Page 32 of A Noble Affair
She gave him a fleeting look and an imperceptible smile. “It’s fine. That’s sweet, but the doctor is clear in what he says, and he seems to care about Thomas. He takes the time to answer all my questions. It helps me to meet with him alone so I can absorb everythinghe’s saying without being distracted. I need to be able tocommunicate any changes in Tommy's state.”
Marc leaned back against the folding chair suddenly and examined the ceiling with nonchalance. “So. I heard Docteur de Brase is none other thanle Vicomte de Maisons-Laffitte."
“Yes, I was surprised.” Chastity fiddled with the hospital blanket at her side. “I teach his son, and our interactions had not led me to believe he would have a profession like this. To be honest, I thought he was rude and unconcerned about his own son. But now I know it can’t be true—not with the care he gives his patients here.”
Marc paused before replying. “Yes, I can see why you might have thought that. He didn’t strike me as being someone who cares about anyone else.”
“I suppose you can’t be a doctor, and particularly one who works with children, without caring somewhat.” Chastity shrugged.
Marc gave a forced laugh. “He seems to have everything going for him, doesn’t he? Rich, owns a château, and now a neurosurgeon—and he'snice, on top of it all.”
Perhaps he expected Chastity to laugh at his attempt at a jest, but she responded absently. “That’s true.”
Marc’s expression twisted into a grimace. “Chassy,” he commanded, and her eyes focused on his.“Have you given any thought to us?”
When the shock and anger flashed in her eyes, he leaned forward. “I’d like to take my place with you at the hospitalas more than just the person who fathered your child. I want to spend more time here and be with you as you talk to the doctors—be a support to you.”
“You have to work,” she answered feebly, looking at her hands clasped on her lap.
He mistook this for weakening on her part and pressed on. “I’ll take time off work. I’ll ask my parents for some financial support. I know they’ll give it to me if they understand why I’m asking. I want to make this work, Chassy. I still have feelings for you—”
“Shh.” Chastity cut him off sharply, glancingat her son. “Not in front of Thomas.” She stood and walked over to the door, beckoning him to follow. After checking that no one was passing by in the corridor, she lowered her voice. “Seriously, Marc. I can’t believe you’re talking about this now. I can’t think about anything other than Thomas. Surely you understand that. I’m allowing you to be here for his sake, but that’s where it ends. I don’t have room in my thoughts or my heart for anything else.”
Marc put his hand on the doorframe and leaned his forehead on his arm. He exhaled loudly then faced her. “Can't I at least spend more time here? Come during the day? I can take the relay so you can go outside, or go home for a bit.”
Chastity chewed her lip. “I can’t imagine leaving him. Maude brings me changes of clothes and anything else I need and even stays while I run and shower or take a quick walk outside. I don’t need anything else.”
When he gave a pained expression, she relented. “Don’t quit your job, okay? You can come on your days off, and maybe you can stay with him for a half-hour while I take a walk or something. That will be…helpful.”
“Okay. I guess that’s better than nothing,” Marc replied gracelessly and returned to take his seat at the bedside.
“Tommy,” Chastity said, following Marc to his side and attempting cheerfulness. “It’s time for your favorite show.” She clicked the TV on, and as the sounds filled the room, she and Marc turned towards it in silence.
Charles drove on the autoroute,the dark road lit by headlights in both directions. He was listening to a classical radio station, but his thoughts were elsewhere, jumping from one issue to another. He wondered how Louis was doing since he had seen him even less than usual the week before. He had looked haggard. He also remembered he needed to follow up regarding the paintings he had borrowed for the exhibition that was to open in just a few weeks. He wasirritated with himself for forgettingto bring it to his business manager’s attention.
Then Mademoiselle Whitmore flashed before his eyes. He considered the difficulty of her situation and the minimal support she had compared to the other parents he dealt with. He remembered how green her eyes were whenever they turned towards him and how her gaze had changed in the months since he had first met her. She had gone from the stern, judgmental teacher to a vulnerable woman, terrified when faced with the severity of her son’s condition. Now she was changing yet again and becoming softer. Confiding.
By now he had driven through the streets of Maisons-Laffitte, and was turning through his tall iron gates, driving over the small pebbles that led to the front entrance. Charles strode into the marble foyer and jogged up the steps onto the first landing. Paltier came running as soon ashe heard the front door open.
“Monsieur.” Paltier was slightly out of breath.
“Paltier,” Charles addressed him with a smile, “how many times have I told you you don’t need to greet me when I come home?”
“But of course I do.” The worthy gentleman divested Charles of his wool coat, and took his scarf and leather gloves.
“How is Louis? Is he here?” Paltier carried the viscount’s coat over to a large armoire set against the wall and hung the coat on a wooden hanger before replying. “Louis is upstairs, and from what I can tell, he seems to be his usual self.” Charles did not have time to ask him to explain these cryptic words because Paltier went on. “Monsieur, I should warn you that Mademoiselle Duprey is in the Italian apartment.”
Charles stopped short and turned to Paltier with a raised eyebrow. “I was not expecting her.”
Paltier replied in a wooden tone, “I apologize if I’ve done wrong, but she was visibly upset and quite unlike herself. She demanded to see you and wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer, insisting she would wait. And considering she is your…” He coughed discreetly.
Charles sucked in his breath and said, “No, you did well. Please let her know I’ll be with her in a moment, but I want to see Louis first. Oh, and bring her some refreshments.”
“I’ve already offered.” Paltier’s spine was perfectly straight as he added, “but she refused.”
“Of course you did,” Charles soothed. “I won’t be long.” He walked up the steps to his son’s room and tapped on the door.
“Entre,” His son yelled from inside above the loud music. Charlesopened the door and was met with a strong cloud of smoke, dim lighting, and clothes strewn all over the floor. His son was lying on the bed playing, what appeared to be, a video game on his iPad.
