Nonplussed, Drew sat down in the hallway and waited. He was happy that the aroma that was wafting up from the kitchen smelled like real coffee.
Finally, the door opened again, the doctor stepped out, and said, "I need to call for a nurse to stay with her. She's on an IV drip and I've catheterized her. So I need the nurse to monitor things and change the bags."
Andrew told him, "No. There's no need for a nurse. I can swap out the bags. Just tell me what you want, and it will be done."
Drew and the doctor were just staring at each other when Jack came up the stairs. "There's fresh coffee downstairs. Why don't we go down and have some. And you can give Andrew instructions."
The doctor frowned and looked as if he was about to argue, when Jack told him, "Trust me, George, he can not only do whatever it is. He's also very determined. Just tell him what to do and he'll do it."
After the doctor left, Andrew asked, "Jack, can you stay with her for a while? I don't think any of the bags will need changing for an hour or so. And, I want to pick up a few things for her."
"Sure. And, when you get back, I'll go out and get us some of the local cuisine."
"Thank you. But...you will go upstairs, won't you?"
"Yes, Andy. I'll fix another mug of coffee and go upstairs. Just relax."
"Thank you."
"Hey, don't you think you need to call her family?"
"Not right now. You can tell Fitz she's safe -- and that she can pass that along. But, not where we are. I know she knows. But remind her to keep that part a secret. All right?"
"Yep."
Chapter Twenty-Six
Elizabeth woke up, but she didn't open her eyes. Instead, she just remained quiet and thought about what had happened. She remembered talking to Andrew, and to a doctor, and she was sure she'd heard Jack's voice. The doctor had told her she'd be restricted to bed for about twelve hours, but that when he returned, he was pretty sure he'd be able to remove the IV and catheter, and she could eat and move around.
Eating sounded especially good. She was hungry. Maybe, she could convince either Andrew or Jack to bring her something to drink. And just as she was thinking about this, the aroma of fresh, hot coffee made her eyes pop open.
"Good morning, Sweetheart," Drew crooned, as he bent over and kissed her on the cheek. "I thought you might like some coffee?"
"Oh, yes, thank you. As long as you don't think that doctor will mind. I don't want him to make me stay locked in bed, hooked up to tubes and bags."
"I've already spoken to him. He'll be along very soon. But, he said you could have some coffee. And, believe it or not, Jack is downstairs making you some scrambled eggs and toast. Which I find rather puzzling. Hasn't he made fun of my cooking several times?"
The idea of this made Beth smile. "Yes, I believe he did." She started to move to sit up, when the half-tester above her caught her eye. She looked around the room -- at least, what she could see of it.
"Andrew, where are we?"
"New Orleans. You knew that."
"Yes, but exactly where in New Orleans?"
"The apartment of one of Jack's cronies."
"Okay, but where is this apartment?"
"On Jackson Square. Once you're free of your tubes and bags, as you put it, we'll go out on the balcony. You're going to love the view."
"Andrew, are you saying that we're in an apartment that overlooks Jackson Square? That this gallery you're talking about actually looks out over it?"
"Yes, I told you."
"You and Jack haven't done anything...foolish, have you? I mean, more foolish than usual. I mean, you haven't broken into this place, have you?"
"No, Bethy. I told you. It belongs to one of Jack's friends. One he describes as eccentric."
"You mean he's richer than the Queen and lives extravagantly?"
Smiling, Drew nodded his head to one side, and acknowledged, "That's probably a fair description. Why does it matter?"
Beth struggled until she was sitting up and able to look around and carefully examine the room. She couldn't believe her luck.
"Oh, Drew. This is fabulous. I mean, the hotel in Monte Carlo was beyond belief. But this...this is..." Words failed her, and she fell into silence.
"It's very nice, great location, and," he added, with what she recognized as a mock sneer, "furnished with what passes around here for antiques..."
"My God, Andrew. Don't you realize where you are? Where we are?"
"I thought so..." Drew answered.
