Doctor Raoul's Romance by Penelope Butler Read Free Book Online

a humdrum job he doesn’t like, because he won’t want to be dependent on my money. And anyhow, I’m not sure he’s really got it in him to be successful in the theater. And if he isn’t we’d be sunk. We’d have to separate. Because I have—”
    “You mean you’re quite sure you have it in you to be a successful actress? You have great faith in yourself.”
    “It isn’t that. But I’m quite, quite sure. I know it, Adrien.” Looking at her, Adrien was astonished to see the same quiet, confident expression on her face as she had seen on Dr. Dubois’s the previous evening. A look of dedication.
    She thought suddenly, “If Blanche really has the theater in her blood, has anyone, has Nicholas, the right to deny her a chance? Is he really being fair to her?”
    She said, “Blanche, I’ll do what I can to help you. I promise. But you must be patient. You must—”
    She broke off, as Jeanne, the little maid, came running toward them, across the lawn, crying, “ C’est Monsieur le Docteur qui est la .”
    “I’m coming— je viens, Jeanne.” Adrien sprang to her feet and ran toward the house, aware, to her annoyance, that it wasn’t the running that caused the violent beating of her heart.
    “At least,” she thought, “I’m in uniform today. He’ll approve of that!”
    Why was she so concerned about Dr. Dubois’s good opinions? she found herself wondering. But of course, that was easily explained. She wanted to stay with Nicholas and Gillian. She wanted to see this case through. It would be dreadful if Dr. Dubois should say he could not continue treatment unless Nicholas dismissed her and employed another nurse.
    But when she entered the cool tiled hall, it was dear old Dr. Lerouge who rose from the settle to greet her with his courtly bow and handshake.
    “Bonjour, Monsieur le Docteur. Dr. Dubois is not with you?”
    He shook his head.
    “Unfortunately not, mademoiselle. He has telephoned to say he cannot come. He has an urgent case. Vous comprenez ?”
    Adrien felt her color rise with anger. He had promised to come today. Gillian was expecting him, relying on him. He had no right to let his patient down. Especially a patient as seriously ill as Gillian.
    But she controlled the expression of her feelings. She said evenly, if a trifle ironically, “I suppose Dr. Dubois is a very busy man.”
    “Very busy and very clever, mademoiselle. You understand there was nothing, really, he could do here today. I know Raoul Dubois. When he is concentrating on a case, he will allow nothing to stand in his way. He will fight to the last inch. I say this to you, mademoiselle, though it may not be etiquette, because you are a friend of the family as well as a nurse, n’est-ce pas ? And I would not wish you to be anxious. If anyone can save Madame Renton it is Raoul Dubois, believe me.”
    “I don’t doubt it, Doctor,” said Adrien, but in her mind she added, “No, I don’t doubt it. Dr. Dubois will fight death to the last inch. Because that’s the way to fame, the way to success, and that’s all he thinks about, that young man!” Somehow, all her cynicism about Dr. Dubois had been revived by his non - appearance this afternoon. She was convinced he had no heart.
    Dressing for her visit to the chateau that night, Adrien was conscious of a strong thrill of excitement. It was quite a long time since she’d had an opportunity to wear this dress in white lace over silver satin. She hoped it wasn’t too elaborate, but she had nothing between that and her ordinary summer dresses, which didn’t seem grand enough for a soiree at a chateau.
    As requested, she went to show herself to Nicholas and Gillian. Nicholas whistled—a little flat. It wasn’t easy for him to assume a gay mood. It was easier for Gillian herself as her eyes sparkled and she said, “Adrien, you look like something out of Vogue. Even our fierce young Dr. Dubois would fall for you tonight. Wouldn’t he, Nicky?”
    Adrien laughed.
    “I