Dr Henderson not been well ? '
Oh yes. He did have an attack the first day I came,
but
? '
Yes. But he won't let either—Jim Crombie or myself examine him. Still, I'm glad to say he seems to
have been much better of late. At least, he's had no further attacks.'
That's because you've been taking such good care of him. I tell you, you're a very nice person to know.'
She protested that as far as Uncle John was concerned, that was surely only ordinary care. All the same, it was nice to have Oliver's admiration and regard. She felt she needed it to counteract Jim Crombie's attitude.
It was a pleasant, interesting drive into Norwich, most of it unspoilt country, no straggle of houses linking one small town with the next as one found in the north of the country, but freshly ploughed. fields or trees. As to the city itself, Sara was delighted with it. The shops looked wonderful. She must come in some time and have a good browse around them. Oliver showed her the lovely old Cathedral with the statue of Edith Cavell just outside its gateway, and took her to the other side of the river from where the Cathedral appeared to be set in the heart of the country rather than in the City. The market, in spite of being closed to trade, looked gay and continental with its awnings of red and white, or multi-coloured stripes, and others in every colour of the rainbow. Bright yellow, blue, green, purple— Sara was fascinated and wished she had brought her camera. To the left of the market was a pretty blue building with a bow front, an old inn. And behind this a lovely church which Oliver told her was called St Peter Mancroft, and dated from the mid-fifteenth century.
Overlooking the market to the rear was a magnificent, more modern building with an imposing tower to one side.
That's the City Hall,' Oliver told her. 'And this other grey and white building on the right is the Guildhall.'
But it's lovely,' exclaimed Sara. It looks almost
like a castle or fortress. And I love that—sort of checkerboard design at the front. What is it built from ? '
Stone and fiint—materials natural to the county. But come and let me show you our little theatre, the Maddermarket. They say it's the most attractive amateur theatre in the country.'
He took her down an intriguing narrow little alleyway, guarded by an old-fashioned street lamp, and there was a black and white, timber-fronted little theatre, basically a copy of an Elizabethan original, and inside, Oliver told her, having an Elizabethan-style apron-stage.
Next, he showed her a winding, cobbled, old-world street with coloured, timber-framed shops and houses which was absolutely delightful.
Elm Hill. Very much photographed and painted,' said Oliver.
By now it was dark, and only having had a light tea, Sara was beginning to feel hungry.
' Would you care to come back with me to supper ? ' she asked Oliver. According to Uncle John, there'll be plenty to eat—and I checked up with Jessie, too.'
In. that case, I can hardly refuse,' he said, laughing. Not that I would, anyway. I'm starving. I was about to suggest we had dinner somewhere.'
But Sara said she'd rather go home. ' I don't want to leave Uncle John too long. He's fairly well all right, but— '
Perhaps it was silly of her, she thought, but she could not forget that attack he had so soon. after she had first arrived. If only he would allow either Jim or herself to look him over.
In less than half an hour they were back in East Norton, and as Oliver turned into the drive of Ashton House, she was pleased to see Uncle John's car in the open garage. He wasn't out on a call, anyway.
Oliver helped her out and she went before him to open the door of the house with her key.
' Sara ' he called as she was about to insert it in the lock.
She turned. ' Yes ? '
He reached her side and put a hand on her shoulder. `Before we go in, I'd just like to say how much I've enjoyed being with you today, and to thank you. Perhaps you'll have dinner with me one evening soon .in Norwich, and we'll see a: film or a show.'
She gave him a smile. ' Why, thanks, Oliver. I'd like that very much.'
Her face was so close to his, she was not greatly surprised when he bent his head and placed his lips on hers in a light, soft kiss. Then, possibly because she did not object, the pressure increased, and in a swift movement his arms came about her. She found the contact pleasant, and after a moment something stirred within her.
But suddenly the door was flung open, and before they could part they were in full light and Jim Crombie stood there.
His expression was black. ' What a charming scene ! I'm sorry to interrupt, but you might be interested to know, Sara, that your uncle has had to be taken into hospital.'
