by Allen, Anne
Slowly the wrenching sobs subsided and she regained some control of her breathing. She opened her swollen eyes to find Paul’s face inches away, concern etched in his features. Struck by how awful her face must look, streaked with tears and snot, she pulled away enough to grab a tissue from her pocket and blew her nose. ‘Sorry, I…I don’t know what came over me…’
‘There’s nothing to apologise for. It’s a perfectly natural reaction under the circumstances. Here, drink some water,’ he said, handing her a glass.
She took a grateful sip and the throbbing in her head began to ease. She looked around and saw Ben hovering by the door.
‘Where’s Malcolm?’
‘On the way to hospital. I’ll take you there soon, don’t worry. He’s going into theatre once a CT scan has checked the extent of his head injury. There’s nothing you can do at the moment as you won’t be able to see him until after the surgery, but I don’t think there’s any imminent danger.’ Ben patted her hand in reassurance.
Paul chipped in. ‘Ben’s right, Louisa, we’re sure Malcolm will be okay. I’ll come up to the hospital later, after I’ve made arrangements here with the staff. We don’t want anyone to panic, do we?’
She shook her head. ‘Of course not. But surely people must know…’
‘We’ve just said that Malcolm’s had a fall and has gone to hospital as a precautionary measure. Lin’s the only one who knows the truth and she’s too loyal to say anything. And I’m sure he wouldn’t want a fuss.’
‘No, he…he wouldn’t.’ She looked at Ben. ‘Can we go now, please? I know I’ll have to wait but–’
‘Of course. As long as you’re all right?’
‘I’ll just go and wash my face. Be right back.’ She ran along to the nearest cloakroom and repaired the damage as best she could before dragging a comb through her hair.
She returned to find Paul and Ben waiting outside the door. Paul leaned down and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. ‘Take care and I’ll be as quick as I can,’ he murmured. She mumbled a quick thanks before following Ben. Her worry about Malcolm vied for space with the feelings aroused by Paul’s kiss. The concern for her father won out and she could only pray that Ben was right and that he was indeed in no danger.
Time crawled by, only leavened by regular cups of tea served by the cheerful nurses. Ben had left her in a waiting room while he went off to discover the latest news. On his return he announced that Malcolm was already undergoing various tests and a CT scan prior to going into theatre.
‘It’s likely that the surgeon will only need to remove the bone and return it to the original position. At the moment I don’t know if there’s been any bleeding in the brain,’ Ben said, frowning.
Louisa felt her stomach muscles tense. ‘Will the scan show what caused the TIA?’
‘Yes, but–’ Ben was interrupted by the beep of his mobile. Glancing at the screen, he stood up, saying, ‘I’m sorry, but I need to dash. My wife’s gone into labour and I…’
She forced a smile. ‘Go. I’ll be fine. Thanks for your help and…and good luck. Is it your first?’
‘Yes, it is. I’ll check on your father later. Bye.’ He hurried off and Louisa sat back, thinking what a caring doctor Malcolm had. Left on her own the time continued to drag as her anxiety increased. It was nearly two hours later before Paul dashed in, apologising for taking so long.
‘I had to sort out a mix-up over a booking and pour a large dollop of oil on troubled waters before I could make my escape,’ he said, his forehead creased with worry. ‘How’s Malcolm? Any news?’
She told him what Ben had told her and that it was now expected that Malcolm would be out of the theatre shortly. ‘Oh, and by the way, Ben’s baby’s on the way so he shot off to join his wife.’
Paul smiled. ‘Great. He’s been like a cat on a hot tin roof the past week or so and the baby’s not due for another four days. I think his wife Nicole’s been more laid-back.’
‘You two know each other, I take it?’
‘Yes, I met him when we were both surfing one day. We got chatting and became good mates. Since then he’s introduced me to a number of his friends and we’ve had some good times together.’
She nodded, aware of how lonely she felt without the support of friends around her. Not that she had many in London. Over time, girlfriends had moved to other areas and she had lost touch with some of them. There were a couple from work, but since she’d left the hospital she hadn’t been in touch. They were not close enough friends for her to reveal how badly she was coping with her mother’s death. Perhaps Charlotte could be her confidante…Oh, Malcolm please get well!
