Rachel Lindsay - Love and Dr Forrest

by Rachel Lindsay

  "I wish it could be sooner!"

  "Temptress!" he said and put down the receiver.

  Promptly at ten-thirty the next morning she went clown to the foyer to meet Phillip. He was standing by the bookstall and feasted his eyes on her as she approached him.

  "Is it my imagination, or are you even more beautiful than I remembered?"

  "I'm wearing my hair down."

  "I like it loose." His voice lowered and his gaze travelled the length of her body. "It makes me more than ever want to—"

  "Phillip! Not at ten-thirty in the morning!"

  "At any time I can get you alone." His eyes glowed with mischief. "Beats me how you've stayed single all these years. I'm not surprised Richard dotes on you."

  "It's not only my charms he—" She stopped, wishing Richard had not sworn her to secrecy over Pat. Aware of Phillip looking at her curiously, she changed the subject. "Do you have to get back to the clinic today, darling?"

  "Nothing would get me there. And call me darling again. It's wonderful to hear you say it."

  She did as he asked, and he squeezed her fingers so lightly that she gasped.

  "Let's go out for a walk," he said huskily. "I need something to cool me down and restore my senses!"

  Together they set off to explore the old part of the city. Phillip knew Zurich well and pointed out the mediaeval houses on the Shipf, the exquisite royal blue and gold clock faces of the churches between the Silf and Lim- mat, and the square mansions along the Ramistrasse, which struggled for views of the city and the lake.

  They lunched lightly in a small, sparkling clean restaurant and then walked for several miles along the lakeside before returning, tired but happy, to the hotel.

  "My poor feet," Lesley said as they waited for the lift. "I feel like a nurse again!"

  "You'll feel better after a hot bath and a rest."

  "Right now I could sleep forever."

  "You have until eight," he said firmly. "I thought we'd dine in the grill room."

  "Make it half-past."

  "That's too long for me to wait until I can see you again. Let's say a quarter-past."

  Relaxing in scented, soapy water some fifteen minutes later, Lesley savoured the happiness of her day, her joy only marred by the knowledge that their future might not work out as easily as he believed. How would Deborah react when she finally learned she could have her freedom but that Kasper would not be a part of it?

  Phillip assumed she would turn her attention to another man—a logical assumption if one went by the woman's pattern of behaviour. But Deborah was anything but logical, and could well decide that if she could not have Kasper she would remain with Phillip. Indeed, if she discovered that Phillip himself wanted to remarry, she might decide to contest the divorce. It would be the obvious way of paying him back for his repeated refusals to set her free in the past couple of years.

  But this was defeatist thinking, and with an effort Lesley concentrated on dressing.

  Yet, even when she was sitting opposite Phillip in the grill room she found it impossible to forget her fears, and she hoped they were not both living in a fool's paradise.

  "You're upset about something, aren't you?" he commented.

  She shook her head but could not stop the sudden tears on her lashes.

  "Something is wrong, Lesley. Tell me what it is."

  "I always cry when I'm happy."

  "That's not the reason you're crying now. You're worrying about the future, aren't you?"

  "I can't help it."

  "We aren't doing anything unethical," he said, misunderstanding her. "Deborah's wanted her freedom for two years."

  "What if she changes her mind when she finds Kasper doesn't…?"

  "She can change it a hundred times," he replied flatly, "but I don't intend to waste any more of my life. Come on, sweetheart. You're tired and maudlin. You'll feel better after a good night's rest."

  Lesley must have been more exhausted by her long walk that day than she realised, for she did not awaken till Phillip telephoned her at eleven the following morning.

  "What on earth's happened to you?" he demanded.

  "You told me to get some rest."

  "I didn't mean for you take me so literally!"

  "I'll be ready in an hour. Shall I put on walking shoes?"

  "Put on your travelling clothes. We'll lunch out and go straight to the station. It would be a waste of time coming back to the hotel."

