Part 45 (1/2)
”No. I'll do it.”
Barnabas didn't appear to be surprised to see Julia in the lab, preparing the hypodermic that evening. ”Good evening, Julia. How is Roger?”
”There's been no change.”
”I don't understand why she's doing this, what she could possibly hope to accomplish.”
”I've no idea. I do want to know why you've decided that Angelique should give you these injections, however.”
”What are you talking about?”
”Angelique said that you wanted her to take over for me.”
”That's nonsense. I never said any such thing. What did you tell her?”
”The truth. That I have to keep a close watch on your progress. And that serum has to be made up every two days. Barnabas, are you certain you didn't - ?'
”Of course I am, Julia. Don't you see? it's just another part of her plan. She's decided she wants me to remain as I am.”
”I'm sure you're wrong about that.”
”No. I only wish I were. The injections will continue, Julia, and you will give them to me. I must be cured so that I can fight her. I won't allow her to destroy this family as she almost did once.” He b.u.t.toned his coat. ”Where is she?”
”At Collinwood. She had dinner there this evening.”
When Quentin saw Angelique glance toward the door for what had to be the sixth time that evening, he sat down beside her. ”Something wrong?”
”I don't really know, Quentin,” she said, aware that Maggie, across the room talking to Carolyn, was watching them ”I -”
”Trouble in paradise already?” At her confused looked, he said, ”Have you and Barnabas had another of your arguments?”
”No. I only wish it were that simple. Can we talk, Quentin?”
”Here?”
”No. Someplace we can't be overheard.”
”Let's go to my room, then.” He took her arm and turned to Carolyn, ignoring the look in Maggie's eyes.
”We'll be right back. I need to talk to Angelique about something.”
Carolyn had seen the look on Maggie's face, and frowned. ”You're upset about his being with her, aren't you?”
”Carolyn-”
”What happened, Maggie? You and he seemed to be getting so close, and now all of a sudden you don't seem to be able to speak to each other.”
”I wish I knew, Carolyn. All I know is that he's changed. And - he frightens me. Excuse me. I have to go check on the children.”
After Quentin closed the door to his suite in the West Wing, he poured himself a gla.s.s of brandy. ”How about some port?”