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    Not Always a Saint
    Not Always a Saint
    Not Always a Saint
    Ebook318 pages4 hours

    Not Always a Saint

    By Mary Jo Putney

    3.5/5

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    About this ebook

    Regency thrills from the New York Times bestselling author of Not Quite a Wife, who always delivers “adventure, passion and pure reading pleasure” (Jo Beverley).

    After the death of his sweetheart when he was at university, Daniel Herbert buried his grief in medical studies and his passion for healing. Viewed as a saint by those who know him, in his own mind he never quite manages to live up to his own high standards.  


    Most men would be thrilled to learn they’ve inherited a title and estate from a distant relative, but Daniel is appalled because the burden of wealth will interfere with his medical calling. Warily he accepts that he must enter society and seek a wife—a sensible woman who can oversee his properties, leaving him free to continue his work. He does not expect to become intoxicated by a woman called the Black Widow, who is as mysterious as she is shockingly beautiful . . .  


    Jessie Kelham’s looks have always been a curse. Now alone with a young daughter and a perilous secret, she is in need of protection. But dangerously attractive Daniel Herbert is not the kind of husband she has in mind. If he recognizes her, the demons of her past will surely erupt. Yet they cannot keep apart and are soon drawn into a union that may bring joy—or shattering danger . . .
     
    Praise for Mary Jo Putney and the Lost Lords series


    “Romance at its best!”—Julia Quinn
     
    “Intoxicating, romantic and utterly ravishing. . .”—Eloisa James


    “Putney’s endearing characters and warm-hearted stories never fail to inspire and delight.”—Sabrina Jeffries
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherZebra Books
    Release dateAug 25, 2015
    ISBN9781420127201
    Author

    Mary Jo Putney

    Mary Jo Putney was born in upstate New York with a reading addiction, a condition for which there is no known cure. After earning degrees in English Literature and Industrial Design at Syracuse University, she became a ten-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA, has published over forty books, and was the recipient of the 2013 RWA Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

    Read more from Mary Jo Putney

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    Reviews for Not Always a Saint

    3.5/5

    66 ratings7 reviews

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    • 3/5
      I really wanted to like this book, and I did like the two main characters. However, the story was rather implausible and lackluster to me. I think Putney could have made a marriage of convenience work, but the instant chemistry made no sense. And the heroine's past was rather convoluted. Not sure where else the author can go with the series at this point.
    • 5/5
      Jessie needs a husband quickly to keep the threat towards her daughter from happening. Daniel, a surgeon and newly a Baron, wants a wife so he can remain a surgeon and she can handle his estates. Will either get what they want?I enjoyed this story. It can be read as a standalone but it is more fulfilling to read in order so you know the back story of the other characters in this story especially Laurel, his sister. I loved Dr. Daniel Herbert. He is so refreshingly honest about what he wants to do but he will do his duty and his best to find a wife so that she can run his estates while he does surgery and helps the poor. Jessie is complicated. She is more than a pretty face but she holds many secrets and Daniel wonders if he will ever learn them all. She is honest up to a point. It is that up to a point that held my interest especially when the point loses its sharpness and Jessie's past catches up with her and the doctor. That held me at the edge of my seat to see if they would get through it and have a future. The secondary characters are an interesting mix of old and new. I do not know how Jessie was so unfortunate to run into the worst society had. The returning characters were like old friends who I wanted to visit and renew acquaintance. The story had a sweetness to it. I felt happy reading it even as Daniel and Jessie struggle. I got my HEA but I also liked that it did not have the overdone epilogue where Daniel and Jessie had several children and life was good. The ending was perfect for this book especially as Daniel was more than a surgeon. It was right for them.
    • 5/5
      Compelling!Little does Daniel Herbert know that the battered and injured woman his sister would stagger into his infirmary with during the dark hours of the night would haunt his future coming to mean more to him that he could imagine.Jessie Kelham takes on the persona of that dark night and vanishes into a new life.Some years later Daniel becomes Lord Romayne his life as a doctor changes, and not necessarily to his liking.Meanwhile, Jessie's life too has changed. She harbours a secret that could bring ruin to those she loves. Now a widow, she is being threatened by her husband's former heir. In order to protect herself and her daughter Jessie considers remarrying, coincidentally at the same time Daniel has decided to look for a wife, someone more mature, perhaps a widow. They are of course destined to meet again. Daniel is a truly accepting person, understanding of human nature and its frailties, honourable and true. A lovely man. I rather fell for him.Full of action, romance and intriguing glimpses of another of Lady Agnes Westerfield's Academy's ex students, Captain Gordon. This is a great read (even on my second read as somehow I slipped up writing a review after I first read this. Oh well!)A NetGalley ARC
    • 5/5
      I’ll never be bored with this author or this series! This is the 7th book in her Lost Lords series and I loved it. Ms. Putney has created not just complex characters, but a wonderful plot. What I loved most about it, is the Beta hero who was such a good, decent and very capable man. And even though Dr. Daniel was a kind and caring man, he was never boring or dull. His life was orderly until he unexpectedly comes into a titled inheritance, and now he must do his duty and provide an heir.

