Chapter 10 - Elaine's Secret
|
The transformation within the Caldwell estate was not instantaneous, but it was undeniable.
Madison began saying "please" and "thank you." She stopped throwing tantrums over minor inconveniences. She even apologized to Margaret for a particularly harsh comment made weeks prior. The staff walked the halls with a renewed sense of peace, silently thanking the stoic maid from Arkansas for performing a miracle.
But while Madison was healing, a dark shadow was creeping over Elaine Caldwell.
Nora noticed the subtle changes first. Elaine, usually vibrant and obsessively busy with her social calendar, was increasingly tired. She canceled three charity luncheons in a row. She spent hours resting in the sunroom, her skin taking on a pale, almost translucent quality.
One afternoon, Nora was dusting the grand staircase when she heard a strange, heavy thud coming from the second-floor landing.
She hurried up the stairs, her heart accelerating.
Elaine was leaning heavily against the mahogany railing, clutching her chest, gasping for air. Her face was entirely drained of color, and her lips carried a terrifying, bluish tint.
“Mrs. Caldwell!” Nora dropped her duster, rushing forward.
“I’m fine, Nora,” Elaine gasped, attempting to wave her away with a trembling hand. “Just… just a dizzy spell. Didn't eat enough breakfast.”
Nora didn't listen. Her prerequisite nursing training kicked in instantly. She grabbed Elaine’s wrist, feeling for a pulse. It was erratic, thready, and dangerously fast.
“You are not fine,” Nora stated firmly, guiding the wealthy matriarch down to sit on the top step. “You’re experiencing tachycardia, and you’re cyanotic. I’m calling an ambulance.”
“No!” Elaine shrieked, suddenly gripping Nora’s apron with terrifying strength. “No ambulances. You cannot tell Richard. He has a massive merger finalizing this week. The stress will kill him. I forbid you to call 911.”
“Mrs. Caldwell, you are having a cardiac event—”
“It’s a failing valve,” Elaine whispered, tears springing to her eyes, the secret finally spilling out. “I was diagnosed three months ago. I need surgery, but I’ve been putting it off until Richard’s deal closes. I don't want him to lose the company because he’s distracted by me. Please, Nora. Just help me to my bed.”
Nora stared at the woman, horrified by the toxic, sacrificial nature of the Caldwell family dynamics. They all hid their pain to protect the empire.
“I will help you to your bed,” Nora agreed softly.
May you like
Elaine sighed in relief.
But as Nora wrapped her arm around Elaine’s waist to lift her, the older woman’s eyes suddenly rolled back into her head. Elaine’s entire body went limp, collapsing completely into Nora’s arms as her heart finally gave out.
