Kit Cavendish-Private Nurse (10 page)

“Come on, honestly only a minute or two!” he coaxed.

So Kit went. Noel caught her by the arm and hurried her a little distance from the house.

“I want to be jolly sure that no one else hears,” he explained. “This’ll do. Now then...
”
He drew a deep breath. “Guess what?”

“You tell,” Kit retorted, determined not to let him guess what she thought might be at the bottom of his mysterious maneuver.

“Well, Sue’s promised to marry me! Do you get that?” His fingers pinched her arm quite painfully. “Sue—me! Isn’t it marvelous!”

“Wonderful!” Kit agreed with a warmth that satisfied even the ardent young lover. “I wish you both every happiness!”

“You’re great,” he said appreciatively. “I wanted you to be the very first to know—and so did Sue—because you’ve done so much for us.”

“I? I’ve done nothing,” Kit insisted in surprise.

“Oh yes, you have. After something she overheard dear Ruth say, Sue thought you and I were falling for each other. And you scotched that idea! And then it was you who put the idea into my head to take Sue out.” He paused. “You know, it really is quite incredible, but until then, I never thought of Sue as a person. She was just someone about the place ... Gosh, how could I have been such a fool! So there it is. Largely thanks to you.”

“Well, if that’s so, I hope you won’t broadcast the fact,” Kit warned. “I think it might be ill-advised.”

“I’ll say!” Noel agreed. “As a matter of fact, we’re not going to say anything yet about the whole thing.”

“Oh!” Kit was startled. “Do you think that’s wise?”

“You mean, if Ruth spots that we’re gone on each other, she’ll try to put a spoke in our wheel?” Noel enlarged. “Well, to tell you the honest truth, I wondered about that. But Sue thinks it might be better for us to give her a chance of getting used to the idea before she hears the worst. I agreed because I didn’t want to put it into Sue’s mind that Ruth might get up to tricks. And anyway, it doesn’t matter much, because yesterday I applied for a marriage license. From tomorrow onward we could be married then and there. So if there’s any trouble, I’ll sling Sue over my shoulder and carry her to the church. And that will be that!”

“Oh, Noel!” Kit reproached him laughingly. “I believe you’re hoping there will be trouble so that you can do just that!”

He chuckled appreciatively.

“You always see through me, don’t you? Well, at least I won’t try to start any trouble just to be able to indulge my caveman personality! Now I suppose we’d better go in. But first of all—” he caught Kit in an exuberant hug and kissed her soundly “—that’s a thank-you from Sue and me,” he explained.

Kit laughed and pushed him away.

“I’m so glad you and Sue are so happy,” she told him, touched by his impulsiveness. “But I really do think you’d better keep that sort of demonstrativeness for Sue, you know. Otherwise, if anyone saw, it might be misunderstood.”

Just how right she was, neither of them could know. But to Ruth Baylis, who had chosen just that moment to look out of the window, it really did not matter just how much or how little that kiss had meant. That it had occurred at all was the important thing, for her quick brain had realized just what use she could make of the incident.

Dr. Grainger, up and about after his attack of influenza, was nonetheless wishing heartily that he need not have left his bed. And sitting in a not very comfortable chair in Ruth’s study, he wondered why in the world the woman gave herself such airs. Lord, the way she sat at that desk reminded him of an interview with the headmaster in his schooldays—with a licking to follow!

“I’m very well satisfied with Mr. Baylis’s condition,” he assured her for the third time.

Ruth’s face assumed an expression of exaggerated patience. “So you said before, Dr. Grainger. But what I want to know is just what that means. Is he an invalid? Is he still convalescing or is he completely recovered and fit for anything? Surely you can see the importance of making that perfectly clear.”

Trying to peg me down,
Dr. Grainger decided resentfully.
I wonder why? What’s she leading up to?

“He’s a man who has been very ill, is now making a good recovery, and who has every prospect of making a better one,” he said aloud. “But you must understand, Mrs. Baylis, that your husband’s trouble is not like measles or mumps. There is no definite period to the disease, and consequently—”

“I quite understand that,” Ruth interrupted impatiently. “But surely you can be a little more specific than that?”

