Lucien grinned and set the tray in front of her. It was full and held blueberries, bacon, eggs, and yogurt and pancakes. She almost sighed with delight when she spotted the silver coffeepot with wisps of steam coming out of the spout.
She laughed. “If I eat all this, I won’t be able to fit into any of my clothes.” She looked up at his mother. “Thank you. For this, for everything.”
His mother pursed her lips and gave a brief nod.
“Lucien, there’s more for you in the kitchen. Go on down and fix yourself something to eat.”
“I’ll wait until after Catty’s finished.”
“No, go.” Catty nodded. “I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll stay with her.” His mother smiled.
Lucien stilled.
She didn’t want to be left alone with his mother, but she didn’t want Lucien waiting for her to finish before getting something to eat. Besides, she could handle herself.
“Yes, Lucien. Go. I’m fine.” She shooed him away with her hand. She picked up the tiny silver pitcher of creamer and poured a generous amount into her black coffee. Picking up a spoon, she stirred until the liquid turned a pretty caramel color.
“I’ll hurry.” He bent and pressed a warm kiss to her forehead.
She blushed at the show of intimacy in front of his mother. Her stomach clutched. His mother must think she was some Jezebel trying to steal her son.
She took a sip of coffee and steeled herself for Mrs. Sauvage.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“I’m afraid Lucien has forgotten his manners.” The woman stepped closer to the bed and smiled.
Catty looked up from her coffee.
“He’s forgotten to properly introduce us.” She held out her hand. “My name is Marie Sauvage.”
Catty shook the woman’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Sauvage. I’m Catty Steele.”
“No, dear, call me Marie.”
“All right.” She nodded and reached for her fork. She cut into her pancake and looked up at the woman. “I want to thank you again for letting me stay here last night and for taking care of me.”
“Oh, I didn’t really do anything. Just bandaged you up.” Marie walked over to the chair near the window and pulled it closer to the bed and took a seat. “It was Lucien who took care of you. He refused to leave your side.” She cocked her head and studied her. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen my son. And ironically, last night both of them showed up.”
Catty swallowed her food and cut her gaze at the woman. “Lucien saw his brother? How did it go? I can’t imagine it went well.”
“So you know about Lucien’s back.” A knowing looked passed through the older woman’s eyes.
Catty blushed.
Marie looked away and sighed. “Their reunion didn’t go well. Not at all like I imagined.”
“Did he hurt Lucien?” Catty stilled.
“Actually, they hurt each other. But Lorcan was the one with a broken nose.”
“Good,” Catty said.
Marie’s eyes widened.
“I’m sorry. I know they are both your sons, but what he did to Lucien is unforgivable.”
Marie took a deep breath and slowly blew it out. “Sibling rivalry goes back to the Bible, you know. The ones closest to us are the ones who hurt us more deeply than anyone else.”
“Not like that.” Her appetite was gone and she leaned back against the pillow. “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business.”
“I think you made it your business when you got involved with my son,” Marie murmured.
Catty jerked her head toward the woman as irritation flared in her chest.
“What do you want with Lucien, Catty?”
“No offense, but I don’t think it is any of your business.”
“Well, I make it my business when I see he’s falling for someone who has the capacity to hurt him. I don’t want to see him get hurt. He’s been through enough as it is.” Marie held her gaze.
Nausea rose up in Catty’s stomach at the woman’s harsh words. Was she planning on sticking around for Lucien? She wanted to. She very much wanted to.
“I would never hurt Lucien. Ever.”
“Good.” Marie smiled and stood from the chair. “Then I hope you and Lucien can stay for a few days. I’d like to get caught up with my son. And I would like to get to know you better.”
Catty frowned. She wanted to get to know her?
“You’ll have to ask Lucien. I think he has business back in New Orleans.” She eyed the woman. “But maybe later. After his business is done.”
Marie smiled. The joy reached her eyes. “I would love that.” She headed for the door and then turned. “And Catty, it was a pleasure to meet you.”