Shoddy Prince

by Sheelagh Kelly

  Bright awaited him now. She was always on edge when this happened, not simply out of fear that Miss Bytheway would die but because the old harridan would kick up such a fuss when the doctor came. It was so embarrassing, the things she said to poor old Dr Ingram, but at least he was well used to it. Bright noted with dismay the much younger face that met her when she opened the door this winter’s morning. After receiving no invitation to enter, only a quizzical stare, he introduced himself with a smile. ‘Dr Scaum.’

  ‘Oh, I do beg your pardon!’ Bright clutched her breast and gestured for him to enter. ‘I was expecting Dr Ingram.’

  ‘I’m afraid Dr Ingram collapsed in the surgery half an hour ago and had to be taken to hospital.’ Noel removed his hat, the black overcoat with its astrakhan collar, and handed both to the maid, who looked familiar. ‘I’d intended to take over from him on his retirement but it looks as though I’ll be doing so a little earlier than expected now.’

  Bright did not recognize the face behind the moustache. ‘That’s a pity – I mean, oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend ye!’

  Noel laughed and, smoothing his wavy yellow hair followed her towards the staircase, bag in hand. ‘That’s quite all right. I seem to have induced a lot of disappointment in my patients, the elderly ladies especially were fond of Dr Ingram.’

  ‘Miss Bytheway wasn’t.’ Bright laughed and deposited his hat and coat on a peg. ‘I mean it doesn’t matter which doctor it is, Miss B wouldn’t like him.’

  Noel smiled back, a genuine warm smile. ‘Yes, I must confess I have been warned.’

  ‘Oh good!’ Bright led him up to Miss Bytheway’s room and entered. ‘The doctor’s here, Miss Bytheway. Tis a new gentleman, Dr—’ she turned to Noel with a question. ‘Scaum?’ He nodded.

  ‘No matter. They’re all quacks,’ snapped Miss Bytheway.

  Grimacing, Bright withdrew to let Noel in and closed the door after him before retreating downstairs.

  When Noel descended ten minutes later an anxious Bright looked for signs of wear on his face. ‘I hope it wasn’t too much of an ordeal, doctor.’

  Noel, who had been inwardly cursing Miss Bytheway as an old bitch, was generous in his opinion. ‘I’ve had worse.’

  ‘Not many, I’ll warrant. Would ye care for a cup o’ tea before ye leave?’

  Noel was about to refuse but the familiarity of Bright’s smile caused him to change his mind. An absent hand smoothed at his morning suit. ‘Why, thank you.’ He followed her into the dining room, which was also used as a front parlour, pausing to study a photograph of a military man and an elegant woman. ‘Are these Miss Bytheway’s parents?’

  Bright had asked this same question of her employer. ‘Yes, her father was a major in the York and Lancaster Regiment.’

  ‘Ah! So that’s where she gets it from.’

  Bright shared his amusement. ‘Please, take a seat. I won’t be a moment.’

  Instead of sitting, Noel played with his moustache and looked from the window at the modest front garden which held the skeletal remains of hydrangeas and little else.

  ‘Would you like a biscuit?’

  He turned to find Oriel offering a plate. ‘No, thank you.’ The pretty, black-haired child looked disappointed. ‘But you go ahead.’ He gestured for her to have one and weaved his way around the furniture to the sofa.

  It was all the permission Oriel needed. Downing the plate on the walnut table, she bit into one of the arrowroots and sat nearby. Her inelegant mastication grated the doctor’s nerves. ‘Perhaps I will have one.’ He used the sound of his own crunching to drown the noise of hers.

  ‘How is Miss Bytheway’s health?’

  Taken aback by the adult-sounding tone, Noel faltered. ‘Er, she has a bronchial infection.’

  Oriel nodded and used the same hand that was holding the biscuit to flick back her long hair. ‘She’s been prone to chest infections ever since she had pneumonia when I was little.’

  Bright rushed in with a tray then. ‘I hope Oriel hasn’t been bending your ear too much, doctor.’

  ‘Not at all.’ Noel’s brown eyes twinkled. ‘We’ve had a very interesting exchange about Miss Bytheway’s medical history.’

  Oriel stopped crunching and eyed the doctor. Without a word she rose and left the room.

  Nonplussed, the young man looked at Bright for explanation.

  ‘I’m afraid my daughter thinks you’re patronizing her.’ Bright’s face bore a hint of reprimand.

