Chapter 26

Mary, Catherine, and three of William's kitchen helpers entered the hospital chamber. As the food trays were put down Mary announced that she was there to take the next watch. Catherine took Vincent's arm and said she had their meal waiting in there chamber so Vincent could eat and then get the rest he needed. The next two of them said their good byes as Mary prepared a plate of food for Devin. She turned to Jenny, "My dear there is plenty here for you as well, but if you would like to stretch your legs a bit you could also eat in the dining hall."

"I'd like to stay here," Jenny said as she moved to the table to get food.

Silence reigned in the chamber for a time. It could have been because they were eating or it could have been that no one knew what to say about what had happened. More than likely the two involved were too ashamed to bring up the subject. It was so fresh in their minds there was no other topic that came to mind.

Finally it was Mary that broke the silence, "If neither of you two want any more to eat, I will call for the trays to be removed."

Both assured her they didn't so Mary stepped outside the chamber for a moment to send a message on the pipes. While she was gone Devin took the opportunity to apologize to Jenny, "I am sorry that I got you tin trouble Jen. I only wanted to get free not to cause you problems."

She shook her head sadly, "You still don't get how serious this is Devin! You talk about getting free without any thought for what everyone is telling you! If you continue to try to move around you could be paralyzed for LIFE!"

Mary came back in before Devin could respond to her so he just turned his head away from her and said, "I am really tired, I think I will get some sleep."

"That is a very good idea," Mary told him gently tucking the sheet and blanket in around him. When his eyes remained closed Mary looked at Jenny and said, "There isn't any need for you to stay while he sleeps. I can watch over him and let you know when he wakes up. Maybe you and Catherine could spend some time together?"

"Thank you Mary that is a good idea. Any idea where I might find her?"

"She was going to make sure Vincent got some rest so I would try their chamber first," Mary suggested.

"Than you again," Jenny said and left after one lingering look at Devin.

Waiting until she was sure Jenny had gotten enough distance away Mary spoke, "She's gone if you want to stop faking Devin."

He opened his eyes with a sheepish grin and replied, "You know me too well Mary."

"As your surrogate mother until you ran away, I should think I would," she huffed. "Now do you want to tell me what is going on between the two of you?"

"It's really complicated," he hedged.

"Too much so that a simple tunnel dweller like little old me couldn't understand?" she questioned.

"That's not what I meant!" he protested.

"Then why not try and tell me what is going on and give me a chance to help if I can?"

"It's Jenny," he sighed.

"Well I knew that," Mary responded with a gentle smile. "What about her?"

"She's dating Joe Maxwell, Cathy's boss, as well as me."

"And…" she encouraged him to tell her more.

"And I don't like it!" he blurted out.

"Have you told her that?"

"Not in so many words…" he reluctantly admitted.

"How many words did you use?"

"I might have mentioned that I wished that she would make up her mind."

"Did you give her any indication of what outcome you would prefer?"

"I would think that would be obvious," he stated.

"Really Devin? In all your years around women haven't you learned that they like to hear the words?!"

Blushing a little he told her, "I guess I didn't think of that!"

To be continued…..