"Well, I don't think you do. Or, at least appreciate it. I've always loved New Orleans -- the history, the culture, the food, and the people." She turned around, and pointed to the inlaid design in the antique bed. "That's lemon wood, inlaid in rosewood. Look," she stated, pointing up, "that's a Creole tradition -- an azure blue silk rosette.
"This entire suite of furniture is antique. And not just any old antiques -- it's a Mallard bedroom suite."
"Okay."
"A Prudent Mallard bedroom suite!
"Okay..."
"And you're telling me we're staying in an apartment flanking Jackson Square. We're in one of the Pontalba Apartment Buildings. These are the oldest apartment buildings in the new world."
"Well, Jack did say he wouldn't have brought just anyone here...but I thought he was...you know...just...being Jack."
"Well," she responded, with a little giggle, "I guess you could say that." She looked over into her husband's face, and suddenly her heart leapt. This was the man she knew and loved...this was the caring, gentle man she'd married.
Neither of them had said anything about why she had run away -- or why he had been forced to come searching for her. She was afraid he might want to talk about it, now that she was awake.
But, she wasn't quite ready to explain why she'd run.
She'd also been wondering if they would be able to deal with all which had passed between them.
Would they find their way back to each other again?
Their eyes met, and they smiled at one another, but then they both looked away.
Beth felt ashamed for the way she'd acted, of all the things she'd thought about him, and said to him.
But, all the emotions flooding over her left her feeling confused and unsure what she should do.
How could she possibly make it all up to him?
How could she possibly make any of it up to him?
*****
Drew didn't know why, but he'd felt compelled to turn away. He was very much afraid that in the one moment -- that one second their eyes met -- he'd failed her. He'd failed staying strong for her. He'd failed following his father-in-laws explicit instructions. In short, he'd failed to be her rock.
The thing was, he didn't want to be her rock. He wanted to be her friend, her confident, her partner, and her lover. What he wanted was to be her husband again.
Since she awakened, she seemed calm and reasonable. The raw pain, anger, and frustration that had filled her back in London, seemed to have dissipated. And he didn't want to risk doing anything to bring it back.
Jack came in, carrying a tray with the toast and eggs for Beth. Drew took advantage of this to say, "I have to run out for half an hour or so, Jack. You'll keep Elizabeth company, won't you?"
"Of course, I will," Jack assured him.
And, with that, Andrew bolted from the bedroom and down the stairs.
*****
"Now," Jack began, "I hope I got your eggs right. Andy said you like them completely cooked, but moist. I found this a delicate balance, but I think I managed to achieve it."
Elizabeth wasted no time talking, she took a forkful of egg, savored it, and pronounced, "They're perfect, Jack. Absolutely perfect." Then she crunched into a piece of buttered toast, slathered with fig preserves. "Oh," she said, after swallowing, "that tastes so good. Thank you.
"The last food I had was a peanut butter sandwich on Friday night."
"Well, no wonder you're hungry," Jack answered, "it's Wednesday."
&n
bsp; "Oh my God," she exclaimed. She suddenly realized what a very serious and dangerous predicament she truly must have been in.
And with that insight, came more -- about how very much trouble and hurt she had caused so many people. She was beyond ashamed. She was mortified.
Jack must have picked up on this, because, he reached over and took her hand. "It's all right, Liz. Everything will be all right. You just have to have faith."
"I've been so unfair...to everyone...but especially to him. He lost a child too. I forgot that somehow."
"Elizabeth, all he wanted...all any of us wanted was to find you -- safe and sound." He released her hand, and encouraged her to eat, saying, "Go on -- before your breakfast gets cold."
"Yes, all right."
"I don't know if you know this," Jack said, "but I did come...when...everything...happened. Though, I wasn't able to get there for a couple of days."
"No, I didn't know, Jack. Thank you for coming -- for me, for everyone."
"I was shocked by what I found, Liz. You know how Andy is? I don't mean about being distraught over you -- I know you know how much he loves you. I'm talking about his personal habits. He's the only person I've ever known you could actually describe by the term 'fastidious'."
