When Two Paths Meet

by Neels, Betty

  ‘I’ve dropped a glove,’ said Edward suddenly. I took it off to try the water in the grotto. I’ll have to go back.’

  ‘We’ll go on—if you don’t catch us up before, we’ll be in the bar.’

  The path was wide enough for them to walk side by side, Charlie and Flo trotting at their master’s heels while he chatted pleasantly enough about Stourhead. ‘Have you been to the house?’ he wanted to know, and when she shook her head, I wouldn’t care to live there myself, but the library is a splendid apartment, with some superb examples of Chippendale’s work.’ He paused to look down at her eager face under the holly-berry-red cap. ‘Will you marry me, Katie?’

  His calm voice hadn’t altered in the least.

  Here she felt her heart give a great thud, stop for an amazed second and then begin to beat so fast that she caught her breath. ‘Me?’ she squeaked. ‘Marry you?’ She swallowed. ‘Is it a joke or something?’

  ‘Personally, I have never considered a proposal of marriage a joke.’

  ‘Oh, I didn’t mean that. I’m sorry, but I...you see, you’re going to marry Dodie.’

  She scanned his face, trying to read its expression. It told her nothing. ‘Ah—you have heard that?’

  ‘Well, yes—I mean everyone expects you to. Mr and Mrs Grainger, Tom Fetter—I heard him say one day that you had been waiting all these years for her to grow up so that you could marry her.’

  ‘All these years.’ His voice was quiet and without expression. ‘Dodie is three years older than you are— twenty-four—I was twelve when she was born. More than a decade.’

  She said worriedly, ‘But being all that much older doesn’t matter a bit. I mean, you don’t seem to...that is, it’s not even middle-aged.’

  He smiled then. ‘You reassure me, Katie.’

  She said kindly, hiding her hurt, ‘I expect you spoke without thinking—I often do. I’ll forget it, I promise you. I expect you feel frustrated because Dodie isn’t here.’

  ‘So you think that I should marry Dodie as soon as possible?’

  She nodded, unaware of the misery in her eyes. ‘Oh, yes—she’s very pretty.’

  ‘That’s a flimsy excuse for marriage. But I promise you I’ll give it my earnest consideration.’

  She was awash with misery. Here he was, the man she loved more deeply than anything on earth, and she was urging him to marry a girl who would make him unhappy for the rest of his life! She should have accepted him then and there, whatever the consequences. He didn’t love her, of course; probably he had been imagining how she would react if he asked her to marry him and he had said it out loud, but she loved him enough for two, and she would be a good wife. Too late now and, even if she had known what to say, Edward was charging along the path towards them.

  ‘Found it!’ he bellowed. ‘What a bit of luck. I say, I’m famished.’

  They ate sausages and chips in the basket, and the men drank beer while Katherine had a pot of coffee and, at the doctor’s instigation, a glass of brandy with it. It warmed her nicely, but there was an icy core deep inside her which she knew would only be melted by the doctor’s love, and that wasn’t going to happen, so she would have to learn to make the best of it.

  ‘A pity the shop is closed, though I don’t suppose it would do much business in this sort of weather.’ Edward ate the last of his chips and sat back at his ease. ‘I might have bought you a souvenir, Katherine.’

  ‘I don’t need a souvenir to remind me of such a super morning.’

  ‘Very nicely put. You are no beauty, but you have charm.’

  She laughed. ‘I shall treasure that compliment.’

  ‘Don’t forget that you are coming to Jason’s New Year’s party.’ He grinned. ‘You don’t need to look at him like that—the invitations are written, you’ll get yours tomorrow. So trot out the best bib and tucker, do whatever it is women do to their faces, and present yourself at eight o’clock sharp on Old Year’s Night.’

  ‘You will be fetched,’ interpolated the doctor. ‘There will be quite a few people you already know— from the medical block, Matron, some of the sisters and the consultant and house surgeons from your side.’

  ‘Oh, but I don’t know them. At least, it’s the other way round, they don’t know me. I don’t think they know I’m there.’

  He smiled a little, remembering his colleague’s reference to a pale brown mouse who scuttled into the sluice room as soon as he arrived on the ward.

