| |
A blast of air hit Elizabeth in the face as the automatic doors slid open delivering an orderly pushing a young patient in a wheelchair. The boy appeared to be in his early teens, having trouble breathing and looking weak.
Elizabeth had just returned from her break and a stroll around the hospital. She wanted to offer her assistance, but she also didn’t want to get in the way. Her new boss, Helen, told her in no uncertain terms that she was to do only what she was told. “Lives could be at stake,” she’d said with bulging eyes as if she were speaking of the Titanic. And in the three days she’d been there, what she was told to do was mostly paperwork and putting together patient packets. Obviously Granville’s influence didn’t release her from paying her dues. That was likely for the best.
The orderly went behind the desk to grab a clipboard. Elizabeth thought it odd that the boy seemed to be alone, without an adult accompanying him. His disheveled brown hair hung over one eye, and one cheek was covered in dirt. He glanced her way, and she gave him a friendly smile. When he started coughing and the orderly didn’t respond, Elizabeth rushed over. She knelt down beside him and put one hand on his back.
“Can I get you some water?”
He nodded quickly through his coughs. Elizabeth made eye contact with the attendant to see if he would protest. She retrieved a small paper cup, filled it with water, and returned to the boy.
He took a small sip, keeping his eyes on her. “Thank you, Miss.”
“I’m Elizabeth. What’s your name?”
“It’s Ian, Miss.”
Elizabeth smiled but didn’t attempt to correct him. She’d have to get used to being a Miss at some point. “How are you feeling?”
“Cheesed off until you came over.”
Taken aback by his statement and his hand covering hers, she raised her eyebrows.
“I do fancy the nurses, though.” He coughed and took another sip. “But I’m not faking just to see them, mind you. Check my chart.” He nodded, earnestly.
“Er...I’m not a nurse,” she said removing her hand from under his. “But just to look at you, I’m sure you’re not faking.” He couldn’t have been more than fourteen or fifteen but he was ahead of his time when it came to flirting, or at least working things to his advantage.
“Coach pulled me and had me sent over. Said my lips were blue and he couldn’t risk it. Now I’m missing the game.”
“Sorry to hear that, but your health is most important.” She turned to look for the attendant, now unsure of what to do. “Let me see how your paperwork is coming along.”
When she went to stand, he grabbed her wrist. “Don’t go, love.”
“Pardon me, young man.” Turning back to him she was met with innocent brown eyes that made her smile. “I do believe you’re as strong as a horse.”
“I am, Miss. It’s only asthma that has me here. Bit worse off than most but I’ll be fine.”
“Unless of course you don’t release my arm.” She gave him a playful glare and his fingers set her free.
“I see you’ve met our resident ladies man.” Deborah Searls walked up next to her smelling of mint, her jaw clamping down on a big, white clump. The second hand smoke might have been less deadly to the patients than the sight of that.
“Hi Deborah. Yes, I just got Ian a drink of water.” She clasped her hands behind her back as if she’d been caught cheating on a test. “He was coughing.” She looked to the orderly who was walking toward the boy.
“Come with me,” Deborah said, touching her arm. “Let’s walk back.”
Elizabeth gave a short wave to the boy and followed without a word. She hoped there’d be nothing more to say about the incident.
“If you’re worried about Helen the Hun, don’t be. She just says that to scare the interns. You’ve got fine judgement.”
She thanked her though she didn’t plan to make any changes given she still had to answer to Helen. She checked the time on her phone, realizing her break was just about up. “Speaking of Helen,” she said.
“Actually, Elizabeth, you’re coming with me.” A smile played at her lips that caused a twinge in Elizabeth’s already churning stomach.
“But Helen said after lunch—”
“Whatever it is can wait.” She gestured for her to follow and made a turn down the next corridor. “I’ve got a special assignment for you.”
“Oh.” Elizabeth raised her eyebrows but held back any questions.
“Let me worry about Helen.” Her tone and expression suggested she wasn’t the least bit concerned about Helen and didn’t think fondly of her. “I already let her know about today, but this will likely go beyond today. Possibly a weekly venture.”
