Ring for the Nurse

by Marjorie Moore

  “What do you and Alaine intend doing?” Felicity’s tone was flat and expressionless, she seemed dead to all emotion, only a mist of tears veiled her eyes blotting out the still expanse of water and dimming the green of the surrounding grass and trees.

  “What can we do?” The question was a cry for help, an unspoken longing for her support and understanding.

  Mechanically Felicity returned the pressure of Tony’s hand on hers but as yet she could not trust herself to speak. Almost frenziedly she searched her heart for some way out, it seemed a problem beyond solution; while every nerve in her body cried out to him to renounce this love, to leave Alaine, her conscience told her this was wrong. How could she wish Alaine to marry with a lie in her heart and on her lips? When she managed to speak her voice was little above a whisper. “What had you planned to do? You and Alaine must have some idea.”

  “I must go away, of course, at once, I must never see her again. I’ve been walking about half the night and all this morning—I must have tramped miles trying to get things straightened out. At first I wanted to go direct to Guy, I felt I couldn’t bear another moment of deception, but Alaine begged me to wait—anyway, until I’d seen you. We were even mad enough to discuss the possibility of a runaway marriage, then facing Guy with the accomplished fact, but we both realized we couldn’t do that, we feel despicable enough as it is. There is no solution but for me to go.”

  “I suppose that is the only thing to do?” Although Felicity put the question there was no conviction in her words, only a note of deep dejection.

  “We have no other choice. I’d give all I possess to be able to undo what’s happened. It can’t be undone, that’s the devil of it, this is no mere infatuation, we love one another. I’ve had a few affairs like most men, but this is something different, something wonderful beyond realization.”

  “I see.” Just two words but they were a cry of despair, and rallying all the strength she could command, Felicity went on speaking. “I believe that in deciding to separate, you—and Alaine too—are acting with the best of motives, but is it right? Is it fair? Wouldn’t it be better to remain and face up to things? What happiness can the future hold for Alaine if she married Guy with the secret of her love for you locked in her heart? It would always be an unseen barrier between them and far more cruel to Guy than to speak the truth now before it is too late. The date for their marriage is so near...” Her voice trembled ominously as she struggled on. “She can’t go through with this thing, she mustn’t.”

  Felicity’s vehemence seemed temporarily to shatter her brother’s assurance, for a moment he was silent, then denying her words with a forlorn shake of the head, he went on to explain. “We felt like that at first, but later, when we’d had a chance to think things over properly we realized it was hopeless. Guy has been my friend, it would be like a stab in the back. I have no option but to go quickly out of their lives, and Alaine agrees that there is no other way out.”

  For a fleeting second Felicity found her heart warming to Alaine’s action, it showed that she lacked neither gratitude nor sympathy and showed a courage which Felicity admired. “But how could such a marriage last? How could it bring anything but dire unhappiness?” She was not directly addressing her brother, it was as if she spoke her thoughts aloud.

  “I don’t know—I can only pray it will be all right—for both of them.” His voice was utterly weary and downcast, then with an effort he rose to his feet and held out his hand to Felicity. “We’d better be going. I’ve left my suit-case at Alaine’s flat, I told her I’d collect it there after I’d seen you—I have to say good-bye to her...” His words trailed away as he walked slowly by Felicity’s side towards the park gates.

  The sun had now dipped behind the surrounding buildings and an involuntary shiver ran through Felicity’s body, but it was nothing to the icy chill which seemed to enclose her whole being. “You know that I am expected at Guy’s flat for dinner tonight?”

  “Yes, we were all expected—you and Alaine must go, of course, the old man is looking forward to meeting you again, but apart from that Alaine will need your support. She is so fond of you, you seem to be the only real friend she has—never let her down, Felicity—for my sake.”

  Felicity pressed her brother’s hand in silent acceptance of his demand, then paused beside him at the curb as he hailed a passing taxi and gave the address of Alaine’s flat. It was not until they were driving down Baker Street that he spoke again.