      Jessie Kelham is a heroine to be reckoned with. This woman has been through so much in her young life, but she never gave up on herself or her life. Even now, as a young mother and a widow, she is ready to fight anyone that means to harm her or her child and knowing that her options are very much limited when it comes to women’s rights, she is set on thwarting her enemy by contracting a marriage of convenience.

      These two shared a common goal, both needed to marry, and both had accepted that the spouses they were willing to settle on would be someone that is reasonably mature and love wasn’t required. Well, destiny had something just a bit more in mind.

      Everything in this tale worked for me, from a solid pace to the wonderful dialogue. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship the most, though.

      The story stands on its own even though it’s the 7th in the series, so if you have a chance to grab it, I highly recommend you do. It’s not only Jon Paul Ferrara’s cover that is beautiful. The story is as well.

      Melanie for b2b
    • 4/5
      Very interesting and suspenseful novel. I always like Putney's work.. It's a good take on the Regency period but very original at the same time. Her characters aren't just the usual rich lord and lady. They face adversity and don't give up. The characters in this one are a doctor who turns out to be a lord and a widow who was raised by an awful father and was left on her own with a child.
    • 4/5
      3.5 stars rounded up. This kept my interest and entertained me. It meandered sometimes, but also took me on a journey, so I still feel pretty good about it.
    • 3/5
      This is one of those books saved by the characters. The story was very soap-operatic and a bit over the top for me, but Daniel and Jessie are a nice couple though they seemed mismatched at first. Daniel especially was a sympathetic figure, wanting to follow his medical profession and hampered by the sudden inheritance of a barony. Jessie's story was more melodramatic, but there was a nice twist at the end that helped save it. An okay read.

    Book preview

    Not Always a Saint - Mary Jo Putney

    because.

    Prologue

    Bristol, Autumn 1806

    The fleet was in, the moon was full, and business was booming at the Herbert free infirmary. Daniel Herbert didn’t mind. He loved mending broken bodies and he loved the infirmary, which he’d designed with the able assistance of his sister, Laurel, who was his partner and best friend.

    Nonetheless, by midnight he’d had enough of patching up drunken sailors injured in tavern brawls. The last one limped into the examination room dripping blood from a crudely bandaged left arm. Spotting the gin Daniel used for cleaning wounds, he lunged toward the bottle.

    Sit! Daniel said firmly as he applied a nerve grip to the grizzled sailor’s shoulder and forced him into a chair. I need to get you fixed up so I can close the infirmary and get some sleep.

    The sailor squawked and rubbed at the numbed arm. Jus’ want a li’l drink! he said reproachfully.

