The Newcomer

by Hilda Pressley

  He was so sweet, so kind and thoughtful, she could have wept. 'Why was she hanging on to this love she had for Jim ? A love which he did not want ? Why was it that one so foolishly cried for the moon when the stars were there for the taking ?

  She smiled tremulously. Oliver, you're a dear, sweet man. I will mull it over. I'd—give you the answer you want right now, except that—it hardly seems

  Don't say any more. Just let the idea grow on you. Let's dance again and relax.'

  Sara tried, but it wasn't easy. She found it difficult to get Jim out of her mind and to stop thinking about Oliver's proposal. It was odd that, before she realized how she felt about Jim, she welcomed physical contact with Oliver. The feel of his arms about her, his lips on hers. She had been more than half in love with him— or thought she was. But had the feeling been, in reality, related even then to Jim ?

  For days she did mull things over, as Oliver had suggested. She could do no other. The problem was with her, ever-present sleeping and waking, at the back of her mind ready to leap to the forefront again, even when she was dealing with the problems of her patients. She longed to get away, to put an end to her heartache, but the idea of marrying someone else was something to which she could not reconcile herself at the moment.

  But she was helped in her decision by something which happened one night as she was returning from a late call. She was driving through the Chase when all at once a large deer loomed up in front of her. She braked and tried to swerve, but it was too late. She felt a thud and had to hang on to the steering wheel and brace herself against injury. The car did not run over the animal. Sara brought it to a stop a few yards further on in the middle of the road, but not before she heard a peculiar clanking noise coming from somewhere under the bonnet.

  She got out of the car, wondering what the damage was, and worried about the deer. She could see a shadowy outline lying in the road and a sound like running water close by. She looked down, and saw to her dismay that the water was coming from the radiator, damaged beyond repair, no doubt. The question was : how was she to get home except by walking—and, she was at least three miles away. Perhaps she could get a lift from some passing motorist. But first she must look at that poor animal, see if there was anything she could do for it.

  Before she could do so, however, the headlights of a car appeared in the distance. She looked towards the spot where the deer had lain, but couldn't see it now. Had she been mistaken as to its whereabouts ? The car drew nearer, and now she could see nothing in the glare of the headlights. She stood spotlighted and waved her

  arm in a signal for the driver to stop. Fortunately, he was coming from the opposite direction, so there was no danger of his hitting the deer again. Poor creature ! What could she do if it were badly injured— or worse ?

  The car had stopped now and someone was getting out. Sara went forward, and a voice said in surprise : Why, it's Sara ! '

  Her stomach contracted violently. It was Jim. Of all the people who might have been driving through the Chase it had to be Jim.

  ' Having trouble ? ' he asked.

  ' Yes, I—I'm afraid I've hit a deer. I just couldn't help it. It suddenly appeared in front of me. I braked and swerved, but '

  ' Are you all right ? ' he asked quickly.

  ' Yes, thanks, but '

  ' What's the matter, Jim ? '

  It was a woman's voice, and out of the car stepped Nina. Jim turned to her and explained what had happened.

  ' Oh dear, poor animal ! Is it hurt ? '

  ' Where was it ? ' he asked Sara.

  Just a bit further up the road.' She began walking and he fell into step beside her, Nina following, repeating poor thing ' over and over, as if Sara had hit the animal on purpose, or so it sounded to her. But there was no sign of the deer.

  I can't understand it,' said Sara worriedly.

  ' Well, look, I shouldn't worry about it. These deer are pretty strong. You probably only stunned it. Is there any damage to your car ? '

  ' I'm afraid so. Are you sure about the deer ? '

  ' Quite sure. It was probably a whacking great stag. Let's see what the damage is to your car.'

  He strode towards it, and Nina paddled after him. ' It's terribly late, Jim.'

  He appeared not to have heard her. He lifted the bonnet of Sara's car and shone his torch inside.

  Mm. Bent fan blades and a damaged radiator. I'll have to either tow you home—that is, if I've got a tow-rope. Or I'll run you home and you can get the local garage to bring it in for you in the morning.'

