Read Online Willow Grove Abbey by Mary Christian Payne - Free Book Online

we’re going to re medy that,” Spence smiled. “Why don’t we begin right now by going for a walk? I’ll show you where I have my medical practice.”
    Drew and Ann ie discreetly declined his invitation, clearly recognizing that Spence and I cherished every moment we could be alone together. We found our way down the staircase, and across the flagstone floor leading to the outer doors. We walked hand in hand down the graveled road, past a row of ancient old cottages called Wellington Row. Then we continued on to the paved main street, which wound its way through the village of Twigbury. About a half mile further, we came upon a Cotswold stone building, with high-pitched eaves. It cut into the hillside across from herbaceous gardens, a local trout farm and a duck reserve. A natural spring rose there to feed the river Twig, in a picture-postcard setting. At once, I understood why Spence had decided to fill-in for the physician who owned the medical practice in Twigbury.
    “Spence, it’s breath-taking. I never expected it to be so lovely. This is where you work?”
    H e laughed. “Quite. I feel I’m a rather fortunate chap. As I’m doing paperwork at the end of the day, I stop and listen to the sounds of the river, and cannot imagine being anyplace else on earth.”
    I can see why. It’s heavenly.”
    He took my hand and led me through the doors of the small structure that housed his office. Inside, all was a model of efficiency. There was a comfortable waiting area, three examining rooms, and an office, where there sat a dark, polished desk stacked with papers, and silver frames, holding photographs. I picked up one of the photos and examined it. It portrayed a stunning woman, with dark hair done-up like a Gibson girl , and a lovely smile. Spence was almost the spitting image of her. She was standing next to a handsome man, who held a small boy in his arms. It was clearly a photograph of Spence and his parents.
    “What a h andsome family,” I remarked.
    “Yes. My parents must not have been much older than I am now when that photo was made. I wish they might have lived to see my life today.”
    “They’d be proud of you, Spence.”
    “Do you think so, Sophia? My father was in the ship building business. I don’t know if he would have been particularly pleased that I chose the medical profession. I suspect he would have preferred that I follow in his footsteps.”
    “Do you think you would have?”
    “It’s hard to know, isn’t it? So often persons do what others expect of them. Most of the chaps I knew at school were following the family tradition. In that respect, perhaps I’m fortunate that I was able to make my own choices … Select my own path. Don’t misunderstand,” he smiled. “I’m certainly not fortunate to have lost my parents at such a young age. I would much rather have entered the ship building business and had my father, than have been free to follow medicine as a career. You understand what I’m saying, don’t you, Sophia?” ”
    “ Of course, Spence. And that’s an interesting way to think of it. I wonder what my choices might have been if faced with a similar situation? Of course, women are so much more limited in their choices, aren’t they?”
    “So me are, some aren’t, Sophia. Look at Edwina. Going off to Paris to pursue a career, just as adventurous as any man I’ve ever known!”
    We were still standing next to Spence’s desk, and I finally placed the fra med photo back into its place. “Well... Edwina has always marched to her own drummer,” I laughed. “But, most women aren’t given a lot of options.” From the time I started at Ashwick Park... actually from the time I was born... it was clearly understood that there was only one path that my life was to follow. I was to marry as quickly as possible after commencement from school. Certainly, the goal of the Season is to find a husband. You know that. I detest the way that sounds. It’s as though I’m telling