    You won’t find it here. With the skill of long practice, Daniel removed the filthy bandage to find a knife slash that was messy but shallow.

    He deftly cleaned the slash, finishing with enough gin to make the sailor squawk. Why’d you do that? the sailor asked.

    I’ve found that gin helps wounds heal better so your arm is less likely to fall off, Daniel explained. Now, off with you, and prepare for a terrible headache tomorrow.

    Not even one li’l sip from the bottle?

    Go! As the sailor thanked him and shuffled out, Daniel dropped his used surgical instruments into a basin of soapy water. As with the gin, he’d found that keeping instruments clean made for better results.

    The door to his examination room swung open so hard that it banged the wall. He looked up to see his sister, who’d shoved the door open with one hand while her other arm was wrapped around the waist of a battered and bleeding young woman on the verge of collapse.

    Imperturbable as always, Laurel said, Don’t put those instruments away yet, Daniel. We have a new customer. She helped the girl onto the examination table.

    He hated seeing women who had been beaten, usually by the men who were supposed to protect them. As he studied the new patient, his fatigue vanished. She was hunched over, her face obscured by a tangle of dark hair that was matted with blood on the right side. She clutched a cloak tightly around her shoulders, and she was shaking from shock.

    Voice gentle, he said, I’m Dr. Herbert. What’s your name?

    J-J-J . . .

    She spoke clumsily, as if her mouth was having trouble forming words, so he prompted, Jane?

    After a long moment, she whispered raggedly, Yes, J-Jane.

    I’m going to examine you to find what needs fixing. He moistened a clean cloth. Raise your head so I can clean the blood from your face.

    She complied, revealing a face with one eye swollen shut and such massive bruising that her own mother wouldn’t recognize her. Under the bruises she was very young, and he guessed that under normal circumstances she might be pretty. How could any man hurt a vulnerable young girl like this?

    He buried his anger for later. What mattered now was patching her up. She winced several times as he washed the blood from her face, despite his being as gentle as possible. He was particularly careful around her eyes. You’re in luck, he said conversationally. You’ll have black eyes like a bare-knuckle boxer, but there’s no serious damage.

    As he cleaned the gash on her head, he asked, Who beat you?

    She made a choked sound and cringed away from him. Noticing the glint of a wedding ring on her left hand, he asked, Was it your husband?

    Jane stared down at her hand as if she’d forgotten the ring she wore. Then she wrenched off the narrow circlet of gold and hurled it across the examination room. The ring bounced from the wall and rattled across the floor.

    Sell it. Help . . . infirmary, she whispered hoarsely. Her uplifted face revealed her bruised throat. The brute had tried to strangle her.

    Jane’s movements caused her cloak to slide from her shoulders, revealing a bloody slash down her back. The jagged laceration ran from her left shoulder almost to her waist. She must have been stabbed as she tried to escape. The tip of the blade had skittered to the left when it hit the edge of her stays, then continued downward through the padded garment.

    Keeping his voice calm, Daniel reached for his heavy scissors and cut away the stays. Her gown and corset were good quality, but the bodice was ruined and her thin shift was stuck to the laceration by dried blood. Dampening the shift allowed him to pull it gently from the wound, though Jane gasped as he peeled it away.

    Luckily this isn’t deep, though I imagine it hurts like Hades. Particularly since he was now cleaning the wound with gin. Jane would probably carry the scars of this night for the rest of her life, but at least this one would be concealed.

    He continued his soft stream of commentary to soothe her. Laurel assisted him, preserving Jane’s modesty as much as possible.

    When Daniel finished cleaning the wound, Laurel said, You’ll need new clothing, Jane. Daniel, could you bring some garments from our supply?

    Daniel might not be as adept at choosing female clothing as Laurel, but they had a standing rule that a woman who had just been battered wouldn’t be left alone with a man, even him. He nodded and got to his feet, feeling the weight of the long day. Do you have a place to go tonight? Family? Friends?

