Dr. Carlisle's Child Read online

  Jack Wells, somewhat breathless, appeared, notebook poised, his face even redder than before. ‘Sorry, sir, I got held up with Billy Carlisle.’

  Professor Hays frowned. ‘How’s his chest?’

  ‘Fine now but I had to give him a further neb. His asthma worsens every time his mother leaves and now Gemma is demanding that he be moved to a side ward. That’s the last thing he needs but try telling it to that awful woman.’

  ‘That’s enough, Dr Wells,’ Professor Hays said sharply. ‘You don’t know all the circumstances.’

  Jack Wells’s face was practically purple now, and Lucinda could tell he was angry.

  ‘I know enough to know that she leaves Billy on his own too much already, without him being moved to a side ward. Something needs to be said.’

  Lucinda had only met Jack that morning but she could tell his outburst was out of character. Professor Hays seemed to realise this, too, and ignored his junior’s insubordination, addressing him this time in a kinder tone.

  ‘I know you’re concerned—we all are. Sister Benton has tried to have a word with Gemma. It’s very awkward, with Seb being a doctor here.’ Professor Hays then addressed Lucinda. ‘Gemma and Seb are divorced,’ he explained. ‘Mrs Carlisle apparently feels very uncomfortable in the hospital. She assumes that we’re all on Seb’s side and gets easily upset, which, of course, translates to Billy. It’s not doing his asthma any good.’

  Lucinda frowned. She really couldn’t care less about the Carlisles’ marital disputes, but when it affected her patient that was another matter.

  ‘Perhaps I could have a word with them?’ Lucinda offered. ‘Billy needs to have his parents around at the moment. If I talk to both of them together, lay it on the line so to speak, Mrs Carlisle can hardly accuse me of favouritism.’

  ‘But you’ll be working closely with Seb. It’s hardly a great start to your working relationship,’ Professor Hays pointed out.

  Lucinda considered this but only for a moment.

  ‘From all accounts, Sebastian Carlisle is a fine doctor, and shall continue to be whether he likes me or not. I can understand that it’s hard for you all to say anything about this, given that you know him personally, but I’m here to treat patients, not to win a personality competition. If Billy’s asthma is suffering because of his parents, it needs to be addressed.’

  Professor Hays nodded. ‘Very well. You’re right, of course.’ He turned to Jack. ‘Are they both still here?’

  Jack nodded. ‘Gemma’s seen the side ward is empty and is demanding that Billy be moved now.’

  Professor Hays scratched his bald head. ‘Maybe it would be for the best if you did speak to them. I’ll finish up here with Jack.’

  On the ward an exasperated Ann met Lucinda.

  ‘I’m going to have to move him,’ she said angrily. ‘I’ve tried telling Gemma that Billy should be out on the main ward, mixing with the other children. The last thing he needs is to be feeling sorry for himself in a side ward, but she just won’t listen to reason. Anyway, I like to keep a side ward free for the really sick ones.’

  Lucinda tried to be objective as she scanned Billy’s notes. ‘She’s probably exhausted. She’s more than likely worn out from sleeping by Billy’s bed, and Seb being stuck in Theatre was probably the last straw.’

  Ann scoffed at this. ‘Worn out? She only arrived five minutes before the ward round and she only popped in for half an hour yesterday. Poor Seb’s run ragged, juggling a theatre list and trying to be both mum and dad.’

  ‘Well, that’s his problem and Billy’s reaction to it is mine. Don’t worry, Ann, I’ll speak to them now.’

  Lucinda made her way over to the bedside. ‘Could I have a word with you both, please, in Sister Benton’s office?’ She smiled at Billy. ‘We won’t be long.’ She made her way to the office and sat at the desk as the Carlisles entered. Lucinda didn’t waste any time with small talk.

  ‘I understand that you want Billy to be moved to a side ward. Can I ask why?’

  ‘I’m happy for him to stay on the main ward,’ Seb said evenly. ‘It’s Gemma that wants him to be moved.’

  ‘Of course you’re happy for him to be on the main ward. It’s all right for you—everyone loves Seb,’ Gemma snapped, and then turned her angry stare on Lucinda. ‘I’m the one who has to put up with the hostility from the nurses just because Seb has custody of Billy. I know what they’re all saying behind my back. “There’s the woman who walked out on her husband and child.” They all hate me.’

