by Rikki Dyson
“Do I know you from someplace?” Sir Richard asked with a frown.
“My feelings exactly sir, but a different time and a different place.”
Sir Richard looked at Stacey not understanding. He looked at Shane, then back at Stacey and said, “Very nice to meet you young lady.”
“What was that all about?” Shane asked, as Stacey came into his office.
“He looks like someone I used to know, a long, long time ago,” Stacey said.
“In your dream?” Shane asked.
“Yes, isn’t that strange,” Stacey said.
“If that’s so sweetheart, why did he think he knew you?”
“Now that I don’t know,” Stacey said.
While they were eating lunch, Stacey told Shane about her visit to the royal college of arms, and the information she’d obtained there. “York might have more information, the lady said.”
“Do you want to go there?” Shane asked.
“No, well not until after next summer. My time with you is more important to me than chasing a dream. How’s your young patient, by the way?”
“He’s recovering quite nicely. I saw him first thing this morning, he’s awake and talking.” Stacey cleaned up their mess and started to kiss Shane bye. “I’ll walk you downstairs to wait for the taxi,” he said.
Shane and Stacey where on their way downstairs when one of the sisters asked, “Are you leaving, Doctor McLeod?”
On the landing; Shane turned, looked up and said quite annoyed, “Not hardly, Sister. You’re well aware I have patients to see this afternoon.”
When Stacey heard the irritation in Shane’s voice, she glanced at him, then up at the nurse at the top of the stairs. As their eyes met, the woman was stupefied. She felt as if she was being drained of mind and strength. Then Shane took Stacey’s hand and they disappeared down the stairs.
As the taxi pulled up, Shane kissed Stacey bye and said, “If all goes well, I shan’t be late.”
“Regardless,” Stacey said. “I’ll be there waiting.”
Shane gave her a smile that was worth all the waiting in the world to her.
When Rhonda saw Brenda standing at the stairs she touched her arm and asked, “What is wrong with you?”
Brenda hugged herself and said, “I feel like I’ve just had my mind read.”
“Well, short novels are in vogue,” Rhonda said, laughing.
“I’m not joking around,” Brenda said. “I truly felt like she knew everything I was thinking.”
“Who are you talking about?” Rhonda asked.
“Doctor McLeod’s fiancée,” Brenda said.
“Oh, now I’m beginning to understand. You think she knows that you tried to put the make on Doctor McLeod. If that’s so, wouldn’t she know that he didn’t rise to the bait.”
“Oh, he was rising well enough, until he went on holiday and met her.” There was a pause, then she asked, “Rhonda, do you believe in witches and witch craft?”
“Good lord, no, Brenda. You’re a professional person, you know better that that. Face it pet, one got away, you’ll find another.”
“No, Rhonda, it’s not that, I actually felt like she was reading my mind.”
“Oh, I see, you think she knows that you tried to do to her fiancée the same thing as your husband did to you. Perhaps you should learn a lesson from this, Brenda.”
Chapter 27
The Enlightening
Stacey was waiting for Shane when Annie called and asked, “Have you been to the dress shop for your fitting?”
“No, sorry Annie, I’d forgotten all about it.”
“Well, go now,” Annie said.
Stacey called a taxi and was there in twenty minutes. Mrs. McGraw had the gown ready. It just needed a tuck here and there. Stacey had picked out the evening gown from drawings Mrs. McGraw had mailed to her in Texas and then she had returned the drawings and her measurements. The floor length gown was a backless halter top with collar, made of white satin with a knee length slit down the middle. It would be the sexiest dress Stacey had ever worn.
She hoped Shane would like it. Stacey was trying her best to look more sophisticated for Shane. She was not immune to the looks he received from other women. They were always older, more sophisticated looking than Stacey. In October, in New York, women were quite open in their admiration of him. The funny thing was, he didn’t seem to notice. Stacey knew herself pretty darn well. She knew no matter how high she wore her hair, or how sexy and sophisticated her clothes were, deep inside she was still a Texas country girl who would be just as comfortable on a horse as in a limousine.