    Gaze still downcast, Jane whispered, A . . . a friend will take me in.

    That’s enough for tonight, but this can’t be allowed to happen again, Laurel said firmly. We’ll summon the magistrate and you can bring charges against the man who beat you.

    No! Jane clutched her ruined clothing close, her voice frantic. The only way I can be safe is by leaving Bristol. A magistrate cannot help.

    Daniel frowned. Jane seemed determined not to return to the brute, but too often women went back to the men who had injured them because they had no other choice. While he was out of the room, Laurel would counsel the girl.

    Jane was not the first patient in need of clothing, so Laurel had filled two large wardrobes with garments for both sexes and all ages. Some were donated by local churches, others she’d found in rag shops. After patching and washing, the clothing was clean and respectable, if not fashionable.

    The girl needed a loose smock that wouldn’t hurt her injured back. Shoes? No, she was wearing sturdy, well-made half boots. Swiftly he collected what she needed and tucked everything into a simple canvas bag that she could carry easily. Lastly, he chose a deep bonnet and a cloak that would cover up her injuries and bandages.

    After he delivered the garments, Laurel shooed him from the examination room so she could help Jane dress. He frowned as he closed the door behind him. He and Laurel offered services, not money. Almost all of the generous allowance provided by Laurel’s estranged husband was spent running the infirmary, and cash was tight.

    But sometimes exceptions must be made. His office was only a few steps away, so he unlocked the door and opened the hidden desk drawer where he kept money. Jane didn’t look as if she had a penny to bless herself with. How much would it cost for her to run away and keep herself until she healed?

    He couldn’t bear to think of her returning to her violent husband. He collected twenty pounds’ worth of coins and small bills, and tucked them into a cloth purse. It was a substantial sum, enough to get her away from Bristol and keep her for two or three months if she was careful. Then he returned to the examination room, reminding himself that he couldn’t save everyone. Not even close.

    Jane was bundled warmly in the old cloak, her bruised face and bandaged head concealed by the brim of the bonnet. Laurel was frowning. You’re sure you’ll be all right? You can spend the rest of the night here in the infirmary.

    I can’t, the girl said, her voice stronger now. I will be fine, truly. I don’t have to go far.

    Daniel suspected she wouldn’t stay because she feared she might be followed. He hoped she was telling the truth about having a friend who would take her in for the night. She might be planning to hide in a stable or church. That would do for one night if she was planning on leaving the next day. You have some place to go if you leave Bristol? Family, by preference.

    There is no one, but I shall manage. I’m not afraid to work. She gave a brittle laugh. Or to walk.

    Daniel held out the purse. Take this. It should be enough to keep you until you can establish yourself elsewhere.

    She gasped and tried to hand the money back. I can’t take this! You’ve already done so much for me.

    He caught her hand, speaking slowly to emphasize his words. We don’t want to think of you leaving here and falling into a situation that’s even worse.

    Jane stared up into his face. The eye that wasn’t swollen shut was a light, clear blue, and it held shadows that no young girl should have.

    She bent and kissed his hand with her bruised lips. Thank you, she said in a raw, husky voice.

    She released his hand and tucked the purse inside her cloak, then turned to Laurel. Thank you both so much. I shall never forget your kindness. If there is ever anything I can do to repay you . . .

    Daniel said firmly, Make wise decisions. Be kind to others. That will suffice.

    She ducked her head again, then turned and left the room. Daniel and Laurel followed her to the door, watching silently as the girl descended the few steps to the street and turned left. There was something heartbreakingly gallant about her slim figure as she disappeared into the night.

    The house behind us is for sale, Laurel said. I want to buy it and create a sanctuary for women and children who need shelter from brutal men.

    I think that’s an excellent idea, Daniel said immediately. A shelter for women like Jane would be a true godsend. Do we have the money?

    "I’ll find the money!" Laurel said with rare fierceness.

