' You're what ? ' he almost shouted.
She stepped back in surprise and alarm at the look of acute consternation and disbelief on his face. He was a really extraordinary person.. Then for the first time, she noticed the bag in his hand and a sudden, awful thought came into her mind.
You're not—Dr Crombie, are you ? ' she asked faintly. I certainly am,' he said emphatically.
Well, ' Sara did not usually allow herself to be
intimidated, but being suddenly confronted by Dr Crombie like this and finding him so boorish had shaken her normal composure. I—I've been to see old Mrs Lovell.'
Oh, you have ?
The sarcasm in his voice was unmistakable, and Sara began to feel angry.
Look, Dr Crombie,' she began hotly, but he cut her
off.
' Dr—Martindale,' he said with heavy patience, if you don't mind·I'm a very busy man. Thank you for seeing her. I didn't know you were here, but now that I've come I might as well see her myself—if you'll allow me to pass. We shall meet again, I've no doubt. And when we do, I shall have a few things to say to Dr Henderson, believe me.'
Sara moved aside to let him pass, and he plunged into the house with an aggressive thrust.
What an extraordinary man, she thought, as she drove back to Ashton House. Why was he so angry ? If there had been some mistake, if his receptionist had forgotten to tell him that she had rung Uncle John about Mrs Lovell, one could have expected him to be a little surprised at seeing herself at the cottage, but he had been more than a little surprised. He had been astounded. Surely he had known Uncle John was having an assistant ?
When she reached home she found Uncle John much better, and very apologetic, but also grateful to her.
' That's all right, Uncle John,' she said smoothly. I met Dr Crombie.'
He managed to look guilty. You did ? Oh.'
She couldn't help smiling. He was very surprised when I told him who I was. Didn't he know I was coming ? '
' We—l, yes, but I—think he was under the impression that you were a—I mean— '
There was no doubting his discomfiture. Sara shook her head at him.
' You mean, you didn't tell him I was a woman doctor ? '
He smiled faintly and she detected the beginnings of a twinkle in the blue eyes.
' I wanted to surprise him. I invited him over to dinner this evening.'
Sara took a deep breath. Surprise him ! I don't know about that, but you certainly gave him a shock. At least, I did. You should have seen his face.'
John Henderson's face broke into a smile. I wish I had. Everything's gone wrong. I didn't mean you to meet each other like you did.'
I know,' she said, gently accusing. ' You were going to bring him in here and introduce us, then stand back and watch the expression on his face.' She shook her head again, admonishingly. Uncle John, you're a very wicked man.'
She didn't want to worry him by telling him that Dr Crombie was not so much surprised as angry.
As it was, he chuckled.
It is rather funny, actually, my dear,' he said. ' You see, Jim's a bachelor, and he suffers from the endless match-making efforts of the ladies of the village. It's almost a standing joke.'
' Uncle John You don't mean to say you were trying to—to bring him together with me ? '
No, no, no, my dear, of course not,' he denied vigorously. Wouldn't dream of it. Dash it all, I don't want to lose you all that quickly. No, no, I just wanted to tease him, that's all. But good heavens, you've got me worried now. I mean, I don't want you to marry anybody. At least, not just yet.'
Thank goodness for that.' She gave an ironical laugh. You didn't need to worry on our account, anyway. We didn't take to each other at all. Actually, I thought he was insufferably rude. What's wrong with him ? He seemed to have a grudge against life in general. Quite frankly, I couldn't see any girl falling over themselves to marry him.'
John looked at her in surprise. Jim's all right.
He's a wonderful chap. Oh, he can be a little—well, bristly at times, but underneath He has a heart of gold, eh ? I'll take your word for it. Anyway, I certainly hope neither the ladies of the village nor anyone else will try their match-making on me. I should think he's swollen-headed enough as it is if half the girls in the village are—what's the expression ? setting their caps at him."
As she spoke, John Henderson's eyes gradually widened, then a humorous smile curved his lips.
