by Anne Douglas
‘Well, I must admit, seeing you together the other day was a bit of a surprise. How did it happen?’
‘Like Magda said, we met in town one day – sheer accident – and got to talking. Then she said how about a coffee – I’d never thought to ask – and we went to one of the cafés, carried on talking and, in the end, went to the pictures. When we came out, we agreed to meet again – and it just went from there.’
Boyd, beginning to eat a buttered teacake, raised his grey eyes to Isla’s.
‘Hard to believe, I suppose? Doctor Lorne’s daughter and me? but the truth is – I don’t know how to put it, without sounding big-headed – she likes me.’
‘I think I understand,’ Isla said softly. ‘She makes the running?’
‘If you like to put it that way.’
‘I’ve been worrying in case you got hurt. She could be such a heartbreaker.’
‘She’s beautiful enough, but you know what she told me? She’s always liked me, ever since she first saw me here when she was still a schoolgirl. She said she’d made up her mind that one day we’d be together. Can you believe it?’
‘I’m beginning to wonder now if she’ll be the one to get hurt,’ Isla said with a laugh.
‘Oh, no,’ Boyd said firmly. ‘I’d never hurt Magda. Because I do care for her, you know? Maybe not quite as much as she cares for me, but she can rely on me. I won’t let her down.’
‘I’m glad, then.’ Isla finished her tea and said she must get back to work. ‘Just want to say, Boyd, that Magda does seem quite different, as though all the hard corners have gone. Don’t you think so?’
‘It’s since her father’s illness. She says it’s changed her. She admits she was difficult before and says it all happened when her mother died. Her mother was everything to her and then was taken away, and somehow she felt the whole world was against her. Her dad, it seems, was nowhere.’
‘Yet she seems so upset now over his illness.’
‘She is, because she’s realized how much he means to her and she’s terrified he’ll go, too.’ Boyd heaved a sigh. ‘You’ve no idea how insecure she feels, Isla. She does need someone.’
Isla shrugged. ‘Such a privileged girl, Boyd? How many in the tenements would want to swap places, do you think?’
‘Can’t buy happiness, however you live,’ he said quietly.
Outside the canteen, Boyd gave Isla a quick hug and said he’d better be getting back to see Nan and also Will, who would be home soon. Then they’d be having the slap-up meal Nan would no doubt be cooking at that very moment.
‘Of course, you haven’t said a word about Magda?’ Isla asked.
‘You bet I haven’t! I’d never have got out of the house if I’d let on I had a young lady – and Doctor Lorne’s daughter at that!’
‘You might have to tell Ma some time.’
‘I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. In the meantime, you’ll not say anything?’
‘Of course I won’t.’ Isla hesitated. ‘How about Doctor Lorne? Does he know about you and Magda?’
It was Boyd’s turn to pause, but after a few moments, he said lightly, ‘Not yet. I expect he will, though. I’m leaving it to Magda. But listen, you’ll let me know what happens here? I mean when Doctor Lorne announces what’s going to happen?
‘I’ll keep in touch. Remember me to Magda.’
‘And me to Mark.’
‘Oh, yes, Mark …’
As Boyd left her and Isla returned to the treatment rooms, she thought of meeting Mark at the weekend as they had arranged and how she was looking forward to it. And yet – and yet …
If only she knew what was in his mind! Sometimes, she doubted if she ever would know.
Sixty-Three
The blow that Isla had been expecting fell at last on a moist, dark afternoon in November following a farewell ceremony to Matron. As usual, this was held after lunch when the patients were resting, which meant that all staff were free to make their presentation and say their goodbyes – in this case, to Mrs Walker, or Matron as she was better known, who shed a few tears over Dr Lorne’s kind words about her. And quite a few more after he’d put into her hands the handsome leather bag that was her leaving present, as well as a large bouquet of flowers.
‘Oh dear, oh dear, I don’t know what to say!’ she exclaimed. ‘You’ve all been too kind – and I’m going to miss you all so much! But, thank you – thank you, everyone. Every time I use this lovely bag, I’ll think of Lorne’s!’
‘And now for tea!’ cried Sister Francis, ‘And, of course, one of Mr Paul’s cakes!’
