To Please the Doctor (3 page)

Jill was uncomfortably conscious of Duncan McRey
’
s
presence, and she could only hope that her tone sounded impersonal when she replied to Harriet.
“
I wish I knew exactly what you meant, but you can explain when I see you.
”
She laughed, then listened again as Harriet gave her instructions regarding the meal.

“
It seems dreadful to land you, but you
’
ll manage. The cutlets are on the larder shelf. You won
’
t mind giving
Duncan a meal, will you? He
’
ll never get back here yet,
it isn
’
t any use his trying. I
’
ve been an hour coming from Stene. I
’
ll ring you again after the
‘
op
’
and let you know
how it is here. Tell Duncan to stay until I ring again.
”

After a few more instructions Harriet rang off and, cradling the receiver back on its holder, Jill turned again to her companion.
“
Well, I expect you gathered that Harriet won
’
t be back. She
’
ll phone later; meanwhile, she suggests we have a meal.
”

“
Quite a good notion. Now how about that drink?
”

“
You can see to it yourself while I go and hunt round the larder,
”
Jill remarked as she made her way to the kitchen. He could jolly well wait on himself tonight, tomorrow would be time enough for her to take his orders without argument.

The meal, when Jill eventually did serve it up, was certainly not up to her customary standard of cooking. To start with, she
’
d found herself confronted with an electric cooker, a contrivance she
’
d never used before and didn
’
t feel she ever wanted to use again. No doubt there was a right and wrong way of tackling it, but it remained a complete enigma to her! If she turned to find any cooking utensil, she took so long locating it that by the time she
’
d returned to the stove the potatoes had boiled over or the cutlet had caught alight. Mrs. Sidons might be the greatest treasure, but how on earth was Jill to know that she kept sago in the tin clearly marked sugar!

By the time Jill sat down
at the dining table she felt hot and flushed with her exertions. Duncan McRey
’
s cool assumption that it might be the natural thing to cook and serve his dinner, did nothing to calm her irritation, and with deliberate intent she served him with the least appetising-looking cutlets and the soggiest part of the greens. For a few moments they both ate in silence, while Jill found herself tensed and ready with a retort should he dare to offer any criticism.

“
Harriet is a marvellous cook, it
’
s a real pleasure to come here for a meal.
”

The criticism, no doubt it had been intended as such, was couched in such unexpected terms that all the biting retorts which Jill had been carefully rehearsing were completely useless. With as much calm as she could muster she carefully set down her knife and fork and
‘
faced her companion.
“
I
’
m sure she is as good at cooking as everything else; it fits in with her other attributes
.”
She paused, crumbling her bread on her plate.
“
But at least you
’
ll concede that even hysterical and incapable females are sometimes good cooks?
”
She asked the question with a warming smile which brought a dimple to the corners
of her lips.

“
I really don
’
t know much about women. The words were terse and there was no answering smile as he pushed
back
his chair and commenced to refill his pipe.

“
I shouldn
’
t light up yet
.
Aren
’
t you going to help wash up? I can
’
t very well leave it for the maid to do when
she gets back.
”

Jill did not miss the swift expression of astonishment which crossed his face
at her words, but she had to admit he quickly concealed it, and rising to his feet
began to follow her example, and piling the plates, carried
them
into the ki
tche
n
.
If he harboured any resentment she didn
’
t know. He certainly proved a most
efficient help, and the dishes were washed and quickly put away. She was rinsing
down the sink when the telephone interrupted for the second time that evening,
and Duncan McRey made a hurried—and Jill imagined a grateful—exit from the
kitchen.

She was smiling to herself as she wrung out the
cl
oth and tidied everything to her satisfaction. There had been moments of desultory conversation between herself and Duncan McRey when their companionship had been almost pleasant, but he appeared happier behind a barrier of reserve. Oh, well, it didn
’
t really matter, she wasn
’
t easily intimidated. Harriet had said she had what it took—she couldn
’
t
h
elp wondering what exactly that was, but whatever it was, it was consoling to feel she possessed it.

