“As you will soon be brother and sister, I see little need for formality,” Julia said with a crooked smile, sending Nathaniel’s heart into another burst of speed. “Christine Gilbert, this is Doctor Nathaniel Hastings, my betrothed. Nathaniel, this is my troublesome sister, Christine.” She released him and gestured to the people Nathaniel still hadn’t noticed.
“This is Mr. Thomas Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Gilbert.”
The baroness and her sons stood at the door as well, the boys watching him with wide eyes and Lady Heatherton with a subdued smile.
Had everyone witnessed their exuberant greeting?
Nathaniel knew he was blushing if the burning sensation of his ears was anything to go by. But he grinned and bowed. “It is wonderful to meet all of you. At last.”
More pleasantries were exchanged, a servant came for his trunk, and within minutes everyone had poured back inside.
It was some time before Nathaniel had Julia to himself again. Despite the lateness of the hour, the whole family wished to speak to him, cakes and coffee were brought in, and only the two little boys went away to bed.
Until Christine made a loud announcement. “I think we ought to remember that Julia and Nathaniel are to be wed in the morning, at church, and it will not do to have them yawning over their nuptials.”
“Let me show you to your room,” Julia volunteered before another word could be said. Her offer was met with laughter and merry teasing, but her family let them go.
“I thought we would never escape,” he said as he climbed the stair beside her.
“Neither did I.” Her hand was looped through his arm, the other on the rail. “They have such lovely plans for a wedding breakfast, and I have a trunk full of presents from everyone. Christine, her mother-in-law, and Virginia have been most helpful.”
“I am glad to hear it.” He paused when they reached the landing and turned to face her. There had been no mention of other family members, by anyone, but Nathaniel had to know, for Julia’s sake. He asked, “What of your father? And your youngest sister, Rebecca? And Horace?”
Julia’s eyes fell and her hand slipped from his. She wrapped her arms around her middle. “Father’s letter came three days ago. I asked Christine to read it first. She did. Then she tore it up and threw it in the fire.”
Nathaniel’s eyebrows went up. “That bad, was it?”
“She said I needn’t read poison. I think she’s quite finished with him now that she is happily married. But he did say, according to Christine, that he forbid Rebecca and Horace from attending.” Julia’s eyes met his again, pain clearly apparent. “But it will be alright. I’ve had letters from both of them, too. They both sent their good wishes. And Rebecca sent gifts. Books, of course.” She looked down at her slippers, then shrugged and met his eyes again. “I only wish they could be with us tomorrow.”
“As do I.” He held her, kissing the top of her head, his heart aching for her. “As soon as possible, we will have them to visit. Or send you to London to see Rebecca. I promise.”
She nodded and tipped her head back, her smile in place again. “Thank you, Nathaniel.” She kissed him, and he poured all his love and comfort into his response, until the two of them were quite breathless. “I love you,” she whispered against his lips.
“I love you, too,” he answered. “With everything I am.”
He would spend the rest of their lives together proving so, he promised himself, and giving Julia all the happiness he could.
Chapter Twenty-Three
December 1st, 1812
Julia Hastings went through her husband’s schedule once more, arranging his appointments in a manner that would keep him from running across all of Bath multiple times a day. After their wedding, she’d found that while he was a brilliant doctor, he needed a great deal of practice managing his time. She’d taken it upon herself to act as his secretary, writing letters and notes to patients, keeping his office organized, and doing all she could to assist him. At times, he’d even taken her with him, when meeting with new female patients.
Her favorite visits, however, were those made to the less affluent parts of town. She liked to go with him, taking a basket of goods and a knitted blanket or shawl, to spread cheer where she could and share in the mourning when she must. Nathaniel’s work meant he saw a great deal of pain and sorrow, and she found she could help him better when she understood and knew his patients.
She stood from his desk and went to check on dinner, finding her cook, Mrs. Rigsby, putting the final touches on the meal. She’d arranged for Nathaniel’s favorites, and a special dessert.
Julia had news to share with him.
“Darling? Your husband has returned,” his voice called from the entry to their leased rooms. “Are you at home?”
She rushed from the kitchen to meet him on the stair. “Where else would I be? It’s nearly supper!”
He laughed, climbing the steps, stripping off his gloves and hat as he came. “So it is.” He dropped his hat and gloves on the table at the landing and wrapped his arms around her waist. Nathaniel kissed her soundly, making Julia’s insides grow soft and warm.
She would never grow tired of his kisses.
“Are you feeling better?” he asked when they parted.
Julia hadn’t been able to eat more than toast and a little tea at breakfast. She had claimed an upset stomach and he’d told her to take some time to rest and sprinkled ginger liberally over her toast, insisting it would calm her stomach.
“A great deal, thank you.” She took his hand and tugged him towards their room. “But then, I do have an excellent physician, who always knows what to recommend.”
“Mm-hm.” He kissed her cheek and paused at their bedroom door when she did. “What is this? Are we dressing for dinner?”
