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lack of a suitable escort, I invented one.” She fidgeted with her hands on her lap. “I told him that I was attending with my fiancé.”
    Grandfather coughed, nearly spilling his port. “Good lord, Maddie! I’m curious to hear how you plan to dig yourself out of that one,” he said as he set down the glass.
    “I already have.”
    His eyes flashed wide.
    “Doctor Merrick has agreed to act as my fiancé until after the wedding.”
    “And why on earth would he agree to such a thing?”
    He seemed less stunned by her lie than Jace’s agreement to participate in it. It stung to know she was so repellant. That even Grandfather realized no man would touch her with a ten-foot pole.
    “He’s a doctor. I’m a curiosity.”
    He frowned. “You’re no such thing.”
    “Perhaps you can speak to Rhetta and Gil?” she asked, changing the subject. “If anyone questions them about the engagement, they can simply mention that Doctor Merrick made house calls here.”
    His eyes dimmed as he nodded. “They’re loyal to a fault,” he said. “No worries there.” He took another sip of port and stared back toward the lake. “After your parents died, I made a promise at their graves to protect you.”
    “None of this is your fault. You must know that.”
    “Perhaps. But it changes nothing. Men should be lined up to court you, the way they used to be. You should be engaged to a man who loves you, planning to start a family of your own, not clinging to the fading shreds of the one you have.” His icy hand reached for hers. “I only wish you’d reconsider leaving—”
    “You’ll not get rid of me so easily,” she said, fighting back tears. “And neither will they.”
    He stared at her, his eyes so sad.
    “This is my home,” she uttered.
    “But after I’m gone…?”
    “That won’t be for ages, old man.” She forced a teasing smile. “In the meanwhile, I must do this. And as frightening as it is to face them, it’s time I rejoin the world.”
    With surprising strength, his bony fingers gripped hers in the paper thinness of his hand.
    “You’re a strong girl. You’ll be fine.”
    Whether the reassurance was for her benefit or his, she felt better.
    “I’ve missed Amelia terribly. A part of me is actually looking forward to the wedding.”
    “Of course. And you and Doctor Merrick will make a very handsome couple.” His tired eyes sparkled. “I’m a fine judge of character. He’ll help you get what you want.” He slid his hand from hers and turned back toward the water. He seemed pleased by the idea of her and Jace. Too pleased. She could hear it in the tune he began to hum. This practical, no-nonsense man was so deeply worried about Maddie’s future he was willing to pin his hopes on an illusion.
    Maddie stood, staring down at him.
    “It’s a ruse, Grandfather. Please keep that in mind.”
    He glanced up with a trembling smile.
    “I will, if you will, girl,” he said with a wink.
     
     

Chapter 6
     
    Maddie didn’t know where to begin. Standing amid the clutter in the alcove that made up Jace’s office, she was struck by the feeling she would be more housemaid here than office assistant.
    “I’ve made some progress,” Jace said.
    She glanced out to the patient waiting area, trying to see where. Beneath the newly patched ceiling, several of the larger trunks had been shoved to the outermost corners of the room, but there were piles and crates of books and miscellaneous items everywhere else.
    “Are those potatoes?” she asked.
    He nodded, gazing at the heaping crate by the sofa.
    “One peck to be exact. Payment for lancing a boil.”
    “Of course,” she said, suppressing a smile.
    “I’ve also earned five pounds of fresh dressed deer meat and a sack of feed for my horse. And the office has yet to open officially.”
    “I assume your wages in Pittsburgh fit more easily into your pocket?”
    He shrugged, grinning.
    “Such exchanges are customary in the country, I’m told. I’m