    Then we’ll do it. Daniel put his arm around his sister’s shoulders and gave a comforting squeeze. At the moment, though, we both need food and strong tea.

    Laurel exhaled, relaxing under his arm. What good advice, Doctor. There’s a nice bean soup on the hob.

    Perfect. But before Daniel closed the door, he gazed at the shadows where Jane had vanished. As the back of his neck prickled, he had the uncanny feeling that he would someday see her again.

    Chapter 1

    Bristol, Autumn 1813

    After burying his parents, Daniel Herbert returned to work, which had always been his passion and salvation. No matter how unquiet his own mind, his medical skills helped heal ailing bodies, and the occasional sermons he gave in the chapel he sponsored sometimes helped heal wounded souls.

    To ensure that he was as busy as he needed to be, Daniel sent his junior doctor, Colin Holt, off on holiday with his new bride. Dispensing cough syrups and willow bark tea, and performing minor surgeries left Daniel tired enough to sleep. Exhaustion was preferable to thought. A fortnight had passed since the funerals and soon he must face the changes caused by their deaths; but for now, he preferred stitching up knife wounds in bawdy old sailors.

    He was just finishing with a patient when Betsy Rivers, the infirmary manager, knocked and entered his treatment room. Dr. Herbert, a gentleman is here to see you on what he says is important business.

    I doubt that his idea of important is the same as mine, Daniel said dryly. But Red Rab here is just leaving, so send in the gentleman.

    Betsy frowned at his blood-spattered apron but didn’t try to talk him into changing out of his work clothing. Yes, sir.

    As Betsy left, Daniel tied the last suture on his grizzled patient. Careful, Rab. One of these days someone might accidentally stab something vital.

    Naw, Doc, Red Rab chuckled as he stood. We been fightin’ each other so long, we know where it’s safe to stick the blades. The sailor ambled out and Daniel began cleaning up the bloodstained rags and instruments.

    Betsy returned, accompanied by a stocky, soberly dressed fellow with a keen gaze and a folio under his arm. This is Mr. Hyatt, sir.

    The visitor blinked at Daniel’s rough and ready attire, then inclined his head courteously. I’m Matthew Hyatt of the London law firm Hyatt and Sons. You are Daniel Herbert of Belmond Manor?

    Though Daniel hadn’t lived there in years, the manor was definitely now his. I am. He dropped his used surgical instruments into the waiting basin of soapy water.

    My sympathies on the loss of your parents, Mr. Herbert. The lawyer sighed. The disease outbreak at Castle Romayne was a great tragedy.

    It struck with terrifying swiftness. Far too many of the people in the abbey and town died, Daniel said, his mouth tightening at the memory. His parents had been delighted to receive an invitation to a grand house party held by his father’s distant cousin, Lord Romayne. They’d urged him to come, too, but he had no interest in such things. If he’d been there, might he have been able to suggest effective treatment in time? Drinking massive amounts of fluids could help dangerous fevers. Or would he have died as well?

    He washed his hands briskly. I have patients waiting, so perhaps you can tell me your reason for being here?

    The lawyer blinked at his bluntness. Very well. It’s my pleasure to inform you that you are heir to the honors and property of the Romayne barony.

    Lord Romayne’s other heirs had all died in that beastly outbreak of disease? Daniel froze, feeling the impact of the words like a fatal blow. The walls he’d built around his pain and guilt shattered and raw emotion scorched through him.

    His life was over.

    When James, Lord Kirkland, entered Daniel’s office late the next day, Daniel was unsurprised. Kirkland was a shipping merchant and spymaster, as well as Daniel’s brother-in-law and sometime friend. With his information sources, Kirkland usually knew what was happening before it actually happened. This evening he looked like a darkly elegant predator, but his eyes were compassionate.

