The Doctor and the Libertine - Callie Hutton Page 0,42

join him and Mr. Faulkner-Jones to discuss our…wedding.”

“No.”

Rayne sighed. “One does not ignore a summons by my father. I’m afraid I must attend.”

Edwin placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her body so she faced him. “Perhaps you cannot accept my offer of marriage because you are still bound to Mr. Faulkner-Jones, however that betrothal was not something you agreed to, but were told about. It doesn’t make it legal, Rayne. You are a grown woman, and don’t have to accept something your father did when you were a mere child.”

“I am confused, and still tired, and don’t really wish to talk about this now. I also have patients to see to make sure they are all taken care of before I visit with my father on Monday.”

“You will forego your lovely bicycle today and use my carriage. I don’t think it’s a good idea to be pedaling about when you’re feeling this fatigued.”

She smiled her heart full with Edwin’s kindness. “Thank you.”

“I will instruct my driver to drop me off at home now and then return the carriage once your calls are finished. I will also make my carriage available on Monday for your visit as planned before.”

She grinned. “It appears I will be making use of your carriage more than you will for the next two days.”

“It doesn’t matter.” He tapped her on the tip of her nose. “I am under doctor’s orders to rest. I have no need of my carriage.”

He seemed much more relaxed since he’d told her of his sister’s downfall. Confession was good for the soul.

“However, before you go, I want you to remember this when you’re speaking with your father and Mr. Faulkner-Jones.”

“What is that?”

Edwin pulled her closer and cupped her face in his hands and stared into her eyes. “I shall call upon you as soon as your meeting with your father is finished. Please send a note with my driver when he returns.”

Being this close to him, feeling the warmth from his body, the light scent of mint from his mouth, and the tempting hint of his bath soap did strange things to her insides. Before she could count all the places in her body that were reacting to him, he lowered his head and took her lips in a searing kiss. Not something short and innocent, but a deep, passionate joining of their mouths that told of possession, lust, and promises.

Promises she might not be able to accept from him.

Chapter 13

Rayne stepped out of Edwin’s comfortable and well-sprung carriage and stared at her father’s house. It was not her home growing up, since Father and her sisters had lived in the infirmary in town, much like she did now. Once Father retired, he bought this house and as far as Rayne knew, he rarely, if ever, left it.

The thatched stone-built cottage with rambling roses around the door was just the right size for a retired gentleman. Cozy and bright both inside and out, a lovely wooden rocking chair sat next to the front door.

Mrs. Johnson lived in a small room upstairs. Father also employed two young girls who came in each day to do cleaning, laundry, and other household chores. It was a pleasant life.

She realized she was stalling and forced herself to walk up to the front door. She was not looking forward to this conversation because she’d come to the decision that she did not want to marry Mr. Faulkner-Jones. Even if she and Edwin had not shared kisses, and nothing ever came from their friendship, she still would not want to marry her betrothed. She hadn’t chose him, barely knew the man, he seemed to be quite taken with himself, and she wanted more from a marriage than a husband who popped in and out of her life when it was convenient for him.

Reminding herself that she was a woman grown, a respected doctor, and owner of a medical practice, she could do this. Of course, she had rarely gone against Father’s wishes her entire life. Well, truth be known, she didn’t know of any time she’d gone against his wishes.

Both her sisters had married young and to hear them tell it, they had ‘escaped’ from the tyranny. There was no doubt that Father had favored Rayne over her sisters as they all grew up. Sometimes it made her feel good to have his undivided attention and other times she found his absolute interest smothering.

She dropped the knocker on the door and a young girl, dressed in