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Chapter Twenty-Six
Sebastian was sitting in the modest parlor that belonged to Dr. Thierry Haimlin. It was nearing midday, and other than a brief doze early that morning, he’d had little sleep. Not that he was complaining, of course. Last night with Calliope had been wonderful, and while he had yearned to wake her with a kiss, he needed to call on the doctor as early as possible to see what arrangements he could make for his grandfather.
He’d gone to the clinic and explained the situation the best that he could. When he’d finished, Dr. Haimlin had nodded. “There is a procedure I’ve been studying by Dr. Amos Twitchell in America. He was the first physician who successfully repaired the ligation of the carotid artery, which supplies blood to the brain. If these vessels get clogged, it can be deadly. It appears that your grandfather has suffered the same ailment. I should like to try to fix the damage if you give me leave to do so.” That had given Sebastian hope until he’d added, “Although, you should know there are risks with any surgery, especially at his advanced age. There is the strong possibility that he may not survive.”
Sebastian had weighed the odds and then inclined his head. “Do what you need to do, Dr. Haimlin. I’ll take the chance if he can be cured.”
“In that case, bring your grandfather to my clinic as soon as you can manage it.”
Sebastian hadn’t been expecting such a quick acquiescence, but he wasn’t about to question his fortune. He’d immediately returned to his grandfather’s townhouse and made arrangements for him to be transferred.
As Dr. Haimlin had spoken to the marquess, he had listened in his usual gruff manner. However, he was as considerate as he could be when he said, “I shall leave my care in your capable hands, Dr. Haimlin. My grandson trusts you and that is good enough for me.”
That had been several hours ago.
Since then, the sun had risen with the dawn and continued to crawl toward the sky, while a tepid pot of tea had been Sebastian’s constant companion. He’d nearly drained it to the dregs at this point. His body was screaming for rest, but he couldn’t allow himself to do so. Not only were his nerves stretched to their limit as he waited for news of his grandfather who was undergoing a hazardous surgery that could bring his life to an abrupt end, he couldn’t stop thinking of Calliope. He had left a note for her explaining the reason for his early departure, and then he’d contacted Isadora with the request to retrieve her. He also suggested that Calliope’s ladies’ maid joined her, as well as a change of attire since the previous items had been ruined. The manner in which they had been ruined he hadn’t thought necessary to divulge.
He leaned his head back against the settee with a heavy sigh. He wondered what she was doing right now. Even though necessary circumstances had taken him from her side, he couldn’t help but regret that he hadn’t taken the time to wake her before he’d left. Then again, he hadn’t wanted to rob her of her sleep, and she had looked so devastatingly beautiful in his bed that he simply didn’t want to disturb her. He contemplated if he’d done the right thing, however, as uncertainty had been clawing at him ever since. If nothing else, he could have told her how he felt to ensure she still wasn’t doubting his affection.
He shoved a hand through his hair. Why was it that he decided it never seemed to be the right time to make some romantic overture? He had never thought of himself as a coward, but now he was starting to doubt that if he couldn’t even utter three simple words when there was no longer any doubt in his heart.
“Lord Blakely?”
Sebastian got to his feet so quickly that he had to reach out to grab the back of a chair to keep himself upright when stars danced in front of his vision.
“Easy there.” The physician looked at the empty teapot and then back at him. “Have you not eaten—?”
Seb waved a hand. “I’ll be fine. How is my grandfather?”
He held his breath, thinking that Dr. Haimlin’s expression would reveal whether the procedure was a success—or not. However, the blond man with his round spectacles appeared perfectly calm. Seb had known Dr. Haimlin by reputation alone, although Grey had said long ago that the Duke of Gravesend spoke very highly of him. He had made it possible for Grey’s brother-in-law to speak again after a throat injury in battle had nearly severed his ability to do so. Not only that, but he did his research when it came to working with modern medicine. While so many physicians in London were still living in the past, he was looking for new methods to cure various ailments. It was why Sebastian had decided if anyone could succeed with his grandfather, it would be Dr. Haimlin.
“He made it through the surgery.” That sentence alone nearly sent Sebastian to his knees. “However, there is still the threat of infection or fever. The next day or so will be the true test.”
Sebastian laughed. “I shouldn’t worry about that. If you knew my grandfather at all, you would know he’s entirely too stubborn to leave this world just yet.”
Dr. Haimlin smiled almost wistfully. “I wish all my patients had the same fortitude.”
Sebastian wondered if he might have been speaking of his own experiences. Everyone knew he was a widower with a small child. Could it have been that he’d tried to save his own wife with failed consequences?
Nevertheless, Sebastian bowed respectfully. “Thank you for your willingness to assist. Rest assured, you will be compensated greatly for your services.” He grabbed his greatcoat and started to head for the door. “Now that I know all is well, I must take my leave. I shall call later this afternoon to see how he’s faring, but right now, there is something I must do.”
With that, he left the clinic.
Calliope was sitting in the parlor with Isadora, but when another sigh escaped, her sister folded the paper she’d been reading and set it aside. “Why don’t you go to Bond Street and get a new bonnet?”
She traced an invisible heart on the arm of the chair and shrugged. “I’m not interested.”
Isa shook her head. “I never thought I’d see the day that Calliope Bevelstroke wasn’t obsessed in donning the latest fashions.” She got up and moved to sit in a chair beside her, and then gentled her tone slightly. “I’m sure the viscount will come by once he is assured of the marquess’ welfare. And I daresay he better have a special license in hand.” She lifted a brow. “Especially after I met you in his bedchamber this morning, attired in nothing but the counterpane from his four poster.”
Calliope rolled her eyes. “It wasn’t as if he seduced me into doing something I didn’t want to do.”
“I understand that. But neither can I abide sitting here and listening to you lament his absence when I have every confidence that he will be here as soon as he is able.” She got up and set her hands on her hips. “Now if you don’t leave this house and come back home with at least a strip of new ribbon, I daresay I will disown you.”
Calliope snorted. “You can’t do that. We’re sisters.”
Isa lifted a brow and said dryly, “Then start acting like the one I know.”
Calliope just stopped herself from another long-suffering sigh. “Very well.”