    Though Daniel had managed to paper over the internal cracks caused by having a barony fall in his lap, he was embarrassingly relieved to see Kirkland, who was also a master at fixing problems. Pushing aside his late, cold supper, Daniel offered his hand. I assume you’ve heard the news? Because if Laurel was unwell, you’d be with her.

    Kirkland smiled as he shook hands. Laurel is at the stage of pregnancy where she has a terrifying amount of energy. I barely restrained her from coming with me.

    Daniel’s brows arched. I assume she sent you to ensure that I don’t put a period to my existence.

    Exactly, Kirkland said with dry amusement. Inheriting wealth, influence, and a seat in the House of Lords is enough to drive any man to despair.

    Daniel smiled reluctantly at how well Laurel and Kirkland knew him. He opened the bottom drawer of his desk and retrieved the flask of brandy he kept for unusually trying days. I’m still reeling at the news. I’m only a third cousin once removed. But there were only a few intervening heirs, and all died at that damnable house party.

    A tragedy. Kirkland accepted the glass of brandy Daniel poured, then settled into the only other chair in the small office. Not least for you.

    Daniel sighed. There’s no way I can refuse the inheritance, is there?

    Unfortunately not, Kirkland said. The noble title and entailed property go to the nearest male heir of the Herbert bloodline, and that’s you. You are now responsible for the estates and all the tenants who depend on them.

    I feel as if Atlas just dropped the world on my shoulders. You were raised knowing you were the Kirkland heir, but I barely knew Romayne existed, much less that I had any chance of inheriting. His father would have known, and would have been delighted if the inheritance had fallen to him.

    Kirkland swirled the brandy in his glass thoughtfully. A change of this magnitude is intimidating, but being a lord is well within your capabilities.

    No doubt. Daniel’s face tightened at the thought of his greatest fear. Realizing Kirkland would understand, he added tersely, But can I still be a doctor?

    You will have more demands on your time, Kirkland admitted. But you can hire good people to manage the properties. You’re now a peer of the realm! Other lords spend large amounts of time collecting fossils or writing papers on mathematics or drinking themselves into a stupor. You can find time for your work.

    I hope so. Daniel tried to estimate how many hours would be consumed by managing people and property and his seat in Parliament. Too many. I won’t be able to help as many as I do now.

    I’ll say the same to you as I did to Laurel. Your new honors are a burden, but also an opportunity, and a fortune makes it possible to help a great many more people. Kirkland smiled. Your sister is spending my money with wild abandon as she helps open more women’s shelters like Zion House. You can establish more infirmaries. Sponsor the education of promising young surgeons and physicians.

    Oddly, Daniel hadn’t thought about those possibilities. I like those ideas, but I already have the life I want. Inheriting Romayne is a burden and a complication.

    Is it still the life you want? Kirkland asked quietly. Or is it time for a change?

    Daniel started to reply that of course his life was exactly right just as it was. Then he shut his mouth and reconsidered.

    Damn Kirkland for being right! Here in Bristol, Daniel had valuable work and daily challenges, but he’d been lonely since his sister had reconciled with Kirkland and moved away. He needed more friends and different challenges.

    Perhaps it is time, he said slowly. I’ve been in shock ever since the lawyer delivered the dread news. I need to think about what I want, and what is now possible.

    Come to London and stay with us, Kirkland suggested. Laurel and I would love having you, and I can help you sort the practical and legal issues of your new position. You also need to be introduced to society. The little season will start soon, and the network of Westerfield Academy old boys will help you establish yourself to whatever extent you want.

    Daniel’s tension eased. London seemed more manageable if he stayed with Laurel and Kirkland. I’d enjoy seeing old schoolmates, but I have my doubts about entering grand society.

    Wise of you to be wary, his friend said, amused. Particularly in light of the dangers you’ll face.

    I won’t succumb to the lures of gambling and drink. Daniel regarded his empty glass, then poured himself more brandy. Though you wouldn’t know it to see me today.

