Outpost Hospital (11 page)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

When the two doctors had gone Katherine and Andrew sat in silence for a few moments and then Andrew took Katherine’s hand. “I’m glad we have a little time alone, Kathie,” he said quietly. “I wanted to talk to you earlier, but just as I was getting into my stride we were interrupted. Now I’ll have to start all over again. Shall I play? Music seems to help me to think of the right words or reminds me of somebody else’s
I can borrow.”

Katherine smiled. “I don’t think you need any help. You’re doing pretty well so far without music.”

“Very well. We’ll dispense with the music. But I don’t flatter myself I could improve on the words. ‘So sweet art thou, my bonny lass, so deep in love am I, and I will love thee still, my dear, ’til a’ the seas gang dry.’
” His voice was low and unsteady with feeling as he spoke the words, adding, “I have little to offer you, Kathie, but a loving heart. Perhaps I’ve no right to ask it, but, will you have me?”

The simple phrase touched Katherine’s heart and, covering his hand with her own, she said huskily, “Yes, Andrew. I’ll have you.”

“My dear girl.” He stood up and drew her into his arms. As he held her, his cheek against her hair, she vowed to make him happy if it were in her power to do so. She raised her head to look into his kind face and he laid his lips upon hers tenderly, almost reverently. “Sweet Kathie. Bless you,” he whispered.

Some moments later, he said, “Shall we tell the others tonight or wait until tomorrow?”

“We’ll leave it till tomorrow, I think. It might be very late when they come back. Once Dr. Charlton gets inside the hospital he forgets about time. That is, he used to. Of course it will be different now.”

“How d’you mean, my dear?”

“Well, things won’t be the same now that Dr. Frayne is here,” Katherine said unhappily.

Andrew sat down again and drew Katherine into the chair beside him, his arm around her waist. She rested her head on his shoulder. “You know, I’m a bit puzzled by the sudden arrival of the lady,” he said thoughtfully. “It seems a long journey just to look up a friend, or is there more to it than that?”

“Well, it was common knowledge at the General that Dr. Charlton wanted to marry Dr. Frayne but that she refused in order to concentrate on her career. Goodness knows how these things get around.” Katherine was proud of the way she gave this information. She sounded quite detached really.

“Poor old Charlton,” Andrew sympathized. “That must have been an awful blow. I can imagine how I’d have felt if you’d turned me down for your career.” Lightly he kissed her hair. “Is that why he came out here, do you think?”

“Yes, I do think it had a lot to do with it,” she replied. “Well, it looks rather as though the lady might have changed her mind. Perhaps we won’t be the only engaged couple in Ngombe soon.”

“Perhaps not,” she said, stifling her distaste for the idea. “You said things won’t be the same now. Do you suppose there will be any great changes here?”

“I’m afraid I do. Dr. Frayne won’t stay here and I don’t believe Dr. Charlton will now.”

“Oh, he won’t leave,” Andrew said with conviction. He knows how the people depend on him. You remember how he spoke when you wanted to go home to be with your father? He said you shouldn’t put personal feelings before your obligation to those who depend on you. He wouldn’t say that and then do the very thing he denounced, would he?”

“I don’t know. People sometimes expect more of others than they do of themselves. And Dr. Frayne is very beautiful.” Katherine sighed and then looked at Andrew. “Suppose I asked you to give up your work when we are married, would you do it?”

He laughed. “No, Kathie. That’s not a fair question. You wouldn’t ask me to choose between yourself and my work.”

“But if I did?” she persisted. “I know I’m not beautiful like Elizabeth Frayne but—”

“Who says you’re not beautiful?” Andrew demanded indignantly. “But that’s not the point. If you were the kind of girl who would ask a chap to make a choice like that I wouldn’t love you as much as I do, and if I didn’t love you so much, there would be no problem. You see?”

“Yes, dear Andrew, I see. But it isn’t you that has to choose. It’s Dr. Charlton.”

“Aye, but from what I know of him I’d say he will do the right thing.”

“I wish I could be sure of that,” sighed Katherine, and then, fearing that she might have given away the real reason for her concern, she said quickly, “It’s getting late, Andrew, and I have some letters to finish.” She smiled fondly at him. “I’ve some special news now.”

“I must write to your father, too. Or shall I wait until he’s a little better before I introduce myself?”

“No need to wait, dear. He’ll be so pleased, it will help him to get well. Did I tell you I had a letter from Mrs. Davis, our vicar’s wife? As soon as Dad can leave hospital she is going to take him to her house for a few weeks’ convalescence.”