  "Then give me five minutes longer to pack." Scrambling out of bed, she bathed and dressed so fast she was reminded of her days as a nurse, and in less than the time stated, she was standing in the lobby by Phillip's side.

  "Another five minutes and I was coming up for you!" He guided her toward the door.

  "Wait a minute, Phillip. I must settle my bill and arrange for my luggage."

  "I've already paid for both of us. And the hotel is sending our cases to the station."

  Her eyes twinkled. "It's fabulous to be looked after like this."

  "The looking after is only just beginning." He bent down and kissed the tip of her nose, and she drew back quickly.

  "Phillip be careful! Someone might see."

  "Who cares?" he said and kissed her again as he bundled her through the swing doors.

  They lunched at a small but exclusive hotel that stood on one side of a gabled square. From the dining room Lesley had a perfect view of the lake and was so absorbed by its beauty she did not notice the man sitting a few tables away until she half turned to look at the sweet trolley.

  Hurriedly she faced Phillip again. "That man," she whispered. "The one two tables away. He's from our hotel."

  "So what?"

  "I bumped into him when I left your room last night. He stared at me the whole length of the corridor."

  "Then he obviously likes beautiful women as well as good food!" Phillip was amused. "Next thing you know you'll be having your bottom pinched." He signalled for the check and she watched as he settled the bill.

  He needs a haircut, she thought critically, and looking at the dark hair that curled on the nape of his neck, her whole body seemed to melt with tenderness.

  When they left the restaurant they drove straight to the station. The train was crowded and they had to sit at opposite ends of the carriage. This also applied when they boarded the electric train to take them from Chur to Arosa, and Lesley was amused at Phillip's obvious irritation.

  But even she felt irritated when, descending at their final destination, they were met by Axel Berteau holding a large package.

  "What are you doing here!" Phillip exclaimed.

  "One of our patients was expecting a parcel and I offered to collect it."

  "You're a doctor, not a messenger!"

  "The patient was worrying about it," Axel explained. "Besides, it is my off-duty time."

  Together the three walked out of the station. A great many cars were parked among the sleighs, and Axel shook his head.

  "I couldn't get the station wagon in, I'm afraid. I had to put it across the way. Please wait while I fetch it for you."

  He hurried off, and at once Phillip urged Lesley to a sleigh, bundled her in, climbed on himself and gave the driver sharp instructions. With a cradk of his whip and a guttural "Ja,ja, "they were bowling along the road.

  "That's fixed him!" Phillip said grimly, and Lesley dissolved into laughter.

  "Poor Axel! He'll have a fit!"

  "I couldn't bear the agony of making polite conversation when I was wishing him to Hades! I hate anyone who keeps us apart."

  He pulled her close and pressed quick kisses along the curve of her cheek until he found her mouth. Desperately they clung together, their passion so intense that their desire for complete fulfillment was an aching need___ It was almost a relief to draw apart as the sleigh swung into the steep drive leading toward the clinic.

  "When I think of having to see you and not being able to hold you like this______ " Phillip beat one hand against the other. "I mu
st tell Deborah as soon as I can. I can't go on like this!"

  "You must! If you told her too soon and anything happened to her, you'd never forgive yourself."

  "She might take months to recover."

  "Then we'll have to wait months. Promise me, Phillip. If you don't, I'll leave the clinic."

  With a stifled groan, he nodded. "I guess I'm going from the frying pan into the fire. A wife with no conscience at all to one with too much!"

  "I'm sorry." She was still firm. "But if you-"

  "I know," he cut in. "As always you're right. I never thought I'd need anyone to tell me how to behave ethically. That goes to show what love can do to a man." The sleigh slowed and his voice quickened. "But I have to see you alone again… soon. Tonight's impossible but you're not on duty tomorrow evening, are you?"

  She shook her head and he said, "Then I'll come to your room… No, perhaps it would be better if you came to my office, instead."

  "Is that wise?"

  "Wise or not, I have to see you."

  Accepting the inevitable, she nodded. "I'll come, darling."

