room to breathe when Adella comes back.” She gave a brittle laugh.

  The sudden mention of Adella made Flora remember that other news. “But I do not think Adella will be coming back. In fact, I think she will soon be married herself.”

  The Alther's were all amazement when Flora told them all about Adella and Joel, and all that Adella endured the last few months she was in Bath. Helen of course, was jealous of the match.
“I cannot understand how all the men in the world like choosing dull old women as wives!” she said.

  “They are not engaged yet. When he recovers, Leonard thinks it is a foregone conclusion. But he is still very ill.”

  This seemed to console Helen. “It sounds as though he may die before they will have a chance to wed. Does he have a younger brother?”

  ***

  Adella was well aware of the days as they passed. Frederick's house seemed more lavishly furnished than Joel's and her own sick bed was in the most sumptuous room she ever saw. The finest red brocade curtains, French chairs that she was sure were worth more money than her fathers house alone. Her four poster bed was made of the finest mahogany dressed with silk sheets.

  She was dreadfully ill for several days, and as the fever took hold she was glad for her nurse maid, a young woman called Claire who had been in Frederick's service since childhood. She was attentive and patient, never questioned why Adella was there, and followed her orders to the letter.

  Frederick visited once a day to report the news of Joel, though he stood by the door and would not enter the bedroom on the doctors orders. Joel was recovering well and on the second day came the news she so longed to hear. He was fully conscious.

  “He was not awake for too long; he was tired,” Frederick said with a note of relief in his voice. “He is asleep again now.”

  “Did he ask for me?” Adella asked.

  Frederick looked confused for a moment, “Yes, well no, actually. He didn't, but he didn't say anything really, a few mumbled words, that was all.”

  Adella tried not to let her disappointment show. She should not expect him to ask for her, or remember that she had been there. He was well. That was all that mattered.

  It took Adella over two weeks to recover fully from her illness. Joel gained in strength, and had been sitting up and eating, but still they remained separated. The doctor was too concerned over Joel's frailness to allow any risk of further illness, so Adella remained under Frederick's care.

  Frederick still had not found Michael, there was a promising lead in Cambridge, and he was ever confident that Joel would not be sent to prison. The lawyers had been getting a convincing case together and even without Michael's statement, it was a clear case of defence of the mother.

  Finally, Dr Chapman visited Adella and he pronounced her fit to visit Joel. She was fully recovered for a few days, and she paced her room in eager anticipation, agitated at the thought of finally being able to speak to Joel as she once did; five years earlier. But what would he say? How would he receive her? Her mind was unable to rest at the thought of seeing him. She was anxious. Anxious that he might have fallen out of love, that his feelings so strong had faded through his illness. Then there was the matter of how much she changed over the last five years. She was a woman now, not the girl he knew.

  When Frederick arrived back that evening, he arranged to take her to him the next day by his own carriage. She hoped to go that evening, but the Doctor said that Joel needed more sleep, and was unable to do anything for more than a few minutes. Nothing amused her, or could take her mind off the following day. She planned in her head what she would say to Joel, yet everything sounded stupid. She slept fitfully, and awoke late, making her rush to get ready.

  Adella stepped out of the carriage once again at Polwarth House, she could not help but think of the last time she arrived at the house nearly three weeks before. Frederick accompanied her to Joel's room, but this time, he left Adella outside in the hallway while he went in to see if Joel was ready.

  Adella could hear mumbled voices from within, and shortly afterwards, Frederick came out.

  “He will be ready for you shortly,” he said.

  The valet came out of the room afterwards, and disappeared down the hall. Frederick, not content with small talk turned to Adella. “I will go home I think. I will not be needed for now. Send word when you wish to return, if indeed you wish to return as my guest.”

  “I don't think Joel will want me to stay here. Will he?”

  “I rather think he will not let you leave,” He then made a small bow and walked away.

  The valet returned a few minutes later carrying a shirt then disappeared back into the room.

  Adella tried to occupy herself while she waited. But the hallway yielded no help, dull wallpaper and one portrait was all that was on offer to occupy her mind. Finally, after what seemed like an age, the door opened once more and the servant said, “You can come in now Miss, the master is ready to see you.”

  Her legs nearly gave way. Nerves finally got the better of her, but somehow she found herself walking slowly through the open door.

  Chapter 20

  As soon as she was inside the room she looked straight to the bed.

