Page 53 of A Touch of Charm
“Yes, it takes up so much of the heart. I saw the book with the human heart in Andre’s office, and the ribcage is made of hard bones that keep all the love inside safe.”
If Thea had an answer, she would have given it. She smoothed her hand down Mary’s cheek instead.
“An excellent plan,” Thea said, unable to hide her smile. “How does one make room then?”
Mary looked at her, her blue eyes glinting in the firelight. Thea snugly tucked the pale-blue coverlet around Mary’s shoulders, smoothing it with deliberate precision.
“That’s enough stalling, Mary. It’s time for bed,” she said, her tone gentle but firm.
Mary wrinkled her nose. “I’m not stalling, Miss Thea,” she said with an innocence only a child could muster. Yet her hands clung to the edge of the coverlet, her fingers curling into the soft fabric.
Before Thea could press her further, the door opened quietly. She turned quickly, her hand still resting on the blanket. Andre stepped inside, his gaze sweeping the room, sharp and alert as always. “Pardon my intrusion, but is there anything else you need before I go to sleep?” he asked, his voice steady, though softer than usual.
Thea blinked, caught off guard. “You’re not leaving tonight?” she asked, straightening instinctively.
“No,” Andre replied calmly, stepping further into the room. “I’ll sleep in my office here in case you or Stan need me. There are servants at every door standing guard, too.”
Though she masked it, a flicker of relief passed through Thea, nodding once. “That’s… reassuring,” she said, though she wasn’t entirely sure whom she was trying to reassure—Mary or herself.
“Can you tuck me in?” Mary asked suddenly, her tiny voice breaking the stillness. She looked up at Andre, her wide blue eyes filled with hope.
Andre hesitated for only a moment before nodding. “Of course,” he said, stepping closer to Mary and picking her up.
Apparently, Thea wasn’t the only female who enjoyed it when Andre carried her.
Thea shifted slightly to give him space, watching as he crouched beside Mary and took her in his arms. Within minutes, he’d carried her upstairs, and Thea led the way.
Once Mary was in bed, he adjusted the blanket where it had slipped near her feet, tucking it securely along her sides. His hands, always so purposeful, now moved with care Thea hadn’t expected.
“There,” said Andre, sitting back slightly on the edge of Mary’s bed as he met Mary’s gaze. “All set. Goodnight, little princess.”
“Goodnight,” Mary murmured, a sleepy smile tugging at her lips.
Thea reached out, brushing a curl from Mary’s temple, her fingers light and brief. “Sleep well,” she said softly, her eyes lingering on the child as her breathing began to even out.
“Now you have two princesses to protect,” Mary mumbled, her eyes closed already.
*
Andre straightened; hisheart did that unsettling leaping again, and his gaze met Thea’s.
Two princesses to protect.
For a moment, neither spoke. Then Thea stepped back quietly, letting the warmth of the chamber settle around them.
“Thank you,” she said at last, her voice low enough not to wake Mary.
Andre inclined his head. “If you need anything, you know where to find me.”
She nodded, watching as he turned to leave the room as quietly as he’d entered. Thea lingered for a moment longer, her eyes falling on Mary’s peaceful face. Then, with a final glance at the sleeping child, she carefully closed the door behind her.
Don’t even think about staying in the dark hall with her.
Go away.
Andre halted because his upbringing required the lady—the princess—to walk before he did. And yet, he knew he shouldn’t linger near her because it was so hard not to look at her. He shuffled uncomfortably and then nodded again. To her, he was just a doctor. Surely, missteps in etiquette could be excused.
“Andre, wait!”
