Scoundrel With A Noble Heart (sequel of Disgraceful)

Chapter 31

Dear readers, sorry for the late update due to a problem with the internet connection yesterday. I hope you enjoy this chapter and looking forward to getting your feedback.

"Good heavens!"
Marguerite hurried outside, followed by Matthew.
When they entered Goddard's chamber, the old man had been laid down in his bed, two servants standing at the bedside. The heavy velvet curtains were drawn to allow sunlight into the room while the sheer curtains were left closed to soften the sun's rays.

The very sight of the unconscious Goddard brought Matthew up short. It wasn't until he saw Goddard in close quarters that he realized that the man looked much older and frail. Matthew wasn't aware of it before because most of the time he met his employer at night, but in the daylight he noticed that his employer's complexion was dull and lifeless, and his skin had turned bluish gray. Matthew didn't know for certain what was ailing the tireless man, but he guessed after all these years, Goddard's heavy drinking and damaging lifestyle finally took a toll on his health.

Within minutes the doctor arrived, and they waited outside during the examination. As the minutes ticked by, Marguerite was getting more and more anxious, once the doctor appeared in the doorway, she leapt up to ask him,
"Doctor, is my father going to be alright?"

Even before the doctor said a single word, Matthew could tell from his grim expression that the result was not good. The doctor took a moment before answering,
"I'm afraid he won't live to see another summer."

The shocking news had Marguerite frozen to the spot, all the color immediately drained from her face.

"His liver has become damaged beyond repair, and the best I can do is help him go through his last days with the least amount of pain. In the meanwhile, just make him happy and let him have anything he wants."

Once the doctor left, Matthew stepped around Marguerite, and when he took her hands in his own, he found that they were cold and shaking.

"Matthew," She whispered,
"There must be a mistake. This can't be true."

"Don't worry, Maggie. We'll find another doctor. He will be alright."

Matthew assured her that everything was going to be fine, but when the third doctor they met said the same thing, he realized that there was no use denying the fact. When the doctor explained the severity of Goddard's illness, Marguerite appeared to take it quite well, not refusing to accept the doctor's verdict or bursting into tears as he'd expected.

She remained calm and composed while staying at Goddard's bedside for the rest of the day. She finally agreed to retire to her own chamber after both Cook and Mary persuaded her to get some rest and let them replace her for the night.

The suite was dark and quiet when Matthew came to see Goddard later at midnight. Goddard slept most of the time, due to the effects of the medicine. Cook told him not to worry, and to get some rest. He slipped out of Goddard's bedchamber and headed for the door, but halfway across the room he glanced in the direction of Marguerite's bedchamber.

The door was partly open, light from inside the room spilling through the small gap. Overcome by a sudden urge to see her, he turned and directed his steps toward her door. Pausing just outside the room, he peeked into the dimly illuminated space and found her standing by the window, arms folded across her stomach. At the moment her delicate frame looked so fragile and forlorn, he instantly felt a fierce yet tender protectiveness toward her.

Without breaking the silence, he moved toward her. Careful not to startle her, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. She turned around to face him, and the look on her face was so vulnerable it made his heart squeeze.