Page 43 of A Noble Affair
“It’s from when we first met.” The petite womangave a reminiscent smile. “I was at a café and he walked up and asked if he could paint me.” Chastity went over to examine the portrait more closely, and Vivienne followed her while the gentlemen stayed behind in conversation.
Chastity saw another couple approach the artist. “Tell your husband I love his work.” She examined the perfection of his brushstrokes. “I don’t know why, but every painting isso cheerful. They make me happy.”
“I’ll tell him.” Vivienne brushed Chastity's arm thenfloated over to her husband's side and turned her attention to the gentleman who was speaking. Charleschose that moment to leavethe group and walk over to Chastity.
Chastity had moved to the large doorway that led to the main hallway where the exit was, her hands shoved low in her coat pockets. Charles stoodat her side, and she felt heat coming from him—or maybe the heat was from her. He leaned towards her, and shecaught a waft of aftershave with wood undertones. “I’m glad you were able to make it.” His blue eyes searched hers.
“Me too. It’s been awhile since I’ve gone anywhere besides the hospital and my apartment.” Her voice died down, and suddenly there was a total sense of calm as the noises and distractions of the room faded. Though they hadn’t moved, she felt a pull towards him. His eyes were on hers, and the corners of his mouth turned up as the silence stretched. Her own dimples started to form, and she took a breath to speak.
“Charles!” Serenityscreeched to a halt with one word. The viscount’s face grew unreadable again, and he inspected the wall beyond her instead of addressing the speaker. It was as if he were trying to garnerhis patience. Chastity’s mother followed in Manon Duprey’s wake, wearing her winter coat. She could have kissed her mom for showing up just then.
“It’s my mother.” She gave a tiny shrug. “We have to go now.”
Charles held her gaze. “But I’ll see you again soon?” He took a step towards her.
Chastity fought off the crushing sadness.Why am I letting myself get drawn in? He will never choose me.She gave a tight smile. “Maybe I’ll see you at the hospital.”
20
“She’s here.” Chastity jumped up from the couch and ran over to the intercom. “This should be fun,” her mother said, patting Tommy's back. Her mom was wary of any movement that might jostle him or cause one of the tension headaches he was now prone to. Her grandson didn’t answer but continued to push a small car over the tiny hills in his blanket.
Chastity opened the door and turned the lights on in the hallway before the elevator pinged open. A sturdy woman of uncertain age exited the elevator, hidden under coats, scarves, and hats. Her teethwere bright against her dark skin.
“Bonjour, Madel.” Chastity shook her hand, smiling back at her. “Thank you for coming a little early for my first day back.”
“It’s my pleasure,” the woman replied. “We can make sure Thomas has everything he needs before you leave.”
“My mother is here, but I think if there’s anything you two need to communicate to each other, Thomas should be able to translate it.”
“We’ll be just fine,” Madel reassured her. “Bonjour, Madame.” She nodded her head towards the older woman as she unwound her scarf and removed her coat. “Bonjour, Thomas.” She directed her attention to her unresponsive protégé.
“Would you like some tea? We have fruit tea with honey.” Chastity had gone into the kitchen and returnedwith the box in hand. When Madel nodded, it was her mother who took it from herand headedtowards the electric water kettle. “You take care of seeing that Tommy has everything he needs, my dear.”
Chastity sat on the large square footrest that extended from the couch where Thomas was sitting. Madel had pulled up a chair from the dining room table and was sitting next to him with a notepad, marking observations.
“Hello, Thomas. How are you feeling today?” Madel tapped her pen on the notepad. He shrugged. After waiting a minute without receiving further clarification, she prodded, “Where does it hurt today?”
“It doesn’t hurt,” was the sulky reply. “But I feel irritated.”
“That’s nothing new, is it then? We’re going to do our usual routine today, but change some of the memory games and stretches. You’ll get plenty of chance to rest in between. Do you feel up for it?” Thomas shrugged again, but nodded.
“Great.” Madel clapped her hands on her lap with one of her sunny smiles. "I also brought you a new movie that I think you’ll like.” She turned to Chastity. “Has he been to the osteopath this week?”
“Yes, twice. She feels like he’s making progress, and I do think Tommy is sleeping better."
“That’sjustwhat I’d hoped to hear. Osteopaths work wonders, and I'm glad you're getting coverage for his. Shall we let your mom get to work, Thomas?” Chastity’s mother had come to stand in the doorway at this point, and though she didn’t understand the conversation, she could see that Chastity was standing with her coat and purse in her arms. Thomas didn’t answer, so she went over to take her daughter’s place at his side.
Chastity tried to keep her voice steady as she addressed her son in English. “Okay, sweetie. Grandma’s here and so is Madel. Is there anything you want for when I get back from school?”
“I want to visit the stables like that guy promised.”
“What guy?” Her mind flashed back to Deauville. Could he be remembering that incident? His mind didn’t often stretch to things beyond what was currently happening—at least not in any way he communicated. That would be a good sign.
“When we saw Mickey.”
So itwasthe encounter in Deauville he was remembering. She couldn’t forget such a name, or such a large animal. “It won’t be today, honey.” That was the only thing she could think of to say. She wasn’t sure she’d be comfortable enough to ask Charles if they could visit his stables. Plus, it was too cold, and he was too unwell to attempt such a visit. Her son didn’t say anything else in response, so she kissed him gently on the forehead then went over to hug her mom.
“I’m nervous,” she whispered, as her mom squeezed her tight.
