Ring for the Nurse (29 page)

Never had Felicity seen Alaine in a more dramatic role, never more obviously holding the stage. But again she knew this was no play-acting but a cry for their understanding torn from her very heart. To Tony, at least, the cry must have been irresistible, for in a moment he had again drawn her close and with a few whispered words reassured her. He paused to console her, then, perhaps suddenly aware of Guy
’
s silent presence, led Alaine to the settee, then turned boldly to face him.

“
I
’
m sorry, Guy—you realized didn
’
t want you to know. I would have done anything in the world to save you this.
I
was—and am still—prepared to go away. We are in your hands, we are both prepared to do as you wish.
”
Tony
’
s words rang with sincerity and there was no mistaking his suffering and regret.

“
I have discussed this matter with Alaine—from every angle,
”
Guy began and the note of his voice caused Felicity to turn involuntarily towards him. He had barely moved and there was still so much of the statue in his poise that his sudden speech gave her a sense of shock. His expression had remained unchanged, his eyes barely flickered beneath their half-lowered lids and the squared line of his jaw was hard and unyielding, yet, with a sense of faint surprise she felt no anger or animosity in his manner,
only a quiet yet almost kindly determination which became even more apparent as he went on.
“
I quite understand, you can spare me explanations or apologies, I fully realize that what has happened has not been of your seeking. Alaine has been very frank with me and I believe that by leaving her, you thought you
were acting for the best
—”
He broke off and for the firs
t
time Felicity could detect a note of bitterness in his voice.
“
I refuse to accept that sacrifice from you—or Alaine. You see, I too, happen to be concerned in Alaine
’
s future happiness arid I know now that she will only find it as your wife.
”

“
But—Guy
—”
Tony began, but disregarding his interruption Guy went on speaking.

“
Take Alaine down to Somerset with you, no doubt your marriage can take place there. I know from what you have told us about your farm that she
’
ll be happy in California
“
He broke off and for the first time his features relaxed and the ghost of a smile played round the corners of his lips.
“
Good luck to you both—and every happiness.
”
He held out his hand to Tony and as if in a dream Felicity saw their clasped hands, saw that symbol of understanding and friendship and felt relief flood her whole being.

While the feeling of unreality persisted, and Felicity watched Guy and Tony speak in undertones together, she was aware of the gradual change in Tony
’
s drawn features, of the light, which slowly returned to his eyes. She was aware of Alaine
’
s tremulous smile as she rested in the protective circle of Tony
’
s arm, the slackening of that earlier feeling of tension as he continued speaking. She saw Guy release Tony
’
s hand, then following a few quiet words with Alaine she watched him stoop and drop a light kiss on her forehead, bringing to her lips a radiant smile which momentarily
e
ffected the erstwhile ravages of tears. She knew that Guy had crossed to the door and was aware that he beckoned her to follow and still as if in a dream Felicity now felt Alaine
’
s arms round her neck and her soft lips against her cheeks.

“
You understand, Felicity, don
’
t you? I love him so much,
I never knew I could feel like this about anyone, Tony is the only person in the whole world for me now. I
’
ll make him happy, Felicity, I promise you I will, I promise!
”

Felicity found herself returning that warm embrace with whole-hearted feeling.
“
I believe you, Alaine—I know you
’
ll both be happy.
”

Tony
’
s farewells quickly followed, his happiness was infectious and she found her lips smiling their response.
“
Thanks, darling—for everything. I
’
m taking Alaine down to Mother in the morning, we
’
ll get married at St. Jude
’
s—you remember the little church on the hill—you
’
ll join us in time for that, won
’
t you? Then you
’
ll come with us to the States.
”

Felicity, still smiling, shook her head.
“
No, not now, you don
’
t need
me—Aware t
hat her brother was about to argue she laid her finger gently across his lips.
“
No, darling, don
’
t argue now, we
’
ll discuss all that later. I
’
ll come down and see you both before you sail.
”