  ' Jim, I'm late as it is—' came from Nina.

  Don't worry,' Sara answered Jim swiftly. You go. I'll wait until somebody else comes along.'

  You'll do no such thing,' he said firmly. It won't take long to run you home. Come along.'

  Nina sat beside Jim in the front seat while Sara sat in the back. Seeing the two shoulder to shoulder, the way Nina looked up at him, was almost more than she could. bear. Where had they been until this hour ? Had Nina spent the evening at his house ? Probably, she often did. It was no use. She simply would have to leave here soon, whether she married Oliver or not. She would explain. to Uncle John. His heart was stronger now. She would ask him to let her advertise in one of the medical journals for a new assistant. He would understand.

  On arrival at Ashton House, Jim got out of the car swiftly to open the door for her, and Sara found sufficient voice to thank him.

  He looked at her closely. Are you sure you're all right ? '

  Yes, I'm all right,' she murmured. Goodnight.'

  She walked swiftly towards the door of the house and began searching her pockets for her key. She didn't have her handbag with her and couldn't remember where she had put the door key. She was aware of Jim's tall figure still standing beside his car, and the next minute he was beside her, both hands on her shoulders.

  Sara, are you sure you're—'

  Tears were in her eyes now, and his touch was more than she could take. She twisted violently.

  ' For goodness' sake, leave me alone, can't you ? I'm all right, I tell you. Oh, where's my key ? '

  In desperation, she rang the bell, and almost immediately Jessie opened it.

  Why, Miss Sara—and Dr Crombie I Come in, both of you, and '

  ' It's all right, Jessie,' Jim said quietly, before Sara could answer. ' I've brought Dr Martindale home. She's had a little accident with her car. She's—all right, I think. She just needs a hot drink—and bed, I fancy. Goodnight.'

  He turned on his heel then, and Sara went indoors, feeling all churned up inside. Jessie fussed around her, asking what had happened and making sympathetic comments.

  Those animals are getting really dangerous, and more and more numerous every year. Now, just you go into the sitting-room and I'll bring you in a drink. Or would you rather go straight up to bed and I'll bring it up to you ? '

  I—I think I'll go straight up, thanks, Jessie.'

  She had never felt so weary, never felt so miserable and unhappy. She thought of Oliver and suddenly the idea of being married to him and cared for by him was like a glimpse of real heaven. At this moment she wanted nothing more than the comfort of his arms.

  Jim rang her first thing the next morning to ask if there was anything he could do.

  Will you be able to use John's car for your rounds ? ' he asked.

  Yes, I think so,' she answered in a small voice. There was a brief silence, then he said goodbye and rang off. Alys called that evening.

  What's this I hear about you running into a deer in the Chase ? ' she began.

  Sara told her about it. I was going to pop over and

  see you, but I've been extra busy today, one way and another.'

  ' I heard something else, too,' Alys said, but I can't believe you're serious.'

  Sounds as though you've been having a jolly good chat about me with somebody.'

  ' I have—with Jim. He tells me you intend leaving— and as Oliver is, too, he's naturally concluded th
at you and Oliver are—well '

  And he'd be concluding correctly,' Sara said with a hint of defiance.

  Alys stared at her. But, Sara, you can't do

  that ! '

  ' Why not ?

  You know perfectly well why not. Sara, I'm surprised at you, and disappointed. I don't know how you can even think of such a thing, feeling as you do about Jim. For one thing, it's not fair on Oliver.'

  Oliver knows. He somehow guessed. He thinks that, away from here, I shall forget Jim. And so do I. In fact I'm not at all sure that

  With a vigorous shake of the head, Alys interrupted her. ' Oh no, you're not. You can't fool me. Besides, that's not the point. You can't possibly marry a man you don't love.'

  ' I'm very fond of Oliver. Away from here, and given time '

  Alys gave an exasperated sigh. ' Given time ! It's ridiculous. By the way, I think you might have told me that you intend leaving. I suppose you realize how upset Bob's father will be ? '

  At this Sara felt her control breaking. The ache in her heart was intolerable. Her lips trembled.

