A Passionate Endeavor Read Free Page A

head before looking at the volumes at eye
level.
    “It helped lower the father’s morning fevers,
although the duke’s condition is much more grave than I expected
when first we arrived. As soon as we prepare them, we should return
to the abbey. I fear we will be ensconced in that cold, barren
fortress for the duration of the illness.”
    “How much longer before the consumption
overcomes his defenses?”
    “I cannot tell yet if he will rally. The
severe fever and chills complicate a recovery. If I cannot cure the
evening fever within the next few days, the duke will depart this
mortal coil, and we will have a critical, new younger
employer.”
    Her brother looked up from his book.
“Especially if you continue to force your perceived poisonous
ministrations on his lordship, Charlotte.”
    She was used to her family’s plain speaking.
“Father, you know we could return to London on the next mail coach
if need be. Why, we even had a handful of letters yesterday from
several patients begging your return.”
    “Yes, I’m for all that if the old man does
kick off,” her brother said.
    “James, a little respect, thank you,” Dr.
Kittridge snapped. “Nevertheless, a calming stay in the country is
what we all need. A country practice is all I’ve ever really
wanted. After France—” Charlotte’s father stopped speaking and
looked down at his book.
    “It’s all right, Papa,” she said as she
walked toward him.
    “ Elle me manque aussi .” I miss her
too .
    “I’ve asked you not to speak that… that
language, Charlotte.”
    “I’m sorry, but when I think of Maman, I
think in her language.” Charlotte gazed at her father’s faded blue
eyes.
    “It is dangerous to forget. To forget is to
court folly. It is one of the very reasons I wanted to leave
London. The English are foolish to think they are immune from the
power of an angry lower class. If they would but open their eyes
and see the dissatisfaction of the masses, they would fear
rebellion, fear revolution.”
    “Yes, yes, I know, Papa.” His favored topic
had long ago lost its fervor for her. She and James exchanged
knowing glances. Her brother rolled his eyes.
    “Charlotte and James, you must listen to me.
Do not ever discuss your heritage with anyone here. There is no
benefit to anybody knowing. Only detriments.”
    “Father, we’ve discussed this ad nauseum.
Your fears are unwarranted. There are so many displaced people in
England. And what do you expect to happen here in this small corner
of England? You could not have found a more remote place—unless we
had flown to Yorkshire,” said James.
    The father paled. “Your nonchalance surprises
me, given the past.”
    “Father, I’ve begged you and begged you to
let me make reparations.”
    “Ah, James, you know not of what you speak.
I’ll not let the only son of mine think he can avenge his family by
shedding more blood. I’ll hear no more from you on this
subject.”
    “But Father…”
    “NO, I say. I forbid it.”
    Charlotte gave a cautioning glance to her
brother as she moved to touch her father’s shoulder. “Father, do
not exert yourself. We are all in perfect agreement,” she said
again, as she gave her brother a nod toward the door.
    James snapped his unread book shut and
stalked toward the exit.
    Upon James’s departure, their father pulled
Charlotte into his lap. “Charlotte, I am grateful to the Good Lord
for giving me you. At least one of my children is levelheaded, with
enough intelligence for ten siblings.”
    “But no beauty.”
    “Fishing are you? That is unlike my
Charlotte. Beauty does not save lives, nor take care of the less
fortunate. It is what is inside your mind that matters, not a good
complexion and sparkling wit.”
    Charlotte’s soul constricted. Fishing had
never been good in these waters. And for good reason. She knew the
answer by looking in the tiny cracked looking glass in her small
chamber above stairs. Her father had just confirmed, as he