Joining Guy where he still awaited her in the doorway, she preceded him from the flat and slowly walked down the stairway at his side. She could still see Alaine and Tony as hand in hand they had stood watching them leave. She felt it was a picture she would never forget, the last rays of the setting sun had bathed them in a soft radiance, encompassing them as if in a glow of perfect happiness. It was then that with a sense of guilt she was suddenly recalled to the silent figure at her side and with an impulsive gesture she laid her hand gently on his arm.
“
I
’
m sorry, Guy, oh, so sorry.
”

“
Please spare me your sympathy.
”
His tone was frigidly deterring and it was not until they emerged into the street that he spoke again; now his voice was casual and entirely devoid of emotion.
“
I
’
ll call you a taxi.
”
As one drew up alongside them he opened the door.
“
Will you do me a favour?
”

“
Of course I will—I
’
ll do anything I can.
”
Felicity could not hide the
eagerness in her voice, her repressed longing to be of help to him must have been apparent both in her tone and her expression. She would have given all if she could but have shared his pain or helped him to bear it, her longing to
show the depth of her sympathy tore at her; she had helped to heal his body but she could not hope t
o
be allowed to heal his heart.

“
Please dine with my father tonight as was arranged, I don
’
t want him to be disappointed, he has looked forward so much to seeing you again. Make what excuses you wish to cover Alaine and Tony
’
s absence. I don
’
t feel
I
can face up to things just yet—I
’
ll get along some time this evening, that I promise, but you mustn
’
t wait dinner.
”
He assisted her into the taxi and without awaiting her reply gave the driver his instruction and walked quickly away.

CHAPTER
NINETEEN

It was Mackerley
who opened the door to Felicity at Guy Brenton
’
s flat, and noting her surprise he quickly explained that he always accompanied the Colonel on his rare visits to London, then, greeting her with obvious pleasure, led her into a large lounge separated from the entrance hall by glass sliding doors. Mackerley relieved her of her coat and addressed her again.
“
You
w
on
’
t mind waiting a few minutes, Miss? The Colonel will be with you soon, he seemed a bit tired this afternoon and I didn
’
t like to disturb his rest too early.
”

“
I quite understand, and please do tell him not to hurry.
”
As Mackerley turned away Felicity went on.
“
Oh, by the way, Mr. Brenton asked me to let you know that neither Miss Jason nor my brother will be coming this evening, he also asked you not to wait dinner for him—he may be detained.
”
Felicity hoped that her tone sounded casual.
“
You see, there will probably only be me, so there is no need for Colonel Brenton to hurry, I don
’
t mind waiting one bit.
”

At any other time Felicity would have been intrigued to find herself in Guy Brenton
’
s flat, free to look around and to observe all the details which might or might not have reflected the personality of the owner. This evening the emotional upheaval through which she had passed weighed on her and she was only aware of the beauty of the large room and, in contrast to Weir Court, the almost modern style of decoration. The furnishing provided an elegance without any sacrifice of comfort and she could well understand why Alaine had been anxious to make this flat her home in preference to the austere old-worldliness of Weir Court. It was unfortunate that her thoughts had led her back to Alaine; Her deep regret for Guy was inextricably bound up with the joy which Alaine and her brother had found together; her mind was in a turmoil and she scarcely knew whether she were nearer to laughter or tears. Now, viewing the thing quietly, she knew without doubt that what had happened was for the best. The timely hand of Fate had intervened to save Guy a lasting pain and regret far greater than he suffered now. This would pass, she told herself firmly, it was a transient thing, perhaps if she had not interfered, if she had not returned Alaine the ring ... Felicity thrust back the whole vista of possibilities the thought evoked. She had acted in good faith and regrets were useless now. She could only hope that one day Guy would find all the love and happiness he so richly deserved and wipe out forever the memory of his first love which had been rejected.