  ' Do you think I haven't thought about that ? But I can't stand it anymore. I must get away, don't you see ? '

  Alys's arms came about her shoulders swiftly. ' My

  dear, I know how you must be feeling, really I do. But try to hang on for a little while longer. You're all wrong about Jim, I'm sure of it. In fact, he was saying to me only this morning that he never wanted to fight you. You showed right from the beginning that you had no time for him.'

  Sara's eyes widened. ' Well ! ' she gasped indignantly. ' I like that. Do you know what the first thing was he said to me, the very first words he uttered ?

  ' What ? '

  He said: " Who the blazes are you " ? How was that for an introduction ?

  Oh, you probably took him by surprise or something.'

  Maybe, but that hardly gives him the right to say that I showed I had no time for him. It's been the boot on the other foot right from the beginning.'

  Alys sighed. You're an exasperating pair, there's no doubt about it.'

  ' It's no use, Alys. The sooner I get away the better. I shall explain to Uncle John. He'll understand. And of course I shall make sure that he has somebody to take my place before I actually go. Perhaps it would be better if he had a male assistant. Maybe at heart, Jim dislikes women doctors, even though he might not admit it.'

  Oh, really, Sara— ' Alys protested.

  All right, then, he dislikes me personally. That's the only alternative.'

  Alys gave a gesture of despair. When are you next going to see Uncle John ? '

  Tomorrow, I think. I'm using his car until mine's repaired, and I don't want to risk driving through the forest again at night until it's done, otherwise I might be left without a car.'

  Yes, and you don't want that,' agreed Alys. She rose to leave, a somewhat thoughtful look on her face.

  Sara saw her to the door. ' By the way, I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I mean, I'm sorry you heard about my leaving from Jim. I had intended to tell you, of course. The only reason he knew first was because—well, to tell you the truth it sort of came out before I'd even made up my mind, if you know what I mean. I'd been toying with the idea, but hadn't really come to a decision. Then '

  ' I know. 'Bye, now.'

  Sara was not looking forward to breaking her news to Uncle John. The following afternoon she drove to the hospital rehearsing to herself how she would put it. He had been so much better the last few times she had seen him, she felt sure he wouldn't mind if she explained things to him, and that it wouldn't affect his heart.

  But to her dismay he was not looking too good. He lay with his eyes closed, and when he opened them he gave only the barest of smiles.

  ' How are you, Uncle John ? ' she asked.

  ' Oh, not too good, my dear, not too good, I'm afraid.'

  But—but, Uncle John, this is terrible. What's happened ? You haven't been doing anything you shouldn't, have you ? Not been getting out of bed Or-

  ' No, no. It's just that I feel so darned weary. But don't worry. I dare say I shall pick up again. The one thing that keeps me from getting really depressed is knowing that you're there, carrying on. But for that thought, I think I really would crack up.'

  Uncle John, you mustn't talk like that I '

  But it's true. I bless the day when you came to me. I don't know what I'd do without you. As a matter of fact, I'm seriously thinking of retiring and letting you take over the practice. Or at any rate, taking you into partnership. Then at least I'd be something of a help to you.'

  You mustn't think about such things. Just concentrate on getting better,' she told him.

  I will,' he promised, knowing you're happy and settled in East Norton. And you are, aren't you ? '

  ' Why, of course, Uncle John.' How could she say otherwise, now ? She would have to postpone telling him until he was at home again:

  The relief on his face was unmistakable. It was an odd coincidence that he should have been like this and so anxious for her to be settled here just as she herself decided to leave, she thought. But life was like that.

  By the afternoon post there came an invitation, to Jim's house to dinner the day after tomorrow. It was written on a gilt-edged card in his own handwriting. A nice hand, she thought, neat and firm. It would be the first time she had set foot inside his house. It was in her mind to send a polite regret, but she became filled with a longing to see what it was like. Who else would be there ? she wondered.

