Ring for the Nurse (30 page)

“
You
’
ll stay where you are.
”
His tone was firm and brooked no further argument.
“
I
’
ll ring Hospital right away and explain what
’
s happened.
”

The offer cleared Felicity
’
s mind of further doubts and with a sigh of relief she sank back in the chair, and half
closing her eyes gave herself up to the luxury of relaxation. Her head was still swimming, she couldn
’
t remember ever being more tired; it was hardly surprising, she reminded herself, since she had been on duty until four that afternoon and all the conflicting and exhausting emotions she had passed through since then had been sufficient to shatter anyone.

It wasn
’
t until Mrs. Mackerley wheeled in a trolley loaded with sandwiches, appetizing little cakes and biscuits, and carrying with it the intoxicating aroma of hot coffee, that she realized how famished she was and when a few moments later Guy returned from the telephone she needed no persuasion to partake of that most enticing spread.

She felt it was only in order to put her at her ease that he also poured for himself some coffee and put a sandwich on his plate. He made a pretence of sharing the meal, but Felicity could see that he was barely aware of his actions, and although he sipped at his cup, the food remained untouched. Beyond the few conventional remarks demanded of him, he had scarcely spoken. He was prone to moods of detachment, she knew that only too well, but his present withdrawn attitude was born of something far deeper than mere moodiness. She suffered again that longing to be of help; now no longer restrained by her loyalty to Alaine she felt an almost unbearable desire to cross to his side and pour out all the sympathy which filled her heart.

“
I
’
m deeply grateful to you—for all you have done this evening—words seem very inadequate. I can only assure you of their sincerity.
”

Felicity looked up quickly to meet his eyes as they sought hers. Their expression reflected his words and she could only return him a tremulous smile of understanding.

“
I believe my father will be all right now—thanks to you—it will be a few days before he can be moved, then I
’
ll get him back to Buckinghamshire as soon as possible. He
’
ll be better there, but I
’
m afraid it will mean he
’
ll have to take things pretty quietly in the future.
”

“
He
’
ll certainly be better at Weir,
”
Felicity agreed.
“
It
’
s not far, he could go by ambulance.
”
She put down her cup and wiped her fingers on a serviette.
“
I ought to be getting back to Hospital.
”

“
I
’
ve explained what
’
s happened, there is no hurry and I am wondering whether you would prefer to stay here tonight—I know you have nothing with you but it might be less tiring than going back.
”

The prospect of staying certainly had its attraction, it would not only save the journey but also the inevitable
hanging about and arguments which might arise since she had no late pass. While she still hesitated and perhaps sensing her doubts, Guy went on speaking.

“
It
’
s nearly one o
’
clock, why not get straight to bed. I shall sit with my father tonight. St. Edwin
’
s is sending along a nurse in the morning.
”
He took his pipe from his pocket and began to fill it, pressing down the tobacco with his injured hand with comparative ease. Before applying a match he looked up and continued speaking.
“
You leave Hospital pretty soon, don
’
t you? Will you be returning with your brother—or—now perhaps you have other plans
?
”

That momentary hesitation had proved that it was not easy for him to touch on the subject of Alaine
’
s departure. What the happenings of that afternoon had meant to him she would never know. The shock of his father
’
s illness might, momentarily have swept all else from his mind, but now it could only be part of the pain he was suffering so clearly reflected in the drawn lines of his face and the deep shadows of fatigue, beneath his eyes.

“
I shall not go back with Tony,
”
Felicity asserted firmly. Then, with somewhat less assurance, added,
“
I shall leave St. Edwin
’
s as I
’
ve arranged. I
’
ll have to go on nursing but I think I ought to make a change. I
’
d like to get to some seaside or country hospital—somewhere out of London.
”
Even as she spoke she knew she was taking the biggest gamble of her life. Now, she really stood at the parting of the ways and by deliberate intent she had taken the road which would separate her from Guy.

“
I wonder—dare I ask
y
ou?
”
Guy looked straight at Felicity and his unspoken need of her assurance was more than she could resist.

“
Of course—ask me
anything. Is there something you want me to do for you?
”
She smiled encouragingly, aware again of that urge to go to his side, to take his hands within her own and beg his confidence and make him understand her longing to be of help.