  “Guy won’t expect me, I’ve left a note saying that Mother wanted to see me, you’d better back up the story. I’ll write you later and give you our exact date of sailing. I suppose you could arrange to meet me at Southampton, or will you be joining me in Somerset when you leave Hospital next week?”

  It was a relief to speak of prosaic matters. “Yes, I’ve nothing to do in town, we can both spend our last few days together at home.” The respite was brief, it seemed impossible to avoid the issue. “By going straight down to Somerset I’ll be able to miss the wedding. You see, I finish at Hospital the end of this week, so I’ll be joining you at home very shortly.”

  As she stood by her brother’s side outside the block of flats where Alaine lived, she found herself watching him covertly as he settled with the taxi, driver. In spite of her deep concern for Guy she could not find it in her heart to blame her brother—or for that matter Alaine. Alaine had many faults, but a closer knowledge of the girl had opened Felicity’s eyes to her many virtues: warm-hearted to a degree, of which her present attitude was a sure proof. Whether her insistence on standing by her engagement to Guy was misguided or not, did not detract from the underlying good of her intention. Felicity had not doubted for one second Tony’s avowal of his complete ignorance of the outcome of their apparently harmless friendship. She had never known him so distraught and she felt sure that he too, by running away, was acting, as he believed in the only honourable way. If only she could feel that they were right. That was the problem that tugged at her heart; honourable, correct, ethical ... it might be all those things but—and that was her anxiety—was it conceivably fair that Guy should be left in the dark?

  It was Alaine herself who opened the door which led directly into the sitting-room of her two-roomed flat, an Alaine whom Felicity scarcely recognized. Her face showed the recent ravages of tears, but a new, almost ethereal beauty showed in the face she lifted to Tony as, ignoring—perhaps almost unaware of—Felicity’s presence, she flung herself into his arms. Her fingers gripped convulsively at the lapels of his coat, she hid her face against his shoulder, her slender body shaking with silent sobs. Even at that moment Felicity knew that this was no act, despite its sense of the dramatic it was perhaps the most natural gesture Felicity had ever seen her make.

  “Tony—Tony—oh darling—you were so long I was getting afraid—afraid that perhaps you weren’t coming back at all.” Her words were a cry from the heart and now she had lifted her head and Felicity had intercepted the glance which passed between Alaine and her brother, she was left without a vestige of doubt of the deep love and understanding which had grown between them. Never had she seen two faces so transformed by their emotion. She knew that they had forgotten her presence and although she still stood at her brother’s elbow it was as if she did not exist.

  A compelling urge to leave those two alone drew her farther into the room and it was only then that she became aware of Guy Brenton’s presence. Smothering the exclamation which rose to her lips she stared unbelievingly at him as he stood by the mantelpiece, looking unnaturally tall in the confined space of the small room. It couldn’t be true, it couldn’t be possible! Almost unconsciously she half turned towards her brother and Alaine who still stood framed in the doorway. The tension was unendurable, and unable to bear it any longer Felicity turned to Guy, her expression one of speechless appeal which betrayed her longing for some word, some explanation. As she stared at him it seemed that his still form might have been carved of granite, not a muscle moved and h
is features, tense and strained, remained immobile, his expression completely inscrutable.

  It was Alaine herself who shattered that moment of devastating silence. She had released her hold on Tony, but still clinging to his arm had drawn farther into the room. “I’ve told Guy—he knows everything!” Her words came in a jerky gasp, but as she continued she gained control. “I was waiting here for you to come,” she explained, turning again to Tony. “I realized that it would be the very last time I’d ever see you ... something happened to me then, I knew I couldn’t go through with it. I rang Guy and asked him to come here—then I told him—everything,” she concluded and with an almost challenging air she looked from one to the other of her listeners, defying any criticism.

  Never had Felicity seen Alaine in a more dramatic role, never more obviously holding the stage. But again she knew this was no play-acting but a cry for their understanding torn from her very heart. To Tony, at least, the cry must have been irresistible, for in a moment he had again drawn her close and with a few whispered words reassured her. He paused to console her, then, perhaps suddenly aware of Guy’s silent presence, led Alaine to the settee, then turned boldly to face him.