  Alys rang up during the evening. You are going to Jim's dinner party, aren't you, Sara ? ' she asked.

  ' I don't know. It won't be a very happy occasion for me, but '

  Nina won't be there, I can tell you that. Now do come, Sara.'

  Very well. I'll get a note in the post for him.' Oliver had been invited, too, it seemed. He called at Ashton House about eight.

  I was passing, Sara. Just thought I'd call in. Have you got to go out at all ? '

  She shook her head. I'm glad you called, Oliver. I wanted to see you.' She led him into the sitting-room.

  About Jim's dinner party ? ' he asked. ' I've been invited, and I expect you have. Are you going ? '

  She nodded. I didn't particularly want to, but Alys rang and persuaded me.'

  He looked at her thoughtfully, then said : ' That was what you wanted to see me about, was it ? '

  ' Er—no, not really. I—don't know how to tell you this, Oliver, but perhaps it won't make any difference, after all.'

  She was standing on the hearth. He took her hand and pulled her down on the settee beside him. What's the trouble ? ' he asked gently.

  ' Well, I—I was all set to—tell Uncle John today that I'd be leaving. You see, I'd made' up my mind that— that I would marry you, Oliver— '

  He gave an exclamation of surprise. Darling, that's wonderful ! ' He pulled her towards him and kissed her. ' Bless you for that. But what happened ? Didn't you tell him ? '

  No, I'm—afraid not. He--didn't seem too good, and started talking about how glad he was to have me here

  it being only that, which was keeping him going. After that, I—I couldn't possibly tell him.'

  But I thought he was doing so well.'

  So did I, but— '

  ' What are you going to do, then ? You'll have to tell him some time, won't you, unless—unless— ' He broke off. ' You did say you had decided to marry me, didn't you ? You haven't changed your mind because of Dr Henderson's little relapse ? '

  She swallowed hard. ' No, I—haven't changed my mind. I—do want to marry you, but I shan't be able to leave here for a while. I can't let him down. You do see that, don't you, Oliver ? '

  He nodded. ' Yes, I see. Never mind.' He looked into her eyes deeply and gave a slight smile, then he kissed her gently. I'll see you tomorrow—no, day after tomorrow at Jim's place. I must go now. I've things to do. Packing and so on. You collect a lot of belongings in seven years.'

  She was a little dis
appointed that he was going so soon,

  but she let him go without protest, and decided to have an early night.

  All day on the day of Jim's dinner party, Sara was aware of a strange mixture of apprehension and excitement. She felt as though something unexpected was going to happen, as if it were a gala day. She hoped there would be no emergency calls. She had only two patients who were ill enough to warrant an evening visit, and these she went to see straight after evening surgery. She had rung the hospital the previous day and learned from the ward Sister that Uncle John had improved since the day she had seen him. And so at seven-thirty she went upstairs to dress. Dinner was at eight. After having her bath, she opened the wardrobe door and looked inside. What should she wear ? Something pretty and youthful or—something sophisticated ? Her hand came to rest on the dress she wore the first evening she came here. She had fallen in love with Jim on that very first evening. She knew that now.

  Her hand moved on. What would be the good of wearing that dress now ? She would wear something entirely different—the pale blue. She took it out. No, somehow it had no appeal for her on this occasion. It was the height of folly, she knew, but in the end the black dress won, and accordingly, she dressed her hair in the swept-up style which was befitting.

  She gave a last look at herself in the mirror. He would probably hate her in the dress, but it was too late to change now, and in any case, nothing she wore, nothing she did or said or didn't do would make the slightest difference.

  Out of curiosity, she had driven past 'his house once or twice, so she knew just where it was situated. It was Georgian in' style, set well back with rose gardens and a great variety of trees and bushes flanking the drive. From the cars parked there already, it was either going to be a large party or she was the last to. arrive. She

  recognized Farmer Williams' shooting brake, the Rector's black saloon, Bob and Alys' car, and Oliver's. It was roughly the same gathering that had been at Alys' house a few days after her arrival.