Actually, Stacey didn’t like limousines. The only one she’d ever ridden in was the night of her prom. She would rather have driven her jeep, but the other kids asked her to chip in for a limo, so she did. After the prom, most of the kids wanted to go to a hotel. That was where Stacey drew the line. She told her date who wanted to stay at the hotel. “I’m going home, if you wanna’ stay that’s up to you. Then she asked, “Does anybody wanna’ go back to Rawhide with me?”
Peggy Flatt and Yolanda Money said they would, but the limousine driver refused to take them back to Rawhide, so Stacey called Mr. Chen and he came to pick the girls up, and told the driver, “Sir, you must be careful not to break your arm. It would be difficult for you to drive.” Two days later he had a broken arm. Some sort of accident, they heard.
By the time Stacey got home, Shane was there. She told him where she’d been as she put the casserole in the oven, then sat down to be with him. She could see he was beyond tired.
“Would you like to watch the Rugby game on TV?” Stacey asked. “I can bring supper in to you on a tray.”
They ate and watched the game. Shane was dozing off before the game was half over. Stacey walked him upstairs and helped him undress and get into bed. He was sound asleep before she reached the door. Stacey cleaned up the kitchen, took a shower and went to bed.
The alarm was set for five, but before the alarm went off Stacey felt hands moving over her body, then her hair being lifted off her neck and replaced by his lips. Stacey turned, put her arms around Shane and said, “Good morning.”
“Yes, it’s a good morning and it’s about to get better,” he said. Oh, he was so right, they laid so completely satisfied in each others arms.
“You are the most exquisite man alive,” Stacey said. “If this is the results I get, I shall put you to bed early every night.”
Shane chuckled that low sensuous laugh of his, kissed her and said, “Sweet talk will get you nowhere, lass. I must get to hospital.”
“Then get up, lazy bones,” Stacey said, as she slapped his bum.
While Shane showered and dressed, Stacey made coffee and English muffins for their breakfast. As Shane was leaving, he kissed Stacey bye and whispered. “When I get home lass, we’ll take up where we left off.”
After Shane left, Stacey showered, dressed and was reading a book, waiting for Mrs. Wyatt to arrive. Like always, she used her key and came in. When she saw Stacey sitting in the living room, she acted surprised and said, “Oh, I see you’re still with us.”
“Yes ma’am, I am,” Stacey said. “I’ll be here until Sunday, then next February, I’ll be here for one week. In April I’ll be here for two weeks. In June after our wedding, I’ll be here permanently.”
Mrs. Wyatt made a noise in her throat like, “Humph.” She went to the kitchen, then upstairs. When she came down, she came to Stacey, took off her apron and said, “Well, young woman, to be sure, if you’re going to do my work, there’s no need for me to come take care of Doctor McLeod, until after you leave.”
“Mrs. Wyatt, could we have a cup of tea together? I have something I would like to show you.”
Stacey went upstairs while Mrs. Wyatt plugged the kettle in to heat. When she came down she went to the kitchen. Stacey put two cups and saucers on the table, then said, “Mrs. Wyatt, sit down, please.” Stacey prepared the tea, then sat down herself.
“Mrs. Wyatt, I know how much you like and respect Doctor McLeod, so I’m gonna’ tell you a secret.” Stacey took the license from the envelope and handed it to her. Mrs. Wyatt read it, looked at Stacey, read it again and looked at Stacey. “Why are you keeping it a secret?” She asked. Stacey told her how much she and Shane loved one another, but being the only child in each family, it would be selfish not to have a big wedding where they could participate. So with the help and blessing of Doctor McLeod’s grandmother...
“His grandmother knows and helped you?” Mrs. Wyatt asked with surprise.
“Yes ma’am, she did,” Stacey answered.
Mrs. Wyatt sat and looked at the license for a minute. She knew Doctor McLeod’s grandmother and had great respect for her. She reached across the table, patted Stacey’s hand and said, “You poor little thing. All this traveling and sacrifice to make your families happy. Not many young people, to be sure, would be that thoughtful and self sacrificing today. I owe you an apology. My attitude has added to your burden and you coming all the way from America to be with our Doctor McLeod. I’m so sorry. Of course, to be sure, you knew what I thought.”
