Henri gave the driver directions to both the doctor’s home and his brother’s, then he and Aldric climbed inside the conveyance. They were soon on their way.
“I hadn’t intended for you to be burdened with family troubles,” Henri said.
“I’m a Benick. Family troubles come with the name.”
“All the more reason you shouldn’t have to be drawn intootherfamilies’ problems.”
Aldric might have agreed, but he’d promised Stanley. The Gents’ difficulties would be his difficulties until they were all settled and building their lives with those they loved. Aldric had not yet made good on that vow.
They were soon at the home of Dr. Mercier. Henri opted to step out and request the doctor join them. He must have been very easily persuaded; Henri returned quickly with the medical man in tow.
“I am sorry to hear that Mlle Fortier is in need of my care so soon after my most recent visit to the Fortier home,” the doctor said as the carriage resumed its journey.
“How recently were you there?” Aldric asked.
“Not even a week ago.”
“And what was your evaluation then?” Henri asked.
“I recommended her activities be curtailed and she be permitted to rest.” Dr. Mercier shook his head. “I suspect they have not merely ignored that suggestion but have been pushing her harder.”
That appeared to be entirely the case.
Upon reaching the Fortiers’ home, they were met with surprise from the staff. But one look at Henri and that surprise turned to delight. He had that effect on people. When he inquired as to his sister’s whereabouts, they were sent in the direction of the nursery.
They crossed paths with Céleste before reaching their destination. She was walking with Adèle down a corridor. Céleste looked exhausted. The little girl reached for Henri, who quickly scooped her up.
“Dr. Mercier? What brings you here?” Céleste’s lack of liveliness was worrisome.
“Lord Aldric was concerned by the fatigue he saw in you this afternoon.” The doctor was clearly evaluating her even as he spoke. “Is your sister-in-law near at hand? I should like to undertake an examination.”
“She is somewhere, but I don’t know that she will permit herself to be pulled from whatever it is she is doing.”
Ignoring Céleste’s suffering. Neglecting her well-being. It was too much like Mother’s final weeks. Far too much. Aldric pushed down the painful memories and the regrets that haunted him. He hid them, as he’d grown so adept at doing. Céleste would have the care she needed. He would focus on that and not let himself dwell on the things he’d not done for his mother.
“Henri’s presence during the examination would satisfy me,” Céleste said.
Soon enough, Aldric was standing in the corridor outside Céleste’s closed bedchamber door, making certain no one interrupted or put an end to the examination. Henri’s sister might be dangerously ill. Having a doctor’s care was imperative.
“Please,” Mother pleaded with Father yet again. “I am in need of a doctor. I know myself to be growing more ill.”
“Your complaints are growing wearisome.” Father strode, casual and unconcerned, toward the door of the sitting room.
“Please, Father.” Aldric knew that attempting to strong-arm his father would never work. Appeals to his better nature were likely equally doomed, but he couldn’t simply leave Mother to suffer.
“Do not dare dictate to me.” Father’s eyes flashed with a warning that Aldric could not mistake. Even one more word on Mother’s behalf would result in another beating, which he was willing to endure, and likely also increase Father’s determination to ignore her needs completely, which Aldric couldn’t bear to be the cause of.
Father was dead now too. And Aldric didn’t mourn him. If that condemned Aldric as heartless, so be it.
Jean-François arrived at Céleste’s door. “I was told Dr. Mercier is here.” He sounded anything but grateful.
“Your sister’s health was noticeably ill-affected by her being dragged around Paris this afternoon. As no one in this household seemed the least inclined to show her any compassion, that fell to others.”
Jean-François’s posture stiffened. “I am not disinclined to show compassion; I am simply wary of expending time and money on something insignificant.”
What an absolute toad.“You consider your sister ‘insignificant’?”
“I was not referring to my sister but rather to this bit of weariness she has been complaining of. She simply needs to expend a little effort, something she has been unwilling to do of late.”