She seemed cheerful enough, but as she glanced back at Dr Lorne, her look seemed watchful, even apprehensive, and Isla thought, She knows, he’s told her. And Joan Elrick, from her tearful face, obviously knew as well – but when would he tell the others?
Sooner than Isla thought, for when tea was over and Matron had left, and before the rest of the staff were moving away, Sister Francis raised her hand.
‘Could everyone wait for a moment? Doctor Lorne has an announcement.’
People paused, their eyes turning on the doctor who had been standing with Dr Morgan – surely they could see, thought Isla, that he wasn’t well? He had that look of an invalid that men always took on when their collars seemed too big for their necks, and though he’d been putting on a very good act, there was no doubt that he was not the man he’d been. His act continuing, he smiled as he moved to the centre of the room to address his staff, and held up a hand for their murmurs to quieten.
‘I’m sorry to use this occasion of Matron’s farewell to make my little speech, but it’s difficult to get everyone together and it seemed a good opportunity. I won’t keep you long – you have your duties – but I have to give you some important news. First, something sad, for me – as I have decided to retire.’
Retire? A wave of shock ran through his listeners, so strong no one could speak, or even gasp.
‘I know this will come as a bit of a shock to most of you,’ Dr Lorne continued, ‘but these things happen. Sometimes the time is right for a certain course of action, and for me that time has come. I couldn’t tell you before because I thought it important we should know who is to succeed me as director. I’m glad to say I can tell you that now. It may come as a surprise to you, but you will have no difficulty recognizing his name.’
Dr Lorne paused, cleared his throat, and looking nowhere in particular, declared, ‘The name of the new director is Doctor Grant Revie.’
As a second shock wave hit the doctor’s listeners, their eyes widened, their mouths opened, though sheer shock held them silent. And Isla, too, was silent; she too was shocked, yet, standing with her colleagues, felt only quite alone.
Grant Revie? The new director? It didn’t seem possible. How could Dr Lorne have chosen him? Surely, surely, he hadn’t?
Apparently, he hadn’t chosen him, exactly, for, as he told his staff, the decision to appoint Grant Revie as the new director had been taken by the shareholders’ board and had been unanimous. Almost certainly – though he didn’t mention it – Dr Lorne had been asked to give his advice, which must have been favourable, for he said now that he was happy about the appointment. In fact, he had every confidence in the new director, who was young, had ideas and might well be just what was needed for the future.
Unfortunately, he had recently lost his father – here looks were exchanged between Isla and Sheana – but it was to be hoped that his new post would provide him with the kind of challenge he needed to help him recover from his sad loss. With Dr Morgan still at the hydro to be of assistance, Dr Lorne seemed certain all would go well for Lorne’s in the future, and ended his announcement by stressing that he knew he would be leaving the hydro in very capable hands.
From such a ringing endorsement, it seemed he had nothing against the new director and had perhaps never known of his attempt to court Magda. Who could say? All that was certain was that very soon Dr Lorne would be gone and in his place would b
e Dr Revie – the last person Isla and others would want to see.
‘All right, I was wrong,’ Sheana murmured to Isla when Dr Lorne had returned to his office, accompanied by a depressed-looking Joan Elrick. ‘Grant Revie didn’t make it up about his dad, but that’s about the only good thing I can say about him.’ She studied Isla’s withdrawn face. ‘How about you?’
‘I don’t want to talk about it now,’ Isla said in a low voice. ‘I’m due to give Mrs Noble a herbal bath.’
‘And I’m due upstairs, but I’ve got time to say I think I’ll just leave. I don’t want to work for Doctor Revie and neither does Ellie – we’ll both be on our way.’
‘Both of you?’ Isla stared. ‘I’m thinking of it myself – never thought of you two going too.’
‘Well, Ellie wants a change, and Larry wants me and him to get wed. Why not? Maybe I’ve had enough of going to work.’
‘Sheana, you’d be bored stiff in no time, staying at home!’
‘Well, what will you do? Find a new job?’ Sheana’s eyes were bright. ‘Or follow my example?’