"Well, yes."
"I saw him while Carole was sick. And, I saw him right after she died. But, I have to say, I've never seen him so...I don't even know how to describe it."
He contemplated on the matter for a minute and said, "He was like a zombie. Seriously," Jack told her. "I've been working with him, when we...ah, let's just say we weren't staying in five star accommodations. And, it's always irked me how he somehow managed to stay so...so damned neat. Somehow he can wash up in the muddy water left in a hoof print. Me, not at all."
Beth smiled at this, but she didn't say anything.
"Anyway, by the time I got there, he had a couple days growth of stubble. His shirt was dirty. And, he really stank. All understandable, because he'd been sitting by your bedside. But, I'd just never seen him like that."
"I didn't know," Beth said.
"The thing was, he refused to move. And he still hadn't showered, shaved, or changed clothes by the time I had to fly back to Washington. In fact, Ruth said it got so bad the hospital staff complained -- actually complained."
"Oh, no," Beth said. "When I woke up, he was sitting there -- looking just like he always looks -- neat and clean."
"Ruth told me Richard spoke to your father. That he kind of insisted your father intervene. And, Andy told me Sir Roger really read him the riot act. Told him, in no uncertain terms, he was going to shower and shave, and then eat a hot meal and go to bed. Told him it wasn't up for discussion. He was going to do as he was told."
"Oh, Jack."
"Then he gave Andy some lecture about 'being your rock'. Whatever he said must have worked, if you found him normal when you finally woke up."
Jack jumped up and asked, "Can I get you another cup of coffee?"
"No, thank you," Beth said. "I'll wait until after the doctor leaves."
"Speaking of doctor, I better go down and wait for him. You'll be all right alone, won't you?"
"Yes. I'll be fine."
But, as she watched him disappear out the door, she wondered if she would be.
There was something buzzing around inside her head. She just couldn't quite get a hold of it.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Andrew made the relatively short walk up Chartres Street, and turned onto Canal Street. He was sure he'd come across a boutique or department store where he'd be able to find Beth some clothes. He'd gone out the afternoon before and found a pharmacy, where he'd assembled some basic toiletries for her.
Even though he'd love to find someplace like Henry Jackson's and buy her an entire wardrobe, he knew he needed to restrain himself. He wanted to reconnect with her -- not annoy her.
So, he didn't want to give her the impression he was trying to buy her love back. She wouldn't succumb to that, anyway. It would only irritate her. And that was something he wanted to avoid at all cost.
Eventually, he found a small, upscale women's shop, where he liked the clothes in the window displays. He walked in, and at once noticed the avarice looks the younger sales women were shooting at him.
The boldest one sidled up to him, and purred, "Can I help you, sir? What are you looking for...something for your...lady friend?"
There was something in the way she said this, as well as the condescending way she looked at him up and down -- as if she was sizing him, trying to figure out just how much he was good for, that aggravated him beyond belief. He made up his mind he wanted nothing to do with her, or any of the other, sneering young women.
It took him a few moments to escape these haughty retail vultures, and move freely throughout the store. But finally he located an older, pleasant looking sales woman and asked, "I wonder if you can help me. I'm in desperate need of some clothes for my wife."
She gave him a kind smile, and answered, "Certainly, sir. How can I assist you?"
"We were in an automobile accident, and our luggage was destroyed in the crash, and while she wasn't seriously injured, the emergency room nurses cut her clothes off of her. So, now she has nothing to wear. And, I can't let her leave in one of those awful scrub suits.
"Now, she's about your height and weight, with short brown, curly hair and big brown eyes. Can you help me find what she'll need? I'm afraid I'll need the entire kit. You understand, she has nothing."
"I'm sure we can accommodate her, sir. Now, where shall we begin? Lingerie? Or street clothes?"
If Andrew thought he'd been stalked before, the aggressive salesgirls heard this, frowned at one another, and then went off into a corner, where they stood, whispering and pointing at them.
