Page 20

“Madam, you are a vision.” Brandon bent over her hand.

She blushed and tutted. “Flatterer.”

He glanced at the mantel clock then to the empty doorway.

Where was Joy?

Had he offended her by also sending the gown?

It was wildly improper.

Way, way, way beyond the pale.

Perhaps Mrs. Thackpenny had refused to allow her to wear it.

No, if that were the case, then the elderly dame would’ve declined to wear hers as well. Brandon was sure of it.

“She’ll be down shortly.” Mrs. Thackpenny seemed to have read his mind. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you two look at each other when you think I’m unaware, Doctor. My eyesight may be failing, but I’d have to be blind to miss the heated exchanges between you.”

He resisted the urge to claw at his suddenly too-tight neckcloth.

What did one say to that?

Then she utterly flummoxed him by giving him a conspiratorial wink. “I was young once too.”

Feeling like a lad caught with his sticky fingers in the sweet jar, Brandon fell back upon his doctor’s charm. “Your company is all that I require, Mrs. Thackpenny.”

“Pshaw. Balderdash.” She waved a gloved hand at him, the diamonds in her bracelet catching the candlelight and twinkling like stars in the midnight sky. “Do not try to change the subject, scamp.”

Aye, Mrs. Thackpenny was too perceptive by far.

Head tilted, she eyed him keenly, a hint of sadness tempering her jesting. “I suspect I may be searching for a new companion soon.”

Astute woman.

If Joy agreed to become his wife.

Brandon put a palm to his jacket pocket where a ring box lay securely ensconced. It was both a birthday present and a betrothal ring if all went as planned this evening.

“I shall miss Joy tremendously.” A shadow flitted across Mrs. Thackpenny’s features, stealing her earlier happiness. Running a gentle hand over each of her pets, she murmured, “She’s been unfailingly kind and patient with me when I did not deserve it.”

Pride bloomed in his chest, but all he said was, “She is an exceptional woman, to be sure.”

He intended to consult with Joy about Mrs. Thackpenny living with them. However, he’d not make that offer to the elderly woman without Joy’s input. She had a warm, forgiving nature, but it might be asking too much to have her former employer, a woman who had not been the kindest to her, live with them.

Mrs. Thackpenny glanced up, a distinct sheen of tears behind her spectacle lenses. “I regret wasting so many years harboring bitterness and grief.” A long sigh slipped past her lips as she stared beyond him. “The things I might’ve done. The places I might’ve visited.”

Brandon perched his hips on the edge of the tea table and took her gnarled hands in his. “It’s not too late, Mrs. Thackpenny.”

“Please do call me Sabella.” Blinking rapidly, she squeezed his fingers. “Thank you, Brandon, for all that you have done. May I call you Brandon?”

“Of course.”

A nascent smile bent her mouth. “You helped me to see the good in the world again. To have hope and to forgive God for taking my dearest Ephraim from me. Joy did as well. In truth, my fear of losing her made me keep her at arm’s length. I couldn’t bear to lose someone else I loved. I’ve come to love her like a daughter, you see.”

“Good evening.” Joy’s melodious voice floated into the room, even as she drifted to the center of the parlor.

Rendered speechless, Brandon gaped.