‘I think you know what I’ll be doing,’ Isla replied evenly. ‘At the moment I don’t have a ring on my finger. Now, I’ll have to dash.’
‘Isla, I’m sorry—’ Sheana called after her, but Isla was hurrying away, already putting out of her mind Sheana’s reminder of her usual preoccupation, thinking only of the Lorne’s she’d lost, now that Grant Revie was to be in charge. As was only to be expected, nothing had been said by Dr Lorne of possible trouble ahead from reduced bookings, but if it was true that things were going to be difficult, there might well be a great shake-up at the hydro, whoever was in charge, and Isla would be well out of it.
Oh, how quickly things could change! If it hadn’t been that she mustn’t show any feelings before her patient, Isla would have been bursting into tears. As it was, old Mrs Noble still asked, as she had once asked before, if she was all right, to which Isla replied in the same words.
‘I’m quite all right, Mrs Noble, thanks.’
Sixty-Four
Mark’s reaction to the news of Grant Revie’s return was, as Isla had expected, one of incredulity followed by anger.
‘I just don’t understand how that can have happened,’ he declared when they were having a meal in a Princes Street restaurant. ‘I mean, why has Doctor Lorne not vetoed the choice? Surely, as the founder of the hydro, his opinions had to be considered?’
‘The point is that he seems to have nothing against Grant,’ Isla replied. ‘He never knew what Grant was like, and Magda seems not to have told him how Grant made a play for her.’
Mark drank some wine and shook his head. ‘Such a shrewd man, Doctor Lorne – and never to have known what was going on in his own hydro? It was his job to know, wasn’t it?’
‘Who was going to tell him about Grant and me? That was just between us and nothing to do with work. Doctor Lorne always knew exactly what was happening where work was concerned.’
Mark smiled. ‘You’re very loyal to the doctor, Isla. I can see how much you’re going to miss him.’
‘Yes, except that I probably won’t be at the hydro when he’s gone.’
‘Oh?’ Mark’s eyes widened. ‘What’s this, then? You’re leaving the hydro? When? I’d no idea.’
‘You think I want to stay and watch Grant Revie running the place?’ Isla laid down her knife and fork. ‘That’s not for me, Mark. I stuck it out before, working with him, but to see him in Doctor Lorne’s job – oh, no, I couldn’t put up with that. I’ll look for another job.’
‘In Edinburgh? Why, Isla, that would be wonderful! It’d be so much easier for us to meet!’
Studying his smiling face, Isla returned no smile of her own.
‘You’re pleased?’
‘Well, of course I am. I want you to be happy and there’s no way you can be happy with Revie back and in Doctor Lorne’s job. You’re definitely doing the right thing. Do you think you’ll find it easy to get a job here?’
She shrugged. ‘We’ll have to see, won’t we? I’ve discussed it with Ma and Dad. They’ll be sorry if I leave Edgemuir, but they understand the situation. They’re furious, of course, that Grant Revie’s coming back to the hydro – Ma’s face was like a thundercloud!’
‘Guess mine is, too. What would you like now, Isla? Cheese or a pudding?’
‘Just coffee, please. I’m feeling a bit tired, tonight; I don’t want to be late back.’
Mark’s brown eyes were wonderfully sympathetic, even loving, Isla thought as they rested on her, but she felt too low in spirits to think about love. Anyway, how could she rely on Mark’s love when it was still leading nowhere? He seemed delighted that she was planning to work in Edinburgh again, but what would it mean if she did? Just that they would see each other more easily, then go on as before? And because she loved him, was that what she must accept? Best not try to face that one now, she decided.
‘Of course you’re tired,’ Mark was saying. ‘It’s the emotional stress that takes its toll. I’ll see you get back early to the hydro, don’t worry about that.’
‘I’m afraid I’m not very good company at the moment.’
‘You’ll feel better when you’re more rested – and when you’re settled in a different job, away from Grant Revie.’
Which was true, thought Isla.
‘Put your notice in yet?’ asked Ellie, when Isla was preparing to go to her bed. ‘We’re wondering when would be best.’
‘I say before Grant Revie arrives,’ said Sheana, rubbing cold cream into her face. ‘Anybody heard the date?’