“
Ah, there you are!
”
Duncan McRey remarked as she
rejoined him.

Jill sank contentedly into the armchair. She felt as exhausted as if she
’
d cooked a banquet instead of a few cutlets and greens.
“
Yes, I
’
ve finished. Thanks for the help
.”
She stretched out her hand for a cigarette and was astonished to see her companion step forward and, striking a light, hold it to the tip. The glow of the match set the
f
irm
lines of his features into sharp relief, and again Jill was struck with the undeniable attraction this man possessed. It would be almost too much to expect him to trouble to exert charm as well. With his looks he probably
didn
’
t have to, and no doubt at times his off-hand manner was a very useful asset. She drew at her cigarette until the end glowed.
“
Was that Harriet?
”
she queried.

“
Yes, the fog is worse. She says it
’
s madness to attempt to make it.
”
He paused.
“
It must be bad if she says so. She insists that I remain here.
”
It was fortunate that turning away at that moment to settle again in his chair he missed the expression of deep consternation which crossed Jill
’
s face. Unaware of the shock his statement had provoked, he continued with complete calm.
“
Can you fix a bed for me? Anything will do.
”

“
I suppose so—I really don
’
t know—I—I mean I hardly know the house—I expect there must be a spare room somewhere—unless of course I am using it.
”
Jill could have kicked herself for her lack of coherence, the hesitancy in her voice readily betraying her uneasiness.

Her disquiet had not escaped those keen blue eyes and for the first time she detected a genuine glint of humour in their depth. It certainly added to his attraction, but as it was amusement at her expense Jill remained firmly indifferent.
“
Don
’
t look so perturbed, I am not suggesting you should give up your room.
”
This time there was an unmistakable smile playing round the
corner
s of his lips.
“
Surely with feminine efficiency of which you boast you can
ma
ke
up a bed somewhere? Although your appearance leads me to believe that you are more decorative than practical.
”

A wave of anger swept over Jill, bringing a flood of hot colour to her cheeks; the insolence of the man, the unmitigated arrogance! His eyes, now obviously—and it seemed to Jill for the first time—appraised her slender figure as she sat upright gripping the arms of her chair. They seemed to be taking in every detail from the crown of her coppery hair to her slender silk-clad leg which emerged from the lose folds of the blue velvet. With an almost unconscious movement, Jill pulled the folds of her gown more closely across her knees and tucked her feet beneath the hem; she ardently wished she could bury her face too and hide from that searching gaze the tell-tale colour which she knew still stained her cheeks. With all the dignity she could command, she rose to her feet and, holding her head high, walked towards the stairs which led directly from the lounge in which they sat. One hand resting on the bannister, she paused and, pulling herself up to her full height, turned to face her companion.
“
I
’
m going up to bed. I
’
ll find some sheets for you. I
’
m sure you are quite capable of
making
a bed for yourself!
”
She was aware o
f
his glance following her as she mounted the stairs, and was certain that, had she dared turn to look, she would have seen again that enigmatic smile reflected in the dep
th
of his eyes.

CHAPTER
TWO

It seemed to Jill
that she had only just dropped off to sleep when she was rudely awakened by the clattering of a cup of tea on her bedside table. She was barely conscious when memory came flooding back, and she sat up in bed with a start of surprise to see Mrs. Sidons pulling back the curtains to disclose the weak sunlight of an early, wintry morning.

“
What is the time? Am I late?
”
Jill asked anxiously.

“
Only just seven, Miss,
”
Mrs. Sidons replied reassuringly as she knelt down before the burnt-out grate and began to clear the dead ashes.
“
No hurry, Miss, we won
’
t be having breakfast till eight, and Dr. Laine says I was to tell you she
’
ll be back to have it with you.
”

“
She isn
’
t home then?
”
Relieved that she hadn
’
t overslept, Jill picked up the cup of tea and began to drink it appreciatively.

“
No, Miss, but she just phoned through.
”
Mrs. Sidons began to lay fresh wood and paper in the grate and applied a match.