“Yes ma’am, I did, that’s why I wanted you to know the truth.”
Mrs. Wyatt patted Stacey’s hand again. “Don’t you worry about a thing Mrs. McLeod. To be sure, I’ll be right here to help you and I’ll take good care of Doctor McLeod when you’re away.”
“You always have Mrs. Wyatt. Thank you, I know I leave him in good hands.”
Mrs. Wyatt washed up the cups, then told Stacey, “I’ll see you tomorrow Mrs. McLeod, and mums the word to be sure.” As she made the sign of a zipper across her lips.
Chapter 28
Marriage License
After Mrs. Wyatt left, Stacey danced around the living room. She had handled a sticky situation and was proud of herself. She kissed the marriage license and took it back upstairs. Stacey went to the market a few blocks down and bought a few things. She’d just gotten back to the flat when Shane called. “What do you sound so happy about?”
“Oh, you know, you make me a happy woman.”
“I’ll make you even happier when I get home,” he said. “See you around seven.”
“I’ll be waiting,” Stacey said. She hugged herself and went to the kitchen to make a chocolate pie. After it was in the refrigerator to keep cool, she started the breaded pork chops. Stacey had never cooked much, but she had watched her mom and Mr. Chen often enough. She was sure she could handle it. The artichokes turned out okay, so why shouldn’t this?
When Shane arrived home he had a look on his face like, ‘the cat that ate the canary.’ “Why do you look like you just ate the canary?” Stacey asked.
“I haven’t yet, but the night’s young,” Shane said as he took her in his arms.Stacey lightly slapped his arm and said, “You know what I mean.”
“Yes, lass, and you know what I mean,” Shane said with a grin.
Shane kissed her again and she asked, “Would you like some supper first?”
Shane washed up while Stacey put the food on the dining table. When he came downstairs, he was surprised. “This must be special,” he said. “we’re eating in the dining room.”
While they were eating, Stacey told Shane about her talk with Mrs. Wyatt. Shane was pleased and surprised. He knew Mrs. Wyatt was a stubborn, opinionated woman.
“I’ve told you before sweetheart, you’re precious. How could she resist you?”
“She was doing a dang good job of resisting, until she saw the marriage license,” Stacey said. “I think the fact that your grandmother helped us, was what won her over to my side.”
Shane smiled at Stacey and said, “I take it, you’re rather satisfied with yourself.”
“Yes, actually I am, this was my first fray into the grown up world.”
Shane laughed at Stacey and set her on his lap. “You are in deed a pleasure to be around, my love. I adore seeing life through your eyes.”
Stacey kissed him and asked, “Would you like dessert?” Shane raised his eyebrows. “No, chocolate pie. Go watch TV, I’ll bring it to you.”
When they finished their pie, Stacey cleaned up the dishes. As she was coming out of the kitchen Shane took her in his arms, kissed her and told her, how delicious supper was. Then he picked her up, started up the stairs and said, “Now for the real dessert.”
On Thursday morning Mrs. Wyatt was as sweet as could be. She was humming as she went about her chores. “I have to go out for awhile, but I’ll see you tomorrow,” Stacey said.
The lady couldn’t have been nicer. Stacey thought to herself; it’s amazing how some people expect other people to live by their moral standards. I wonder what earthly difference it mattered to her whether we were married or not? Mrs. Wyatt is about the same age as my grandparents. I wonder what they think? They haven’t said a word of reproach to me.
Chapter 29
A Chance Meeting
Miles Strayhorn, a wealthy import, export, tycoon was attending a meeting with his bankers. His mind was not on business today, but on his health. He had an appointment with his doctor this morning to get the results of tests that were made a week ago. This past summer, he had been diagnosed with viral bacterial meningitis. Miles had been having bad headaches and neck pain for some time. His CFO, Miranda Cox, had been after him to make an appointment with doctor Donald Fein, a neurologist.
