Page 20 of Grace in Glasgow (Seduced in Scotland #3)

“A number of reasons, really. Debt, crimes, the drink.” Virgil shook his head. “It’s not quite where respectable people live, you know.”

“That’s nonsense. Any place people live can be respectable, regardless of their means.”

“Were that it was true, Dr. Grace. But the people in Gallowgate aren’t exactly shining members of society.”

“A lot of them are factory workers and their families. The very people who produce products for our consumption, Virgil. It is a mark against the company if they cannot provide decent housing and wages for the people who make the owners rich.”

“Ah, well, now you’re sounding like a Reformist, Dr. Grace. None too many would be pleased to hear you speak like that.”

“They are simply facts.”

“Aye, but some aren’t too keen on hearing truths.”

“And I’m to worry about that because?”

“Well, begging your pardon, but in your line of work, wouldn’t it be smarter to keep on people’s good side? I can’t think it will be easy persuading people to see a lady doctor, and a reformist to boot.”

Grace made a face, aware of what Virgil was trying to say, but not liking it at all because it was true.

She would have a far harder time in her field if she went around spouting off her feelings about workers’ rights and sanitary living conditions.

But it didn’t mean she had to be quiet, which she was just about to say when a voice cut through the air.

“Miss Sharpe? A word, if you will.”

Grace spun around to see James standing in the doorway of his office at the back of the pharmacy. He nodded briefly once their eyes met before reentering his office, leaving her heart pounding and her head somewhat dizzy.

When had he gotten here?

Evidently, her stunned expression was painted all over her face, for Virgil glanced at her as he hobbled toward the opposite wall, carrying a glass jar full of dried herbs.

“Startled you, did he? My, you’re jumpy today.”

“I thought he hadn’t arrived, is all,” she said lowly, hoping the doctor didn’t hear her.

“He can be incredibly quiet, when he wants to be.”

“Miss Sharpe?” James called again.

Virgil jerked his head.

“Best go see what he wants. He sounds a bit miffed, doesn’t he?”

Did he? Grace hadn’t heard any difference in his tone, except perhaps a bit of urgency and deciding not to keep the doctor waiting any longer, went to the office.

James was standing in front of his desk, with his back facing her and upon hearing her enter, turned.

“Please close the door.”

She did so, unsure why she felt as though she were suddenly in trouble. When she faced him again, however, she was startled to see that he had stepped closer, effectively eliminating any and all space between them. He opened his mouth to speak, but Grace spoke first.

“Dr. Hall, er, I would like to speak first, if I may?”

He stared at her a moment, before speaking. And then—

“James.”

“Beg pardon?”

“You can call me James, if you’d like.”

“Oh, yes, of course,” she said, before exhaling. “I just want to thank you for last night.”

James blinked.

“Thank me?”

“Yes. You see, I’ve decided to test a theory.

One that has been on my mind for some years now and I think, because you are as practical a person as I, that it would do well to test this theory.

Only if you’re willing to, of course, I wouldn’t want you to feel obligated in any way, it’s just…

I’m terribly curious and trying to discover something about myself. ”

“That discovery being?”

She paused, unsure how to tell him. It was rather embarrassing and yet, there was something trustworthy in him that she felt enabled to be honest. Taking a deep breath, she spoke.

“For as long as I could remember, I’ve felt outside of society.

As a child, I was never one to run around wildly, or play tricks on family or friends.

I’ve always been rather even tempered. Although, my sisters have done their best at provoking me.

” She smirked for a moment before it disappeared.

“After my parents passed away, I was expectedly sad, but I also became obsessed with how they died. I thought if modern medicine had been more advanced, had a cure been discovered, they might not have needed to pass away so young. It became my obsession. Learning how the human body worked, the cause and effect of one’s surroundings, their environment, food, disposition.

I wanted to learn everything I could and so I read and read and read.

I was sure if I could find enough texts, I might be able to start to puzzle together not only the human body, but also the human mind.

” Her gaze drifted, unfocused, around the room.

“Emotions have always been a secondary situation for me. I know how I should react to things, how I’m expected to perform, but I’ve never felt anything on a deeper level, at my core.

That’s not to say I haven’t experienced things such as love, but it’s always been familiar at most. I’ve never fancied anyone, nor have I found anyone particularly attractive.

For years, the only true emotions I felt were worry at my abnormality and disappointment in my failures, but then, last night…

” She shook her head, unable to find the words to describe how she had felt.

“It was almost otherworldly, I suppose.” She glanced at him only to find him watching her intently with his bright gray-blue eyes.

She swallowed. “I fear I’m not explaining it very well, but being who I am, I would like to investigate it further. With your permission, of course.”

For a long moment, James did not speak and Grace began to worry that she had said the wrong thing. Finally, he inhaled deeply and folded his arms across his wide chest, exhaling before he spoke.

“Grace, it’s not a practical thing to study, nor is it very wise for a lady to even entertain.”

“But I’m not a lady. I’m going to be a doctor.”

“Even so, there are certainly standards of society that we, you, me, everyone must comply with, particularly if you’re seeking to fulfill a place in the public eye.

Doctors are supposed to be pillars of their communities and something like this would tarnish a reputation, more so for you because you are a woman. ”

She nodded, grateful that he had refused her based on realities and not superfluous things, such as her looks.

“I understand,” she said, just as an idea struck her. Well, not so much suddenly as what she had planned to do if he had said no. “If you are not willing to participate, I will not force you.”

