Chapter 24

Martin entered the examination room tentatively. Margaret observed that he appeared just as awkward and strange as he did when he was a little boy. His shoulders were hunched and he had a scowl on his face as he peered at them over the patient file he held close to his chest. He closed the door, then stood in silence as he inspected them, looking from one to the other. "Mum, Dad. Good afternoon."

Christopher was seated on the examination table. Margaret knew he was uncomfortable, facing his estranged son for the first time in years. He was undoubtedly embarrassed as well, and feeling exposed, clothed only in a hospital gown; and to cover his sense of vulnerability, he became aggressive speaking up immediately, irritation obvious in his voice, "Yes. Good afternoon. Let's cut to the chase. Have you had a chance to look over the notes that my specialist sent from Portugal?"

When Christopher had agreed to consult with Martin, Margaret saw the opportunity, if not to reconcile, at least to reconnect with their son. As she packed their bags and made arrangements for the last-minute trip to London, she began to plot the best way to approach Martin so that he would forget the years of estrangement and acknowledge her as his mother … and the grandmother of his children. All she needed was an introduction to Louisa, and all would be well. All her years moving in the often venomous world of high society, as well as her frequent charity work with women in all walks of life, had given her the skills to establish a friendly rapport with nearly anyone. Winning over a simple, kind-hearted school teacher like Louisa would be no challenge at all. Margaret would show a sincere interest in her children and Louisa would be more than willing to send occasional photos and news of their accomplishments. That was all she really wanted, something to share with her friends, to be in the same club. She just needed the introduction.

Winning over Martin might be more arduous. She remembered how, as a child, he was always eager to please her. Despite their long-standing alienation, there was no reason to expect he would be less compliant now. It might take some time, but she would show him her kind and compassionate side, she would let him know how impressed she was with his accomplishments, and she would show a heartfelt interest in his family and their welfare. If all else failed, she would point out that time was short, that it was likely his father did not have much time left, and that she might follow soon after. It would be a kindness to let her back into his life. Yes, that should work, she had thought.

But now, with Christopher's belligerence, it appeared that the moment for reconciliation had passed. There were to be no pleasantries, no recognition of their special bond, no attempt to right the estrangement that had hung over their relationship for so long. Martin was to be just another specialist with whom they would consult with regard to Christopher's medical condition.

Martin replied to Christopher's question, his tone completely professional as he summarised his conversation with his Dad's Portuguese consultant, "Yes, I have read Dr. Fonseca's notes and I've spoken with him about your recent history of TIAs. He thinks your condition is extremely serious. Although he is experienced in treating your condition, he felt you would be more comfortable and might receive better care here in England. Hence your consultation today. Is that correct?"

Christopher glared at him, "Yes."

Martin nodded, "Very well. He said you would be bringing a CD of your scans?"

Margaret pulled the CD from her purse, "Here it is Martin. May I say, we are so grateful that you have squeezed your father into your busy schedule." She passed the CD to Martin, giving him her best smile in hopes he would accept her gesture of good will and look favourably upon her despite Christopher's blatant antipathy. She didn't expect affection after all these years, but a modicum of respect and benign acceptance would be welcome. If something happened to Christopher, he would be the only family she would have and she might need his help.

Things had been strained between her and Christopher since her accident in late June, when he had discovered James' picture in her wardrobe. He had yet to forgive her for keeping from him the existence of Martin's family, and he had been more testy than usual. She was certain that much of his irascibility was due to several TIAs he had experienced since then. Most of the time, his speech would be slurred or the muscles in his face would droop, but the symptoms rarely lasted more than a half-hour, two hours at the most. His doctor was keeping an eye on him, but Christopher wasn't terribly concerned … then he had his most recent attack.

He had just returned from a round of golf and was taking a shower when she heard a thud and bellowing coming from the shower room. She remembered the fear she felt when she went to check on him and found him on the floor unable to get up and shouting incoherently at her. She covered him with a towel and called for an ambulance. When the medics arrived fifteen minutes later, he had recovered some of his speech and was complaining that he couldn't see a bloody thing. He had completely recovered by the time he reached hospital, but the doctors had insisted he be admitted for observation and tests. That was when Dr. Fonseca had examined him and advised that he return to England for treatment, referring him to the highly respected vascular specialist, Martin Ellingham. Christopher spat out, "Good God man, isn't there someone else?"