  ‘All the more reason,’ declared Edward cheerfully, ‘for you to wear something a bit way out, and take everyone by surprise.’

  ‘I’ll do my best.’

  Presently, they drove back to Salisbury through the early dusk, the dogs snoring at their feet. Katherine, who had hoped that the doctor might suggest that she sit in front beside him, was disappointed to find herself ushered in with Edward and the dogs. She sup- posed that she would be dropped off at Mrs Potts’ house, and thought up several suitable thank-you speeches. On no account must she outstay her welcome; even if the doctor invited her back for tea it would be because he had nice manners. She could make some excuse if he did.

  But at least part of her problem was solved for her. They stopped in Shaftesbury and had teacakes and tea in a well-lit, warm cafe in the centre of the town, and when the doctor asked her what she was doing with the evening, she crossed her fingers behind her back and said composedly that she was going to the cinema with Miss Kendall, one of her fellow lodgers. That young lady was still away, but it was a small fib and did no one any harm. The doctor concealed a smile, for she was lying so earnestly and making heavy weather of it, too, but all he said was, ‘Oh, a pleasant end to your day.’

  Which gave her an opportunity to thank him.

  They both got out of the car at Mrs Potts’. Edward after a brief hug and a cheery ‘see you’, got into the front seat, while the doctor unlocked the door for her and waited until she was indoors before closing it behind her with a brief, ‘Goodbye, Katherine.’

  At Stourhead that afternoon he had called her Katie; no one had called her that since her father and mother had died, and it had warmed her heart to hear him say it, but it seemed she was to be Katherine once more. Which, in the circumstances, was fair enough.

  She wasn’t on duty until twelve o’clock the next day and, since her invitation to the party had arrived by the morning’s post, it seemed a good idea to comb the dress shops for something to wear. The sales were on, and she had enough money, she hoped, to find something suitable. But what was suitable? There was a splendid selection, and none of them too highly priced. A pink satin dress with a sequined bodice would certainly draw all eyes, so would a slinky black velvet, although, if Matron was to be there, she might not approve of the bodice, or what there was of it. Finally, she settled on a silver-grey taffeta with a square neckline and elbow-length sleeves; it was a pretty dress in a demure way, and plain enough to go unremembered on future occasions—if there were to be any. It was calf-length, and the skirt was gently gathered into a waistband which showed off her slim waist to perfection. Her shoes wouldn’t do; she searched in all the cheaper shops without success, and then found exactly what she wanted, grey velvet court shoes going cheap because the bead work on the toe had become a little tarnished.

  There was barely time to make a cup of tea and gobble down a sandwich when she got back to her room, but the morning had been a success, and she hadn’t spent quite all of her money.

  She went on duty in excellent spirits, which was just as well, for Sister was at her most martial and Andy was in a bad temper because she had quarrelled with her boyfriend. The patients were pernickety, too, suffering from too much Christmas fare and reaction after the excitement of the last few days. No one asked her if she had enjoyed her Christmas, although Staff Nurse observed that she was glad to see her back after her day off.

  She was tired when she got back to her room later that evening; she ate the supper Mrs Potts had saved for her, helped to tidy away the meal when
she had finished, and then went up to bed. Even the sight of her new dress failed to lift her spirits, and the very idea of going to the doctor’s party filled her with doubts.

  They were still there as she dressed on Old Year’s Night. Perhaps no one would come to fetch her; perhaps no one there would bother to speak to her; probably her dress was all wrong... She had no jewellery save a good gold locket on an old-fashioned chain which had belonged to her grandmother; she put it on, powdered her nose once more, patted her already neat head into even more neatness, picked up her coat and went downstairs to the kitchen.

  At least her fellow lodgers and Mrs Potts admired the dress; she was putting on her coat when Mrs Potts went to answer the door and came back with Edward. He breezed in, planted a kiss on her cheek, shook everyone else by the hand, gave Mrs Potts a box of chocolates and urged Katherine to get a move on. ‘Jason’s up to his eyeballs in half of Salisbury—you ought to see some of the girls’ outfits!’ He tucked her into the car and got in beside her. ‘What’s under the coat?’