  Noel looked suitably shamed. ‘She could be right. I’m not very good with children.’

  ‘Tis hardly your fault.’ Bright smiled and poured him a cup of tea. ‘Oriel doesn’t realize she is a child. At Miss Bytheway’s insistence she rarely mixes with those her own age and has to make do with adult conversation most of the time. I don’t know whether it’s good for her, but at least she’s safe in here. There are some very cruel people out there.’ She unconsciously covered her left hand to mask the absence of a wedding ring, a move which Noel detected.

  ‘D’you think she’ll forgive me?’

  ‘I’m sure she will. Sugar, doctor?’ She proffered the bowl. After he had sweetened his tea, she began to withdraw. ‘Well, if you’ll excuse me.’

  ‘Oh, please don’t leave on my account! I can’t bear to drink tea alone.’

  Bright thought it must surely breach etiquette for a maid to take refreshment with a doctor and it showed on her face, yet at his insistence she agreed. Why shouldn’t she? She was as good as he was any day.

  ‘Excuse my impertinence,’ Noel said after she had fetched herself a cup, ‘but I have a feeling we’ve met before.’

  Bright looked at him closely and for the first time during his visit noticed that she was not a bit nervous in his presence – at least she hadn’t been until realizing it. Now she became deeply aware of his behaviour towards her. He spoke to her as an equal, not a servant. Excuse the impertinence he had said, as if she were a lady. For the past nine years Bright had been reviled by all, even her family – even by herself – and now here was this man treating her like a human being. So overcome was she that tears pricked her eyes, but she fought them. She had had great practice in controlling them since Oriel’s birth and the doctor did not notice the gleam. If he did then he was courteous enough not to mention it. He took her mute gaze to mean that she thought him a fool and he blushed. Bright, only now aware that she had been staring, blushed too. The air of friendliness that had gone before now became momentarily strained until Noel punctured the membrane. ‘Could I ask your name?’

  She told him. ‘Bright Maguire.’

  The unusual name endorsed his recognition. ‘I knew it! You’re Nat’s friend.’

  Bright turned crimson as the memories swarmed over her like hounds on a fox. ‘A long time ago. He lives in Canada now, I believe.’

  ‘Really? Lucky chap.’ Noel gave a wistful smile, then asked, ‘I don’t suppose you remember me?’

  It had been the moustache that had thrown her, but she knew him now by the cleft on his chin. ‘Your birds were killed!’

  It sounded very much like an accusation. Noel’s delight fizzled out. ‘It really wasn’t my fault that Nat was put away…’

  ‘Oh, I know that!’ Bright was acutely embarrassed. ‘I wasn’t…’

  ‘I tried to protect him. I knew Nat would never do a thing like that.’ He appeared to consider it very important that she believed him.

  ‘I know, I know! I didn’t mean to sound as if I was blaming you for him being put away. Twas all that horrible Denzil’s fault.’

  Noel nodded, suitably absolved. ‘A nasty piece of work. I wonder where he is now?’

  ‘Faraway, I hope,’ issued Bright, then gave a shy smile. ‘I see you’ve still got the little… on your chin.’

  He touched the cleft, then laughed. The little bum, she had been going to say, but he wouldn’t embarrass her by mentioning it. ‘Afraid so.’ Unaware that he was inflicting pain, he returned to the subject of the
ir mutual friend, for he was eager to hear about Nat for himself. The boy’s rude departure from his life had caused much pain and he had never found another about whom he felt the same way. ‘How did Nat end up in Canada?’

  She felt the knife turn in her gut. ‘I’m not sure… I just heard.’

  ‘Let’s hope he made a go of it.’ Noel nodded again and took a gulp of tea, which had started to form a layer of tannin. ‘Well, it’s awfully nice to meet you again.’ He took another gulp from the cup and used his handkerchief to mop his moustache. ‘I’d love to stay and chat but I’m afraid I’ve other patients to visit.’

  ‘It’s been lovely to see you too, doctor.’ The air of affability had returned. Bright wondered how she could feel so completely at ease in his presence, but had no time to dwell on it for he was heading for the door.

  ‘I’ll call again in a few days.’ Noel answered Bright’s unspoken query. ‘I’m not too worried about Miss B but it pays to keep an eye on an infection such as hers. In the meantime, call in at the surgery and I’ll let you have some medication.’