‘You okay? Can I get you a cup of tea or something?’ Paul asked, touching her shoulder.
She jumped. ‘Sorry, I was miles away. No tea, thanks. I’ve had more than enough and I don’t particularly like the stuff they serve here!’ She smiled at him. Hmm, now he would make a nice friend. But could I settle for that?
‘Malcolm’s a tough nut, Louisa. He’ll pull through and be back to normal before you know it. He looks after himself and that makes a huge difference in cases like this,’ Paul said, gripping her hands.
She was about to reply when a doctor came up and introduced himself as the surgeon. Her heart thumped as she waited.
‘I’m pleased to say that your father is doing very well. I managed to repair the fracture to the skull and, luckily, the bone hadn’t pierced the brain; there was no internal bleeding or swelling.’ He coughed. ‘The scan showed the presence of a recent Transient Ischaemic Attack, or TIA, but it appears to have been a brief and isolated event. So, it’s good news,’ he beamed.
She felt almost dizzy with relief. ‘Oh, thank you, doctor. Can I see him?’
‘Shortly. He’s being moved to a private room in Victoria Wing and we’ll keep a close eye on him for the next forty-eight hours. Mr Roget’s recovered consciousness, but he’s still drowsy so please don’t stay long.’
‘All right. What happens next?’
‘Assuming we have no concerns, your father will be able to return home in two or three days but it’s best if he’s not alone. Would that be a problem?’ He looked from one to the other.
‘I think it would be best if Malcolm stayed at La Folie, don’t you, Louisa? He can be well taken care of with the therapists on hand.’
She nodded. ‘Good idea. Will my father need any further treatment?’
‘Yes, we’ll be starting him on medication and he’ll be monitored regularly. But there’s no reason to doubt that Mr Roget won’t make a complete recovery and lead a normal life. In the meantime he’ll have to take it easy, which he might find frustrating. But he’s very fit for his age,’ he added.
Louisa thanked him and, after saying that a nurse would fetch her soon, the doctor left.
She slumped down into the chair, drained after the sustained surge of the now depleting adrenaline. Paul put his arm around her, and she found herself relaxing into his embrace, her head resting on his shoulder.
‘I told you the old devil would be all right, didn’t I?’
‘Hey, less of the “old devil”! That’s my father you’re talking about,’ she replied, giving him a playful punch. ‘You should show more respect,’ she added, trying to sound severe.
Paul just grinned. ‘It’s a term of endearment, as well you know. But I tell you one thing about your father; he won’t make a very good patient! I can’t see him taking it easy, can you?’
‘No, I can’t. But he’ll have to do as he’s told if he wants to avoid it happening again.’ For a moment the image of a caged, angry lion came into her mind and she smiled. Just then a nurse arrived to take her to see Malcolm and she left Paul waiting for her.
The spacious room looked as comfortable as any hospital room was likely to be. But her heart sank at the sight of her father lying stiff on the bed, encased in white sheets closely matching his complexion. Tubes and wires sprouted obscenely from different parts of his bod
y and his head was encased in a thick bandage. His eyes were shut and he bore little resemblance to the man she had grown to care for.
‘Malcolm, can you hear me? It’s Louisa.’ She sat down in the armchair next to the bed, reaching to touch his hands, clasped together on the sheet. Machines on stilts beeped, numbers glowing red or green.
His eyelids fluttered. He turned his head towards her, pale blue eyes blinking as he focused on her face. He grimaced.
‘Hi. It seems I…took a tumble and hit…my head. But I don’t remember…’ he said in a croaky voice, twisting his fingers on the bed sheet.
‘It’s okay. I’m sure you’ll remember later and the surgeon assured me you’ll make a full recovery. But you have to rest and I’ve been warned not to tire you. Paul’s here and sends his love.’ She gripped his hands, feeling them tremble in hers. Doing her best to sound cheerful, she added, ‘I’ll be back tomorrow, and can bring you stuff from the apartment if you like.’
‘Keys in…my jacket. Ask the…nurse. Like clean…clothes and…toiletries.’
‘I’ll sort it. You’d best sleep now and I’ll see you in the morning.’
She kissed his cheek and Malcolm managed a small smile. ‘Thanks.’