    Difficult times call for stern measures. Kirkland held out his own glass for a refill. But the danger I was referring to is the marriage mart. You are now the most desirable of commodities, a handsome, or at least presentable, peer in want of a wife. He grinned. Perhaps you can find a pleasant, steady young widow who wants to manage your estates and leave you free to be a doctor.

    Daniel found himself unexpectedly stirred by the idea of a wife. How many years had it been since Rose died? Too achingly many. She was a creature of sunshine and bubbling life, and she would never have wanted him to turn into the dour old bachelor he was now. If he was going to change, it was now or never.

    He raised his glass in a mock salute. Very well, then. I shall go to London and look for a wife.

    Chapter 2

    "Lord Kelham won’t be with us much longer," the physician said quietly as Jessie Kelham returned to the sickroom carrying her sleepy four-year-old daughter.

    She nodded acknowledgment. Philip had been failing for weeks, and it was clear the end was nigh. It was almost midnight, and she guessed he’d be gone by the dawn.

    Beth yawned sleepily. Is Papa better?

    Jessie stroked her daughter’s soft toffee-colored hair. Though it was many shades lighter than her own dark tresses, anyone who saw the two together knew them for mother and daughter. Beth, the most precious being in Jessie’s life. No, sweetheart. Soon he’ll be gone, but he wants to say good-bye to you first.

    She carried her daughter to the massive bed, where Philip’s frail figure lay peacefully in the soft lamplight. With his white hair and pale face, he almost disappeared against the crisp linen sheets. His manservant had made him presentable for this last meeting with Beth.

    When they reached the bed, for a moment Jessie feared they were too late, but when she set her daughter on the mattress, Philip’s eyes flickered open and he smiled with grave sweetness. My little sunshine. I’m sorry I won’t be here to see you all grown up, but I know you’ll be beautiful.

    Recognizing finality, Beth’s eyes filled with tears. She leaned forward and kissed his grizzled cheek. I don’t want you to go, Papa, she said sadly.

    He patted her hand where it rested beside his. I’ll never be very far away from you, sweetling. Just close your eyes and think of me and I’ll be there.

    It would be better if I could hug you whenever I wanted!

    Philip smiled tiredly. Indeed, but we can’t always have what we want. Be good and do as your mother says. We’ll meet again in heaven. A very long time from now, I hope. His breathing was becoming increasingly labored, so Jessie signaled Beth’s nursemaid, who had followed them down from the nursery.

    Lily lifted Beth with comforting arms. Time for bed again, little finch. I’ll sing to you until you sleep.

    Beth went docilely, though her wistful gaze stayed on Philip as they left the room. Jessie was grateful that her daughter was old enough that she’d have some memories of how much her father had loved her.

    When they were gone, Jessie perched on the edge of the bed and rested her hand on her husband’s. The bones of his fingers seemed fragile as twigs. My turn now. Like Beth, I don’t want you to go.

    My time has come. He had a spate of coughs before continuing. You and Beth gave me more years and more joy than I dreamed was possible after I lost Louise. I only wish she could have known you.

    I wish I’d known her, but if she hadn’t died, we would never have met. Jessie squeezed his hand gently. Perhaps she sent me to keep you happy until the two of you could be together again.

    What a splendid thought. He drew another labored breath. You don’t need to worry about your future, my dear. In fact, when the will is read, there will be a surprise for you and Beth. His lips curved into an impish smile. He’d always loved giving Jessie and Beth surprises.

    You’ve been a surprise from the beginning, she said with a nostalgic smile. I couldn’t believe that a fine gentleman like you would marry a trumpery minor actress.

    He began coughing so hard that Jessie almost summoned the physician. When the coughing subsided, he whispered, And I couldn’t believe that the most beautiful woman in England would marry me even for money and a title.

    I didn’t marry you for your money, and certainly not for your title, she said softly. I married you for your kindness and wisdom.

    They shared an intimate smile. Genteel society had been scandalized by the unequal marriage, but it

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