Joseph nodded. He knew the changes had to begin somewhere. Starting small was better than sitting around and simply complaining about the problems, as many of his peers were wont to do. He’d heard of organizations forming charities, of other concerned members of the upper class who genuinely desired to provide relief to the poor as his father had wanted to do. But was it too little, too late?

“The question I have for you, son, is this.” Bates replaced his spectacles and peered through the lenses in his direct manner. “What’s the small part God’s calling you to? Are you seeking His leading or are you running away from it?”

Joseph tugged at the large gold buttons on his coat. He’d defied convention by becoming a physcian. He was helping sailors and passengers during their voyages. Moreover, he didn’t demand the courtesy and rights of his station and title. What else did God expect of him? Wasn’t he already doing enough?

Though the questions choked him like the sooty fog that permeated the city, he swallowed the bitter taste. “You always know how to make me think deeper.”

Bates pushed away from the desk and crossed the room toward Joseph. The older man grabbed him into an embrace, squeezed him hard, then thumped his back. When Bates stepped away, he wore a tender smile. “You can count on me, Joseph, for anything. Always. I hope you know that, son.”

“Of course,” Joseph said. “Thank you. And likewise.”

“Does that mean you’ll consider the partnership?” The seriousness in Bates’s expression told Joseph more than his words. Bates needed him if he had any hope of keeping the dispensary open long term.

“Your students,” Joseph said, “are not any of them willing?”

Bates’s shoulders slumped in the first sign of discouragement he’d shown today. “I need someone with both time and money, Joseph. Most of them have only the time, and even that’s limited.”

Joseph held back a sigh. He wasn’t the solution to Bates’s problem. Surely his friend could see he wasn’t the right man to enter into a partnership at the dispensary. Yes, he cared about the people of this community, and yes, he always went away knowing his services were necessary and appreciated.

But the mission here was Bates’s passion, not his own. At least it couldn’t be his passion at this point in his life.

“I am sorry.” Joseph chose his words with care. “I cannot make a commitment I fear I would only break.”

The older man smiled ruefully, then patted Joseph’s cheek before turning to go. Bates stepped into the hallway and spoke a few words to the driver of their hackney coach, who had arrived a short while ago to transport them and the medical supplies back to their homes.