Now, now, Sara, this isn't like you at all. What has happened to that sweet and loving nature, that '
Laughter bubbled up inside her. Maybe it lies hidden deep underneath, like Dr Crombie's heart of gold.'
They both laughed.
' You know, it's going to do my heart good to have you here,' John said. In fact I feel tons better already.'
At the mention of his heart, though he had not meant it in a medical sense, Sara became serious.
Uncle John, about that heart of yours
But he shook his head swiftly. ' I don't want to talk about it.'
But—but really hadn't you better let me run my stethoscope over you ? '
No. Definitely no, my dear. Now that you're here to help with the practice I shall be perfectly all right. Not that I intend you doing more than your share,' he added quickly. Between us, we'll work out a system. But not tonight. You still have to unpack, and don't forget we have a guest coming.'
Oh yes, you've invited Dr Crombie, haven't you ? ' She laughed. Well, as we've already met, I wouldn't be surprised if he cries off. If he doesn't, it will be for one reason only.'
And what might that be ?
You'll find out, I've no doubt. He said in no uncertain terms that he had a few things to say to you, so you'd better watch out.'
Ah ! Jim Crombie's bark is worse than his bite, you'll see.'
Sara went upstairs to unpack. Her first few hours in East Norton had been quite eventful. She had been out on a case, had encountered the other local G.P.—and encountered was the right word, she mused wryly. Whether his bark was worse than his bite or not, his bark was quite bad enough.
But her mind was really on Uncle John. She gave a worried frown. How bad was his heart ? Bad enough by the look of things. His attack had been typical of angina—a symptom of a diminished blood supply to the muscles of the heart. There was little doubt that he kept a capsule of amyl nitrite always to hand in his pocket. He had not been exerting himself very much, unless suddenly jumping up from his chair had brought on the attack.
Whichever way it was, she had to conclude that his heart must be in a very dangerous condition. She would have to see to it that he had as much rest as it was possible for him to have. But obviously, he hated fuss. She would have to go about things very, very tactfully indeed.
It was a large pleasant room she had been given, with an attached dressing-room and two big windows, one overlooking the front of the house with its attractive rose garden, and the other looking out on to the pleasant courtyard and garden. In the fireplace was a fitted electric fire with a log effect, and two comfortable armchairs gave the room a sitting-room appearance.
The sound of a car door slamming caused her to glance at her watch with the realization that it must be nearly time for evening surgery. Uncle John had said nothing about this. He had evidently not intended that she
should begin her duties until tomorrow, but in view of his attack
She went downstairs and looked in the waiting-room. Already there were five people sitting in bored silence in the small green and white room with its posters telling of the dangers of smoking and the need for the immunization of children against diphtheria and polio. She closed the door again and crossed to the surgery, but this was empty. Jessie was in the kitchen preparing
dinner. ..
` Do you know where the doctor is, Jessie ? ' asked Sara.
' Jessie straightened. up from the oven, her face pink from the heat.
I think he must still be in his room, miss--er— Doc
tor.'
Is he often, late for surgery ? There are several people in the waiting-room, and it's past six o'clock.'
Jessie's brown eyes flew to the kitchen clock. ' Well, he has been lately, and it's been a job to know what to do for the best, really it has. You see, if he's resting I hardly like to disturb him.'
Don't worry, Jessie. I'll go in and start surgery until he does come down. I don't suppose he'll be long.'
She called in the first patient and resolutely pushed aside her anxiety. She mustn't get into the habit of worrying every time he was late or looked tired. Now that she was here to share the work his condition generally would be bound to improve.
She put on a smile for the middle-aged woman who entered the surgery, which broadened as she saw the surprised look on the patient's face.
Yew be doctor's new assistant ? ' came the query in a rather high-pitched voice and a dialect new to Sara.
That's right. Sit down, won't you ? Dr Henderson has been delayed.'