  Before he could say anything else they were at the clinic entrance and she jumped out of the sleigh and ran up the steps to the lobby.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  As Lesley visited the patients next morning she experienced a deep sense of guilt toward Deborah. No matter how many times she told herself the girl had forfeited all right to being considered Phillip's wife, she was still legally tied to him, and this put any other woman in his life into a rather compromising position. Only when she could no longer put off going to see her did she walk down the corridor and abruptly enter her room.

  With an exclamation she stopped, surprised to see Hans Kasper sitting beside the bed.

  "I'll come back later," Lesley apologised.

  "There's no need," Deborah said with a curious smile. "Come in and meet Hans.

  "We've already met."

  Kasper threw Lesley a troubled look, which she ignored. "How are you feeling, Mrs. Redwood?"

  "Fine. But don't let's talk about me. Tell me how you enjoyed your weekend?"

  "I had a good rest and excellent food."

  "Was the company wonderful, too?"

  It was not the question so much as the tone that made Lesley hesitate, and she was glad she did, for Deborah spoke again. "I know you saw Phillip. He told me."

  "We bumped into each other in the hotel."

  Lesley was perplexed to know why he had told his wife they had met. Yet perhaps it was best that he had. To have hidden it and then have it discovered might have made their chance encounter open to other interpretations.

  "I didn't know Mr. Redwood as going to Zurich to see Professor Zecker," she explained.

  Again there was a curious smile on Deborah's face as she held out her hand to Hans Kasper. "Do come closer, darling. Dr. Forrest is a woman of the world—there's no need to pretend in front of her."

  "I must leave," the young Swiss said. "I do not wish to tire you."

  "You're not tiring me!" Deborah looked at Lesley. "Do tell Hans I'm heaps better. He won't believe me."

  "It's true," Lesley said. "In another few months Mrs. Redwood should be perfectly fit."

  "There!" Deborah was triumphant. "Now you needn't be worried that you'll be saddled with an ailing wife."

  "P-please!" Hans stammered. "It is not seemly to talk of such things. You are in your husband's clinic."

  "He won't be my husband much longer!"

  "What do you mean?" he asked fearfully. "You are not thinking of making a scandal?"

  "That's all you worry about," Deborah mocked.

  "I must protect my name if I want to be chosen for the Olympic team."

  "Damn the Olympics," came the angry retort. "And damn your career! Why must you bother going on with il? I have more money than I know what to do with."

  "I will not accept money from you," he said firmly. "I have also told you it is not my job as a ski instructor that worries me. My main concern is being chosen to represent my country."

  "You care more about those damn games than you do for me!"

  He straightened. This brought him face to face with Lesley and, seeing her expression, he gave a resigned shrug and swallowed back the words he had been about to utter.

  "I want you to be proud of me, Deborah. If I win a medal, think how delighted you will be."

  "I'll be more delighted to get my divorce! I want to marry you!" Deborah clutched at his hand. "We won't have to wait any longer, Hans. Phillip can't stop me getting my freedom. I'm going to divorce himV

  "How?"

  "Ask Dr. Forrest," Deborah smiled at Lesley. "You and Phillip were together at the Baur au Lac, weren't you?"

  Lesley's heart beat fast, but she kept her voice steady.

  "You already know that, Mrs. Redwood. It was no secret."

  "Not even a secret that he paid your bill?"

  "That was merely a matter of convenience."

  "It would have been even more convenient if you'd booked one room! You mainly used his anyway."

  'Your imagination is too vivid," Lesley said with forced calm and moved to the door.

  "Is it my imagination that you were in his room until the early hours of Saturday morning?"

  The colour drained from Lesley's face. "You are distorting facts."

  "Facts, Dr. Forrest, but not distorted ones! It cost me a lot of money and time to get something on my self- righteous husband, but finally—thanks to you—I've managed it." Deborah's voice was no longer shrill but purred with satisfaction. "For two years I've begged him to set me free. But now I can get a divorce without any trouble! I can just see the headlines: 'Lovers fight to save unwanted wife'! I'm surprised you didn't try to kill me, instead!"