  ‘She won’t take it,’ warned Bright.

  ‘So she said.’ Noel was on the doorstep. ‘I told her I’d take a funnel and administer it by force if she didn’t do as she was told.’

  Bright raised her eyebrows. ‘You didn’t!’

  ‘Of course I didn’t. You think I want to lose a regular source of income?’ Noel laughed as the other covered her mouth. ‘That’s what I’d like to do though. She treated me like a witch doctor! The old…’ He checked his tongue. ‘Well, enough said or I shall get myself into trouble.’

  ‘Say what you like, I wouldn’t breathe a word!’ Bright was laughing. ‘I know exactly what you mean.’

  ‘I’m sure you do. Well, goodbye Miss Maguire.’

  So he had noticed the lack of a ring. Once again Bright self-consciously covered her wedding finger.

  ‘Please apologize to your daughter for me.’

  ‘I will. Goodbye, doctor.’

  ‘Stupid man,’ said Oriel, who came out of hiding once the door had closed.

  ‘Don’t be rude! He was nice, and he sent his apologies.’

  Oriel turned up her nose. ‘What if I choose not to accept?’

  ‘I would guess he’s the sort of person to say suit yourself,’ laughed Bright. ‘Ye want to think yourself lucky, I never had an adult apologize to me when I was a child.’

  Intrigued by her mother’s mood, Oriel forgot about the insult. ‘You like him don’t you, Mother?’

  Bright cocked her head in assent. ‘He has a way with him.’

  ‘Will you marry him?’

  ‘Oriel Maguire!’ Bright raised her hand in mock outrage. ‘Come here while I throttle ye.’

  Oriel laughed and ran away.

  When Noel called again he made it his business even before attending Miss Bytheway to atone to Oriel. ‘I’m very sorry if it appeared I wasn’t taking you seriously.’

  Oriel studied him. He looked contrite enough. ‘You’re forgiven,’ she told him.

  ‘My humble thanks.’ Little brat, thought Noel, how can such a pleasant woman give birth to that? ‘Now, I’d better go and see if our patient will be as gracious.’

  Later, he took tea with Bright again. Unlike the last time, Oriel remained. The young man wished she would go away but he pretended to take an interest in her. ‘Oriel…’ His brow took on an inquisitive frown.

  ‘Before you say it, I did not name her after a window!’ The severity of Bright’s tone was belied by the laughter in her eyes.

  Noel looked askance but his voice was jocular. ‘It was never my intention to show such ignorance, madam. I am well-acquainted with the ancient Kingdom of Oriel.’

  It was Bright’s turn to show ignorance over her daughter’s name. ‘Ye give me more credit than I deserve. Sure, I never heard of a kingdom called Oriel. Where is it?’

  ‘Why, in Ireland! A very long time ago admittedly. That’s why I assumed… with you being Irish yourself…’

  ‘Oh no!’ Bright laughed. ‘I meant to name my daughter after a beautiful bird I once saw in a book but I spelled it wrongly, and hasn’t every clever so-and-so pointed it out to me ever since.’ It struck her how liberal the doctor must be; here they were discussing her daughter as if her illegitimacy counted for nothing. Obviously it didn’t with this man.

  ‘Ah, I see.’ Noel nodded. ‘Well, you can now inform those who poke fun that you gave your daughter such a regal name because of her queenly carriage.’

  All laughed, even Oriel, who proceeded to glide up and down in most imperial manner. Noel watched and wondered but dared not ask, who was her father? Her visage led him to think of Nat. Was it him? Bright would have had to have been very young when she had given birth to her and the child did have the youth’s dark straight hair and blue eyes. Admittedly, she was like her mother too, but the resemblance was more in the overall deportment than any particular feature. Still, he would not be so rude as to ask. The lack of a wedding ring was obviously of great humiliation to Bright who, whenever possible, tried to shield the offending finger from his gaze. Was it just his gaze or did she do it with any stranger? Why should it matter to him anyway? Aware of the lengthy silence, he shifted in his chair and asked, ‘What do you intend to do with your life when you’re old enough, Oriel?’

  The child was glad that he treated her as an equal now and answered plainly. ‘I’ll be a nurse.’

  Her mother was taken by surprise. ‘When did you decide this?’

  ‘When Miss B told me the story of Florence Nightingale.’

