‘I haven’t changed my mind about anything,’ she said, copying his tone, ‘so, yes, let’s go. It’s our last chance. It will be gone in the morning.’
As they walked towards the sound of jangling music Ross smiled down at his companion. ‘It seems like only yesterday that we did this before, but it isn’t, is it? It has been seven long years, Izzy. Seven years in which you’ve changed a lot in some ways, yet not in others. Do you feel that the same applies to me?’
She was panicking, not sure where the conversation was leading. Did Ross guess that his return had awakened all the old longings? That her feelings for him hadn’t been put to rest, as she’d thought?
‘I don’t know whether you’ve changed or not. I can’t remember that far back,’ she told him untruthfully, and left him to make of that what he would.
CHAPTER SEVEN
TO GET to the field where the fair had been set up they had to pass the new riverside apartments where her father and Millie had taken up residence. Isabel was hoping that Paul wouldn’t see Ross and herself together as there was no telling what construction he might put on it. Independent though she now was, he could still get to her in a weak moment.
As it happened, he was watching television and didn’t see them strolling past in the summer evening, but Millie did and she was on the phone to him straight away.
‘You’ve just missed them,’ she told him breathlessly.
‘Who?’
‘Your daughter and your ex-partner have just gone past, walking in the direction of the fair, and they seemed to be on the best of terms.’
‘Good,’ he said. ‘I was beginning to think I was wrong in surmising that Isabel still had feelings for Ross Templeton. I wonder whose idea it was to go to the fair together.’
‘Does it matter?’ Millie said, happy that he was happy for once. ‘Sufficient that they are together.’
* * *
‘I don’t believe it!’ Ross exclaimed laughingly, when they arrived at the fair. ‘They’ve got the same bumper cars that they had all that time ago. Are you game, or do you think they might still have the same effect on you?’
‘I’ll be fine,’ she assured him, more concerned about being close to him in the narrow confines of the car than about feeling nauseous.
‘You take the wheel,’ he said, but after a few bone-shaking collisions with other cars he put his hand over hers and said whimsically, ‘Maybe if we steered it together, do you think?’
It was there again, the sense of belonging when he touched her, and Isabel withdrew her hand from beneath his in case he should tune in to her feelings.
Ross was frowning as he manoeuvred the car out of the way of two young girls who seemed to have no sense of direction. Izzy didn’t want him to touch her, he thought somberly, though she’d been warm and melting in his arms that night when he’d kissed her on the lane outside her cottage.
But it would seem that things had changed and he knew that he was to blame, because instead of giving in to his feelings he’d spoilt the moment by sounding off about how the practice had to come before anything else.
He’d belittled something new and tender that had sprung up between them as he’d panicked at the thought of making a mess of things a second time.
With his thoughts wandering, he was brought back to the present when they were bumped by a car on either side, sandwiched between two lots of laughing fairground revellers.
When he looked across at Izzy she was laughing, too, her momentary withdrawal put to one side as she teased, ‘Do you think I’d better take over again?’
‘Not at all,’ he said briskly. ‘Just watch me.’ And with a couple of quick swerves he had the other cars bouncing off them.
With their earlier mood restored, they made the most of what was left of the ride and when it was over Ross said, ‘How about the Ferris wheel next?’ Then it was darts, catch-pennies, a fistful of candy floss, and Isabel was happier than she’d been in a long time—until she saw Brian Derwent in the distance with Bethany and Charlotte.
Ross had seen him, too, and she answered the question in his eyes by saying, ‘I’m just going to have a quick word with Brian. I want to know how Jean is. Or maybe you should ask him as he doesn’t trust me.’
‘He won’t thank you,’ he said, ‘and I’m not getting involved. That sort of discussion should take place at the practice.’
‘Even though you thought there was something weird going on at Blackstock Farm?’
‘Yes, even though I did think that.’
‘If I had a relative who was quite poorly, I would be glad to know that someone cared enough to ask how they were.’