A huff of laughter escaped him.

“Believe me, Grace, you would not have to force me. But for the reasons stated, as well as our working relationship, I cannot agree to it.”

“Absolutely,” she said as he began to turn. “I suppose I’ll have to resort to my secondary choice.”

James stared at her, then blinked.

“Secondary choice?”

“Yes. I suppose Mr. Milton will do, although I doubt I will have the same results. Still, it is something that needs investigating and I intend to do just that.”

James’s body froze in its spot and the air between them turned curious.

“Excuse me?”

His tone was suddenly different and by the jump in her pulse, Grace felt very much like she was suddenly in a locked room with an animal. Not something voracious, like a tiger or a bear, but something more cunning. Still, the expression on his face gave her pause.

“Are you feeling all right?” she asked.

“Mr. Milton?” James repeated, his voice rough, before clearing his throat. He gazed at her, though really it might be more of a glare. “What does Mr. Milton have to do with this?”

Grace’s brow lifted.

“Well, like I said, I’ve been curious about this lacking part of myself for some time and I intend to learn about it one way or the other.

I had hoped that you would be willing, considering how very alike we are in regards to our methods of learning, and as I believe we would be able to stay fairly level-headed.

But, as you have decided not to participate, I will have to look elsewhere. ”

His dark brows drew together as he faced her once more and Grace was surprised to see such a quick change in his mood.

“So, Mr. Milton is to replace me?”

She tilted her head.

“How could Mr. Milton replace you if you were not in the experiment to begin with? I shall start with Mr. Milton, detail my findings, and try my best to learn what exactly is wrong with me.”

“There’s nothing the matter with you,” he said hotly. “And you cannot simply replace me with the likes of Mr. Milton.”

“Well, I refuse to abandon my research. And Mr. Milton is a fine candidate. He’s just about your height, has all his teeth, which I will vainly admit I am partial to, and seems a smart man with an independent view on life.”

“Teeth? That’s one of your requirements?”

Sensing the sarcasm in his tone, Grace squared her shoulders.

“I’m afraid this is a topic I shan’t discuss anymore with you. It is a private matter now and I would rather not hear you disparage it.”

He stepped toward her.

“I cannot condone this, Grace. It’s beyond foolish. It’s dangerous. Your very reputation will be at stake.”

Grace opened her mouth to argue, but shut it when she realized he was right. She lifted her chin.

“Possibly. But I am determined to sort out this part of me.”

“And you’re certain Mr. Milton will remain silent? That he will not blackmail you? Or threaten to expose you?”

Grace frowned.

“Why would he wish to do that?”

“Good God, Grace, have you no idea of the inner workings of a man? They can become possessive, insistent, downright evil when they want something.”

“Rather harsh on your sex, aren’t you?”

“It’s facts. What if Mr. Milton falls in love with you? Asks you to marry him?” She laughed, but stopped suddenly when she saw the expression on his face. “What’s so humorous?”

“I’m never getting married.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I’ve decided not to, a long time ago.”

He frowned and cocked his head.

“Why not?”

“Why would I? If I married, I would undoubtedly have to stop my work as a doctor. There is no man in the world worth such a sacrifice and I refuse to be in a position where I would have to get married.”

The refined lines of James’s face seemed to sharpen.

“How far do you plan on taking this experiment of yours, then?”

“How do you mean?”

“I mean, are you just going to write a few notes about kissing, or are you going to…” The last words seemed to die on his lips and Grace gave him a pitying look.

“I will go as far as I intend to on any given day.”

“Bloody hell,” he cursed, turning around as he began to pace the floor of his office. “This is an asinine thing to do.”

“I do not remember asking your opinion on it.”

“As your teacher, I forbid it.” She made a face at him, as if she couldn’t quite understand his ire, but then he stopped. “I mean it. If you go through with this and are discovered, it will be not only a mark on your family and friends, but your professional acquaintances. I cannot allow it.”

Just then, a knock came to the door. Grace turned to open it and saw Virgil holding her coat, as well as James’s.

“Yes?”

“It’s ten to ten, Dr. Hall. You have an appointment at Andersen University. You mentioned it yesterday?”

“Gads. Yes, all right,” James said, pulling out his pocket watch. “Two minutes and we’ll be on our way.”

“Yes, sir.”

Virgil disappeared.

“An appointment at the university?” Grace repeated. “I didn’t know you were going to be out of the office today.”

“We’re going out of the office. There’s a lecture on the heart and the vascular system today and the lead professor asked that I attend him during the dissection.”

“Dissection?” she repeated. “You mean, there will be a cadaver being used?”

“Yes. Sourced ethically, if you’re worried. That newsboy at the end of the road certainly enjoys riling up the neighborhood, but I assure you, there hasn’t been any sort of bodysnatching concerning Andersen University.”

“I would hope not,” Grace said, though she was hesitant. “Because I believe any university using unethical cadavers would be in violation of the law, correct?”

James pulled his coat on, one sleeve at a time.

“Correct.” When Grace didn’t answer, he glanced at her and all the irritability that had been in his gaze moments ago had vanished. “You’re not opposed to cadavers, are you?”

“Not at all.”

“Shall we then?” she said as she pulled on her own coat, only to be stilled by the touch of James’s hand on her hip.

“We’re not finished discussing your experiment, Grace,” he breathed into her ear, causing her to take a deep breath. “Not by far.”

And though Grace exited his office demonstrating a composure of complete indifference, a world of turmoil rolled within her.