CHAPTER VI
Sara stared at him. For a moment, she felt robbed both of breath and the power of speech.
' Oh, no I ' she breathed after what was only a split second reaction. ' But when ? What happened ? mean—how ? And which hospital has he been taken to ? I must go to him at once.' Without waiting for Jim Crombie to answer her questions, she turned to Oliver. Will you take me ? '
But look—Sara, you must eat first,' he said. He looked at the other man. How bad is he, Jim ? '
Jim Crombie opened the door a little wider. You'd better come in, both of you. There's no point in rushing off like that, Sara. He's being taken care of. If you haven't eaten, you'd better do so.'
She compressed her lips and stifled a desire to tell him to stop ordering her about. But she stepped inside the hall, suddenly realizing that Oliver hadn't eaten either, and that, after all, she could drive to the hospital herself. There was no need to impose on him.
Jessie came into the hall Oh, miss, I'm sorry about what happened. He'd just had his tea, you see, and this call came. He's been feeling so well lately, too.'
Jim Crombie cut into her account. Jessie—Dr Martindale hasn't eaten since—when ?
A light tea in Norwich about three hours ago,' supplied Oliver. I was going to suggest dinner, but
Since tea, Jessie,' Jim Crombie cut in again. 'And of course, Mr. Clayton hasn't either, so
It's all ready in the dining-room, Dr. Crombie. I'll bring in the coffee,' Jessie said, bustling off,
Sara took off the shiny black raincoat and hung it up in the hall. She had been carrying the spotted hat. Oliver went upstairs to wash his hands.
Jim watched her, then said curtly: Your lipstick is all smudged. I must say I don't think much to your behaviour for a doctor.'
At this she could hold in her fury no longer. Will you be quiet ? ' she said, rounding on him. If you've done anything to help Uncle John, then I'm grateful, but that doesn't give you the right to insult me at every turn. It certainly doesn't give you any right to comment on my personal appearance or on my behaviour. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll get the rest of the information from Jessie.'
She ran upstairs, feeling more angry than she ever had in her life. She washed her hands in her room, tidied her hair and repaired the lipstick he had been so rude about. But concern for her uncle pushed aside her annoyance. Before she ate, she would ring up the hospital and find out how he was.
She went downstairs again to see Jessie just disappearing into the dining-room with the coffee. Sara followed her. Jim Crombie would be gone, thank goodness.
Jessie, which hospital— ' she began, pushing open the dining-room door again. Then she stopped short. Standing to one side of the fireplace, his elbow leaning on the mantelpiece, was Jim Crombie.
He's been taken into Ketford,' he informed her coolly. I expect you thought you'd got rid of me,. didn't you ? ' he added.
That was too much to hope for, it seems. Do I take it you're staying to supper ?
' No, you don't—but thanks for the pressing invitation,' he said sarcastically. It may have escaped your notice,' he went on, ' and obviously did, engrossed as you were with friend Oliver, but I have no car here.'
With a start, she remembered that only Uncle John's
car had been outside. There had been no sign of Jim Crombie's.
' Then how did you get here ? ' she asked.
Well, briefly, I left my car at the point where John collapsed. I drove him straight to the hospital in his. For one thing, I have no desire to walk about five miles to pick it up, and for another, while I'm here, at least my receptionist, or rather housekeeper—Nina is off duty—knows where I can be reached. You will naturally be going to the hospital as soon as you possibly can. That will leave too long a period with no doctor available. And of course, those are just the occasions when somebody is lying at death's door.'
I see. So you want either me or Oliver to give you a lift to where you've left your car.'
Exactly. So I'm afraid I'll have to sit here while you eat your supper.' As he spoke he sat down in a small armchair beside the fireplace. But if I were you, I'd let Oliver drive you to the hospital. You'll have quite enough on your mind. Er-try not to worry too much, Sara,' he said, and now his voice was softer, kinder. He's got a coronary, as I'm sure you suspected. He was called out to a young woman with severe abdominal pain—suspected appendix—and the strain of dashing out was too much for him. I was called to him, and in your absence I took the matter in my own hands and had him admitted into hospital. I was sure you would agree that a period of absolute rest under medical supervision—other than your own— was his urgent need.'