He sighed. ‘We were having a great time away from all our cares and duties, and now you want to bring us back to health care. By all means, go and have a word with Derwent, but don’t be surprised if he isn’t pleased to see you.’
‘If you will wait here, I will do that,’ she said coolly. ‘At least I will have asked.’ And off she went to catch up with the trio in front of them.
‘How was Jean when you last saw her?’ she asked the farmer when she drew level with them.
‘The last time I saw her was when they took her to hospital,’ he said. ‘I’m told that she’s improving and will be home some time after the weekend.’
‘You haven’t been to see her then?’
‘Naw. She wouldn’t want it if I did.’
‘Why ever not?’
‘She was on the point of leaving me when she took ill.’
‘Leaving you!’ Isabel exclaimed. ‘Not Jean! She adores you all.’
‘Oh, aye? The girls maybe, but not me. She’s going to go off with the botanist fellow who’s rented a cottage just down the track from us as soon as she’s better.’
‘Are you sure?’ she croaked.
‘Yes, I’m sure,’ he told her dryly. ‘She spends more time with him, studying plants and things, than she does with me, and now, if you’ve quite finished poking your nose into our affairs, we’ll be off.’ And before she’d had time to gather her wits he had gone.
‘Well?’ Ross said when she went back to join him. ‘What was all that about? It took him long enough to tell you how his wife was.’
‘Brian was explaining that Jean intends leaving him and going off with some botanist who’s rented a cottage somewhere up on the tops near their farm,’ she told him, amazement still upon her.
‘Ah! So that’s why he’s so uptight and miserable. Or is that how he is normally? If that’s the case, he’s probably asked for it.’
‘Brian can be a bit sombre,’ she told him, ‘but he’s had a few serious setbacks since they bought the farm and he’s a proud man. The type who won’t want to admit defeat.’
‘Or accept that his wife is leaving him,’ Ross suggested.
‘Yes, definitely that,’ she agreed. ‘But what Brian has just told me doesn’t apply to the Jean I know. She is a loving mother and I would have said a loyal wife. One thing is for sure, she won’t leave the children behind and, knowing Brian, he won’t let her take them with her.’
Risking another rebuff, Ross took her hand in his and tucked it into the crook of his arm. Distracted by what she’d just been told, Isabel let it stay there. She’d spoilt what had been a wonderful evening by accosting Brian Derwent, she thought, and looking up into a sky that was now like dark velvet she said, ‘You were right. I should have minded my own business and not brought the practice into our free time. Much as you want it to come before everything else, you didn’t want me to do it. But believing that I knew best, I took no notice, and now I won’t be able to stop thinking about the Derwents.’
‘You did what you did because you are what you are,’ he said quietly. ‘But as I’ve already said, it’s the health of your patients that should be your concern. Their other problems are theirs alone. Did anyone give themselves sleepless nights worrying over you when you needed someone? Certainly not your father, I would imagine.’
He wasn’t going
to tell her that he knew one person, living in a far-away land, who had lain sleepless many a night on her account. Wishing he’d handled everything differently and been grateful for any news of the girl who had sobbed her heart out in his arms on the morning he’d left the village.
‘I was told that I mustn’t discuss it with anyone,’ she said dryly. ‘The people who knew me could only guess what ailed me. But it’s all in the past.’ She withdrew her hand from the crook of his arm. ‘And that is where I want it to stay.’
It was true. She wanted a new beginning for them without any cobwebs hanging over it, without any pain involved, and so far Ross had shown no sign of feeling the same. He was brisk and efficient with regard to the practice and kind and tolerant with herself most of the time, but she could tell that he was wary.
They were subdued on the walk home and when they reached the cottage she turned to him and said dejectedly, ‘I don’t know why you bother with me, Ross.’
He was smiling now.