“
Chilly it is this morning, you
’
ll be glad of a bit of fire.
”

“
Mrs. Sidons—tell me, Dr. McRey, is he still here? He had to stay last night, you know.
”
Jill asked the question with some diffidence and waited anxiously for a reply.

“
Oh, him!
”
Mrs. Sidons gave a significant sniff. It was obvious that she harboured no great love for Duncan McRey.
“
I saw him when I come down this morning, sleeping like a baby he was in the armchair by the fire. Said now the mist
‘
ad cleared he
’
d get off home for his breakfast, and I never tried to stop him. I didn
’
t even notice him when I come in last night. What a night, too! I
’
m glad I never went further than me sister
’
s place down the road.
”

“
I see.
”
Jill repressed a smile as she pictured Duncan McRey
’
s tall figure hunched all night in an inadequate armchair. She only hoped Harriet wouldn
’
t mind, wouldn
’
t think she had been deliberately inhospitable; the thought
was sobering, but, she consoled herself, surely Harriet would understand.

“
There, Miss, burning up nicely.
”
Mrs. Sidons heaved her bulky figure upright and glanced with an air of righteous pride at the crackling wood.
“
Warm the room in no time. Now I
’
ll go and see about the breakfast.
”

As Jill dressed she was aware of a deepening sense of apprehension. Within an hour or two she
’
d be presenting herself at hospital. She was glad that she
’
d have Harriet
’
s support but all the same, facing a new job, new work, strange faces, was undoubtedly an ordeal. All the faces wouldn
’
t be strange, she recalled with some misgivings; it might be better if they were. What on earth would Duncan McRey have to say when she was introduced to him as his new Sister! The prospect was distinctly alarming, and she began to question her wisdom in not having immediately revealed her true identity. She folded her night things, then tucked her bedroom slippers into a
corner
of the case, shut it and snapped the clasp, then with a final look round left the room and descended to the lounge.

“
Good morning.
”
Harriet put down the morning paper as she rose to greet her friend.
“
I can
’
t tell you how sorry I am about last night. You did understand, didn
’
t you? I moved heaven and earth to get back, but I couldn
’
t make it.
”

“
Naturally I understand,
”
Jill answered reassuringly.
“
It was bad luck, but it couldn
’
t be helped.
”

Harriet linked her arm through Jill
’
s and led her towards the dining-room.
“
Let
’
s have breakfast. I
’
m longing for a coffee; we can talk while we are eating.
”
She seated herself at the round polished table and flicked a serviette across her knees.
“
Now, Jill, help yourself. I can
’
t be a good hostess at this hour of the morning.
”

Jill did as she was bidden and began to feel a little more confident under the warming influence of hot, strong coffee.
“
What time am I due at St. Joseph
’
s? You
’
ll take me there, won
’
t you?
”

“
Of course. I told Matron we
’
d be along about eleven. She wondered if you could start your work at two, we are terribly short-handed and things are so muddled. Sister Wilks left last week and the place is all at sixes and sevens.
”
Harriet buttered a piece of toast and spread it with marmalade.
“
Strange that you and Duncan should have met last night—rather helpful, really.
”
The statement was made in such a doubtful tone that it sounded more like a query.

“
He didn
’
t realize who I was,
”
Jill announced, and aware of her companion
’
s surprise, amended:
“
I told him my name, of course, but that meant nothing to him. I didn
’
t see why I should enlighten him, he
’
ll know soon enough,
”
she ended a trifle grimly.

“
He
will
be surprised.
”
Harriet gave her deep laugh, then added more seriously, and not without a hint of anxiety in her tone:
“
You liked him really, didn
’
t you? I know he has a brusque manner, but underneath has a heart of gold; his abruptness is all part of his character, that
’
s all.
”

“
The man is insufferably uncouth and you know it! No, don
’
t interrupt me,
”
she insisted as Harriet ventured a protest.
“
I know all about his brilliant career, his patience with the children, and all the rubbish you spilled last night. Still, the fact remains that as a social asset he is a dead loss!
”
Her dimpled smile took the sting from her words.