“That’s grand. You’ve no need to worry about him now, then.” He rubbed his hands in his shaggy hair. “You know, it won’t be easy from this distance to convince him that I’m a worthy suitor, but at least it will show him I’ve got good manners.
”

“And that you can write,” added Katherine solemnly.

Andrew drew himself up indignantly. “You’re an impertinent lassie and—”

“And you’re a stern, strict Scot,” she put in with an attempt to imitate his accent. “Now I must, go or I won’t get those letters finished before I go to bed.”

They walked hand in hand to her door. Andrew opened it and turned to kiss her. “Don’t sit up too long, my dear,” he said tenderly.

In her room Katherine closed the door and leaned against it. What a day it had been! First, without warning, Elizabeth Frayne had stepped gracefully back into Mark’s life, and now she had decided the course her own life was to take by accepting Andrew’s proposal.

She put her hand into her pocket and took out the turquoise necklace. How pretty it was! But she would never wear it again. She held it against her cheek for a second before firmly putting it back into its box.

Next she opened her writing-case and took out the photograph, the one that showed a group of nurses and doctors at a staff dance and included Mark Charlton and Elizabeth Frayne. How many times on the journey and since arriving here had she looked at this picture? How many dreams had she woven around it? Well, that was all over now. She put the photograph into the box with the necklace and replaced the lid. Now the small red box held all she had of the man she had loved so hopelessly for so long.

She pushed the box to the back of the drawer under some handkerchiefs and shut the drawer with a decisive bang.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Next morning Katherine was in the clinic room setting a dressing tray. The clinic room was next to Mark’s office, and as both doors were open, she could hear voices in the office quite clearly—Mark’s and Elizabeth Frayne’s. She picked up the tray. She would have to pass the office door to reach the ward. She hoped she would not bump into either of them as she walked quickly to the ward. As she reached it she heard the office door close behind her.

In the office Elizabeth Frayne was saying, “I thought I would see what the hospital really looked like in daylight but, if possible, it looks worse now than it did last night.”

“I know the hospital leaves a lot to be desired,” said Mark, “but I told you that we have to go slowly because there just isn’t the money to do everything at once.”

“Slowly is right.” Elizabeth Frayne’s usually melodious voice was sharp. “You’ve been here nearly a year working like a slave—”

“I didn’t say I was working like a slave,” interrupted Mark.

“You didn’t have to. I’m a doctor, too, remember. One only needs to look at you to see you’ve been doing far too much. You’re thinner for one thing.”

“Maybe I am a bit tired,” he conceded with a poor grace, “but it’s not important. What matters is the hundreds of people who depend on me and the nurses for relief from pain; perhaps for their very lives.”

That he felt very deeply about this subject was very clear, and for the first time his companion began to wonder if she was not in danger of losing this battle. This sense of personal responsibility Mark had acquired was going to be harder to fight, Elizabeth Frayne thought, than another woman could ever be. If, for instance, he had fallen for that pale-faced mouse of a nurse, she would not have had a moment’s anxiety; but love for suffering humanity—that was a formidable opponent.

Mark had been leaning against the table. Now, he came up to Elizabeth, took hold of her shoulders in a firm grip and looked into her eyes. “Stay here and work with me, Elizabeth,” he pleaded.

“Mark darling, you’re asking too much. How could I perform delicate eye operations in conditions like these?”

“You could do it if you wanted to,” he said, disappointed. Dropping his hands from her shoulders, he strode across the room to stand behind the table, leaning forward on his hands.

“Doesn’t the very fact that these poor devils have to put up with such conditions, that they do put up with them cheerfully and are so damn grateful for the little we can do for them, doesn’t all this make you want to help to improve things?”

Elizabeth Frayne looked away from the intensity of his blue eyes. “I’m afraid it doesn’t, Mark. I’m not unfeeling. I’m as sorry for these people as you are but it’s too big a problem for one or two people to tackle. There are organizations with the money and the doctors to do the thing properly. Leave it to them.”

“And in the meantime men, women and children are suffering and dying. It might be years before proper hospitals are built in this area; the villages are tiny and scattered. Besides, these people would be intimidated by a big shiny clinic. It took us all our time to get them to sleep in beds instead of on the floor. You can’t rush them from a mud hut to a tile and chromium hospital in one move.”

“As I’ve said, I’m sorry about it, but I don’t see that there’s anything I can do.”

“A week or two ago I operated for cataract,” said Mark quietly. “I’d never done it before and I was terrified, but the poor chap came to me with such faith that I’d make him see again that I had to do my best. Well, it was a success; but now that the news has got around I’m being besieged by dozens of similar cases. I’m not really competent to deal with them, but you are.” He paused, but she did not reply. “Well, Elizabeth, do you still say it can’t be done?”