  ‘A dress,’ said Katherine calmly. ‘And don’t expect anything breathtaking, because it’s not.’

  ‘I’ll let you know when I see it.’

  They arrived at the house, lights streaming from its windows and cars parked half-way down the street. Edward bustled her inside. The door was opened by a solemn, middle-aged man who wished her a good evening, and observed sternly, ‘You were quick, Mr Edward.’

  ‘Like the light, Coker.’ Edward touched her arm. ‘Katherine, this is Coker, Jason’s right arm. Been with him man and boy, haven’t you, Coker? You’ve not seen him before because he’s been in hospital.’ He handed his coat to him. ‘It hasn’t been the same without you, although Mrs Spooner did her valiant best.’

  ‘Thank you, Mr Edward. If the young lady will go upstairs and leave her coat?’

  He led the way up the graceful curved staircase, and opened a door on the landing above. There were coats everywhere; she added hers to the pile of furs and velvets on the bed, cast a quick look at herself in the pier-glass and followed Coker downstairs again. Edward was waiting for her, and she was pleased to see that he approved of her dress.

  ‘Clever girl! You’ll stand out like a nun at a circus.’ Upon which heartening speech he swept her into the drawing-room.

  There were a great many people there; she would never have dared go in on her own. She caught his sleeve and said urgently, ‘Don’t leave me alone for a bit, will you, Edward?’

  He patted her hand. ‘Count on me. Jason’s seen us.’

  The doctor was making his way towards them, pausing here and there to exchange a word. When he reached them he said, ‘Thanks, Edward, I’ll take Katherine to meet a few people. There’s a smashing blonde by the fireplace, waiting for someone to rescue her...’

  ‘Give a yell if you want me.’ Edward gave her a wide grin and edged his way towards the other end of the room.

  I do like that dress.’ The doctor smiled down at her, his eyes twinkling.

  ‘Thank you.’ She wasn’t sure why she added, ‘I almost didn’t come...’

  ‘I thought you might have doubts, but there has to be a beginning—the first step, as it were.’

  She stared at him. He was elegant in his dinner-jacket, his face pleasantly calm but, she thought, tired. ‘Towards what?’ she wanted to know.

  ‘Why, love, marriage, children—a lifetime of happiness.’

  ‘You really believe that?’

  ‘Yes—do you not?’

  She nodded gravely. ‘Oh, yes, but sometimes it’s best not to take the step.’

  He smiled suddenly. ‘Am I being warned off?’ And before she could say anything, he went on, ‘Come and meet one or two people I think you might like.’

  People who, strangely enough, had known her parents and who in turn introduced her to other younger men and women. Presently she found herself quite at ease and enjoying herself. True, there was a sprin- kling of guests who ignored her completely, and she quickly discovered that they were Mends of Dodie’s. That young lady, holding court in the centre of the room, joined the small circle of people Katherine was with and brought their casual talk to an abrupt halt.

  ‘Hello, Katherine!’ She smiled brilliantly at her. ‘So you managed to save enough wages to get a dress. In the sales? What a bit of luck for you, but an evening out like this is well worth going without your dinner to pay for it...’

  She slid away before anyone could speak, until one of the girls said loudly, ‘She’s been drinking too much—she always does. Katherine, your dress is charming, we’ve all been admiring it. Tell me, what is your uniform like? I’d love to work in a hospital, but I’d be no good at it—only as a kitchen maid, and I can’t even cook.’

  The talk turned to cooking and food, and the unpleasant little incident was papered over by her companions’ good manners. Katherine was glad that she had been too surprised to utter a word; to have made a scene at Jason’s party would have been unforgivable, but perhaps that was what Dodie had hoped for. Edward took her to supper presently, a cold buffet laid out in the dining-room, presided over by Mrs Spooner and Coker and two girls wearing black dresses and white aprons. Edward nodded towards them. ‘Sheila and Daphne—they help Mrs Spooner in the house—come each day.’ He waved his fork at them and they smiled broadly at him.

  ‘When do you go back to London?’ asked Kath- erine, popping a tasty morsel of something cheesy into her mouth.