  ‘I’m sure that’s not the case,’ Lucinda said calmly, but Gemma was insistent.

  ‘Oh, I’m telling you that’s exactly the case. How would you like it, day in day out, stuck here like a sitting duck for all the snide comments, with everyone judging you. You don’t know what it’s like, having a child with a hole in the heart—’ Her voice was rising and Lucinda cut short her protests.

  ‘You’re right, I don’t know what it’s like to have a sick child and, to be honest, I’m not sure how I’d cope. However, the fact of the matter is Billy’s asthma is worsening and he needs a parent to stay with him at the moment as much as possible.’

  ‘Its pure attention-seeking.’ Gemma said dismissively, as Seb rolled his eyes at her ridiculous comment.

  Lucinda’s voice remained calm but she felt the hackles of irritation rising.

  ‘Mrs Carlisle, I can assure you Billy’s asthma is far more serious than attention-seeking behaviour. There may be a link with you going, but that’s related to his anxiety, and anxiety is increasing the frequency and severity of his attacks. Now, personally I feel that the last thing Billy needs is to be moved to a side ward. He’s a bright little boy and he knows those wards are used for the really ill children. He’s already spent too much of his young life in hospital and, no doubt, he’s somewhat anxious about the surgery. The last thing he needs is to feel further isolated. Children need company, even if it’s just to have someone in the next bed to grumble to about the lunchtime shepherd’s pie.’

  Gemma started to protest but Lucinda put her hand up to halt the woman and continued authoritatively, ‘However, if by moving him it means that you feel more comfortable and are prepared to stay around a lot more, well, then, I agree that would be a valid reason for him to be moved to a side ward.’

  Gemma opened her mouth to speak but Lucinda still hadn’t finished.

  ‘At the moment I understand that you’re still on call?’ She looked at Seb who nodded at her question.

  ‘Which means that you can’t guarantee being around all the time.’

  ‘I’m off roster when he has his operation,’ Seb said. ‘I’ll be able to stay then.’

  Lucinda nodded curtly, trying to ignore the unsettling effect his deep voice was having on her.

  ‘Well, Mrs Carlisle, think about it. Whatever you decide, though, I’ll have a word with the nursing staff. I would hope that you’re mistaken, but if there’s any truth to your feelings of hostility from the staff it needs to be addressed. You’ve got enough on your plate at the moment without it being added to unnecessarily.’

  Gemma looked at her, surprised, as if the last thing she’d expected had been someone to come down on her side. ‘I’m not imagining it.’

  ‘Then I’ll speak to them.’

  ‘Thank you,’ she said, somewhat appeased.

  ‘But I would still like you to think about what I’ve said. I really think Billy will do better out on the main ward, but I’ll leave the decision to you.’

  ‘I’ll think about it,’ she grudgingly agreed, and then turned to Seb. ‘I’m going to pop down to the canteen for a coffee. I’ll let you know what I decide.’

  Seb gave her a tight smile. ‘Sure, Gemma.’

  ‘Thanks for that,’ he said once Gemma had gone, turning those gorgeous green eyes on Lucinda. ‘Ten minutes ago she was all set to move the bed in there herself. Now at least she’s thinking about it.’

  ‘I wasn’t aware, until Gemma mentioned it, that
you have full custody of Billy. It must be hard.’

  Seb gave a thin smile but he wasn’t giving anything away. ‘It can be, but the good times far outweigh the bad.’ He quickly changed the subject. ‘Gemma does have a point, though. As much as I think we’ve got the best nursing staff in the world here, they are noticeably cool towards her. Not only is she saddled with the reputation of walking out on her family, she’s also been thrown into my environment and, fair or not, the staff tend to come down on my side. Unfortunately everyone has an opinion on the subject.’

  Lucinda thought about this. She was also somewhat surprised by Seb’s ability to be fair to his ex-wife, who even with the best will in the world was not the most likeable of people.

  ‘Well, they’ll have to learn to keep it to themselves,’ she said firmly. ‘They’re here to look after not just Billy but the whole family. Gemma deserves the same respect as you.’

  ‘I agree.’