  "Please, Mrs. Redwood," Lesley pleaded. "You know very well Phillip and I—"

  "So it's Phillip now, is it? It's always been Mr. Redwood before!"

  "Only when we're on duty. But calling a man by his Christian name is no grounds for a divorce!"

  "Staying in his room is!"

  "I didn't stay in his room! I went in for a drink."

  "At one o'clock in the morning? And for an hour and twenty minutes?"

  "Deborah, be quiet!" Hans Kasper bent over the bed again. "I will not stay here and listen to this degrading conversation."

  "Why not? You should be delighted."

  "I am more worried than delighted. If you set this snowball rolling, do you think the newspapers will leave us alone?"

  "Can't you stop thinking about your career?" Deborah screeched.

  In silence Hans strode to the door.

  "Don't go!" Deborah screamed again. "I love you. I love you."

  Her voice broke and she was struck by a violent spasm of coughing, which acted on him like a brake, causing him to close the door and move back to the bed.

  "I… I have a train to catch," he said jerkily.

  "That isn't why you're leaving," she choked, her face half-buried in a thick mound of tissue. "You don't want to see me any more."

  "Of course, I do. I'm not going because I wish to leave, but because it's the height of the season and I am busy."

  "When will I see you again?"

  "I will telephone and let you know."

  She lowered the tissues. "You said you'll be skiing at the Hernlei next week. You can come and see me then."

  His face dropped. "Yes, of course, I can." Hurriedly he bent and kissed the top of her head, a suffering look on his face when she twined her arms around his neck.

  "I love you, Hans. Nothing's going to stop me being your wife."

  "Yes. Yes." Abruptly he pulled himself free and strode from the room.

  Left alone with Deborah, Lesley looked at her with as much calm as she could muster. "I hope you weren't serious in the accusation you made against me and your husband? We met at the hotel by accident."

  "I have details of everything you and Phillip did. Your dinners, your lunches together and the length of time
you stayed in his room. The last detail will give me my divorce."

  "Nothing happened between your husband and myself!"

  "Knowing Phillip I can believe that! What did you do? Discuss Zecker's latest techniques?"

  Lesley ignored the remark. "Why do you want to destroy your husband?"

  "I want my freedom."

  "Then ask Phillip to divorce youV

  "And have him refuse me again?"

  "Perhaps he won't refuse."

  "Because it suits him? Really, Dr. Forrest, how naive you are! If Phillip wants to marry you, he'll have to pay for it."

  "Even though he's innocent?"

  "Right now I'm the one who's innocent! Phillip condoned everything I did, and that takes us back to square one. At least it did until you had your little 'love-in' in

  Zurich the past few days! That was all I needed to—"

  "Our meeting was an accident."

  "No court will believe it." Deborah looked highly pleased with herself. "Before I met Hans I didn't care what gossip I caused. But now things are different. Hans doesn't want to be cited in a divorce case, and with the facts I now have, I can get rid of Phillip and go to Hans as the innocent wife!"

  "And ruin your husband's career in the process?"

  "That's his problem. And it serves him right!"

  Without a word Lesley walked out.

  For the next hour she nervously paced her room, frequently staring through the window to the far side of the building and the dark pane of glass that was the window of Phillip's study.

  It was nearly nine before she saw it flash into light, and quickly she ran to the door, drawing back with a gasp as she saw Richard, his hand raised in readiness to knock.

  "Hi," he grinned. "Got time for a chat?"

  "I'm busy."

  "Haven't you put Bobby to bed yet?"

  "Yes… I mean no. He's still at the school. I'm collecting him tomorrow."

  "Then you can be a good hostess and offer me some coffee."

  "I haven't time. I'm going to see Phi—Mr. Redwood."

  Without realising it her voice was so strained that the careless look left Richard's face.

  "What's up Les?"

  "I'm worried about one of the patients," she lied.

  "No you're not. I've been looking after them while you were away and they're all fine. It's something personal, isn't it?"