They were on his private jet, half way between New York and London when Miles finally agreed to consult a doctor. He had a severe head and neck ache and nausea. Miranda called ahead and had an ambulance waiting when they landed. Miles was rushed to the medical center where a spinal tap was preformed. He was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Doctor Fein explained in layman’s terms, “It’s an infection of the meninges, which is brain spinal nerve tissue.”
Miles was put in isolation and started on antibiotic treatment. Miles gave Doctor Fein a hard time about staying in hospital until he was told there could be complications, such as encephalitis, brain damage, paralysis and death at the top of the list. When Miles heard this, he started to settle down and listen to wiser heads. Depression had come along with the treatment. Miles had not felt like a vigorous man of thirty-six in months. Miles looked at his watch and left the meeting. As he came to the street to hale a cab, one passed right by him. In his anxiety, he didn’t notice the tall, slender young woman, until she whistled loudly and waved to get the attention of the taxi driver who was letting out passenger across the street.
The cabbie tipped his hat and yelled across, “Be right with you miss.”
Miles smiled at her and said, “Well done.”
The young woman smiled and nodded her head. When the taxi pulled up, Stacey told the driver her destination. Miles asked, “Miss, would you mind sharing your cab? As you saw, I wasn’t doing too well on getting my own. I’m going your way, just a little farther on to the medical center.”
“Sure, why not,” Stacey said, and scooted to the far side of the cab.
Miles watched her for a short while as she looked out the taxi window, and then he thanked her and said, “I assure you, I’m quite innocuous.”
From the far side of the cab, Stacey smiled at him, looked him up and down and said, “You don’t look harmless to me.”
It started with a smile, then Miles threw back his handsome head and chortled a hearty laugh. “Thank you,” he said. “you have no idea how much I needed that.” He put his hand out and said, “My name is Miles Strayhorn.”
Stacey reached across to shake hands and said her name, just as a big lorry came rumbling by honking his horn. At the same time Miles’ mobile started vibrating. He checked to see who it was. It was his mother, so he answered. “Yes, Mother, I’m on my way there now. Yes, of course, George is on his way to pick you up, as we speak. Yes, yes, I’ll meet you there for lunch. I’ll tell you everything then. Mother, can this inquisition wait until lunch? Yes, I love you too. Bye.”
As the taxi pulled up in front of the
shoe store, Stacey handed the cabbie her fare. “No, no,” Miles said, “the fare is on me. Thank you again for sharing with me, miss...”
As Stacey was getting out of the cab, Miles asked, “Could I thank you properly by buying you a drink or a cup of coffee miss...?”
Stacey smiled and said, “Your mother’s waiting, and it’s Mrs. not Miss. Goodbye and good luck.”
As the taxi drove away, Miles turned to look out the rear window as Stacey walked into the shoe store. The cab driver looked at Miles in the rear view mirror and said, “She was a right nice young lady, she was.”
“Did you by any chance hear her name when that bloody lorry went by?”
“No, I didn’t mate, sorry,” the cabbie said.
Annie was waiting for Stacey as she came into the store, “Sorry I’m late,” Stacey said, “but I had to stop by the bank.”
“That’s okay, it gave me time to look around some. I think I’ve found just what you’ll want.”
The sales lady brought out a glittery silver pair of sandals They were lovely and would go beautifully with her white satin gown. Stacey had on spike heel boots and jeans. As she looked at the shoes in the mirror, she remarked, “Guess I should have worn a skirt to try on these.”
They were beautiful and seemed comfortable, so Stacey bought them. Next they were off to the dress shop to pick up their dresses. To round off their day of shopping, Annie took Stacey to the Ritz hotel for afternoon tea. Jokingly Stacey said, “I better get back to Texas. I could get used to this.”
“Oh, Stacey, don’t say that; you’ll be leaving too soon as it is,” Annie said.
At the hospital Doctor Fein was in emergency surgery, so Doctor McLeod was seeing some of his patients. Shane was familiar with Miles’ case, as they had known each other socially for some time. They had met two years ago at the wedding of Doctor Fein and Miles’ mother. Shane had known about Miles’ depression and was looking forward to telling him the good news about his tests. Shane was more than surprised when he walked into the examining room and found Miles with a smile on his face.