  Lucinda softened a little. He really did seem to be trying hard in these very difficult circumstances. ‘Can’t you take some annual leave, stay with Billy a bit more?’ she said in kinder voice.

  Seb shook his head. ‘I’m already in the red with my annual leave. I asked to go on compassionate leave, but half the anaesthetic department has come down with flu so they can’t let me go till the operation and even then it will only be for a couple of weeks. We had a necrotising enterocolitis and a ruptured appendix last night while the on-call had an emergency thoracotomy. What am I supposed to do then? You can see for yourself how keen Gemma is to stay.’

  Lucinda pondered for a moment but they both knew there was no easy solution.

  ‘I’m sorry if I came on a bit strong, but something had to be said.’

  Seb waved his hand. ‘You really don’t have to apologise. You were quite right to say something. I’d have done exactly the same. Hopefully Gemma will take heed.’

  He smiled and for a moment his face had the same cheeky look as his son’s, but the effect was somewhat more disturbing.

  ‘Well, Miss Chambers, I’m sorry we had to meet in these circumstances, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about you and I’m looking forward to working with you.’ He held out his hand and Lucinda shook it, noticing the firmness of his grip. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d better get back to Billy.’

  ‘Of course.’

  As Seb left the room Ann entered.

  ‘How did it go?’

  Lucinda shrugged. ‘I’m not sure if Gemma will change her mind but Dr Carlisle seemed very amicable.’

  ‘I could think of a few words other than “amicable” to describe him. He’s gorgeous, isn’t he?’ she said saucily.

  Lucinda didn’t respond. Ann, happy-go-lucky, middle-aged and with a wedding ring on her finger, could make comments like that and get away with it. For Lucinda, however, that type of talk could only lead to gossip and innuendo.

  ‘Gemma did say she felt some hostility coming from the nursing staff.’ Lucinda watched as Ann puffed up, on the defensive, but Lucinda carried on talking. ‘And I can understand why. You’re obviously all fond of Seb but, Ann, it has to stop. Gemma is Billy’s mother, and the staff have to forget that his father is Seb. Now, I don’t know all the circumstances of the break-up, but I can also be pretty sure that the rest of the staff don’t know them either, and certainly not from Gemma’s viewpoint. I think it might be prudent for you to have a word, Ann, just to be sure.’

  Ann gave a grudging nod. ‘You’re probably right. I’ll speak to them now. We’re all a bit guilty, I guess. It’s hard to be objective…’

  ‘Well, you’ll all just have to try harder, for Billy’s sake,’ Lucinda retorted, and Ann nodded sheepishly.

  ‘Fair point.’

  ‘I’d better be going. I was supposed to be in Admin half an hour ago. Let me know if there’s any more problems with the Carlisles’.

  Making her way out of the ward, she noticed Seb and Billy playing happily with a board game. Billy was laughing, with no hint of breathlessness now, as Seb lounged on the bed beside him. Ann was right. Sebastian Carlisle was gorgeous, that was undeniable. But he also had a five-year-old son and a wife from hell—or rather an ex-wife, she corrected herself, trying to ignore the sense of relief that thought gave her.

  CHAPTER TWO

  BY THE time Lucinda had been photographed for her security pass and had filled in a mountain of forms, the morning had disappeared and any hope of preparing a speech for her welcoming luncheon were gone.

  In view of her seniority, the catering department had prepared a sumptuous array of finger food with not a single polystyrene cup or paper plate in sight. However, like Lucinda, for most of the senior staff attending, the lunch was a formality and not a pleasure. Professor Hays was the one exception. His glowing speech and obvious delight at having her on board made Lucinda inwardly cringe, but she smiled and shook his hand as he welcomed her onto the platform to address her new colleagues.

  The polite but somewhat forced applause did nothing to quell her nerves; neither did the openly hostile look Pete Hughes was throwing her. Andrew Doran looked at his watch, wanting to get back to his babies. Seb, now dressed in a suit, fiddled with his tie, no doubt anxious to return to his son’s bedside.

  ‘I know we’re all busy people so I’ll make this brief.’ Her voice was clear and steady, and she stood straight, her white coat discarded for the luncheon.