  It was empty.

  She scanned the room, and there he was, directly to her left. He was seated on the same chaise longue she had used as a bed a few weeks before. There was a rug wrapped around his legs, and he wore the clean pressed shirt the valet carried a few minutes before. She dared to look at his face, and noticed that he was newly shaved, and his hair had been cut. He was still a little pale, and had lost weight; what he already had to lose. He was still very much the man she once knew.

  She stood in the middle of the room, not knowing what to say. Finally, she met his gaze.

  Joel watched her, then broke the awkward silence, “I would stand up and greet you properly, except that I am not sure whether I could do it. It took me nearly ten minutes to move from the bed to here.”

  Adella smiled, yet she could not move nor say anything, all she could think of was how his presence filled the room.

  “Will you not sit down?” He indicated the chair opposite.

  She moved silently in front of him and gently sat perched on the edge, her hands clasped on her lap.

  There was another awkward silence. How different it was to the last time she had been in that room and she was in charge of Joel's care. She heard Joel's voice over the confused thoughts in her head. “They told me you came and nursed me for a while.”

  “Yes.”

  “When I was ill, I thought I dreamt an angel visited me. Now I know it was true. Will you forgive me that I do not remember you being here?” His voice was soft and gentle.

  “Yes.”

  “Will you not come and sit closer? He held his arm out to her and she instinctively took it and let him draw her in. He moved a little to pull himself towards her.

  He took hold of her hand, “Adella, I still love you,” he said seriously. “You know you are the only woman I have loved don't you? I am telling the truth, though it pained me in my soul to part with you. I love you more, much more than I did five years ago. I broke a vow to you then, will you trust me this time, and marry me now? Let me fulfil the promise to wed you made so long ago.”

  “I do not want you to marry me out of duty!” she cried. “I could not bear it.”

  “Duty!! Duty!!” He said with a sigh. “I have come too far to do anything that I did not wish to do.” He shook his head, “I am no ones slave now except yours.”

  “But what of the law? What if you go to prison? What if they try to hang you?”

  “They will not. The lawyers visited yesterday, and have told me everything. The Police Constable has stopped coming each day. It is a formality, tomorrow, they will have a hearing now they have my statement and Frederick has found Michael, no charges will be made.”

  Adella relaxed. Her shoulders dropped and she let out a deep breath.

  “Michael found? Frederick did not say anything. And he has given a statement too?”

  “Yes. We found out this morning, though he is too proud to come home. But in time I hope he will return. I do not blame him for being deceived by our father. So you see,” Joel said with renewed hope, “there is nothing to stop us marrying except your agreement.”

  “But when we met in Sidmouth, we were so young. I am different now -” she tried to continue, but was interr
upted.

  “You are different, but you are still the woman I fell in love with. The woman my heart longs to claim as my own.”

  Deep in her breast, her heart spoke the same, “I want you to claim me. But we were thrown together in an artificial way. When we fell in love we were barely adults. After everything we have been through, let us not ruin each other's life by marrying in haste. We should spend time reacquainting ourselves with each other, and only marry if we grow to love each other still; as the man and woman we are now. Not as some romantic idea of the past.”

  “The voice of reason again,” Joel said with a note of bitterness. “You always were sensible. Whatever argument you come up with, I shall not relent. I mean to marry you Adella. I mean to win your heart again, and I will never give up trying.” There was a deep passion in his voice that made her heart quicken. To be pursued in such a way would be irresistible, and they both knew then, that despite her protestations, their union was inevitable.

  He grasped her hand harder and turned it over in his own, lifted it to his mouth and gently kissed the palm, sealing the unspoken promise that they both shared.

  “I insist that you stay here, and not with Frederick,” Joel said after a while.

  “I would like that very much. Though, do you think it appropriate? People will talk.”

  He grinned, “I hope they will, then you will have to marry me if your reputation is in tatters!” His face darkened. “But then, I suppose they will have enough to talk about already with everything that has happened recently. I would sooner you promise to marry me now. But as I said earlier, I am your slave, and I will do anything you ask of me.”

  Adella gave a playful smile. “Then my first command is that you kiss me, and remind me again of those days we were together in Sidmouth.”

  “You better come closer then,” Joel said smiling.

  She did as he asked and as their lips finally met in a soft passionate kiss, the past was blotted away in an instant.