Page 49 of A Touch of Charm
“How?” Mary’s mien darkened, and she frowned.
“Tea.”
“Oh!”
“There’s usually tea being served in the sunroom.”
“Let’s go,” Thea told Mary, carefully sliding off the treatment cot and leaning on Mary with more ado than was necessary. “I feel so weakened; you may need to stir the milk in for me.”
“Certainly, Miss Thea,” Mary said dutifully. “I can do that for you. That’s quite a scare you gave me when you up and disappeared.”
Mary sounded so precocious; Andre would have laughed if the situation hadn’t been so terrible.
“When you disappeared. There’s no need for the preposition up.”
“Yes, Miss Thea.”
Thea nodded gravely and winked at Andre, who stifled a chuckle.
Adult patients created jobs for the little would-be nurse to feel good about herself. It should have been the other way around, but it would never have been; a child was always the priority.
Andre closed the door behind Thea and Mary when they left.
Now to the stubborn prince.
“Stan, this is serious and not a joking matter,” Andre started.
“I know, I’m resting.”
“The infection could worsen. It would be best to rely on your body’s defenses to heal. Rest alone is not enough.”
“I need my own nurse.” Stan’s eyes shot up at Andre. “Is Miss Folsham back?”
“Not yet. Nick and Pippa will probably arrive with Wendy any day now.” Even though it was Stan who deflated, Andre could feel the weight lifting at the thought of his friends returning. “But you have to take this seriously. An infection could potentially become life-threatening.”
“So can a broken heart.” Stan quirked his brow.
And for a moment, Andre didn’t know whether it was meant for him or Stan.
But it was true.
“I’m not in the business of breaking hearts,” Andre said, resisting the sinking feeling that Stan could see into his heart and find the forbidden affection for Thea.
“You mend bones, I know. But some injuries in life ought to be prevented at all cost.” Stan cast a look in the direction of the door that Thea had left through a few minutes earlier. “Look after her, please. I must face List and can’t keep her safe when I am like this.” Stan tried to move his shoulder but winced. “Please do this for me, Andre. Not as my doctor but as my friend.”
Andre nodded. He’d look after Thea regardless of Stan’s request.
“She’s my only sister, and…”
“Understood.”
Agreed. No other words were needed.
Andre thought about how Thea faced the men just minutes ago in the park. She held her head high and didn’t show any fear.
Only when she was in Andre’s arms did she cry a little.
Andre attempted not to show it but inwardly winced because he was charged with protecting Thea and her heart. Yet the two were at odds with protecting himself, and he knew his heart would shatter if he couldn’t be with her—which he mustn’t allow to happen—to protect her.