Outside the room she checked with the duty nurse who fetched the keys, locked in a drawer in his room with Malcolm’s wallet, loose change and phone. Louisa joined an anxious Paul in the waiting area, telling him how it had gone with Malcolm.
‘He’s disorientated and weak, which is to be expected, but it’s still upsetting…’ she brushed away a tear, and Paul hugged her. ‘Course it is. Why don’t we head on back to La Folie and get something to eat? We’ll get Chef to rustle up something and send it to my rooms so we don’t have to face everyone just yet. And perhaps a glass of wine wouldn’t be amiss,’ he said, stroking her hair back from her face.
‘Sounds good, thanks. Let’s go.’
Later that evening Louisa finished the last of the seared pork medallions and fresh steamed vegetables, breathing out a contented sigh. ‘That was delicious! Just what I needed – good food and wine,’ she said, raising her glass of rosé towards Paul, sitting opposite.
‘There’s baked figs with Greek yogurt to follow so I hope you’re not full,’ he teased, clearing away the plates.
‘Yummy, sounds perfect. And I’m so glad you suggested avoiding the other guests tonight. I’m sure I’d have found it hard to pretend nothing’s happened.’ She focused on her glass as Paul collected the desserts from his mini-kitchen. ‘But I don’t see how I can avoid admitting I’m Malcolm’s daughter. What do you think?’
He placed the dishes on the table and sat down. ‘I think you should tell Charlotte first, as you two seem pretty close.’ Louisa nodded. ‘The staff already know, and if other guests find out, I don’t see it’s a big deal. Some are leaving in a few days, anyway. Malcolm’s well liked so I’m sure everyone will be pleased he has family here while he recovers. The room next to yours will be vacant tomorrow so he can stay there,’ he said, adding with a grin, ‘You’ve probably noticed it’s called Balance. Appropriate don’t you think?’
‘You’d better hope Malcolm hasn’t lost his sense of humour!’ she laughed. Sitting here in Paul’s tower eyrie, she was able to let go the tensions and anxiety of the day. The room was light and airy and decorated in inimitable Asian style; colourful Indian rugs covered the floor and silk wall hangings vied with watercolours on the pale walls. Book shelves encircled the room and an array of Indian artefacts formed a feature on a side table; pride of place being given to a bronze Buddha. She imagined that Paul found it the perfect retreat after a busy day downstairs; wealthy guests could be pretty demanding, he’d told her. As she glanced around now, her eyes were drawn to the man himself. Concentrating on his dessert, he didn’t see her looking at him. Which was just as well, as she felt herself flushing at the potential of his bedroom only feet away. How can I be so turned on by the thought of going to bed with Paul when my father is in hospital? I should be ashamed of myself! But the desire didn’t leave and she began eating her figs, thinking they were an unfortunate, albeit delicious choice, given her state of arousal.
‘Good, aren’t they?’ Paul asked, looking up.
‘Mm, yes.’ She lifted her eyes to a spot on his shirt. ‘Paul, I–’
His mobile beeped and he picked it up, glancing at the screen. ‘Hey, what do you know, Nicole and Ben have a baby girl!’ He grinned delightedly.
‘That’s great news. She didn’t mess around, did she? Does he say anything else – name, weight, how they both are?’
‘They’re calling her Eve, after Nicole’s grandmother, who used to own this house. Did you know that?’
‘No, I didn’t. That makes it a bit more personal doesn’t it? So, did Nicole live here too?’
He shook his head. ‘Not exactly, but it’s a long story. Anyway, they’re both fine and little Eve weighs in at over 3.4 kilos, which I presume is a good weight. Don’t know much about babies.’
‘It’s fine. I must tell Malcolm tomorrow, it will cheer him up. Ben’s been a good doctor, I gather.’
‘Yes, and Malc met Nicole a few months ago when the centre opened. Perhaps we should send flowers or a card,’ he mused.
‘Good idea. Mm, it’s getting late and it’s been a long day…’ She stood up, desperate for the solitude of her room. The upsets and excitement of the day were taking their toll.
Paul shot to his feet. ‘Of course. Will I see you at yoga in the morning?’