“I’m sorry Mark, I just couldn’t cope. You seem to have the pioneering spirit that makes you glory in fighting overwhelming odds, but I haven’t. I’m used to having the best and most modern equipment to work with, and assistants thoroughly trained in the work. I wouldn’t be able to adapt myself to anything less.”

“I see,” said Mark dejectedly. “Well, if that’s the way you feel there doesn’t seem to be anything left to say.”

“But there is, Mark.” She went and stood very close to him. “There’s still a lot to say. You love me and I love you. I always did, but I thought marriage would interfere with my career, so I went away. But I couldn’t forget you. I wrote to a friend at Grinsley and when she told me you’d gone away I was terribly unhappy. I thought I might never see you again. Then I saw that piece in the paper and, as soon as I could, I came to you. I thought you’d be eager for us to take up our lives where we left off.” As she spoke she looked up into his unyielding face, but he refused to meet her eyes. She went on: “Now you say you’re staying here. You’ve given a number of reasons why you mean to stay but are you sure you’re not doing it to punish me because I hurt you?”

“My reasons for not leaving are exactly those I’ve given you. I’m sorry you find my motives hard to believe in, but I don’t blame you. I’ve changed quite a bit since I left England. Now my work here is more important than anything else.”

“More important than me, you mean? Mark darling, look at me.” She turned his head toward her with her slender white hands. “Really look at me, or are you afraid to?” At last he looked directly at her.

“Now listen to me,” she said firmly. “This place is becoming an obsession with you. It won’t do anyone any good if you go on like this, wearing yourself out. Relax, darling.” She stroked his hair and brow and slowly she brought his head down until his lips were on hers. The warm vitality of her body against his, the silky softness of her hair, the passionate response to his touch, brought back feeling he had almost forgotten; reawakened emotions that had seemed to be dead but had only been sleeping. Almost as though he were dazed he lifted his head and looked at her. Her wide green eyes were dark, her cheeks a little flushed under the golden tan, her bright hair hanging loose and slightly disordered. “You’re very beautiful, Elizabeth,” he murmured almost against his will. With a little smile of triumph she drew his head down again. “That’s better, darling, much better,” she whispered, rubbing her smooth cheek against his. “We’ve been apart so long, Mark. Too long. Don’t keep us apart any longer. We belong together.” Her low voice was urgent. “You know that,
don’t you, Mark?” As his hold slackened, her arms tightened about him. “Say you know it.” He took her arms and held her away from him. His face was troubled.

“I must think, Elizabeth. A few minutes ago I was certain what I had to do and I was content, but
now ...
I don’t know. I must think.” He let go of her and turned away, putting his hands over his face. She went to stand in front of him. “Don’t think too much, darling,” she said softly, taking his hands and putting them around her waist. “Don’t think. Feelings are the best guide.”

Katherine, coming from the ward, was approaching the office door when it opened and Elizabeth Frayne came out followed by Mark. Katherine stood aside to let them pass, for the passage was narrow. She saw that Dr. Frayne looked pleased, almost smug, as she put her hand possessively on Mark’s arm and said: “See you at lunchtime, darling,” and walked down the passage. As he stood, hands thrust into the pockets of his white coat, watching her go, Mark’s face was anxious. When the door had closed behind Elizabeth, Katherine said, “The first patient is ready for operating Doctor.” He looked at her as though he had forgotten she was there.

“The first patient,” he repeated vaguely.

“Yes. Tegu. You’re amputating his leg this morning,” she reminded him. It was very unusual for her to have to remind him. He usually knew exactly what he had to do each day and never forgot the smallest thing. Now he brushed his hand over his eyes and said wearily,

“Oh yes, the amputation. I remember. No, I can’t do it today. I’ll do it tomorrow.” In her surprise Katherine spoke as she would not normally have done.

“But the boy is all prepared. I’ve given the pre-med injection. He was very nervous but he’s calmer now. If he has to wait until tomorrow—”

“I have said I will do the operation tomorrow, Nurse,” he said slowly and deliberately; then he turned on his heel and went back into the office.

Katherine went into the clinic room and cleared and reset the dressing tray. Now she must go and tell Tegu that he was not to have his operation today. Poor little boy. He had been so scared, but this morning he had promised to be brave. It was unlike Mark to be so thoughtless, especially to a child. This was the first time he had changed his mind about anything he had arranged to do. Obviously it was Elizabeth Frayne’s presence that had caused it. It was wrong that one woman should upset the important work of a hospital, perhaps even bring it to a standstill quite soon. If only that disturbing woman had not come to Ngombe! Mark was not altogether happy about it. That was quite clear. It had been a hard decision to give up his work, but it seemed it was easier than to give up the woman he loved.