  “I’m sorry, Guy—you realized didn’t want you to know. I would have done anything in the world to save you this. I was—and am still—prepared to go away. We are in your hands, we are both prepared to do as you wish.” Tony’s words rang with sincerity and there was no mistaking his suffering and regret.

  “I have discussed this matter with Alaine—from every angle,” Guy began and the note of his voice caused Felicity to turn involuntarily towards him. He had barely moved and there was still so much of the statue in his poise that his sudden speech gave her a sense of shock. His expression had remained unchanged, his eyes barely flickered beneath their half-lowered lids and the squared line of his jaw was hard and unyielding, yet, with a sense of faint surprise she felt no anger or animosity in his manner, only a quiet yet almost kindly determination which became even more apparent as he went on. “I quite understand, you can spare me explanations or apologies, I fully realize that what has happened has not been of your seeking. Alaine has been very frank with me and I believe that by leaving her, you thought you were acting for the best—” He broke off and for the first time Felicity could detect a note of bitterness in his voice. “I refuse to accept that sacrifice from you—or Alaine. You see, I too, happen to be concerned in Alaine’s future happiness arid I know now that she will only find it as your wife.”

  “But—Guy—” Tony began, but disregarding his interruption Guy went on speaking.

  “Take Alaine down to Somerset with you, no doubt your marriage can take place there. I know from what you have told us about your farm that she’ll be happy in California “ He broke off and for the first time his features relaxed and the ghost of a smile played round the corners of his lips. “Good luck to you both—and every happiness.” He held out his hand to Tony and as if in a dream Felicity saw their clasped hands, saw that symbol of understanding and friendship and felt relief flood her whole being.

  While the feeling of unreality persisted, and Felicity watched Guy and Tony speak in undertones together, she was aware of the gradual change in Tony’s drawn features, of the light, which slowly returned to his eyes. She was aware of Alaine’s tremulous smile as she rested in the protective circle of Tony’s arm, the slackening of that earlier feeling of tension as he continued speaking. She saw Guy release Tony’s hand, then following a few quiet words with Alaine she watched him stoop and drop a light kiss on her forehead, bringing to her lips a radiant smile which momentarily effected the erstwhile ravages of tears. She knew that Guy had crossed to the door and was aware that he beckoned her to follow and still as if in a dream Felicity now felt Alaine’s arms round her neck and her soft lips against her cheeks.

  “You understand, Felicity, don’t you? I love him so much, I never knew I could feel like this about anyone, Tony is the only person in the whole world for me now. I’ll make him happy, Felicity, I promise you I will, I promise!”

  Felicity found herself returning that warm embrace with whole-hearted feeling. “I believe you, Alaine—I know you’ll both be happy.”

  Tony’s farewells quickly followed, his happiness was infectious and she found her lips smiling their response. “Thanks, darling—for everything. I’m taking Alaine down to Mother in the morning, we’ll get married at St. Jude’s—you remember the little church on the hill—you’ll join us in time for that, won’t you? Then you’ll come with us to the States.”

  Felicity, still smiling, shook her head. “No, not now, you don’t need me—Aware that her brother was about to argue she laid her finger gently across his lips. “No, darling, don’t argue now, we’ll discuss all that later. I’ll come down and see you both before you sail.”

  Joining Guy where he still awaited her in the doorway, she preceded him from the flat and slowly walked down the stairway at his side. She could still see Alaine and Tony as hand in hand they had stood watching them leave. She felt it was a picture she would never forget, the last rays of the setting sun had bathed them in a soft radiance, encompassing them as if in a glow of perfect happiness. It was then that with a sense of guilt she was suddenly recalled to the silent figure at her side and with an impulsive gesture she laid her hand gently on his arm. “I’m sorry, Guy, oh, so sorry.”

  “Please spare me your sympathy.” His tone was frigidly deterring and it was not until they emerged into the street that he spoke again; now his voice was casual and entirely devoid of emotion. “I’ll call you a taxi.” As one drew up alongside them he opened the door. “Will you do me a favour?”