‘Hey! Where has the liberated young doctor disappeared to? Don’t feel down just because you were kind enough to enquire about a sick patient. I imagine that as it’s Sunday tomorrow you’ll be off to the hospital to see Jean Derwent, whether her husband likes it or not.’
Her answering smile was rueful. ‘You read my mind. I wouldn’t have gone normally. I’m not that eager to butt into my patients’ private lives, but after what Brian told me I have to speak to Jean. If what he said is true, there has to be a very good reason for it, and as she has no relatives of her own she might be glad of someone to talk to.’
‘You don’t have to explain your motives to me,’ he said levelly. ‘As long as you put in an appearance at the practice on weekdays, what you do with your weekends is your own affair.’
‘It’s happening again!’ she said exasperatedly.
‘What is?’
‘Another unnecessary reminder of where my priorities should lie. I won’t let you down ever, Ross.’ And on that firm promise she went in and closed the door behind her.
* * *
The moment she’d slid the catch across, Isabel wished she hadn’t been in such a hurry to leave him and she opened the door again, but Ross was already striding briskly down the lane without a backward glance, and she thought uncomfortably that she’d been rude and belligerent when all she wanted was to be at peace with him.
She told herself that she would apologise when next she saw him. Tell him that she hadn’t meant to sound so aggressive. But that wouldn’t be until Monday and as she went up the steep stairs that led to her bedroom she was wondering if they would ever share the same bed in this world.
Don’t, she cautioned herself. Don’t start going along that road. If Ross hadn’t wanted to go home he would have let you know. He was probably relieved to get back to the peace of his own place after spending the last few hours putting up with your fads and fancies. Concentrate on what you’re going to say to Jean Derwent tomorrow, instead of wishing for the moon.
* * *
As Isabel approached the small side ward where the farmer’s wife had been placed, her step faltered. Through the open door she could see that Jean had a visitor. The man that she’d seen striding across the moor was seated at the side of the bed, the khaki greatcoat that he’d worn when Izzy had seen him previously draped over a chair.
‘Dr West!’ Jean exclaimed with no signs of embarrassment when she saw her. ‘How nice of you to come.’
Her visitor was getting to his feet and Isabel said quickly, ‘Please, don’t go on my account.’
He smiled. ‘I was going in any case. I’ll leave you ladies to it. Bye for now, Jean.’ And lifting his greatcoat off the chair, he went.
‘Who is that?’ Izzy asked when he’d gone. ‘Is he the man that you’re going to leave Brian for?’
The woman in the bed groaned.
‘Is that what he’s been telling you? His name is Simon Stoddard. He’s a botanist renting a house near the farm. We’ve discovered that we have a common interest—plant life. That crazy husband of mine isn’t thinking straight these days. Of course I’m not going to leave him and the girls.
‘Brian was jealous about the time I was spending with Simon. We had a big row and in the heat of it I told him I would rather be with Simon than have to put up with a joyless husband. Now he’s got the idea that I’m going to leave him, and I’m so fed up with his bad temper that I’m letting him stew for a while. It will teach him a lesson.’
‘Thank goodness,’ Isabel breathed. ‘I was worried when he told me that you were splitting up. I’d always thought that you and Brian were solid in spite of his gripes.’
Jean smiled. ‘We are. They’re sending me home tomorrow as my lungs are clear now. I’ll put him out of his misery then.’
‘And the botanist? Are you still going to keep seeing him?’
‘No, sadly, as he’s a very interesting fellow. But Brian has had enough to cope with since we bought the farm and I know just how much he loves me in spite of his bad temper.’
When Isabel left the hospital she was smiling. She couldn’t wait to tell Ross that all would soon be resolved at Blackstock Farm. As she pulled out onto the road she saw Simon waiting at the bus stop and pulled up alongside the man who had been the unwitting cause of the farmer’s anger.
‘I’ll be driving past your place,’ she told him. ‘Do you want a lift?’
‘Er…yes. I would be very much obliged,’ he said in mild surprise.