The doctor replied, "Yes there are others, but he really is the best, works out of Imperial Hospital in London. I attended a seminar he gave here a few years ago. He is up on all the latest techniques. Do you have some specific problem with him?"

"Yes. He's my son."

Dr. Fonseca looked down at his patient's notes and stammered, "Oh … Of course, you have the same last name. I should have made the connection. Even so, I think you should consult with him. He cannot treat you of course, but he could oversee your care and make certain that you have the next best vascular specialist in London. And I do believe you would be happier with your care in England where the staff all speak your language and your expenses likely will be covered by your national health service."

Despite Christopher's resistance, Dr Fonseca finally convinced him of the necessity of developing a treatment plan within the next few days and by the time they had left his office, his assistant had scheduled an appointment with Martin's office in two days time. So here they were. She was hopeful that Martin would be able to cure him.

Martin put the CD she handed him into his laptop and pulled up the images. He spent five long minutes examining each image before he confirmed Dr. Fonseca's opinion. "These images do confirm advanced atherosclerosis in several of your major arteries. Your carotid has significant blockage, and there are blockages in your legs as well. Do you experience pain when you walk?"

Christopher snapped back at him, "Occasionally, yes."

Martin continued, "You don't need me to tell you how serious this condition is. I'm surprised your consultant didn't deem it necessary to treat you earlier." Martin walked over to the examination table, "Lie back so I can examine you."

Martin spent the next ten minutes giving his father a thorough examination. Margaret watched him closely, hoping to gauge his thoughts, but his expression never changed from one of serious concentration. He asked two or three pointed questions which Christopher answered with precision, knowing what it was that Martin was considering. When he finished, he summarised his findings, using many technical terms that Christopher would understand, but which were incomprehensible to Margaret. She was frustrated and asked that he explain to her what it was that he had found in terms she could understand. He gave her a very brief summary, telling her that Dad could explain it all further. He finished by confirming that ethically he could not treat his father, but that he would refer him to a competent colleague.

"I will, of course, monitor your care assiduously." He turned to Margaret, "Dad will be admitted today and in hospital for a week at a minimum. We will need to monitor his recovery carefully. It is likely that he will be in rehabilitation care for several weeks after that, perhaps longer. You may want to find a short-term flat to hire for the duration. I do not think you will be returning to Portugal before January at the earliest. The hospital has a list of available estate agents that can help you. My assistant, Ms. Newcross can refer you."

As he walked toward the door, he continued, "I will be back shortly with Mr. Brendall, who will be in charge of your care."

As he was about to open the door, there came a knock. He jerked the door open and snapped at his assistant, "What is it?"

"Sorry to disturb you Mr. Ellingham, but it's Mrs. Ellingham …"

Martin was out the door in a flash, slamming it shut behind him.

Christopher turned to Margaret, "Did you hear that? His wife calling him in the middle of consultations. What kind of woman is she? Doesn't she know better?"

Margaret glared at her husband in rebuke for his outburst. "I'm sure she must have a good reason for contacting him." She was fairly certain that Louisa would be at school working at this time of day. Plus, Louisa hadn't seemed like the sort to disturb her husband during the day for anything less than an emergency. She hoped nothing had happened to the children.

Less than ten minutes later, Martin entered the examination room along with a younger man. "Mum, Dad, this is Mr. Brendall." Turning to Jake, he continued, "Mr. Brendall, my mother and father, Margaret and Christopher Ellingham."

"Pleased to meet you." Jake Brendall nodded his head in acknowledgement.

Martin resumed his brief introduction, "Mr. Brendall is a highly competent vascular and surgical specialist. I have complete confidence in his ability to manage your care. I will of course supervise your progress closely myself as well. I have briefed him on your condition and the results of my examination. He will undoubtedly want to perform his own checks to confirm my evaluation. Now if you will excuse me, I have an emergency I must attend."

Martin turned to open the door, and Brendall followed him out to the corridor. Margaret moved closer to the open door and strained to catch bits of their conversation.

Brendall, "Good luck. I hope all goes well."

Martin, "Mmm … Yes."

Brendall, ""Give Louisa my best."

That last comment confirmed Margaret's fears that something was wrong with the pregnancy. She wanted to ask but knew that it was inappropriate, and she scuttled back to her chair as he returned to the examination room.

"So Mr. Ellingham, let's see what we can do for you."