  ‘Oh, and here’s me thinking it must have been the profound influence I’ve had on your life,’ complained Noel.

  A bell interrupted them. ‘Maguire!’ commanded Oriel imperiously.

  Flushing, Bright rose; so did a rather abashed Noel. ‘Well, I shall be on my way. As Miss B has been so well cared for I won’t need to see her again. Goodbye to you.’

  When he had gone Bright turned on her daughter. ‘Don’t you ever say that to me again!’

  Oriel’s impish grin trembled. ‘I was only making fun of Miss B, not you!’

  ‘I don’t care!’ Bright wagged a finger. ‘The doctor wasn’t to know and you won’t speak to me again in that fashion, joking or no. I am your mother, remember that!’

  Hurt that her humour had been misconstrued, as much for the fact that her mother could imagine she would be deliberately rude, Oriel lowered her head and began to cry.

  This time Bright was not to forgive her so easily. ‘And when the doctor comes again you will apologize to him for the embarrassment you caused. Go to your room!’

  * * *

  The incident faded into obscurity, for Noel was not to see Bright again for another year, when Miss Bytheway succumbed once more to her weak chest. Bright seemed pleased to see him, as did Oriel when he showed that he had not forgotten their previous conversation by asking, ‘Tell me, do you still hold your ambition to be a nurse?’

  ‘Oh yes, I’ve made up my mind,’ came the firm reply.

  ‘You wouldn’t care to attend Miss Bytheway and save me the distress?’ ventured Noel.

  ‘I’ve got clothes to wash,’ replied Oriel.

  ‘Doll’s clothes,’ Bright hastened to inform the doctor.

  ‘Ah well, I’d better get this over and done with,’ sighed Noel. ‘Onward Christian So-oldiers, marching as to war!’

  Bright shared a giggle with Oriel as he marched up the staircase, whispering, ‘The man’s crazy!’

  Whilst the doctor was upstairs, Bright put the kettle on. Oriel went back to her bowl of doll’s clothes, squeezed out the water and began to peg them on a little line that Bright had fixed for her by the fire. ‘Did you do this when you were a little girl?’ Oriel loved to hear anything about her mother’s childhood.

  ‘Aye, but I never had more than one little dolly’s outfit to wash,’ said Bright. ‘Heaven knows I’ve made up for it in this house.’ She was distracted by a faint cr
y. Cocking her head she heard it again: ‘Ra-bo!’ ‘Oh good! I’ll get a few pence for those old clothes of Miss B’s.’ They had been on a shelf in the cellar for weeks, had in fact been given to Bright who had opined to her daughter, ‘As if I’d wear any o’ those! Stinking o’ camphor and only fit for grannies. Still, I might get a few pence off the ragman.’ And she had tossed them into the cellar. Now she rushed off to get them. ‘Don’t try and lift that kettle while my back’s turned, Oriel Maguire!’

  Grimacing at the smell of mothballs, she bundled up the offending articles and hurried outside. The ragman’s cart was heading back towards town and was on Bright’s side of the road, but had stopped two doors away to make a collection. Laden with clothes, the young woman stepped out of the gate when a blow hit her full force in the stomach. It couldn’t be! Every pulse in her body hammering, she dropped the clothes on the footpath and fled back into the house before Nat had time to recognize her.

  Inside, she slammed the door, whole body trembling, head and heart thumping and listening for the clatter of horse’s hooves, the grinding of his wheels. It stopped outside her gate. Nat threw Miss Bytheway’s clothes onto the cart, delighted at not having to part with any cash, and Bright heard the cart jingle off to the cry of ‘Ra-bo!’ All the feelings of terror that she had managed to suppress for so long came ripping back. She was dragged into a dark tunnel, wanting to run but totally helpless to move, her brain unable to figure out how to work her legs.

  ‘Mother, the kettle’s been boiling for ages!’ Oriel tugged at Bright’s skirts. ‘Mother!’

  Getting no response, Oriel became alarmed and ran up the stairs, where she burst in upon doctor and patient. ‘There’s something wrong with Mother, she won’t talk to me!’

  ‘Oriel, you must not intrude in such a manner!’ The old lady was most put out, hurriedly fastening her bedjacket and checking that her huge black bow was still in position.

  ‘But she’s acting very strangely!’ Oriel directed her anxiety towards the doctor. ‘And she’s going like this!’ She began to pant loudly.