“I hope so.”As much for herself as for Mum.But when they entered, Nurse Abbott’s thinned lips squashed all optimism.
“Good afternoon, Miss Davis, Mr.Beaumont.I’m afraid I need a private word with each of you.”
Mr.Beaumont addressed Nora.“Which would be the more gentlemanly thing?Normally, I would say ladies first, but I’m uncertain in this situation.”
Nurse Abbott cast Nora a worried look, then faced Mr.Beaumont.“It will be easier and quicker to speak with you first.”
Nora’s stomach knotted.She took the basket from Mr.Beaumont under the guise of freeing him for the discussion, but really it was so she could find comfort in petting Tristan.She didn’t even mind the beast nipped and swatted her fingers as she slid them between the lid and basket.Rather than allow her mind to run through endless possibilities of what she would be told, Nora eavesdropped on the quiet conversation taking place a handful of feet away.With the silence of the large rotunda and the way it echoed, she had no problem listening.
“Your mother made another attempt.”
Nora closed her eyes, grief hitting her unexpectedly.Poor Mrs.Beaumont.What state must she be in to think death the best option for her life, for her son?Disappointment and grief slumped his shoulders and bent his head.How Nora wanted to come alongside and comfort him.
If an attempted suicide was the easier news to hear, what horror am I about to hear?
Her lungs froze.Touch Tristan.Don’t let fear win.She shoved her hand further into the basket, finding the cat’s head, then back.Tristan growled but calmed when she found a spot he liked.
“She caused herself no harm, but she’s been moved to a more stringent ward where she is closely monitored.”
“Is there anything I can do?How do I make her happy?”Mr.Beaumont’s words came out choked and broken.
“You can’tmakeanyone happy.Pray for her soul.Don’t shame her for her struggles.Love and encourage her.We can do all the right things and it still not bring healing.”Nurse Abbott glanced toward Nora, their eyes connecting as she finished.“It is no one’s fault.”
Oh, God in heaven.Whatever she tells me, help me survive it.
Tristan bumped against her still hand, and she resumed petting.By the time Nurse Abbott and Mr.Beaumont rejoined her, Nora’s nerves made it impossible to remain impassive.
Mr.Beaumont reclaimed Tristan’s basket, deep concern etched at the corners of his eyes and mouth.“Do you want me to stay with you?”
She wanted to say yes, to have his hand hold hers and his presence calm her like it had at church, but he had enough to bear.He didn’t need her burden as well.“I’ll be fine.”
He nodded, but his frown deepened.
Belatedly, she remembered their discussion about yokes and sharing burdens, but there was nothing for it.She’d given her answer.
“Take that beast to the reception room.I’ll be around with your mother after I’ve finished with Miss Davis.”Nurse Abbott waited until Ezekiel and Tristan disappeared from view, then she took Nora’s hand.“I’m afraid your mother has experienced a setback in herrecovery, and Dr.Chalfant has rescinded visitor privileges.He believes your visits have contributed to her decline.”
The announcement came like a physical blow.Nora didn’t know what she had expected, but it wasn’t this.“Are you saying I can’t see her?For how long?”
Nurse Abbott patted her hand.“Not until she’s healed.”
In other words, never.The weight of a lifetime without Mum crushed like an elephant sitting on her chest.
“I’ve done my best, but Dr.Chalfant refused to change his mind.This will be your last visit, and a shortened one at that.It was all I could convince him to allow.”
How she wanted to deny Dr.Chalfant’s power to refuse access to Mum, but the horrid truth was Mum’s long-ago attack on that innocent man had made her a ward of the state.Father paid for better treatment, but for all intents and purposes, Dr.Chalfant was Mum’s warden.Until he declared her healed and sane, not even Father could have her released or transferred elsewhere.
“What has Mum done to bring about such punishment?”
“Life as Constanza Brisbane isn’t enough.She’s now claiming to be Katherine Yates, an English opera singer and thief.”
Katherine Yates?The woman from the libretto?The woman Winston and Ursula claimed was Nora’s mum?
Nora backed up until the wall supported her.WasKatherine Yates real?And was Mum really her?Or had Mum truly descended into madness?Which was worse—the questions surrounding Katherine Yates, or the news that Nora had been denied a future with Mum?
“I knew you’d take it badly.”Nurse Abbott’s arm came around her waist.“Come, let’s get you to a chair before you faint away.”
Nora wasn’t in danger of fainting, but she allowed the support as they shuffled to the reception room.Her mind was too awhirl not to.Which horrible announcement could she even begin to sort through?It was all too much.