“
I was wondering—
”
he began tentatively, then paused, obviously finding it difficult to frame his request.
“
When you leave at the end of the week—if
by then my father is well enough to go home, would you go back with him? Just for a few weeks,
”
he interposed quickly as if fearful of her answer. Her hesitation must have been obvious and no doubt in an endeavour to forestal
l
a refusal he went on.
“
The old man is so fond of you, it would make things so much easier for him to have you there, he
’
ll definitely need a nurse for some time after his return, and I, also should have much more confidence knowing you were with him.
”

Weir Court in summer! Felicity nearly laughed aloud, the thought was so ridiculous and irrelevant. Here she was actually thinking of the hills, the fields and meadows, when the real issue was something which touched the very foundations of her whole future. Wasn
’
t she giving up St. Edwin
’
s her friends, her prospects, all in order to forget this man, and now he dangled this temptation before her eyes and with all her soul she longed to stretch out and grasp it. But after all, could just a few weeks make any difference? Guy wouldn
’
t even be there, just perhaps an occasional day or so
...
her heart-beats quickened as she found her resolution weakening, and torn with her conflicting doubts Felicity returned Guy
’
s questioning glance, scarcely as yet daring to frame her answer.

“
I
’
m sorry—I should not have asked—
”
he began,
but Felicity quickly interrupted.

“
But, of course, I
’
ll do as you want, I
’
d love to go down to Weir with your father.
”
The words seemed to Felicity to have issued from her lips without conscious volition, but having spoken them she knew no regret. Guy
’
s obvious relief and pleasure entirely robbed her of any lingering doubts she might have harboured as to the wisdom of her decision.

“
I can
’
t tell you what a load that is off my mind.
”
He rose and crossed to Felicity.
“
I can
’
t thank you enough—but I do know that my father will make up for my deficiencies in that direction.
”
He smiled as he held out his hand to assist her to her feet.
“
You look desperately tired. The spare room is opposite my father
’
s. Go and lie down, sleep as long as you want. I
’
ll square Matron in the morning.
”

Felicity was glad of Guy
’
s supporting hand; the food and drink had refreshed her but even mow she felt almost dazed with fatigue and as she stood the room seemed to swing around her.

“
You certainly are exhausted.
”
He firmly linked an arm beneath hers and led her along the corridor. At the bedroom door he paused.
“
You
’
ll find a dressing-gown of mine in the cupboard
.”
Again there was that note of hesitation.
“
Tony apparently forgot his, left it hanging behind the cabin door, so it
’
s the one I lent him—wrap it round you and get some sleep.
”
He released his hold and letting his hand slide down her arm held her fingers for a moment between his own, his expression showing his solicitude, and a smile—almost tender—playing at the corners of his lips.
“
Sleep well—and thank you with all my heart.
”

Later,
w
hen she sank into the sweet unconscious state of sleep, she could still feel the touch of his hand and see that tender smile—but it was different. In her dreams she had almost reached fulfilment, yet even as she lifted her face for his kiss and felt his warm breath against her cheek, the illusion was shattered and she woke to find a beam of morning sunlight caressing her upturned face, while a playful breeze from the opened bedroom window gently billowed the curtains and fanned the golden tendrils of her hair.

CHAPTER
TWENTY

Felicity slipped the
airmail letter she had been reading back in its envelope and resting her hands idly on her lap looked across the sweeping lawns of Weir Court. The flowe
r
borders were now a riot of colour and even from where she sat on the terrace the sweet scent of roses assailed her nostrils, and all the country sounds
she loved, the call
of birds, the lowing of cattle, the hum of bees as they flew from flower to flower were as music in her ears.