The door burst open, startling Katherine, deep in thought as she was. It was Mark Charlton. “Oh, here you are, Nurse. I’ve told the nurses to get Tegu for his operation. Everything’s ready I suppose? Go and check while I get ready.”

“You’re going to do the amputation after all, Doctor?”

“Yes, of course. We can’t make the child wait, especially as he’s inclined to be highly-strung. Quickly, Nurse, we’re late enough as it is.”

That evening when Katherine entered the living room Andrew and Mark were there. Andrew came to her and slipped an arm around her waist. Mark smiled and said, “Kennedy has told me your news, Nurse. Congratulations.” He took her hand in both of his and held it tightly for a moment. It was all she could do to keep her voice steady as she thanked him. His touch still made her tremble. He released her hand and said he had some writing to do before dinner. As he left them, Katherine wondered if he was going to write to the Mission Society tendering his resignation.

Andrew said: “When I told him we were engaged, Charlton was afraid he was going to lose you, so I promised you’d stay on as his right-hand woman.”

“Didn’t he say anything about leaving?” asked Katherine puzzled.

“No, not a thing. I’m sure you’re wrong about that, Kathie. He won’t leave us.”

“But he didn’t say he was staying either,” she countered stubbornly.

“Not exactly; but he spoke as though he had no intention of leaving just yet, anyway.”

“Perhaps he means to stay until someone comes to replace him.”

“Shall I ask him what he is going to do?” asked Andrew. “You have the right to know, after all.”

“Oh no, Andrew, better not. I expect he’ll tell me quite soon. But Dr. Frayne said that she
w
ould be going back to England and that Dr. Charlton would be joining her later.”

“She did, eh?” Andrew thoughtfully rubbed his chin. “I’m very surprised at that. I felt sure Charlton was settled here.”

“I think he was until Dr. Frayne came,” said Katherine, unable to keep the bitterness out of her voice.

“I shall be very disappointed if he does go, and the villagers will be heartbroken. We waited so long for a doctor and now, just when things are going so well, this happens. I don’t know how I’ll explain it to the people.” He shook his head sadly. “Are you quite certain Dr. Fray
n
e said he would be going back to England?”

“Yes. Well ... she said, ‘When we’ve made our plans I’ll go back to England.’
”

“Mm.” Andrew considered this and then said hopefully, “It might be that the lady has made her plans, but they may not necessarily be Charlton’s too.”

“Do you really think so?”

“Yes, I do. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Dr. Frayne decided to stay too. She’s an eye specialist, isn’t she? It would be grand for the patients, wouldn’t it?”

“Er ... yes, it would,” Katherine agreed, “but I’m afraid it won’t happen. Dr. Frayne isn’t the type for a place like this.”

“Oh well, we’ll soon know. Now let’s talk about us. We have plans to make on our own account. When are we going to be married?”

“Married?” Katherine realized that she had never thought about the wedding. Since she had accepted Andrew, her mind had been occupied with the problem of Dr. Frayne and the difference her arrival was going to make in the lives of everyone in Ngombe. She felt ashamed. “I haven’t really thought much about it, Andrew. Not about dates I mean. There doesn’t seem to have been time.”

“Then think about it now, my girl. You worry and fuss about everybody else and never give a minute’s consideration to yourself.”

“Oh, Andrew, that’s not true,” said Katherine candidly. “I’m not as unselfish as you give me credit for being, but I promise to decide about the wedding as soon as I know where I am in this business.”

“I don’t see that it will affect us seriously—in a personal way, that is.”

“Well, you see, I contracted to work here for at least two years, but if Dr. Charlton leaves and no one comes to take his place I might be sent somewhere else to finish my time.”

“I hadn’t thought of that,” said Andrew, “It does make things a bit awkward, doesn’t it?”

“Whatever happens, I would like to be married in England if possible, Andrew.”

“That will mean waiti
n
g a long time.”

“Only a year.”

“A year seems a long time to me,” he said, then drew her closer. “Of course, you want to be with your family and friends when you get married, Kathie. It’s only natural
.
”

“You are a dear, Andrew,” she said softly and kissed his cheek. “So kind and understanding.”

“I know,” he agreed. “I’m quite perfect and modest, too.”

“Oh, Andrew, I was being serious,” she laughed.

“And what makes you think I was not?” he inquired in an
aggrieved tone. “I am now, anyway. When your two years are up I’ll take three months’ leave—I have leave due to me now but I won’t take it—then I’ll be able to show you my part of Scotland. It’s in Argyllshire. I was born in Ardrishaig on Loch Gilp. Och, the hours I’ve spent paddling a wee coble around the pier—the water is so clear you can see the flounders lying on the sandy floor of the sea.”