Heart at risk

6. my endless empathy.

Penelope lay in bed, her breaths steady and her face free from the anguish that had previously marred it. The cramping had eased, and she had managed to fall into a fitful sleep, her exhaustion finally overcoming the intensity of her fear.

Outside her room, Colin paced the hallway, his anxiety palpable. The earlier distress had left him on edge, his mind racing with questions he desperately needed answered. Rae stood by the door, her demeanor calm but her eyes betraying a flicker of worry. The silence between them was heavy, filled with the unsaid and the unknown.

Colin finally broke the silence, his voice low but firm. 'Rae, I need to know what is going on. What do you know?'

Rae turned to face him, her professional mask firmly in place. She took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure despite the turmoil within. 'Mr. Bridgerton, what is happening with Penelope is serious. I have been doing my best to manage her symptoms and provide some relief.'

Colin's eyes narrowed with frustration and concern. 'I understand that, but you are not answering my questions. What exactly are you treating her for?' 

Rae met his gaze with a mixture of resolve and apprehension. 'Mr. Bridgerton, there are many potential causes for Penelope's symptoms. At this moment, it is important to focus on managing her pain and getting her the care she needs.'

Colin's expression was a blend of frustration and desperation. 'I need to know if she is in danger, Rae. I need to be prepared for what might happen.' 

Colin's frustration gave way to desperation. 'What about appendicitis? Is that what we are dealing with? Because that is extremely dangerous. What do we do then?' 

Rae met his gaze firmly, her voice resolute. 'It is not appendicitis.' Colin's eyes narrowed further, his frustration mounting. 'How can you be so sure? What makes you certain it is not appendicitis?'

Rae struggled to maintain her professional facade, the pressure of Colin's questions almost overwhelming her. She was well aware of the risk of cracking under the strain. 'Mr. Bridgerton,  based on my experience and her symptoms, appendicitis seems unlikely.' 

Colin's eyes bore into her, suspicion clear in his gaze. 'Why did you ask me to leave earlier? What were you discussing with Penelope that required my absence? What do you know that you are not telling me?'

Rae's heart raced, her mind scrambling to find a suitable response. She knew she had to maintain her cover, but Colin's insistence was pushing her to the edge. She could see the concern in his eyes and knew she had to handle the situation delicately.

'Mr. Bridgerton,' Rae said, her voice trembling slightly despite her best efforts to stay calm, 'it was necessary for you to step out so that I could provide Penelope with a thorough assessment and offer her comfort without any added stress.'

Colin's eyes flared with frustration, his jaw tightening. 'That is bullshit, Rae!' Rae felt the pressure of Colin's intense scrutiny. Her composure was slipping, and she could feel her resolve weakening under his relentless questioning. She struggled to find the right words, knowing that her professional demeanor was teetering on the edge of breaking.

'Mr. Bridgerton,' Rae said, her voice trembling slightly despite her efforts to remain calm. Colin's frustration boiled over. 'If you are hiding something, I need to know.'

'Mr. Bridgerton,' Rae said, her voice trembling slightly despite her efforts to remain calm, 'it is not about hiding any truth. It is about managing a sensitive situation. Penelope's condition is delicate, and I need to ensure she receives the best care without causing her additional stress.'

Colin's frustration boiled over. 'Delicate? You have been evasive about her condition, and that is unacceptable. I have a right to know what is happening to my wife. Why did you ask me to leave earlier? What could have been so important that I could not be there?'