  “Of course I will—I’ll do anything I can.” Felicity could not hide the eagerness in her voice, her repressed longing to be of help to him must have been apparent both in her tone and her expression. She would have given all if she could but have shared his pain or helped him to bear it, her longing to show the depth of her sympathy tore at her; she had helped to heal his body but she could not hope to be allowed to heal his heart.

  “Please dine with my father tonight as was arranged, I don’t want him to be disappointed, he has looked forward so much to seeing you again. Make what excuses you wish to cover Alaine and Tony’s absence. I don’t feel I can face up to things just yet—I’ll get along some time this evening, that I promise, but you mustn’t wait dinner.” He assisted her into the taxi and without awaiting her reply gave the driver his instruction and walked quickly away.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  It was Mackerley who opened the door to Felicity at Guy Brenton’s flat, and noting her surprise he quickly explained that he always accompanied the Colonel on his rare visits to London, then, greeting her with obvious pleasure, led her into a large lounge separated from the entrance hall by glass sliding doors. Mackerley relieved her of her coat and addressed her again. “You won’t mind waiting a few minutes, Miss? The Colonel will be with you soon, he seemed a bit tired this afternoon and I didn’t like to disturb his rest too early.”

  “I quite understand, and please do tell him not to hurry.” As Mackerley turned away Felicity went on. “Oh, by the way, Mr. Brenton asked me to let you know that neither Miss Jason nor my brother will be coming this evening, he also asked you not to wait dinner for him—he may be detained.” Felicity hoped that her tone sounded casual. “You see, there will probably only be me, so there is no need for Colonel Brenton to hurry, I don’t mind waiting one bit.”

  At any other time Felicity would have been intrigued to find herself in Guy Brenton’s flat, free to look around and to observe all the details which might or might not have reflected the personality of the owner. This evening the emotional upheaval through which she had passed weighed on her and she was only aware of the beauty of the large room and, in contrast to Weir Court, the almost modern style of decoration. The furnishing provided an elegance without any sacrifice of comfort and she could well understand why Alaine had been anxious to m
ake this flat her home in preference to the austere old-worldliness of Weir Court. It was unfortunate that her thoughts had led her back to Alaine; Her deep regret for Guy was inextricably bound up with the joy which Alaine and her brother had found together; her mind was in a turmoil and she scarcely knew whether she were nearer to laughter or tears. Now, viewing the thing quietly, she knew without doubt that what had happened was for the best. The timely hand of Fate had intervened to save Guy a lasting pain and regret far greater than he suffered now. This would pass, she told herself firmly, it was a transient thing, perhaps if she had not interfered, if she had not returned Alaine the ring ... Felicity thrust back the whole vista of possibilities the thought evoked. She had acted in good faith and regrets were useless now. She could only hope that one day Guy would find all the love and happiness he so richly deserved and wipe out forever the memory of his first love which had been rejected.

  Wrapped in her own thoughts Felicity had not even noticed Mackerley’s re-entrance. “Excuse me, Miss, I’m wondering could you tell me where I could locate Mr. Guy? I’ve phoned his rooms and the Hospital—it’s the Colonel, he doesn’t seem well—” He broke off and there was no mistaking the concern in his voice.

  “No—I can’t help you, I’m afraid I don’t know.” Felicity had risen to her feet inspired perhaps by her companion’s obvious anxiety. “What is the matter? Is he complaining of anything?”

  “Not complaining, Miss, oh no!” Mackerley hastened to reassure her, then a troubled note entered his voice again. “Maybe it’s the heat, he doesn’t feel it so much down at Weir, but it’s tiring in town—he looks kind of peaky as you might say. I had quite a job to get him up from his rest this afternoon and it isn’t like him to lie abed a moment longer than necessary.”

  “Do you know the number of Mr. Brenton’s Club? Perhaps he is there?” Felicity suggested hopefully. Although not unduly concerned about Mackerley s report she felt that some helpful suggestions were expected of her.