Michael Trevellian arrived promptly at 8 o'clock. A footman let him in and escorted him to the kitchen. Rowan was standing over the sinks, rinsing the last of her dishes, the staff flowing around her. Michael wove around people and reached her side. She looked up when he touched her shoulder.
"Just a minute." She said over the noise. Putting the plate carefully in the drainer, she threw a dishtowel over the rack, nodded to the housekeeper and fled the room, Michael in tow. Once back in the foyer, she stopped and leaned against the railing.
"Bad night?" Michael asked, studying her closely. Rowan chuckled.
"No, not really. Just odd. Our patients are doing well. Fever's constant at 100 in Integral, 99.7 in Walter. Vitals are strong, they've slept well most of the night." The housekeeper bustled by with a tray of juice and porridge. "I think they're ready for gentle foods."
"Any further instructions?"
"They both need ten minute soaks, l left the supplies in the bathroom. Two sachets and a double handful of salt in each bath, water should be warm but not stinging. You know the teas, infusions every two to four hours. I made three jugs of juice, they've gone through one already. I'd like to see one more consumed." Rowan pulled a tin out of her pocket. Flipping it open, she took out a cigarette and put it in her mouth. The tin went back into her pocket. Michael provided a light. She took a long drag. "I should warn you, Integral is getting restless. I've already told her no paperwork. Don't let her wheedle you." Michael chuckled.
"I'm well used to Integral's tricks. I've cared for her for seven years. All right, I'll head up. I can't spend all day here, but I will stop by at lunch and again at teatime."
"I'll be coming about 5 o'clock. I need to pick up some more supplies. See you later!" Rowan gave Michael a friendly elbow in the arm and strolled off. Michael watched as she collected her things at the front door and was bowed out.
* * *
By ten o'clock, Integral was bored. Michael allowed her to sit outside on her balcony with a book and a tall glass of juice. Integral eyed the dark pink liquid resignedly. She was going to hate juice. Walter shuffled up beside her and eased into the lounge chair. A maid arranged a light blanket over him and added another juice to the table between them.
"I'll be just inside tidying if you need me, sirs." The maid disappeared with a slight curtsey. Integral frowned at the trees.
"A lovely day, woudln't you agree, Sir Integral?" Walter asked, leaning back and folding his hands.
"It would be lovelier if I could get some work done. All this sitting about is annoying." Integral stroked the book in her lap. It was one of her favorites, but the deep and complicated plot was not drawing her in.
"You have earned a bit of vacation, sir. Granted, it should have been under better circumstances."
"Do not hand me that rot. You and I both know I would not take a vacation without some form of external pressure. Usually it is you." She looked at her butler. Walter's eyes were closed, a smug smirk on his face. Did I learn that from him or him from me? She wondered. "Besides, vacations and I do not get along. They end in disaster."
"Perhaps we can break that jinx this time."
"By never leaving the house?" Walter chuckled.
"By not worrying and simply enjoying the quiet time. Fargeson has everything well in hand and I am sure in a day or two, you will be allowed to go back to your paperwork."
"I shall go stark raving mad before then."
"Do not be silly, Sir Integral. You would never allow yourself to fall into such a condition. That would be giving up." Integral's mouth twitched.
"You know me too well, Walter."
"It is my duty, sir."
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