Well, I never ! '
Sara had the feeling that this observation had no bearing whatever on the fact that Dr Henderson had been delayed.
Well, and what can I do for you ? ' she asked in a voice which she hoped inspired confidence.
Oh, I just want some more o' them pills doctor give me.'
' I see. And what were the pills for ? '
The woman stared, as if astounded at such a question. Well—Dr 'Enderson, 'e knows. Shall I come back 'n the mornin' when 'e's 'ere ? '
Sara suppressed a sigh. She supposed she would have quite a lot of this sort of thing until she got to know everyone thoroughly, and they her.
Suppose you tell me your name, then I can find out what Dr Henderson has been giving you,' she suggested.
Oh, well then, in that case—name's Tyler. Mrs Tyler.'
And your Christian name ? '
Dorothy.'
A large filing cabinet stood beside the desk. Sara pulled open the drawer marked R—T and began to finger her way through the cards. Uncle John certainly had a good filing system. She must remember to tell him so. Taylor, Tennant, Todd, Torrey— There were quite a number of patients with the same name, she noticed.
Ah, here we are. Tyler.'
But her little triumph was short lived. There was no D. Tyler. Only E. Tyler, and by no stretch of the imagination could the patient sitting in the surgery at the moment be Mrs E. Tyler, primip., I.m.p. June '. Perhaps Uncle John's tiling system wasn't quite as good as at first appeared.
' Er—you did say your name was Tyler ? ' she queries in a vain hope.
Mrs Tyler confirmed that she did.
Another idea occurred to Sara. ' How do you spell it ? '
Why, same's everybody spells the name. T a y l o r,' came the answer in a voice which clearly denounced the new doctor as mentally subnormal.
' T a y—Oh, Taylor
Thet's what I said. Tyler.'
Sara hid a smile. I'm so sorry, I misheard you. Now. Ah, this is it. Yes, I see. Menotax.' Sara wrote out the simple prescription. She must watch out for these differences in the vowel sound in future. Everything else all right ? ' she queried as she handed over the slip of paper.
Well, yes, everythin' else is all right, thank you— Doctor.'
Sara saw several more patients before John Henderson put his head round the door which led into his study.
My dear Sara, I didn't intend you to take surgery tonight. What a welcome you've had ! '
The next patient hovered tentatively in the other doorway.
That's all right, Uncle John, I'm quite happy,' she told him. There's been nothing very important, so far.'
It's not all right,' he told her. Now, up you get. I'll take over, and thanks for making a start.'
She attempted no further argument. Taking surgery would put him to no great exertion, and she must be careful not to overdo things in her concern for him. It would be so easy for her efforts to be misunderstood.
She learned from Jessie that Dr Crombie was expected at seven-thirty. Sara had a bath and changed into a rather special dress which was one of her favourites, and one in which she always felt at ease. She knew, too, that it suited her. She was fairly tall—somewhere in the region of five feet six, with fair hair which she had learned to dress herself, in either a sophisticated or a
simple style, according to her mood. As she was wearing a black dress, she brushed it up into a high, formal style, and took extra care with her make-up. She had a feeling she would need every feminine weapon at her disposal this evening, if this afternoon's encounter with her uncle's guest was anything to go by.
She lingered upstairs until the last patient had gone and she saw through her side window the arrival of Dr Crombie in his red sports car: Then presently she made her way down to the sitting-room from where she could hear the voices of the two men.
Sara paused for a moment to gather herself together, then pushed open the door.
The two men were standing beside the fireplace, talking and having a drink together. Uncle John had changed and wore a dark suit with a white shirt and a. bow tie. He was still. handsome in spite of his age and the effects of his illness. She glanced at the younger man. Gone were the baggy trousers of the afternoon. He was still dressed informally, but now he wore a suit in fine, soft green and brown tweed with a dark shirt and a very nice, distinctive-looking tie. His own choice ? she wondered. But her attention. was held by his profile, etched clearly against the pale wall.
