The Armored Doctor (Curiosity Chronicles Book 2) by Ava Morgan

devices, but judging from what I’ve gathered of his eccentric work habits and unsociable demeanor, you need to be careful.”
    Abigail acknowledged that there was an air of mystery surrounding Dr. Valerian, one that left her bemused and sometimes daunted, but she grew impatient with her sister and Hammond’s summation of him. They didn’t know him, but merely relied on the gossip of others to form their opinions. How could they be sure any of it was true?
    “I don’t see why you can’t simply go back to working at the apothecary,” Catherine voiced after her husband left to be with the children.
    “I’m afraid that’s not an option.”
    “What happened?”
    “I made a mistake with a customer’s order, but that’s all past. I found new work as Dr. Valerian’s assistant.”
    “Oh, I do wish you had taken my advice in the beginning and found yourself a well-to-do gentleman to marry. Then you wouldn’t have to support yourself by seeking this kind of work.”
    Abigail proceeded to speak in what she hoped was a calm manner, not wanting to spoil the holiday bickering with Catherine over her choice of employers and reigniting their old feud. “I’ll be careful as you and Hammond asked, but I intend to keep this job. Now, can we please continue with Christmas?”
    Catherine’s lips thinned in a pink line, but she nodded. Abigail followed her into the sitting room, where Winnie and Phillip played with their new toys. The tension between the three adults remained, leading Abigail to speculate sadly that she had been invited to her sister’s house only for the children’s sake. And to hear Hammond’s findings on Dr. Valerian.
    She wondered if the doctor was in his cellar working even now. She hoped that her small gift would give him a moment’s respite from his work, at least.
     
    #
     
    Jacob followed his nose out of the cellar and into the dining room, where the warm, spicy scent of cinnamon finally succeeded in tearing him away from his research. There, he found Maria setting a pot of tea on the table. Beside it rested a tray of freshly baked cinnamon bread, his favorite.
    “Maria, you didn’t have to do this. I gave you and Struthers the day off.”
    “It wasn’t my doing, Doctor. This cinnamon loaf came from the bakery. The boy that delivered it said it was paid courtesy of Miss Benton.”
    How did Abigail know he liked cinnamon bread? He looked at Maria.
    She shook her head of gray hair. “I knew nothing of it.”
    “I shall thank Miss Benton when she returns to work tomorrow.” Jacob approached the table and prepared to cut a slice. He truly didn’t expect Abigail to present him with anything for Christmas. She only started working at the practice a month ago, after all. He paused, holding the breadknife over the cinnamon loaf.
    “Something wrong, sir?” Maria asked.
    “No, I was just considering.” He began to cut a sizeable slice. Abigail’s small gesture of the Christmas spirit was the first of such he had received in years from someone other than his patients. His estranged family never sent Yuletide greetings.
    Images of them shot through his mind, the father that disowned him upon learning that he lost his leg in India. You’re a cripple, unsuited to inherit the familial estate , Jacob remembered his exact words. His mother and two brothers stood by the Valerian patriarch, not arguing in Jacob’s defense.
    “Beggin’ your pardon, Doctor.” Maria cut through his thoughts. “You said you were considering something.”
    Jacob brought his faculties back to present. “I was considering the pleasant aroma of this cinnamon bread.”
    “Ah.” Maria nodded with the demeanor of one who knew better.
    “And,” Jacob continued as he poured himself a cup of Darjeeling. “I would be pleased if you and Struthers took the holiday to rest. You needn’t spend the day here with me.”
    “Our friends have taken holiday outside of London.” Maria pushed the sugar cubes and small pitcher of