Wrapped in her own thoughts Felicity had not even noticed Mackerley
’
s re-entrance.
“
Excuse me, Miss, I
’
m wondering could you tell me where I could locate Mr. Guy? I
’
ve phoned his rooms and the Hospital—it
’
s the Colonel, he
doesn
’
t seem well
—”
He broke off and there was no
mistaking the concern in his voice.

“
No—I can
’
t help you, I
’
m afraid I don
’
t know.
”
Felicity had risen to her feet inspired perhaps by her companion
’
s obvious anxiety.
“
What is the matter? Is he complaining of anything?
”

“
Not complaining, Miss, oh no!
”
Mackerley hastened to reassure her, then a troubled note entered his voice again.
“
Maybe it
’
s the heat, he doesn
’
t feel it so much down at Weir, but it
’
s tiring in town—he looks kind of peaky as you might say. I had quite a job to get him up from his rest this afternoon and it isn
’
t like him to lie abed a moment longer than necessary.
”

“
Do you know the number of Mr. Brenton
’
s Club? Perhaps he is there?
”
Felicity suggested hopefully. Although not unduly concerned about Mackerley s report she felt that some helpful suggestions were expected of her.

“
That
’
s an idea, Miss.
”
Mackerley brightened visibly.
“
Mr. Guy is the only one what can manage the Colonel, he is that obstinate and I know by rights he should stay in bed, he is thoroughly tired out, that
’
s what he is.
I’ll
look up the number and phone right away.
”

Such a call would certainly bring Guy back, Felicity knew, and she found herself hoping desperately that Mackerley would succeed in locating him. She realized now how much his absence that evening was hurting her, as if he were deliberately repudiating any comfort her presence might afford. He had preferred to go away alone, had turned his back on her unspoken sympathy. She could well understand that longing for solitude, but even that did not assuage her hurt. How could he know how much she minded? He could not guess that her feelings for him were such that she longed to share not only his happiness but his pain.

“
They paged him and all, Miss, but he
’
s not there.
”
Mackerley
’
s
disappointment matched her own.
“
Would you like me to see if I can persuade
Colonel Brenton to remain in his room? I suppose I could have my dinner there
with him.
”

“
Of course, Miss, that would be most kind of you.
”
Mackerley
’
s relief at being able to share his responsibility knew no bounds and he could scarcely wait for Felicity to rise and follow him and was already half-way along the long corridor leading to the bedrooms before Felicity had caught him up.

“
You
’
d better go in first and make sure that Colonel Brenton has no objection to my intrusion.
”

“
He won
’
t mind, Miss.
”
Mackerley was positively beaming.
“
The Colonel thinks the world of you, always praising you up to the skies, he is, he took a real liking to you that time down at Weir.
”

Since there was no reply to Mackerley
’
s discreet knock, he turned the handle an
d
entered. His sm
o
thered gasp immediately drew Felicity to his side and looking at Colonel Brenton
’
s figure slumped sideways in his chair, it became obvious why no reply had been forthcoming.
P
ushin
g
her way unceremoniously past Mackerley who remained aghast in the doorway, Felicity advanced quickly to the sick man
’
s side. Instinctively her fingers felt for his pulse and she turned quickly to her companion.
“
It
’
s a heart attack—has he had one before? Come here quickly, help me get his head back against this cushion.
”
With her natural ability for dealing with any emergencies, she immediately took command of the situation.
“
Is there a drug cupboard in the flat, does Mr. Brent
on
keep anything here?
”

“
The Colonel had one of these attacks a long time ago. It was then that Mr. Guy said he was to have stuff with him—told me I was to see it was always handy,
”
Mackerley gasped as he hurried across the room and fumbled with desperate speed in the bureau drawer.
“
This is what Mr. Guy gave me—these things and that syringe.
”

“
That
’
s excellent—now where can I boil up this syringe?
”
In a few minutes Felicity was back with the sterile hypodermic and while injecting the coramine, she gave Mackerley instructions.
“
Ring St. Edwin
’
s and ask for Dr. Fraser— of course you
’
ll explain who it
’
s for—ask him to come as soon as he
can.
”

This seemed to Felicity only a continuation of the nightmare in which she had existed since that afternoon. Dr. Fraser was quick to arrive, but even with his presence the anxiety persisted and she knew from his expression that he was seriously concerned with the patient
’
s grey, drawn features and his racing pulse.

