Chapter 11 #2
Adeline went still halfway up the steps, but she did not turn. Instead, she waited a moment, slowly pulling her hat off her head, and walked the rest of the way up the stairs.
Cedric watched her the entire time, his eyes focused sharply on her figure until she was gone. Then he turned to Deborah and let out a long breath through his nostrils as he worked his jaw and ran a hand through his dark hair.
“I apologize for snapping,” he said through clenched teeth. “I am sure you were trying to give her a delightful day. But in the future, check with me before you make such decisions.”
Without any further explanation, Cedric turned around and started to climb the stairs.
“Now, wait a moment!” Deborah insisted, lifting her skirts to catch up to him.
“I have work to do, and I am sure you are most ready to return to your planning,” Cedric called over his shoulder. Then, under his breath, he muttered, “Though what such plans are still beyond me.”
Deborah frowned as she picked up her pace and caught up to him on the patio. She walked in front of him, then turned around, holding a hand up to his chest to stop him.
Cedric gave her a warning look, but did not attempt to go around her.
“You are not telling me something,” she stated.
“How astute,” Cedric dryly remarked, but Deborah was not going to allow him to get under her skin this time.
“If you want me to help Adeline, I need to know what is going on,” she insisted. “Why did you stop the staff from talking about her yesterday? Why are you so angry with her that she spent the day outside with me?”
“I was not angry; I was worried!” Cedric shot back, that warning look still shining in his dark eyes.
“Then tell me why you are worried!” Deborah demanded, growing exasperated. “I am her aunt now. I am her guardian just as you are, and I deserve to know!”
Cedric took a step back from her touch as he sucked on his teeth. His annoyance lingered for another moment, then he sighed.
“Adeline does not like being fussed over,” Cedric replied, calmer now. “She does not like people to know that she is sick. She is determined to live her life the way she wants to.”
Deborah blinked, still confused, but she nodded.
“Alright. I can understand that. But how is she sick? What is wrong with her? Can you not call a physician to treat her? Surely there are some medicines or tonics that can-”
“Adeline does not suffer from something so mundane as a cold,” Cedric said, cutting her off, “She is prone to fits.”
Deborah’s brow furrowed, still not understanding.
“Fits of what?” She asked.
Sadness took over Cedric’s annoyed expression, and he bowed his head and shook it as he placed his hands on his hips.
“Neither I nor any physician know for sure,” Cedric explained.
“One moment she could be perfectly fine. The next she could be on the floor, convulsing and clenching her jaw tight, not breathing properly. The physician stated that she has a weak constitution, and for her to exert herself could set off such fits more frequently.”
Cedric finally looked up, his dark eyes pleading.
“I know you meant well with what you did today, but please. Do not exert her so again. Some of her fits come and go within seconds. Others last much longer, and it takes her several days of rest, sometimes even a week, for her to recover.”
Realizing how much danger she had put Adeline in, Deborah suddenly felt weak with guilt and regret.
“I am so sorry,” she said, shaking her head, “I did not know.”
Cedric let out another sigh and stepped up to her, waiting for her to meet his eyes again.
“That is my fault,” he stated, giving her an earnest look, “I did not want to burden you more than I already have, but now I see I have done us all a disservice by keeping this from you.”
Deborah’s brows flew up in surprise, and Cedric huffed out a laugh.
“What? Cannot believe that I can admit when I am wrong?” He asked, a smirk chasing the rest of the worry on his face.
“Actually? No. I am quite shocked that admitting such a thing seems so easy for you,” she confessed.
Cedric shook his head as he chuckled.
“I never claimed it was easy for me,” he retorted, rubbing the back of his neck. “It is, however, at times, a necessity.”
He drew in an exhausted sigh, and for the first time, Deborah saw a glimpse behind the mask he wore for everyone else.
He was not just some handsome man who only cared for title and the affections of women.
He was a man with a great responsibility on his shoulders.
One that was not even his to begin with.
Yet he was trying his best to take on the burden.
“We should work together more,” Deborah gently urged, falling into pace beside him as they went back into the house, “At least when it comes to Adeline. There is a reason God wants His children to parent in pairs. The work is easier when it is done with two.”
Cedric grunted, but Deborah noticed that he had at least slowed down his pace, so she would not have to walk as fast to keep up.
“And what do you suggest?” Cedric asked.
Deborah contemplated the question for the moment.
“I still believe that the sunshine and fresh air are good for her. Her lungs seem to be quite healthy,” Deborah explained. “We do not have over-exert her or ourselves as she and I did today, but perhaps the three of us could take walks together.”
Cedric huffed as they reached the foyer.
“Did she enjoy herself today?” He asked.
“Yes,” Deborah asked, the question taking her by surprise.
“Then it would not be a good idea that I accompany you,” Cedric said, walking away from Deborah and toward his office.
“But why?” Deborah called after him.
Cedric bowed his head, but he kept on walking.
“Because she cannot stand me, that is why.”
The way he said it, the hurt that echoed in his deep voice as he walked away, had Deborah stopping her pursuit, and for the first time, she felt pity for the man.