Yes,' she answered quietly. In one sense, it was the best thing that could have happened. And—thanks again for what you did.'
He darted her a swift glance, then Oliver came in, and Sara invited him to sit at the table.
And what about you—Jim ? ' she asked. Will you join us ?
But he shook his head. ' I have eaten, thanks. I'll have a cup of coffee, though, if I may.'
' How was Uncle John when you left him ? ' asked, Sark pouring out the coffee. ' I was thinking of ringing
IT" He was pretty comfortable, really. They were giving him oxygen, and he was in a small private ward. If you like, I'll go and get the number for you, then when I'm through, you can have a word with Sister.'
Sara thanked him again, her defences against him rapidly breaking down. As he went into the hall, her gaze followed him, slightly puzzled.
He's an odd person,' she murmured, in answer to Oliver's look of enquiry.
' Oh? How so ? '
She looked at him. I don't suppose he's quite the same with you. But I find him insufferably rude and domineering one minute, and the next '
Oliver smiled. Oh, that ! It's the same with most doctors, I find. They're so fond of bossing their patients around, they think they can do it with everybody. It's a habit they get into.'
But Sara knew in her heart that there was more to it than that. But Jim came back to say he was through to the ward now, and Sister was waiting to have a word with her. Assured that he was not now in any pain and that he was resting comfortably, Sara sent a message to him, then went back into the dining-room where Jim was putting Oliver into the picture:
I insist on driving you to the hospital, Sara,' Oliver said. ' You can't possibly drive yourself. It's unthinkable. We can drop Jim off where he's left his car on the way.'
' Thanks, Oliver.'
Sara was too worried and too aware of the presence of Jim Crombie to eat very much. She ate a little meat and salad and nibbled some cheese and a biscuit, then as soon as Oliver appeared to have finished, she went upstairs and put on a coat.
You're going to be extra busy while John's in hospital, Sara,' Jim said as he sat in the back seat of Oliver's car.
Yes, I know. But Uncle John had to manage before I came, so I dare say I can, too.'
He knew the district, of course.'
I'm getting to know it pretty well now?
She could almost hear the lift of his shoulders as he shrugged.
All right,' he said. ' Call me if there's any way I can help.'
Why did she feel so strung up whenever he was anywhere near ? They had started off badly with each other an the very first day she had arrived. There was something wrong somewhere between them, something more than a doctor's ordinary habit of bossing people around, as Oliver had suggested. There was something more personal, she felt sure, some personal dislike or resentment. The thought saddened her, not for the first time. She was always, it seemed, being either hurt by him or angered. There was something about him, an inner strength which attracted and repelled her at the same time.
Oliver dropped him off at the place where his car was standing, then continued to the hospital. There he waited just outside the ward while Sara went in. She found Uncle John lying with his eyes closed, but as if sensing her presence, he opened them after a moment or two. He gave a slight smile.
' I'm sorry, Sara. I didn't want this to happen.'
She put her hand on his. Don't worry about a thing, Uncle John. You just settle down to having proper rest. It will be well worth it to you, in more ways than one.'
' But all that work. Two surgeries a day, the visits and night calls— '
Don't worry, Uncle John,' she said again. ' Every-
thing will be all right.' She hesitated, then added, for his sake: ' Jim says he'll do anything he can.'
His relief was obvious in the relaxed lines of his face and brow.
' Yes, of course. He's a good fellow, one of the best. You can rely on Jim.'
Yes, 'Uncle,' she answered, and found, strangely enough, that she meant it. ' Oliver is outside,' she told him. Would you like to see him ? '
But his eyes became heavy. ' Some other time, if you don't mind, Sara. I'm so tired. Did you enjoy your outing, by the way ? '
Very much. I'll tell you all about it next time I see you. Is there anything you particularly want ? '
But he shook his head wearily, so she said goodnight and left him. Oliver looked at her enquiringly.