The weeks she had spent nursing Colonel Brenton recalled the care-free days of her childhood with her parents and Tony in Somerset. He was
an easy and charming patient, never failing to show his gratitude for her attention and never lacking in courtesy and consideration. The severe attack he had suffered had enfeebled him considerably. He was unlikely ever to regain his former strength, but his progress was encouraging and, without grumbling, he had resigned himself to the inevitable. Felicity glanced at his recumbent figure lying on the long dicker chair at her side. He was sleeping peacefully, and with gentle care, fearful of disturbing him, she tucked the rug more closely across his knees. Recently she had grown more and more fond of him, he seemed to have taken the place of her own father and she found herself listening to his opinion and seeking his advice. Her complete absorption in her work and her ingrained love of country life soon banished the misgivings she had harboured when she had first returned to Weir Court; it seemed impossible to be anything but content and her troubles had been thrust resolutely aside. Indeed there was very little now to trouble her. Both Tony
’
s and Alaine
’
s letters from California positively exuded joy, and Alaine was ecstatic about both her home and her surroundings. Felicity sometimes wished she could have seen that home so vividly described by her brother and now by Alaine. She would have loved a peep at the white house and the orange groves on the hillside. Perhaps one day she
’
d get her wish.

Felicity no longer felt any regret for having left St. Edwin
’
s. Fate had placed her here and like a straw in the wind she felt satisfied to be blown willy-nilly as Fate decreed. St. Edwin
’
s would have seemed strange without Diana but now, her flirtations over, Diana was engaged to Philip and it was only a matter of weeks before she would be giving up her career to follow him to the Midlands, where he intended to settle down and practise.

Guy
’
s presence at Weir Court was her only problem, but his visits had been rare and although his attitude towards her had been friendly, she was never sorry to see him leave. Now that the formality demanded by hospital etiquette no longer existed it made it more difficult than ever
for
her to adopt a casual and composed air, and the anticipation of each visit caused her both trepidation and doubt. Colonel Brenton
’
s demands upon her attention had made it easy for her to refuse Guy
’
s suggestions of riding or walking. How much she had longed to accept he
’
d never know, but the one thing she tried to avoid at all costs was any prolonged
tete-a-tete.

The creaking of the wicker chair caught Felicity
’
s wandering attention, Colonel Brenton had stirred and, fully awakened from his doze, he was pulling himself up in his seat. In a moment Felicity was at his side, arranging the cushions more comfortably.
“
You
’
ve been sleeping—enjoyed it?
”
she teased, then went on,
“
Now how about a hot drink—tea or something?
”

“
The unorthodox hours at which you young women drink tea quite stagger me.
”
The twinkle in his eye belied his words.
“
Around half past eleven, isn
’
t it? How about a glass of port and a biscuit. Sounds far more attractive to
me.”

“
As you say, Colonel—you always get your way in the end, and now I
’
m learning that it saves a lot of trouble to give in at the start!
”
She smiled at him affectionately, then went in search of Mackerley. In a moment or two she was back again empty-handed.
“
He won
’
t even let me bring the tray. Says he doesn
’
t mind
m
e handling tea and coffee but the port is far too precious to be entrusted to the like of me. I suppose he imagines that as a mere member of the weaker sex I
’
d shake well before serving
!”

“
Habit might prove too strong!
”
he rejoined, then with an air of complete contentment, settled back against his pillow.
“
Lovely day, makes me feel I
’
d like to be down at the stream with a rod in my hand.
”

“
I don
’
t see why you shouldn
’
t start fishing again pretty soon. It isn
’
t strenuous, you could take the walk slowly and I
’
m very good at selecting the appropriate fly.
”

“
You are in fact a very well brought up young lady.
”
He smiled at her and beneath his shaggy brows his eyes were alight with laughter.
“
Frampton trained you well. Is there anything you can
’
t do?
”

“
Quite a lot,
”
Felicity countered
.
“
It all depends upon one
’
s standards of requirements. You see riding, golfing, fishing and playing a fair game of chess aren
’
t really valuable accomplishments. I had reason to find that out when I was faced with earning a living.
”

“
That
reminds me, I owe you half a crown, but I
’
ll win it back tonight. No young woman is going to beat me at chess,
”
he threatened with mock resentment.

There was an interruption as Mackerley, with almost exaggerated care, placed the tray of biscuits and decanter on a low table between their chairs, then, as if performing a solemn rite, carefully filled two crystal glasses. He even waited until Colonel Brenton had taken the first sip, then, satisfied by his smile of appreciation that all was well, made his departure.