Venture? She definitely had Elizabeth’s curiosity, but thinking of Helen’s warning had her cautious and waiting for more information. They stopped at a large room that looked more like a lounge than a hospital room. There was a couch, chairs, and a couple of small round tables. Soft music played among the quiet voices of staff and mostly elderly people.
“This is a little unconventional,” she continued. “but I don’t think you’ll be opposed.”
Elizabeth passed her gaze around the room and noticed a familiar looking man sitting at one of the tables with his back to them. “That man over there. He looks like...”
“He’s the reason you’re here.” Deborah quirked a brow at Elizabeth as if they were playing twenty questions.
Elizabeth turned her narrowed eyes on Deborah. “I don’t understand.”
“Let’s just say he and his family have some pull in this hospital and for some reason, he specifically asked for you to assist him in some of his therapy.”
Not that Elizabeth didn’t have faith in herself, but the word “therapy” at so early a time in her program seemed like a big responsibility. “But I’ve only just started...and I’m an intern.”
“Don’t worry. It’s nothing you can’t handle.”
She must have looked uncertain as her mind spun with a plethora of reasons she’d been called to duty.
“Elizabeth, it’s an hour of your time. Think of it as merely keeping him company.” She gestured with her head toward the man and smiled as if that was exactly the purpose.
Elizabeth took a few steps inside and then glanced back at Deborah.
“Report to Helen when he leaves and you’re through,” she said before walking off.
Elizabeth turned back around, took in a deep breath, and told herself not to read anything into the situation. He was simply a sweet old man who happened to feel most comfortable with her. As she approached her new assignment, the newspaper in his hand came into view causing a grin to materialize on her face. She stopped just behind him. “Hello, Muffin,” she said with a chirp.
He set the paper down and peeked over his shoulder, and that’s when she noticed the chess board on the table. “It’s about time.”
“Am I late?” she said, coming around and taking the seat across from him. “I do apologize.”
“No, no, I’m just being grumpy. I’m a bit knackered from my time in the pool.”
“It’s a beautiful day for a swim.”
He looked down his nose at her. “It’s an indoor pool, dear.”
“Oh.” Her cheeks warmed.
He pushed the newspaper aside and straightened in his chair as if preparing for a standoff. “I suppose your statement is still correct, though.” He adjusted some pieces on the board that didn’t need adjusting. “I shouldn’t complain, because it’s like bloody resort here with all they have me doing.”
She leaned forward in her chair noting his face told a different story than his words. “But you’re not at a resort, and I’m sure it’s frustrating that you’re doing it because you need to and not because you want to.”
His hand hovered over a piece, signaling the start of the game. “Yes, well, I’m still my own man, and I don’t have to do any damn thing I don’t want to.” His index finger touched the tip of one of his pawns.
“Of course,” she said, holding back a smile.
“I ran one of the largest finance firms in the country.” He moved his pawn into place.
“That’s quite an accomplishment.”
“Now I spend my days gardening or trying to think of a six letter word for bullfighter’s cape.” He sat back and folded his arms.
“Capote...er...that’s not a bad life,” she said flatly and then stared right back.
“Well?”
“Well, what?”
“It’s your turn.”
“I do not recall ever telling you I knew how to play chess, let alone accepting an invitation to play.” She delivered the observation more out of curiosity and playfulness, but a part of her questioned why men had presumed so much of her lately.
“I see.” He looked from side to side. His gaze passed across a wiry woman having a disagreement with her computer. A man in a jogging suit sat wearing headphones in a chair. Two women sat at a table doing paperwork. “My options at the moment are a tad limited.”
Elizabeth left him to struggle a moment longer. “Is that why you requested me?”
He gave one slow nod. “On the contrary, Elizabeth. I found you to be a most intriguing and thoughtful woman and frankly, I enjoyed your company.” He paused a beat. “And, I hoped you felt the same, but since it seems I’ve been mistaken...” He pushed his chair back with a grim expression.
Surprise and a hint of panic settled over her. But Deborah Searls’s reaction wasn’t her only concern. She did take to the old man, and now her heart sank at hurting his feelings. “Wait.” He may have been in the early stages of declining mental fortitude, but he appeared to be sharp as a tack in her presence. “You’re absolutely right.”