' He's worn out, Oliver. He must have had a lot of pain, but he seems comfortable. He's just tired.'
He drove her home once more, and they said goodnight. When she entered the house, Sara almost expected. to see Jim there again. In spite of Jessie being in the house, it seemed oddly empty. After she had enquired of Sara how the doctor ' was, she retired to the kitchen and her own quarters, and feeling both restless and tired, Sara went up to her room and began to make preparations for bed. What a long and eventful day it had been I The events crowded into her brain in confusion. Uncle John. Poor Uncle John. Oliver, the cottage, and in its hearth, a blazing log fire, herself at one side, Oliver at the other. Or was it Jim ? The picture was confused. Then that hurt feeling came again, like a great leaden ball somewhere inside her. How angry he had been, seeing her there with Oliver. She slipped into bed, sinking her head thankfully into the feather pillow, feeling Oliver's lips once more on hers. Then it became Jim, still angry, hurting her, his lips fierce and demanding.
No !'
She sat up, and realized she must have dropped off to sleep with the light still on. She switched it off, wondering whether she ought to take some sleeping tablets if she were going to dream like that. But then she might not hear the telephone if it rang. Resolutely, she emptied her mind of both Oliver and Jim and began to count sheep.
The first thing she did the following morning was to ring the hospital to find out what sort of night Uncle John had had, and was relieved to learn that he had slept quite well. She was told that she could visit any time, as she was a doctor, and so she decided that if possible, she would visit him during the afternoon, if Jim Crombie would take her calls.
She made an early start in surgery and was through by ten-fifteen, which was good for a Monday morning. Jessie brought her in some coffee, and it was while she was drinking it that she noticed the invitation to the W.I. coffee morning. She might just as well drop in, if nothing untoward happened. But then this reminded her sharply of Bob and Alys. She almost choked over her coffee. She had completely forgotten to let them know what had happened. She flew to the telephone and dialled their number, then
realized they wouldn't be at home. Both were teaching. Worried now, she picked up the receiver and hardly aware of what she was doing, she dialled Jim Crombie's number. The cool, impersonal voice of Nina had answered her, before she quite realized why she had rung him. But now she couldn't very well back out, unless— But she found herself saying:
This is Dr Martindale speaking. May I speak to Dr Crombie, please ? '
I'm not sure whether he's in. Will you hang on a moment ? '
There was a clatter, then Nina's voice calling out: ' Jim—Jim ! '
More than ever, Sara wished she had not been impetuous. She couldn't think why she had rung him at all, and was about to replace her receiver when Jim's voice came over the wire.
' Hello, Sara. What's the trouble ? John all right ? '
Well, yes. I rang the hospital earlier, and they said he'd had a fairly comfortable night. I thought of going to see him this afternoon.'
' Good idea,' he said, and waited.
Sara scarcely knew what to say next. ' To be honest, I'm in a mild sort of panic,' she said, after a pause. ' I've suddenly realized I completely forgot to let Bob and Alys know, and they'll both be at school.'
Oh, that's all right,' he said swiftly. ' I rang them up last night and told them. Alys was going to ring you, but I told her you'd gone to the hospital and would be tired when you got back. Actually, I tried to get them at the time it happened, but they were out and didn't come back until quite late. Bob said he was going to see his father this morning before school. Alys' school have a day off today. Half term or some such thing. Teachers' rest, we used to call it. So everything's all right, nothing to worry about. O.K. ? '
' Yes. Oh, yes, that's a load off my mind. Thanks very much.'
' Any time I can be of help—' he said blandly. Then before she could answer, he said goodbye' and hung up.
With a look of annoyance at the innocent instrument, she placed it back on its cradle slowly. Of course, she might have known he would get in touch with Bob, or try to, immediately. She might have known, too, that Alys would be at home this morning as she was having the coffee morning there. What a pity she hadn't stopped to think before flying to the telephone. He would think her a complete idiot. He had a poor enough opinion of her, as it was.
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