Doe (#Wattys2016)

Chapter Seven

They had an hour of not knowing what to do with themselves. Should they walk up to the manor? But it would take them three hours on foot. Doe couldn't stand it, she had to be there with Francis and she begged her stunned grieving mother to let her go. Just as she was about to step out of the house in frustration Adam the chauffeur knocked on the door.

"Hey, Doe," he smiled, "I've come to take you and your mum."

Doe flung her arms around him in relief and embarrassed he patted her head. Harri, who was still shaking, and his mother excused themselves, though Harri looked desperately at Doe. His eyes lingering on hers for far too long and she was forced to look away. It was a tense journey with Adam trying to make cheerful small talk, which was met with strained silence. Though, he seemed to accept being ignored. Doe was so impatient to be with Francis that she sat on the edge of her seat, digging her fingernails into the sticky seam of the leather and swaying with the movement of the car.

When they reached the manor, they were told to go to the nursery. Doe burst into what was Draco's room. A doctor was standing just inside talking to Lord Lurie; Draco was holding Darlin's hand as they looked down on Francis. She was wired to a drip but looked a little more peaceful. Doe fell into a chair beside her bed and clutched hold of her sister's clammy hand.

"You'll be alright now," she whispered to Francis.

"Oh the poor thing." Darlin sighed.

"Come now, Darlin. You've been a great help today but I really must get you back to your father," Draco told Darlin softly and steered her away from Doe.

Doe turned to scowl at him but was met with such a look that she faltered. He was afraid.

Lord Lurie thanked the doctor who left shortly after Darlin. He then gently guided Lucia into a second chair opposite Doe.

"The doctor has given her some antibiotics, and she is receiving fluid to rehydrate her. He tells me the next twenty-four hours is crucial to her survival. Of course he will be taking up residence here, so he is at your service." Lord Lurie explained slowly and calmly in his soothing golden voice.

"Thank you, so much, my Lord. You are most kind," Lucia told him in a hollow voice, eyes only for her daughter.

"With your permission. May I inform her father?" Lord Lurie asked again just as softly.

"Oh, er...I suppose so," Lucia looked at him startled, "Why yes, you may."

Lord Lurie quickly left the room. Kitty entered quickly after and embraced Doe tightly and then took the seat next to her to hold her other hand.

"You must have something to eat and drink," Kitty said after a while off glancing at Francis. She rang a bell and gave orders that lunch should be brought to them.

The door opened once more and silently Draco approached them. Doe greeted him with a smile but was shocked when he put his hand on her shoulder. He took it off instantly but before he completely withdrew it Doe caught it and placed back on her shoulder, feeling guilty. He tightened his fingers fleetingly.

That afternoon they had a long wait. Kitty kept jumping up to fetch them comforts, evidently watching over the sick was not her forte. Draco quietly replaced her, taking up Doe's hand in his smooth cool ones. She could feel his pulse throbbing against her palm and knew he would rather be holding Francis. He was not to have his way this time, Doe thought, Francis was a daughter and a sister first.