‘Beginning of December,’ Isla replied. ‘I’ll put my notice in then. Before that, we’ll have Doctor Lorne’s farewell.’ She sighed. ‘He’s planning to be out of his flat next week, Joan says, so it can be made ready for you-know-who. Then he’s going to stay at some hotel until he can move into his house.’
‘He’s bought a house?’ asked Ellie with interest. ‘Where?’
‘In Edinburgh. Seemingly, he bought it some time ago. Must have thought he’d be moving on and would need one.’
‘Well, whatever happens, this place isn’t going to be the same without him,’ said Sheana. ‘What’s Joan going to do? Did she say?’
‘She thinks she might go, too.’ Pulling on pyjamas, Isla climbed into bed and sat back against her pillow, combing her hair. ‘She’s not keen on being Grant’s secretary.’
‘Looks like the rats are leaving the sinking ship!’ Sheana laughed. ‘Only needs the patients to back out and there’ll be nothing left for our new director to direct!’
Isla, turning on her side to try for sleep, made no reply. Obviously, Sheana didn’t know that her joke might have more truth in it than she realized, not having heard yet of the concern over future bookings. Was there real cause for worry? Isla wondered. Probably, the hydro would keep going and Grant Revie would make a huge success of running it, but by then she would be elsewhere.
‘Lights out!’ cried Sheana, which was the signal, thank heaven, for sleep and some relief from all the girls’ problems.
Sixty-Five
In spite of all his efforts to make it cheerful, Dr Lorne’s farewell was a sad affair. Organized by Dr Morgan and the two nursing sisters, it was held in the larger of the two lounges and attended not only by hydro staff, including Boyd and Bob Woodville from the past, but also patients, who had gladly given up their afternoon rest to say goodbye to dear Dr Lorne. Such a terrible loss to the hydro he would be, wouldn’t he? However would they manage without him?
No one, at that stage, mentioned the name of the new director, this being Dr Lorne’s day when the spotlight should be only on him, even if at her entrance, all eyes went to his daughter who always looked so striking. But after she’d taken her place near her father, attention, of course, went back to him, as he stood listening to what was almost a eulogy from Dr Morgan, afterwards exclaiming over his leaving presents of a portable gramophone and large framed picture of the hyd
ro. It was at this point that a number in his audience dissolved into tears, only controlling themselves when Dr Morgan announced that Dr Lorne himself would now say a few words.
Practised speaker as he was, he did not keep his listeners long, first thanking them for the wonderful gifts which he would always treasure, and then describing what an immensely privileged time he’d been lucky enough to have at Lorne’s, how proud he’d been of the achievements of his staff, everyone one of whom, whether medical or maintenance or in whatever field, had been wonderful. He couldn’t have had a better way to spend his working life than at the hydro, and though it was with a heavy heart that he was now to depart, they wouldn’t have seen the last of him; he hoped to look in from time to time and would always be thinking of them.
‘It will be au revoir, not goodbye,’ he finished, his voice now slightly husky. ‘Once again, my thanks to you all.’
There was applause and there was emotion, with Joan Elrick valiantly not looking at Dr Woodville but failing to conceal her tears for Dr Lorne, and tears also from Magda, Isla, Ellie and Kitty, and a few sniffs from unsentimental Sheana, as Larry and Barty looked gloomily on. Even the arrival of Mr Paul and his staff with trolley-loads of refreshments – tea, coffee, scones and chocolate cake – did little to lighten the atmosphere, but when Isla suggested they should try to say goodbye to Dr Lorne personally, the young men said they’d wait, maybe start on the scones. At which the girls said they’d go anyway, and lined up with the others who’d had the same idea, one of whom was Boyd.
‘Nice of you to come over,’ Isla whispered to him. ‘You’ll be support for Magda.’
‘Ssh,’ he whispered back, ‘we’re not exactly supposed to be together at the moment.’
‘Oh, Boyd, when are you going to tell folk what you’re up to?’
‘All in good time. I think it’s nearly my turn – or do you want to go ahead?’
‘No, you go. I’ll wait with Ellie and Sheana.’