Page 122 of Reflections of Peonies
Gregory took a deep breath, sparing only a glance around the room before he muttered, “Again, I say, what in the world? Happy nuptials.” His voice dripped with sarcasm as he eyed Bryce, who flushed.
“I—” he began, but Gregory ignored him.
“Move aside,” Gregory commanded, stepping forward to assess Bianca.
“What exactly am I looking for?” he asked, his clinical gaze sweeping over her. “She’s catatonic! How long has she been like this?”
“Almost twenty-four hours,” Julian replied, his voice strained.
“And Dr. Kohler wants to admit her?” Gregory paused, looking at me pointedly. “What do you expect from me? You know what must be done.”
“Isn’t there any other way?” I pressed, hoping his extensive network could offer an alternative.
“No,” he said flatly.
Despair washed over me. “But why?”
Gregory sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Mrs. Duboisis not my patient. While her case is certainly of interest, I’m not in a position to intervene. Moreover, I wouldn’t offer advice contrary to what Dr. Kohler already gave. If she believes hospitalization is necessary, I trust her judgment. She’s an outstanding physician.”
“But she’s not a psychologist!” I protested. “You have more experience.”
“Unless Dr. Kohler specifically requests my input, I won’t interfere with her treatment,” Gregory said firmly.
“Uncle Gregory, you have to help!” Brayden implored, his voice filled with urgency. “You owe it to your family. She’s supposed to be under your care!”
“This is what you’ve been preparing for your whole life,” Bryce added gravely, nodding in agreement.
“You two are driving me up the wall,” Gregory snapped, his frustration palpable. “I don’t understand what you’re trying to…”
His voice trailed off as realization dawned, and his eyes shot to Bryce. “Are you serious?”
Bryce crossed his arms. “Yes.”
A complex expression flickered across Gregory’s face as he looked back at Bianca, his usual detachment momentarily slipping. “Well,” he muttered, more to himself, “that explains a great deal.”
I’d never seen him look like this before.
“You’re not going to tell the Council,” I stated firmly. It wasn’t a question but a warning—I would protect Bianca at any cost.
“What?” His narrowed gaze darted to me, the sharpness of hisvoice returning. “Mr. Damen, I suggest you erase that terrible expression from your face and come to your senses. Why would I tell them anything?”
It wasn’t so far-fetched. “But youwerea member…”
“Insufferable fools, the lot of them,” he said. “I’m insulted you’d think so lowly of me.” His annoyed look lingered on me before he returned to Bryce. “And as foryou. Why would you marry yoursister? Is there something addled in your brain?”
“That’s the least of our concerns!” Bryce responded, his gaze shifting to where Julian was gently stroking Bianca’s hair.
Julian looked up. “What do you want to do?”
“I think we should move her to the hospital,” Bryce replied. “No matter what she might want. It wouldn’t be the same as last time. We would be there now.”
Gregory’s face softened as he considered the situation. “She should be hospitalized.” He glanced at the IV setup. “But she’s been receiving fluids, at least.” His eyes met mine again. “What does Declan say? Does this have anything to do with him being in an uproar?”
I glanced at Bryce and Brayden, but they were watching me. I had no idea what they might have told him.
“He’s leaving it up to me.” Bryce nodded.
“An odd thing, that.” Gregory frowned. “Regardless, another option is to move her toWhisperwind. They have a medical ward. It would be better suited than here.”