  ‘Ah! In despair at the thought of me leaving you? In a couple of days, my dear. Jason’s going to drive me up in the evening and stay for a short while—he hasn’t had a break for months. I suppose Dodie will come with us, though it hasn’t been mentioned. Have you seen her? I mean, to speak to?’

  ‘Well, she spoke to me, but she’d gone again before I had a chance to say anything.’

  Something in her voice made him look at her. ‘Like that, was it? I shall miss you—I should have liked a sister like you...’

  ‘Oh, Edward, what a nice thing to say! Thank you. I already have one brother, did you know?’

  He nodded, and she went on: ‘But he’s a good deal older than I am—and he’s rather serious. I’ll gladly be a sister to you, Edward.’

  ‘Exactly what I would wish to hear,’ said the doctor’s voice behind her. ‘Are you enjoying yourself, Katherine? When are you on duty tomorrow?’

  ‘At twelve o’clock.’

  ‘Good. Wait behind until everyone has gone, and I’ll take you back.’

  ‘Oh, but I could...’

  ‘Don’t argue, Katherine.’ He smiled briefly, and went to join some of his guests at another table.

  There was champagne at midnight to celebrate the New Year, and within the hour the guests left. The last of them had been seen on their way by one o’clock, all save Dodie and a good-looking man in his thirties. His eyes were too close together, Katherine decided, and his dress too flamboyant. He lolled back in a chair while Dodie talked to the doctor. Katherine wasn’t near enough to hear what she was saying, but the doctor’s reply annoyed her, for she hunched her shoulders and turned away from him and ran across the room to throw her arms round the other man’s neck.

  ‘Well, if you won’t take me, Nigel will.’

  The doctor’s voice was placid. ‘My dear Dodie, I have a clinic in the morning at half-past eight—by all means let Nigel take you, if he will.’

  ‘You cross old darling,’ declared Dodie and shot a quick look at Katherine. ‘Take me out to dinner in the evening and I’ll let you announce our engagement.’

  The doctor laughed. ‘I’ll take you out to dinner, but I’ll not promise more than that.’ He nodded at Nigel. ‘Enjoy yourselves—Dodie, I’ll give you a ring some time during the day.’

  After they had gone, Coker appeared with a tray of coffee. ‘I know you need to go to bed,’ said the doctor, ‘but this will warm you, and I promise you I’ll have you back at Mrs Potts’ within twenty minutes.’

  Which he did, rather to
Katherine’s regret; a short night of sleeping was a small price to pay for his company. As he opened Mrs Potts’ door and held it for her to go in, she paused to thank him. ‘It was a lovely party,’ she assured him, ‘I met several people who knew my parents. It was like it used to be...’

  ‘Will you marry me, Katie?’

  She was so taken by surprise that she stammered a little. ‘No—no, of course not!’ She added, with something of a snap, ‘You’re taking Dodie out to dinner...’

  ‘Ah, yes, but one must keep one’s hand in!’ He bent and kissed her swiftly. ‘Goodnight, Katie.’

  He pushed her into the narrow hall and closed the door, leaving her standing there, a prey to a variety of feelings, which were so strong that she cried while she undressed and got into bed. Tears were still trickling down her cheeks as, from sheer weariness, she slept at last.

  Morning came much too soon; she got her breakfast, washed her smalls and, because Mrs Potts said she didn’t feel very well, did her shopping for her before going on duty. Almost everyone on the ward was in a bad temper, due to not enough sleep on the previous night. Sister, castigating her for spilling water on the ward floor, gave it as her opinion that Katherine would never make a nurse, even if she ever applied to train as one.

  ‘But I don’t intend to,’ objected Katherine politely, to be told sharply not to answer back.

  ‘And what were you doing at Dr Fitzroy’s party?’ finished Sister darkly.

  ‘I know his cousin, Edward,’ said Katherine in a matter-of-fact voice.

  Sister could do nothing more than utter, ‘Oh, really?’ Obviously, she hadn’t expected such a simple explanation.

  Mrs Potts looked ill when Katherine got back from the hospital. ‘I’ve caught a cold,’ she explained, ‘and what can you expect in this weather? I’ll be all right in the morning.’