Roses and Flames

Chapter 12

“I hope that my absence has given you both a chance to become acquainted.”

“You were barely gone for ten minutes, Ambrosia,” responded the Duke.” It was hardly enough time to establish a lasting friendship.”

“But you spoke,” she said as though prodding a wayward child through his lessons.” And you found him all that I have said?”

It made Pat wonder what had Ambrosia told about him. She had spoken about him and that was worse because he did not want her to talk about him to anyone…to the peers and specially not this man the man whom she was supposed to marry..and they had discussed about him at length. Even after he had not been present in her life for the last six years, still she had managed to worm her way in his and made him a part of hers when her father had expressly forbidden her from doing that as far as he was concerned.

“I did not doubt your description under any circumstances,” said the Duke,” But yes.”

“Then you did tell him what we discussed?”

“I was a topic of discussion?” Patrick interrupted. He did not like being talked about. It was almost as annoying as being the subject of enquiry.

“I simply made it clear to the duke how your career worried me,” Ambrosia replied, sitting between them in the space that the kitten had occupied. She had gone out and clasped his hand.” You were gone far too long, Pat. I missed you. And do not tell me that the navy is not a dangerous place to be. Even with Napoleon defeated, it must be. There are storms and pirates, and all manner of accidents that might befall on you. Suppose you took ill? Who would treat the physician?”

“Ambrose.” Now she was coddling him and doing it in front of the duke. He added embarrassment to the host of other discomforts that she caused.

“I wondered if something might be done to persuade you to stay ashore.”

“Do you not think that I am best able to decide for myself?” Patrick said, with a sigh.” But she did not wish to hear it.” For a moment, they were brothers in arms against a foe as tenacious as Bonaparte. But having fought both, Patrick credited Ambrosia as more stubborn than the whole French army.

“I am tired of people, ignoring my letters and dismissing my fears,” Ambrosia said, eyes narrowed and jaw set.” Patrick Hastings, you are risking your life at sea and there is no reason for it. I have been quite beside myself, praying for your return. A practice on land will be safer. Something must be arranged for you.”

Patrick took a breath before speaking, trying to keep his temper for her sake.” As I told you before, I prefer to make my own way. My early life was spent beholden to your father and it was difficult.” More difficult than she could imagine.” The debts of gratitude I incurred are something that can never be repaid.”

“You need not be grateful for a job,” she snapped back.” I am sure you are skilled enough to merit this position. It is an opportunity, nothing more. You will prove your worth by your service. I have spoken to the Duke and he is agreed.” She gave the duke a warning look that said this had be the truth, if he knew what was good for him. And then her expression changed to sort of smile that no man could resist and she took the duke’s hand, giving it the same warm squeeze that she had given Patrick.” It is all settled. You will come to Aldricshire with us and act as Samuel’s personal physician.”

For a moment, the anger was stunned out of him. Any doctor in England would be overjoyed with such a post. Samuel was young and strong, and of amiable nature that bespoke a long and pleasant career in his service. It would a mean a life of comfort and a chance to keep a wife and children in luxury.

As long as he was willing to keep Ambrosia’s husband fit and healthy. Perhaps he would be required to watch over her, as she grew big with another man’s child, and stand by in approval as their brood increased. And now she was holding both their hands and looking from one to another as though it would be possible to make three of them into one happy family.

“No.” He made no effort at all to hide his disgust as he pulled his hand out of her grasp and stood, turning and backing away from the pair on the bench.” You ask too much of me, Ambrosia.” He looked at the man beside her, trying to maintain a frigid courtesy. This idea was no fault of the duke’s, but it explained his rude questioning moments before. He probably feared that Patrick was the sort of the man who would use Ambrosia’s fondness for his own betterment.” I apologise, your Grace, but I must respectfully refuse the offer.” Perhaps the duke could explain it to her. The man must have guessed his feelings, if Thorne had not already explained the situation.

He looked at Ambrose, whose beautiful eyes were beginning to fill with tears, and then he backed away from her, towards the house.” And I should take my leave as well. It is long past the time I meant to go. You persuaded me to tarry. But I should not have listened.”

Lead us not into temptation….The words of the prayer echoed in his mind.

But they offered no protection from the stricken look on her face.” Patrick, wait…”

If she spoke another word, he would weaken. He would wipe those tears and agree to anything that might make her smile again. She would have him moved into the house by evening, sleeping scant feet from her bedroom door.

“I cannot.” Must not.” Not another moment. Good day to you, Lady Ambrosia. And you as well, your grace. And goodbye.”