‘Hopefully. I’ll ring the hospital first thing to make sure Malcolm’s all right.’ Picking up her bag, she shifted from foot to foot, wondering how to say goodnight. Paul took the initiative by giving her a hug, followed by a kiss on the cheek.
‘Goodnight, Louisa. Sweet dreams. And don’t worry, Malc’s a toughie. He’ll be his usual buoyant self before you know it.’
She nodded, muttered good night, and left. As she walked downstairs to her room, her body felt as if it would barely make it back; complete and utter exhaustion claimed her. Her emotions were a mix of worry over Malcolm and the realisation that she was falling for Paul. In a big way. Arriving back in her room, she threw off her clothes, and with a heartfelt groan, crawled under the duvet, seeking oblivion.
chapter 17
The Ward Sister reassured Louisa that her father had spent a comfortable night, enjoying tea and toast for breakfast. Louisa was free to visit whenever she wished. Saying she would be in later that morning, Louisa rang off before going along to Charlotte’s room. She needed to come clean, but in private.
‘Hi, can I come in? I wanted to have a quick chat before breakfast.’
‘Sure. How’s Mr Roget? You had said he was a family friend so I assume that’s why Paul needed to speak to you,’ Charlotte said, waving her to a small sofa.
‘He’s…better, thanks. But he’s more than a friend, he’s my…my father.’
Charlotte’s eyes opened wide and she sat down abruptly. ‘My, that is a surprise! You never mentioned a father and I didn’t like to pry.’ She cocked her head, looking expectantly at Louisa.
She explained about having just met Malcolm and why she hadn’t said anything, but realised that it could no longer be kept quiet.
Charlotte looked thoughtful. ‘I understand your need to be wary. Must have been a bit odd for you ending up staying here in his centre.’ She touched Louisa’s arm, adding, ‘But I’m so glad you did, otherwise we wouldn’t have met! And I’m sure your father’s glad too. Now, tell me what really happened; there seems to be some mystery around his fall.’
Louisa, after swearing her to secrecy, told her about the TIA and the head injury. Her friend was shocked.
‘Oh, I am sorry. We were told it wasn’t serious but it would have been so frightening for you both. You poor girl!’ Glancing at her watch, Charlotte added that they needed to get downstairs for breakfast if they were to make the yoga class and they agreed to talk later.
They made it to yoga in good time and Paul came across to ask Louisa about Malcolm. She felt the now familiar flutter in her solar plexus as he gave her a hug. Did she imagine it or did his eyes light up when he saw her? And if he did feel something for her, could it work? She gave herself a mental shake and relayed what the Sister had said. His smile broadened and he asked if he could accompany her to the hospital.
‘Sure. I have to collect some things from his apartment first and plan to visit about twelve if you’re free then?’ Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of the two of them spending more time together.
‘Great. See you later.’ He turned to face his class, ‘Right, ladies and gentlemen, are we ready to start?’
Charlotte was grinning as they left after the class. ‘You and Paul seem to be getting, shall we say, friendly? Anything happening between you?’
Louisa felt herself redden. ‘Not exactly, but we did spend a lot of time together yesterday as he’s very fond of Malcolm.’
‘Mm. Me thinks it might not just be Malcolm he’s fond of! There’s definitely an extra twinkle in his eye when he looks at you,’ Charlotte said, seeming determined not to let the matter drop.
She caved in. ‘Well, if you must know, Paul was very…supportive yesterday at the hospital and…and when we came back last night.’
Charlotte’s eyebrows arched. ‘Supportive, eh? I wondered where you were at dinner, so where did you eat?’
‘It was late and Paul suggested it would be better to ask Chef to send us some supper to…to his rooms. To avoid having to face lots of questions about Malcolm.’
‘Well, that’s a new way of getting a woman to visit one’s room,’ she chuckled as they were nearing their own. Charlotte stopped and gave Louisa a hug. ‘Look, I’m pleased for you. It would be lovely if you two became an item; you deserve some happiness. Guess I’m just jealous,’ she said, ruefully.
Louisa hugged her back. ‘I’m sure you’ll meet someone soon. You’re far too attractive not to catch some dishy man’s eye. And anyway, there’s no guarantee that Paul and I will get together and in the meantime there’s my father…’ she sighed.