Isabel smiled. She could have kissed him for not wanting to take Jean away from her family.
‘I’m one of the GPs at the village practice,’ she explained.
‘Ah, I see,’ he replied. ‘I’ve been waiting here for some time and no public transport has shown up, so your offer is most welcome.’
She gave him a quick sideways glance as he got into the car. Brian Derwent was far more attractive than the bearded botanist, but she would like to bet that he wouldn’t come out on top when it came to patience and fortitude. Thank goodness that tomorrow Jean was going to put an end to her husband’s misery and tell him that he was the only man she wanted.
After dropping Simon off, Isabel pulled out onto the road that led across the moors before dipping down into the village. After she’d gone a couple of miles she suddenly sat more upright in her seat. She could see flames leaping into the air in the distance and knew they could only be coming from one place—Blackstock Farm.
Within minutes the farm buildings came into sight and when she pulled up in the farmyard she froze with horror. The big barn at the side of the farmhouse was alight and up in the hayloft, silhouetted against the flames, was Brian.
‘Oh, my God,’ she breathed. ‘Has he gone over the edge and set the place alight?’ She flung herself out of the car and looked around her for any signs of the children. Please, don’t let them be in there with him, she prayed as she ran towards the barn door.
As she prepared to wrench it open an arm came from behind and dragged her away and Ross’s voice cried, ‘Stay back, Izzy. I’ll go and get him.’
‘What are you doing here?’ she cried. ‘And where are the children?’
‘What I’m doing here doesn’t matter, and the children have gone somewhere with Brian’s mother. Now, stand back, Izzy, I’m going to force the door open.’
‘I’m coming with you.’
‘You are not! Don’t even think of it. Ring the fire services if you want to make yourself useful, but before that slam the door shut the moment I’ve gone inside.’ With that last instruction he put his shoulder against it and as it swung back he plunged inside.
Isabel was desperate to follow him, but what Ross had said made sense, and with fingers that shook she shut the door and then phoned the emergency services on her mobile.
She could see him up there beside the farmer now, grasping his arm and pulling him towards the ladder, but Brian wouldn’t budge, and her fear increased. As she watched, transfixed with the horror of the scene before h
er, she saw him sag to his knees as the smoke began to affect him. Seizing the opportunity, Ross heaved him upright again, slung him over his shoulder and disappeared into the flames with his limp burden.
Please, don’t let Ross die in there, she prayed.
Her first frenzied prayer had been for the children who thankfully weren’t around, and now she was praying for the man she loved. She’d lost him once before, but had at least known he had been alive somewhere in the world. If the fire took him, Ross would be lost to her for ever, and the despair she’d felt before would be nothing in comparison.
After what seemed like an eternity, though it could only have been minutes, he came staggering out of the blazing barn, and as he laid the farmer on the stone slabs of the farmyard she was beside him in a flash.
Ross was propping himself up against the drystone wall nearby, gasping for breath, with his hair and eyebrows singed and his face bright red from the heat of the flames. But from Brian Derwent there was no movement.
As she bent over him Isabel gave a sigh of relief. There was a pulse. He was breathing wheezily, but breathing nevertheless. He had been in the barn for some minutes before Ross had gone in to get him, and obviously the smoke had affected him quite seriously.
He had burns down one side of his face and she wished she had her case with her. As if reading her thoughts, Ross croaked, ‘Mine is in the car.’
‘Where are you parked?’
‘Round the back.’
As she got to her feet two things happened. Brian Derwent made a weak moaning sound and the sirens of the emergency services could be heard, drawing nearer with every second.
* * *
Ross was still leaning against the wall, coughing and gasping, and as soon as the paramedics had taken charge of Brian she went to him. Gazing into a pair of red-rimmed eyes, she told him, ‘You need to be treated for smoke inhalation. The ambulance crew are putting Brian into the ambulance at this moment and we’re going with them.’
Coming Back For His Bride Page 10