He scooted his chair back in; the corner of his mouth twitched upward. “Do tell.”
She paused and his smile grew, leaving Elizabeth almost questioning his motives. Instead she took the opportunity to get to know this feisty man better. No matter the circumstances, interaction with him was a positive experience both professionally and personally. And in the process, maybe he’d reveal something interesting about Granville. “I enjoyed our chat as well, Claude. And I’d be honored to be your friend.”
“So that means you’ll be accepting the dinner invitation my grandson mentioned to you.”
He didn’t waste any time—a clear resemblance to his grandson. “Dinner? I, um...” She could see his brightened expression wavering back to where she didn’t want it going. She couldn’t disappoint him after she’d just won him back over. “That’s kind of you. Thank you.”
“We’ll be in touch with a date.”
“I’m sure it will be delightful. You two are quite a pair. I enjoyed your amusing little prank on him the other day.”
He chuckled. “That was cheeky wasn’t it? That boy can be too serious for his own good sometimes.” Claude seemed to watch her expression.
“It’s too bad more of your personality hasn’t rubbed off on him.”
He lowered his head and looked down his nose at her as if she’d revealed something she hadn’t meant to. “Don’t you worry; I’m getting through to him.”
“Oh, I’m not worried at all,” she said, reaching for her pawn. “But maybe you should.” She moved her piece in to place.
A victorious smile took hold of his face. “So you do play.”
She let her expression answer the question and waited for his next move. They played without talking for a few comfortable minutes. Then Claude said something surprising. “So tell me how things are going with your Mr. Darcy.”
“Hmm. Are you trying to distract me from my strategies?”
“Not at all. Simply getting to know my opponent and new friend.” With that last word he delivered a quick wink.
She giggled like a little girl whose nose had just been stolen from her grandfather. “Well, sir. My Mr. Darcy is quite well.”
“That wasn’t my question.”
An obviously ridiculous thought popped into her head thinking about Claude’s motives. Granville could not be so manipulative to get this sweet old man to do his bidding. She pretended to be mesmerized by the decision of her next move.
“All right,” he said, concession in his tone. “If you do not wish for me to know, I understand.”
She was beginning to believe Claude worked in the psychology department practicing his reverse techniques. She leaned back and fixed a stony stare on him. “Mr. Darcy is the most charming, wonderful, generous man I’ve ever encountered. Does that information suit you well?”
“I believe it matters less whether it suits me and more how you feel about it.”
She took a quick glance at the board before deciding whether to play or see where this was heading. “What are you driving at, Mr. Ackerman? Are you saying it’s not true?”
“Oh, so formal. Seems I’ve hit a tender spot. I—”
He must have seen the hot glare coming from her eyes. When he stopped abruptly, she pulled back, removing any trace of hostility or defensiveness that might be reported back to Granville. She attempted to appear interested in her next move. This regular meeting was off to a rocky start.
A beat later he spoke up. “Please pardon me, Elizabeth, for being so forward. I never had a granddaughter and well...for some reason I feel compelled to, let’s just say, watch out for you.”
A breathy laugh expelled from her nose, and she instantly realized how that might come across. “Sorry, I’m not laughing at you. It’s very sweet, Claude.” She reached over and touched his hand. “Thank you.”
“So what’s got you snorting?” he asked as she pushed her Rook toward him.
“Uh, considering who your grandson is, I do not think you have to worry about my well-being with William Darcy. He’s a proper gentleman and very honorable.”
His already wrinkled forehead creased further, and he turned his eyes away. “Wonderful. It’s still your turn.”
Not willing to let his abrupt halt of the conversation pass, she pressed him for elaboration. His hesitance only fueled her want for answers, and she cared not how that appeared. Claude asked if she was aware he and William had once done business together—or rather almost done business—and told her he found it curious she spoke as if she found Granville and William to be very different men.
“I do not think you know William well enough for an observation like that.”
“I could say the same thing about you and Granville,” he said moving his Knight.