Harriet found herself laughing too.
“
I suppose you are right, but honestly he is much nicer when you know him; he is absurdly ill at ease with strangers, and I think his gruff attitude is a shield to cover his own discomfiture. I admit I found him difficult at first, but now we are the best of friends. I had an uphill job, too; I started at a terrible disadvantage. He loathed the idea of a woman assistant, and I had to fight against terrific odds.
”
She smiled reminiscently.
“
It
’
s marvellous the way he has accepted the idea.
”

“
He certainly spoke with respect—almost admiration—of your qualities.
”
Jill pushed back her cup and lit a cigarette.
“
If he ever finds it in his heart to sing my praises as he does yours I
’
d think myself honoured.
”

“
He is going to like you.
”
Harriet announced. Then, as Jill burst into a peal of laughter,
she went on:
“
No, don
’
t laugh, I understand Duncan and I know what I
’
m saying. There is one thing he admires above all things, and that
’
s efficiency and ability—he likes to be able to depend
u
pon people. I
’
m not flattering myself, but you know that I can be relied on. I do put all I
’
ve got into my job.
”

Jill nodded.
“
I know that
’
s true, but that isn
’
t any reason why he should take to me.
”

“
You don
’
t
have
to work, and unless you loved your job you wouldn
’
t. I know enough about you to realize just how keen you must be; efficiency, well, that naturally follows. Harriet paused then continued thoughtfully: You
’ll
win his respect in the same way as I have. You
’
ve the character and ability to stand up to him which you
’
ll find most helpful.
”
Harriet folded her serviette and laid it beside her plate, then rising, led the way back to the lounge. Seating herself in the armchair she queried.
“
By the way, where did you fix him up last night. Did you manage to find
sheets and things?
”

“
Yes, I gave him bed-linen,
”
Jill admitted.
“
But he was so damn rude I told him he could make shift for himself—according to Mrs. Sidons, he ended up in the armchair.
”

For a second Harriet seemed aghast, then suddenly she burst into a peal of laughter.
“
Jill, my dear!
”
Gradually her laughter subsided and she exclaimed.
“
What a beginning!
Here am I trying to give you advice—telling you—you of all people, to stand up to him!
”

“
That
’
s not all,
”
Jill confessed.
“
You spoke of efficiency; you ought to have seen the meal I produced! It was scarcely eatable; that electric stove of yours simply left me stunned. You watch his face when I
’
m presented to him as the new Sister!
”

“
At least it has its humorous side.
”
Harriet admitted.
“
That
’
s one good thing about Duncan, he does possess a sense of humour. You must admit that
’
s a saving grace.
”

“
Somewhat warped humour.
”
Jill spoke softly and the words were hardly audible to her companion. Raising her tone, she continued:
“
My uniform is in the trunk I sent to hospital. I
’
ll have to turn up in mufti and change there.
”

Harriet
’
s presence was certainly a comfort to Jill as they journeyed in the former
’
s car to St. Joseph
’
s. The mist of the previous evening had completely cleared, and Jill was able to see for the first time something of the district in which Harriet
’
s house was situated and the countryside which separated it from Sunsand Bay. The outside of the house, finished in white stucco with small, mullioned windows, had a certain charm; but the surrounding countryside was flat and ploughed fields led down to the edge of the low overhanging cliffs, which levelled out, as they neared the town, into the flat promenade which Jill had glimpsed
upon
arrival. Small old-fashioned apartment houses flanked the long line of sea front, at the end of which stood a large hotel badly in need of a coat of paint, but which at least boasted a garden stretching down to the shore, and a cluster of huts which, in the season, were doubtless part of a private beach. Sunsand, of which Jill could see but a huddle of grey roofs, sloped upward from the sea a
n
d was dominated by an enormous and imposing
church spire. Turning off from the front the car began to climb the hill which Jill could remember descending from the station, and then quite unexpectedly, the hospital came into view. Jill
couldn
’
t
imagine how she had missed it on her arrival
.
She must have been hunting for that illusive bay since the group o
f
buildings in modern red brick was far too outstanding not to have caught her attention.