He was sure that they might get a stipend, but most of their earnings were from commissions. He was also sure these younger, more attractive women were used to snagging the wealthier looking men that came into the store.
In an overly-loud voice, he answered, "Well, let's start with some basics. Perhaps a few blouses, and a couple pairs of slacks, and the like.
"The little sundress in the window caught my eye. And there was also a pale blue twin set just inside the doorway. Let's jump off from there."
"Of course," the sales woman answered, "you certainly seem to know what you want."
"Yes, I do," he answered, scowling right back at the most obviously annoyed younger woman. "I love buying things...for my wife."
They'd soon acquired a small pile of slacks, blouses, a skirt, the twin set and sundress he'd noticed, another day dress, and a classic little black cocktail dress.
The senior sales woman sent one of the peevish girls off to gather up black pumps, oxblood loafers, and a pair of black ballerina flats. Another was sent to choose purses to match the shoes, while a third was looking for a lightweight jacket and, if she was able to find one, a long, loose sweater jacket in black or navy.
The women who'd been sent for things would all get a small percentage of commission of what they brought to him and he bought. But, he knew how these shops worked, and his saleswoman would get some commission on all of what the two of them selected, as well as the lion's share of the commission on everything else. So, not only would the older woman make extra money, but she'd be able to lord this afternoon over the other younger, 'so-pleased-with-themselves' shop girls.
"Well," the sales woman said, "I think we have a fair selection. Shall we choose some lingerie now?" She led him to a counter, and based on the size of the clothes they'd already selected, pulled out a tray of panties, lifted up a pair, and said, "These are very nice. Perhaps one pair of them, and then we'll find some more everyday undies?"
Andrew accepted the wisp of silk and lace panties, examined them, and said, "Yes, these are very nice." Then he purposefully looked over at the arrogant girls, and added, "Make it a dozen of these, in black and beige. Are there any bras that match?"
"Yes
, I believe so," the older woman said. Then, in a lower voice added, "But, these are La Perla, sir. They're $300.00 a pair."
"That's fine," Drew answered, coolly. "And, Elizabeth doesn't like underwire bras, so you will keep that in mind, won't you?"
"Of course."
"Now, she'll need a slip or two, a camisole, at least one garter belt, and a small assortment of stockings, several pairs of socks -- the silk ones we looked at earlier -- and...have I forgotten anything?"
"Perhaps, a nightgown?"
"Oh, how silly of me. I want that Nudita Ricca Chantilly lace-trimmed silk chemise, in the robin's egg blue, as well as the satin and lace gown and kimono in the cocoa."
"Yes sir. And, shall we deliver this...to your hotel?"
Andrew blinked a few times. He was sure he shouldn't give out where they were staying -- even if he'd known the address. "Ah, no. I'll take everything with me -- now."
"They'll be a large amount of bundles, sir. Are you sure? I'm afraid you'll be loaded down. You won't really be able to stop anywhere else."
"Oh, that's all right. I'll take a cab. And, if you have a business card, please enclose several. After all your assistance this afternoon, I'd like to tell friends how pleasant and helpful you've been."
Then, as a final, parting blow to the snooty girls, he had added, rather loudly, "You've been such a joy to work with, please, pick something out for yourself, and just add it into the total. And, don't skimp, please."
"Oh, thank you, sir...but...I..."
"I insist. Please, what is it that you'd like? If you don't choose," he warned her, "something nice, you'll force me to choose for you."
"Well, I would love that flowered gown," she said, pointing at a mannequin wearing a long, slinky gown.
"Excellent, and add the matching robe as well. We wouldn't want to break up the set, now, would we?"
The older woman blushed scarlet as she moved her booty to the counter beside Drew's pile, rang up the total, took his credit card, and processed it. Andrew knew she held her breath -- afraid it would be declined, because just the total cost of the lingerie, alone, had been around fifteen thousand dollars.
Duty With Honor Book Five: An Unexpected Pause Page 16