It was a good profile, the features clear-cut and intelligent, the jaw strong. Yet there was a kind, gentle look on his face as he listened to what the older man was saying. Sara felt something within. her melt. Then, becoming aware of her entry, the two men turned, and for the second time that day Sara found herself looking straight into the eyes of Jim Crombie. There was a split second before Uncle John spoke, and in that second Sara had a strange feeling that here was a man who was going to mean something special in her life. But what ? As if in a trance, she began to move towards him.
CHAPTER II
Ah, there you are, my dear. Come and say how do you do to Jim properly.'
Uncle John's voice shook her out of what she could only think had been a sort of illusion. What on earth had come over her ? She stepped back and closed the door, then crossed the room. Jim Crombie was now eyeing her with a mocking smile. He put his glass on the mantelpiece and held out his hand.
Well, well, what a transformation ! How do you do, Dr Martindale. Welcome to East Norton.'
' Thank you,' she answered in the same light tone. I must say you look a little different, too.'
' Well, you know, we country clods do our best. Had I realized, of course, that you would look so magnificent, I might have dug out my old soup and fish.'
Sara smiled and delicately raised her eyebrows, but made no reply.
' Now what will you have to drink, Sara ? Sherry ? ' She sat down and crossed one leg elegantly over the other. Yes, thank you, Uncle John.'
Dr Crombie gave her a swift, enquiring glance. Uncle John ? '
' He's my father's oldest friend. I've called him Uncle ever since I can remember.'
A raise of the eyebrows and a faint smile was all the answer she received to this. Was he laughing at her ? She compressed her lips, determined that her wit should well equal his own if need be. But he asked another question.
' Is your father a doctor ? '
My father died some years ago.'
' I'm sorry,' he murmured swiftly.
And he was a doctor—yes,' she went on. He was a hospital physician—senior registrar—for a number of years.'
But you prefer a general practice. And what made you come to East Norton ? '
But Sara felt she had given him enough information for the time being. She looked across at him.
You ask a lot of questions, Dr Crombie,' she said smoothly.
John Henderson put a glass of sherry into her hands. He's a very inquisitive man, Sara, but it's interest rather
than idle curiosity, I assure you.' He sat down on the large sofa. By the way, I hope you two are not going to keep on calling each other doctor all the time. I want you to be friends.'
Again, that raise of the eyebrows and the faint smile. Sara thought she would get her answer in first.
' Uncle John, you know I'd do anything for you.'
What, even to the extent of calling me Jim ? ' quizzed Dr Crombie.
Even to that extent,' she retorted.
' Well now, there's magnanimity for you.'
Sara sipped her sherry, before adding: I'll go further. You may call me Sara.'
Jim Crombie burst out laughing. You know, you're quite an entertainment. I can see it's going to be great fun having you around.'
I wouldn't bank on that,' she told him.
John Henderson looked from one to the other, a smile on his face, obviously enjoying their repartee.
It does me good to listen to you two,' he said. ' I can see you're going to get along famously.'
We'll do our best, won't we—Sara ? ' Dr Crombie said mockingly.
Jessie came in at this point to tell them that dinner was ready, and as they went towards the door, Sara asked her if she needed any help.
Oh, no, thank you, Doctor, it's only a very simple meal, really,' Jessie assured her.
But behind her, Sara heard Jim Crombie murmur
loudly, She's going to be very, very useful, John. Can she sing soprano, too ? '
Sara tried briefly to work up an anger, but found herself giving a silent chuckle. He had many moods, this Jim Crombie, but at least he was not a bore. She wondered why he had not married, why he had resisted all attempts at match-making. Because he had not been in love with any of the women he had met, was the obvious answer. But was he so terribly hard to please ? What sort of woman would he fall in love with ? she wondered.
' Do you belong to any societies in the village—or in Ketford ? ' she asked him, as she served soup from the large tureen Jessie had set before her.
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