Part 35 (1/2)
Whatever the reason for their arrangement, it was undeniable that Robert was happy about his marriage.
Intent on informing Robert of his departure, Simon took a fortifying breath and rapped on Robert's door.
When he entered the chamber, he was unprepared to see Robert lying in his large four-poster bed in the middle of the day. Thick velvet curtains covered the window, shutting out the sunlight. Even from across the room in the dim light, Robert looked gray and frail.
Stunned, Simon walked up to the bed.
”Simon.” Robert gave him a feeble smile. ”Come, sit with me awhile. I would very much enjoy the company. My wife has spent the last two days reading to me. I sent her away to allow her to rest.”
Robert's complexion was even worse close up, and he looked and sounded weak. A disturbing sense of unease twisted in Simon's gut. Never had he seen this great commander look so depleted.
He sat down on the edge of the bed. It sagged with his weight. Robert stiffened and growled through clenched teeth.
”Robert?” Alarmed by the pain he'd just caused, Simon tried to stand back up, but Robert grabbed his wrist and squeezed. The excessive warmth of Robert's hand was startling.
”No, stay,” Robert rasped with his eyes closed, taking a few moments before he opened them again.
”So what is this I hear about you depleting my supply of wine? Before you say anything, know that Jules has done his best to cover for you, but my servants are loyal to me.”
Simon remained silent. His dull wits still grappled with the fever he felt coming from Robert's hand.
”Only one thing can drive a rational man to such limits,” Robert said with a slight smile. ”A woman, no? I remember the other night, at the theater, you wanted to discuss something with me. Would it be about this same female who is costing me my best wine?” he gently teased.
”That was nothing.” Simon tried to dismiss the subject. Neither of them was in any condition to have this conversation. Besides, Simon was planning to take the secret of his feelings for Angelica to his grave.
”Judging by the copious amount of wine you have consumed over the last few days, I would say that this 'nothing' or rather this woman is very significant to you.”
If Simon's mind hadn't been so sluggish, he would have skillfully changed the subject by now. ”It doesn't matter. She's married, and she is devoted to her husband.” He prayed his answer would appease Robert enough to end the subject. It was making him uneasy when he was already unsettled by Robert's condition.
Robert gave a slight nod. ”Simon, I've enjoyed life, lived each moment to the fullest. I've known the thrill of battle as well as the pleasure of many ladies in and out of my bed. Battle and women can be equally exhilarating in different ways.” He chuckled softly. ”By example, I suppose that when it came to women, I never taught you restraint. When it came to a beautiful woman, I was never good at keeping it in my breeches, married or not, and yet, you show restraint with this woman.”
Dieu, why did he want to talk about this? Could he know? Impossible. Angelica would never tell him. Could someone have overheard them?
Simon squeezed Robert's hand and looked into the eyes of the man he loved and respected above all others. ”Robert, it is over. She belongs to another. I'll not interfere.” Just saying the words was excruciating.
”You have fallen in love, Simon. Don't try to deny it. When I was your age, I believed it to be a dangerous thing. I believed it weakened a man, clouded his mind, and a leader must stay focused. l.u.s.t is much easier to deal with...” He smiled. ”Now that I look back, I see what a fool I was. Love is rare. It should be treasured and not taken lightly, or for granted.”
Simon didn't speak, not trusting his voice. Talking about this and seeing Robert in this state was too much to bear.
Robert tried to s.h.i.+ft his body, then growled with agony. Simon's stomach clenched.
”Merde, this leg is killing me. Those fools who call themselves physicians cannot seem to do anything to improve the situation. I have chewed tobacco leaves, as they've suggested, smoked tobacco and opium too, but the pain persists.”
Simon couldn't leave him now. Not in this condition. ”You're as strong as an ox and as stubborn as a mule. This leg injury is nothing compared to other challenges you have encountered at sea, overcoming every one of them.” He refused to entertain any thoughts of losing him.
Robert gave him a weary smile.
”Now then,” Simon rose off the bed carefully. ”I shall leave you to rest. Be quick about your recovery. Do not keep your lady waiting. You have a wife who cares for you.”
Three days later, Simon briskly made his way to Robert's chamber, fearful that something would happen to him in his absence from the room.
Though he didn't wish to have Angelica bear the suffering alone, he'd been forced to leave Robert's bedchamber when he was informed that more of his men had arrived and needed to speak to him. He had a small army a.s.sembled at hand and had received the most interesting information from his spies in Fouquet's household. But he'd done nothing more than digest it. Right now, his focus was on Robert.
Over the last few days, Robert's fever had wavered from alarmingly high to warm. His two physicians had bled him several times each day. The powerful emetics they'd administered purged his system but had done little to combat the fever.
Angelica stepped out of Robert's room.
”How is he?” Simon asked.
Angelica shook her head. Tears glistened in her eyes. She'd been strong for Robert, showing the extent of her worry only outside his chambers.
They were both overwhelmed with feelings of helplessness, drained emotionally and physically.
Seeing her look as lost as he felt, he wanted to pull her into his arms to comfort her, or perhaps to comfort himself, but he was afraid that if he touched her, he would succ.u.mb to total discomposure.
Disregarding the physicians' warnings to stay out of the sick room, they had remained with Robert, cooling his fevered brow with damp cloths, reading to him or just sitting near him. There were rare moments when he was not in so much pain, sleep would mercifully take hold.
It was killing him to watch this strong man diminish before his eyes.
”He isn't doing well at all today. I'm afraid...” Her words died. A few tears escaped down her cheek. He fought back the urge to break down as well. He was devoid of any words that would offer consolation.
She looked up at him and quickly wiped her tears away. ”He is awake. He wishes to speak to you.”
When Simon entered the room, Robert's two physicians, along with Jules and Armand, stood solemnly around the chamber's perimeter. A few servants softly wept in the far corner. As he approached Robert, Simon's stomach fisted. Robert had writhed in agony most of the night. Except for the dark circles under his sunken eyes, his complexion was colorless, despite his fever.
”Simon,” he rasped. ”Sit close to me. I must speak with you.”
Carefully, Simon sat down on the bed, trying to cause as little movement as was possible. Despite his effort, Robert cried out. Simon closed his eyes, Robert's pain stabbing through him.
With surprising strength, Robert gripped Simon's hand and squeezed. He snapped his eyes open. The display of vigor was more in character with the man he knew.
”Simon, come closer.”
Carefully, he leaned forward. Robert covered their clasped hands with his other and ordered the physicians, and servants to leave. Jules and Armand remained.
Once the door was closed, Robert began to speak. ”Your men love you, Simon, and that is because of the man you are. They respect you and would do anything for you. I want you to swear to me that you will bring down Fouquet. He cannot be left unchecked any longer. Make him pay for all he has done. Do what you must. Promise me!”
Simon tried to swallow despite the lump in his throat. ”I promise to do everything in my power to see it done.”
”Angelica... You must swear to protect her.”
”I swear.”
Robert nodded and released one of his hands from Simon's, his strength waning. ”I know, Simon.” His voice was soft. ”I know that Angelica is your love. No, don't say anything. Just listen well, my son, for that is exactly what you are to me. Only a true son would make the great sacrifice you were willing to make for me. You respected my marriage and therefore respected me. Now I ask this of you before your men as my witnesses: marry her. When I am gone, do not waste precious time mourning me. You deserve to be enn.o.bled. You mustn't stop until you gain your Letters from the king. Swear to me you'll gain them and marry Angelica.”