  She wore a cream cashmere dress that clung becomingly to her curvaceous figure; her dark hair, thick and glossy, rippled over her shoulders. Lucinda, in fact, looked like a woman who had spent hours getting ready for this moment. In truth, that morning she had jumped under the shower and spent a mere five minutes blow-drying her long hair and about half that again to add just a touch of eyeliner and lipstick. Her complexion was so clear there was no need for foundation or blusher. Lucinda’s looks entirely spoke for themselves.

  Her clothes were ludicrously expensive and well tailored, but even that was with reason. With her impossible schedule, she had little or no time for clothes-shopping, so twice a year she set aside a day for what she considered a tiresome necessity, not a luxury, and purchased a select few pieces that would last and look smart. Not one person in the room could have guessed at her apprehension.

  ‘Firstly, I’d like to thank Professor Hays for his words of welcome and for giving me the opportunity to work with him in such a prestigious hospital. I have no doubt I shall learn a lot.

  ‘While I’m proud to be here, I think it’s very important to remember that were it not for other people’s misfortunes there would be no Melbourne Central, and hence no need for us. So on that note I’ll thank you all for coming to welcome me on board and let you get back to the people that really matter—the patients.’

  ‘Hear, hear,’ somebody quipped as everyone started clapping, and this time the applause was genuine. Several people came up and shook her hand as she left the platform and congratulated her.

  ‘Nice speech, direct and to the point, like this morning.’

  Lucinda swung around at the deep, familiar voice. Seb’s green eyes were smiling at her now and Lucinda reluctantly recalled Ann’s words.

  ‘That’s me,’ she said lightly, then added, ‘How’s Billy?’

  ‘He’s settled now, and still out on the main ward, thanks to you. It’s their rest time so I thought I’d come and welcome the new consultant as we got off to a rather bad start this morning.’

  Lucinda smiled. ‘It must be hard, having your son as a patient in the same hospital you work at.’

  ‘Absolutely. Every emergency page I hear sends me into a cold sweat in case it might be Billy, and while it’s nice that I can pop down and see him between patients, it’s rather embarrassing to have all your dirty washing aired in public.’

  Lucinda waited for him to elaborate but he’d obviously said all he was going to on the subject. She stood there uncomfortably, desperately trying to think of something to say. Despite her excellence at public sp
eaking and confidence when discussing medical matters, once on a more social level Lucinda invariably found herself feeling awkward.

  After a moment’s silence it was Seb who spoke again. ‘Pete Hughes looks as if he’s at a funeral,’ he observed.

  ‘I think he’d like it to be mine.’

  Seb gave her a wry smile. ‘All’s fair in love and promotion. He’ll get over it.’

  Lucinda’s eyes widened. ‘So that’s his problem? I wish Professor Hays had warned me. I had no idea he was in the running.’

  Seb shrugged dismissively. ‘He never was. Pete just liked to think he stood a chance. He likes to party a bit too hard for the prof’s liking. Much as Professor Hays might look a bit dotty at times, he knows exactly what goes on. Pete’s going to need to do a lot more spadework before he wins him over. Anyway, enough about work. How are you settling in Melbourne? Have you found somewhere to live yet?’

  She knew he was probably just being polite, but under his steady gaze Lucinda couldn’t help but feel that Seb’s interest was genuine and she found herself answering back in a softer, less businesslike tone.

  ‘I only arrived on Saturday morning, but I’m starting to find my way around. I found somewhere to live before I came, thank goodness. Admin finally gave me my roster this morning—it wouldn’t have left much time for house-hunting.’

  ‘Tell me about it,’ he groaned. ‘So where are you living?’

  ‘At Southbank, the new apartment complex.’

  Seb let out a low whistle. ‘They look pretty plush, I saw the advertisements for them. They’d be handy for work, too.’

  Lucinda nodded. ‘Five minutes away. How about you?’

  ‘Nothing so flash, or near, I’m afraid. I’m more the “renovator’s delight” type, not that I ever seem to find the time to renovate. Mind you, that can have its advantages when you’ve got children. Billy may be past the scribbling-on-walls stage, but footballs hurtling through the air and remote-control cars crashing into the plasterwork aren’t the best recipe for a luxury home—not that you’d know about that sort of thing,’ he added.