“
Is that a letter from California?
”
Colonel Brenton asked as he set down his glass.
“
The newlyweds certainly write you regularly. What
’
s the news, is all well?
”

“
It
’
s better than well, it
’
s terrific! They seem ideally happy. Alaine loves the life out there a
n
d has even refused Tony
’
s suggestion that she might like to return to film work. Tony wrote me that he felt it only fair to make the offer but I think he was relieved when she refused.
”

“
I saw it from the first—those two were cut out for one another.
”
Colonel Brenton
’
s words did not appear to be directly addressing Felicity.
“
Their marriage was a foregone conclusion, it couldn
’
t have happened any other way.
”

“
You mean you weren
’
t shocked or surprised at what happened?
”
There was a note of amazement in Felicity
’
s voice.
“
I had never dreamed of such a possibility. After all, the date of Alaine
’
s marriage to Guy was already fixed.
”
It was the first time the subject had been broached between them and Felicity felt not only interested but curious to hear her companion
’
s view.

“
I knew a day or so after your brother arrived here. Never have I seen two people more attuned to one another. Guy could never have made her happy, she
believed
she cared for him but she was not yet awake, and their marriage would ultimately have crushed them both.
”

Felicity remained silent, deeply aware of the truth of her companion
’
s assertion, but that he should have guessed at the growing attachment between Alaine and her brother
was something which amazed her.

Resting his glass on the low table, Colonel Brenton went on.
“
Alaine seemed to change in Tony
’
s company, she was herself, all artifice fell from her; that egotistical streak was no longer apparent and she became a warm-hearted, lovable girl.
”

The picture became clearer. At the time she had been blind, perhaps wilfully, but feeling that some comment was
expected of her, she spoke.
“
I believe you are right
—”

“
I knew I was right, otherwise I should not have acted as I did. It
’
s ticklish a matter—even for a man of my age—to meddle with affairs of the heart, but I had to make those two face facts squarely; if Tony
had returned to California and left Alaine here it would have been a calamity. Three lives broken just through a mistaken sense of honour.
”

“
You mean
—”
Felicity
broke off, fearful of putting
her thoughts into words and uncertain whether she had perhaps misunderstood.

“Yes, I deliberately
pushed them together.
”
His eyes twinkled.
“
I suppose my action doesn
’
t conform to your ideals of right and wrong. I
’
ve seen too many broken marriages and you must realize I wasn
’
t wholly disinterested, my son s welfare means so much to me and a moment
’
s heartache is better than a lifetime of regrets. Anyway, it probably hurt his pride more than anything else. Although he pretends to avoid the subject, he is really quite interested in your news from California. He never asks outright but is always digging for information and I know that what I have been able to tell him of Alaine has afforded him infinite satisfa
c
tion.
”

“
I can see now that you were right.
”
Felicity spoke slowly as she tried to adjust her mind to this revelation.
“
I agree with you that Guy gives every appearance of having got over the loss of Alaine, but he did love her, I
’
m sure he did.
”

“
Possibly, but there are so many qualities and shade of that much abused word,
”
he reminded her wisely and now his eyes sought hers. Their expression was inscrutable but there was no mistaking their affection.

“
Guy knows little or nothing about women and, between you and me, he is more than a little scared of them. He would never have taken the slightest notice of Alaine if she hadn
’
t made him, and finding himself for the first time in his life on really intimate terms with a girl, he imagined himself in love.
”
The old man chuckled reminiscently.
“
I
’
ll never forget the first time he brought her down to Weir, he still seemed dazed from her shock tactics.
”

“
Enjoyed your port, sir?
”
Mackerley making his appearance on the terrace, picked up the tray.
“
It
’
s the last bottle of this vintage, must save a drop for Mr. Guy tonight, he appreciates a good port.
”

“
Tonight? Is he coming down this week-end?
”
the Colonel questioned with obvious pleasure.

“
He just phoned, sir, getting down this afternoon for tea,
”
Mackerley replied.
“
Hasn
’
t been here for
close
on ten days now, he
’
ll see a big change—and be pleased about it, I
’
ll warrant,
”
he remarked as he gazed approvingly at his master.
“
I reckon you
’
ve made wonderful headway and put on a bit of weight, too!
”

“
Hardly surprising with this conspiracy of yours and Nurse Dene
’
s to feed me at every hour of the day!
”
he grumbled, but it was obvious that his words had no effect upon either Felicity or his old batman other than to reduce them to laughter.

“
Felicity dear, pass me my paper.
”