Unsure of how to respond, she turned her attention to the board. He had her on the run in the chess match and the conversation. She made the only move she saw available. Considering that a woman who had faith in her man would have no need to defend him, she put the burden on Claude. “Tell me, do you have something against my fiancé? What exactly happened between his company and yours?”
“I won’t bore you with the details, but your man wasn’t always shining in the high ethical spotlight you see him in now.”
Now her blood heated beneath her skin. It didn’t help that men continued to talk down to her. “With an accusation like that, I’m afraid I am going to need some details.”
He began by relaying the same details William had shared. That he and Claude had been working on a land development deal. He couldn’t recall the specific industry involved but some sort of manufacturing plants had been slated for the property. Relief from his confirmation and subsequent boring business details quickly turned to anxious confusion when he spoke of the location of the land in question—adjacent to a large family community with schools and parks—and William’s lack of any concern for the consequences of that deal going through.
“Maybe you’re mistaken, Claude. If you don’t remember the industry maybe you don’t remember William’s motivation or actions.”
“I wish that were true, my dear Elizabeth.” He gazed at her as if she were a naïve young child. “I do recall wanting that deal to go through. I even remember taking to your William. He seemed to be more of what I hoped for Granville. But when Granville told me what William—”
She held up a firm palm. “Wait right there. Granville told you?” Now the story made sense. William wanted children of his own, he gave to charity, he was an honorable and caring man. Granville could have easily put doubts in his grandfather’s mind.
“I know what you’re thinking, and I wouldn’t put it past Granville. But no, William so much as admitted knowing the community would be unhappy about the deal.”
She shook her head in dismay. What else had she been so unaware of? She fought to keep the faith in her love and pray there was some sort of explanation. And if there were none, she knew he wasn’t that kind of man now.
“Ask the man and see what he says. It was an extremely lucrative deal and on top of that, William—”
“Please!” She said in a desperate whisper, glancing around to see if anyone noticed. A woman in a red business suit caught her eye and then pointed to her wrist though she wasn’t wearing a watch. She looked back at Claude. “I’m sorry, it appears my time with you is up.”
His face fell in disappointment, maybe guilt as well. “I’m sorry things ended on such a sour note.” He watched her stand, smooth down the front of her pants. “I don’t suppose you’ll want to return.”
She looked down on him, met with a pair of light blue eyes so similar to Granville’s but surrounded by pale, creased skin. The evident plea took hold of her heart. Claude was not to blame for the news she’d just heard. “Of course I will,” she said with a soft grin. “Now you take care of yourself until I see you next, all right?”
He nodded and patted her hand as she stepped away. The woman introduced herself as Monica Edwards and told Elizabeth she should sign in and out each time she was there. Her attention was distracted from Monica who spoke about general rules and something about not working with anyone else even if they ask for something. She nodded her agreement and watched Claude clear the chessboard, a pang of guilt biting at her gut. After Monica excused her, she headed back to her new friend on the premise of a last farewell.
She touched his shoulder, but he didn’t turn around. “I’m heading back to the trenches, muffin,” she said, playfully. When he still didn’t respond she took a step into his view, concerned he was upset with her. “Claude?”
“There you are. Finally.”
“Pardon?”
“Sorry, I shouldn’t complain. I’ve just been waiting for quite some time.”
What was he up to this time the old prankster? “I’m not falling for that, Claude.”
“For what? What do you mean?” His brows knitted together. “Are we playing or not?”
Elizabeth’s eyes skirted helplessly around. When they connected with Monica’s, awareness came quickly, and the woman walked toward them.
Her pulse quickened; making a mistake in this situation would not just be detrimental to her work but to this poor man as well. She genuinely cared about his well-being. “Claude, I...”
“If you have other commitments we can try for another time.”
“Mr. Ackerman, Elizabeth has to return to her other responsibilities now.”
Elizabeth didn’t know what else to say. “I’m sorry, Claude. We’ll talk later, all right?” She managed some sort of a smile which he returned along with confusion in his eyes.
Once she made it out of the room, a sadness fell over her and stayed through the rest of her shift.