“
You
’
ll stay with him, won
’
t you?
”
Dr. Fraser asked het as he prepared to leave.
“
Anyway, until Mr. Brenton gets back and can make other arrangements. I wish I could have waited for him myself, but tell him, will you, that I had to get back to Hospital. I
’
ll look in again in the morning. There is nothing more I can do now, repeat the injection in an hour if he needs it. Lucky you were here, Nurse, very lucky,
”
he repeated as he took his hat and gloves from the hall table.
“
I
’
ll get the oxygen sent along as soon as I can. I
’
ve heard from Mr. Brenton what an excellent nurse you are and how well you looked after him when he was warded. I certainly compliment you upon your clear
sightedness tonight.
”

Refusing Ma
c
kerley
’
s anxious request that she should at least take some refreshment before returning to her patient, Felicity went back immediately to his room where she kept a constant vigil. The prompt arrival of oxygen gave her something definite to do and so intent was she in watching and attending to the slightest change in the Colonel
’
s condition that she was scarcely aware of the passing hours. There was one moment when, cradling his head against her arm to adjust a pillow, she believed herself back in the small room at the end of John Mason Ward, the resemblance between father and son had never before appeared so marked, but with a sigh she quickly returned to the present and to the disturbing fact that never again would Guy lean upon her for support. That evening had left her no more illusions and it was as if she had held out her arms only to let them drop to her sides, empty and disregarded. She
wouldn
’
t be going to California now, it would have been hypocritical to pretend she minded, but she knew that she could no longer remain at St. Edwin
’
s. She would let her notice stand and within a few days her association with the Hospital—and with Guy Brenton—would cease forever. Instinctively she knew that it would be better so, for although his illness and erstwhile dependence had brought about a close friendship and intimacy, she had now come to the cross roads. It had never been necessary before to face the issue, his marriage and her coming departure from England had been an inevitable end, but it was no longer easy to evade the truth; imperceptibly Guy had replaced the image of Peter in her heart. That girlhood love had only served to strengthen the deep and overwhelming emotion which now held her in thrall.

For a long time her patient
’
s slow and laboured breathing was the only sound in the darkened room. Then she became aware of Guy
’
s presence as he crossed the room towards her.

The one shaded lamp cast
a
pool of light where it stood, but the rest of the room was dim and shadowed. She could scarcely discern his features as he leaned over his father and the quiet restraint of his movements gave no indication of the shock he must be suffering. In low tones she gave him Dr. Fraser
’
s report, th
e
n her own observations of the patient
’
s condition. His response had been monosyllabic and sometimes a mere nod of understanding, then, straightening up, he turned towards the door.

“
Father will be all right for the moment, the pulse is settling. Mackerley can stay with him while you come and have some food.
”
He placed an arm firmly beneath her elbow and led her from the room.

Felicity hadn
’
t realized how tired she was. She had lost all sense of time and had quite forgotten that she had eaten nothing since her early lunch at Hospital. The bright light of the corridor was dazzling after the dimness of the sickroom. It seemed to make her head swim and it was only when they reached the lounge and she had dropped gratefully into a deep arm-chair that she realized the lateness of the hour. The sunray clock above the fireplace had struck midnight as they entered.

“
Was that twelve? I had no idea it was so late.
”
She made an involuntary gesture to rise again, but Guy forestalled her by placing a hand on her shoulder.

“
Sit down and rest—Mrs. Mackerley is bringing you something to eat, you look tired out. You don
’
t think I
’
m going to let you leave until you are rested, do you?
”

“
But I haven
’
t even a late pass.
”
Felicity spoke with concern not untinged with fear. Respect for authority was too deeply imbued within her after her years
in Hospital to treat lightly of such matters.