“Not at all. But I have been working on something today I would like to show you, before the meal. Do you mind?” She rested her hand on the handle of the door, looking up at him, her excitement nearly escaping her. But Julia had planned this moment perfectly and she would not ruin it by any means.
“Of course, Julia. What have you made?” he asked, his eyes lighting with interest.
Nathaniel always showed an interest in her conversation, in her work, and it lifted Julia’s heart every time. His love was more than words, or even fondness, but it was his genuine desire to see her happy, to help when she needed it, to hold her in good times and bad.
They entered their bedroom and Julia helped him with his coat, then unwound the bright blue scarf from around his neck. Winter had come early this year, but the weather didn’t yet merit the blue wool. Nathaniel put it on, anyway, insisting it was nearly as good as having her with him all the day long.
He kissed her again and Julia realized she would have to hurry or risk her surprise, and dinner, being put off for longer than she wished.
She stepped away from him and went to the trunk at the foot of their bed.
“I’ve been working on it for ages.”
“Really?” He came closer as she lifted the lid. “Whatever is it? It isn’t my birthday, and Christmas is weeks away. Is it a gift for someone else?”
She shook her head and lifted the soft, white fabric from the trunk, then unfolded it carefully. “What do you think?”
Nathaniel lifted a hand to touch it but lowered it again hesitantly.
“It’s beautiful.” He bent forward to inspect it. “I don’t want to get too near. This is such delicate work.” He examined the lace and the embroidered flowers, his eyes taking it all in. “What is it? There are yards of fabric, but it’s so small—” He broke off and raised his eyes to hers. “Julia. Who is this for?”
“This Christening gown,” she said, unable to keep the tears from her eyes any more than she could stop smiling, “is for our baby.”
Nathaniel’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped open. He carefully grasped her shoulders in his hands. “Ours? Julia, you’re—?”
She laughed and held the gown cl
ose to her chest. “I would have thought a physician would notice when his wife entered such a delicate state. Yes, darling, I am most certain. By summertime, you will be a very proud father.”
“Julia!” He wrapped her in his arms, crushing the gown between them, then parted enough to kiss her again. “A baby! Julia, this is marvelous. Oh, you’ve made me the happiest of men. Darling, thank you.”
She laughed and pulled away long enough to lay the infant gown on their bed, then wrapped her arms around him. “You’ve made me the happiest of women. And soon we will have a wonderful little family. I love you, Doctor Hastings.”
His kiss was answer enough.
Book Club Questions
Just for fun, here are some things to think about when you discuss this book with friends.
If you were casting the two romantic leads in the movie adaptation of The Gentleman Physician, who would you choose? Who would play Thomas Gilbert? What about Christine Devon?
Which secondary character did you like best and why?
Which character did you like least?
How would the story change if Nathaniel admitted his love for Julia in the study, instead of claiming he no longer cared for her in that way?
In this era, physicians were most often younger sons of the gentry. Did you see any evidence of that in Nathaniel?
If you could add a scene to the book, explaining a character or detail you want more information about, what would it be?
Did the author build the world in a believable way? Was there anything that you didn’t know about the time period you learned through reading this book?
Was the evolution of the love story believable? Why or why not?
If the author were to write a sequel to this book, which character would you like it to focus on and why?
If you could travel back to the 1810’s, what is one modern thing you would take with you for the trip?
Author Notes
I hope you enjoyed Julia’s Story. If you did, please remember to leave a review on Amazon.com or GoodReads.com to help others find The Gentleman Physician. Leaving reviews is the kindest thing you can do to thank an author.
If you want to be the first to know when my next book is ready, receive sneak peeks looks at beautiful book covers, or find other fantastic authors, please sign up for my newsletter. You’ll receive a free copy of my novella, Martha’s Patience, as a thank you.
Another great way to stay in touch and get the best book news first is to join my Facebook group, Sally’s Sweet Romance Fans.
Virginia will receive her novel (because we all really want to know what happens to her, right?), but the next Branches of Love title is about a different woman: Ellen Bringhurst.
Acknowledgements & My Gratitude
Thank you a thousand times over to my fantastic Critique Partners. They are wonderful ladies and fabulous authors in their own right. Joanna Barker, Arlem Hawks, Heidi Kimball, and Megan Walker. You will be seeing their names on book covers soon!
I must also thank my incredible friend, mentor, and cover designer, Shaela Kay. She is a wonderful author and one of the most generous people I know. Thank you, Shaela, for seeing me through another book and another gorgeous cover.
The biggest thanks must as always go to my husband. His support and love make these stories possible. He’s the hero of our love story and I’m grateful for all he does. After him, I must thank my children. They’re so patient when Mommy is writing. Thanks, kiddos. I love you all.
This list could go on and on, and it probably should, but I’ll finish by thanking my amazing Beta Readers—you know who you are! And the LDS Beta Readers Facebook Group. Without these lovely people, this book would not be as polished as you found it. Thank you.
The Gentleman Physician: A Regency Romance (Branches of Love Book 2) Page 21