Cedric took a step back from her touch as he sucked on his teeth. His annoyance lingered for another moment, then he sighed.
“Adeline does not like being fussed over,” Cedric replied, calmer now. “She does not like people to know that she is sick. She is determined to live her life the way she wants to.”
Deborah blinked, still confused, but she nodded.
“Alright. I can understand that. Buthowis she sick? What is wrong with her? Can you not call a physician to treat her? Surely there are some medicines or tonics that can-”
“Adeline does not suffer from something so mundane as a cold,” Cedric said, cutting her off, “She is prone to fits.”
Deborah’s brow furrowed, still not understanding.
“Fits of what?” She asked.
Sadness took over Cedric’s annoyed expression, and he bowed his head and shook it as he placed his hands on his hips.
“Neither I nor any physician know for sure,” Cedric explained. “One moment she could be perfectly fine. The next she couldbe on the floor, convulsing and clenching her jaw tight, not breathing properly. The physician stated that she has a weak constitution, and for her to exert herself could set off such fits more frequently.”
Cedric finally looked up, his dark eyes pleading.
“I know you meant well with what you did today, but please. Do not exert her so again. Some of her fits come and go within seconds. Others lastmuchlonger, and it takes her several days of rest, sometimes even a week, for her to recover.”
Realizing how much danger she had put Adeline in, Deborah suddenly felt weak with guilt and regret.
“I am so sorry,” she said, shaking her head, “I did not know.”
Cedric let out another sigh and stepped up to her, waiting for her to meet his eyes again.
“Thatis my fault,” he stated, giving her an earnest look, “I did not want to burden you more than I already have, but now I see I have done us all a disservice by keeping this from you.”
Deborah’s brows flew up in surprise, and Cedric huffed out a laugh.
“What? Cannot believe that I can admit when I am wrong?” He asked, a smirk chasing the rest of the worry on his face.
“Actually? No. I am quite shocked that admitting such a thing seems so easy for you,” she confessed.
Cedric shook his head as he chuckled.
“I never claimed it was easy for me,” he retorted, rubbing the back of his neck. “It is, however, at times, a necessity.”
He drew in an exhausted sigh, and for the first time, Deborah saw a glimpse behind the mask he wore for everyone else. He was not just some handsome man who only cared for title and the affections of women. He was a man with a great responsibility on his shoulders. One that was not even his to begin with. Yet he was trying his best to take on the burden.
“We should work together more,” Deborah gently urged, falling into pace beside him as they went back into the house, “At least when it comes to Adeline. There is a reason God wants His children to parent in pairs. The work is easier when it is done with two.”
Cedric grunted, but Deborah noticed that he had at least slowed down his pace, so she would not have to walk as fast to keep up.
“And what do you suggest?” Cedric asked.
Deborah contemplated the question for the moment.
“I still believe that the sunshine and fresh air are good for her. Her lungs seem to be quite healthy,” Deborah explained. “We donot have over-exert her or ourselves as she and I did today, but perhaps the three of us could take walks together.”
Cedric huffed as they reached the foyer.
“Did she enjoy herself today?” He asked.
“Yes,” Deborah asked, the question taking her by surprise.
“Then it would not be a good idea that I accompany you,” Cedric said, walking away from Deborah and toward his office.