“Certainly,” Dr. Grainger said blandly. “If you will be the same, No, just a moment, Mrs. Baylis,” as Ruth’s lips moved. “Let me explain what I mean. It’s true that Mr. Baylis has made an excellent recovery. But if I left it at that I would most
certainly be to blame if he—and you—assumed that as a matter of course he was now able to take up his life at the point where his illness caught up with him. It’s too broad and not at all clear—too much of a generalization. Mr. Baylis’s progress has to be, slow, steady and in accord with his particular qualities. Yes, I mean that very seriously, Mrs. Baylis. Both Dr. Heathfield and I have been impressed by the very great self-control your husband has exercised. It can’t have been easy for a man in his position, but without doubt it has helped us considerably. I believe that he will continue to help himself in that way, and to a large extent, what he does must depend upon his own common sense. But we’re still talking in general terms. If you come to the particular—if, for instance, there is any idea of your husband returning to work at once—”

“Good heavens, no!” Ruth exclaimed fervently.

“Good,” Dr. Grainger’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Because, for the time being, that is out of the question. On the other hand, if he wanted to go down to the plant for an hour or so, or if he did a certain amount of work at home, I don’t suppose Heathfield would object—although, of course, you would have to make sure on that point. You see, Mrs. Baylis, it’s all a question of degree. I’m sorry if that doesn’t satisfy you, but at the moment that’s the best I can do, unless you have something definite in mind your husband plans to do.”

“No,” Ruth said thoughtfully. “Nothing like that, really. But I was wondering if, well, how much longer will it be necessary for Nurse Cavendish to be here?”

So that’s what it’s all about,
Dr. Grainger thought.
I wonder what’s at the bottom, of that!

It seemed as if Ruth must have read his thoughts, for she went on hastily,
“You
mustn’t think I have any complaint to make of Nurse Cavendish ... as a nurse. But of course, it’s always difficult having a stranger in the house...
”

“Yes?” Dr. Grainger asked unhelpfully.

“Well, yes. Particularly when there is a good-looking young man about—”

“Indeed! I trust young Mr. Baylis hasn’t been making a nuisance of himself to Nurse Cavendish,” Dr. Grainger said stiffly.

“Certainly not!” Ruth insisted indignantly. “No, it’s the other way around. Nurse Cavendish is, I’m afraid, a flirt. As a result, I’m really concerned about her effect on him. Unfortunately, you see, he is genuinely attracted to her, but she ... Well, of course I must be careful what I say, but it’s clear that marriage doesn’t enter into her scheme of things.”

“That could simply mean that she is not attracted to your stepson,” Dr. Grainger suggested coldly.

“I suppose it could,” Ruth agreed doubtfully. “And if that was so, though naturally it would distress him, he would have to accept her decision. But it isn’t that way. I was taught that when a woman knows a man wants to marry her, if she doesn’t feel that way about him, then she doesn’t encourage him.”

“I quite agree,” Dr. Grainger admitted. “But I really cannot believe—”

“I assure you that I would prefer not to, either,” Ruth insisted gravely. “But I’m compelled to believe the evidence of my own eyes. Nurse Cavendish allows my stepson to kiss her—”

Dr. Grainger frowned. He liked Kit and found it difficult to credit these unpleasant insinuations, particularly when they came from a woman he did not trust. Yet surely she would hardly dare to fabricate such a circumstantial story...

“I know.” Ruth had been watching his face carefully. “One doesn’t like to believe this sort of thing about anyone, least of all of one in Nurse Cavendish’s responsible position. But, you see, this is not the first time such a thing has happened.”

Dr. Grainger made no comment, and after a moment Ruth went on, “Mr. Wrinch, the firm’s accountant, is an old friend of Nurse Cavendish’s. At one time, in fact, he was deeply in love with her and indeed, asked her to marry him. But just the same thing happened. She was perfectly willing to flirt with him, but marriage—no! She simply laughed at the idea.”

Dr. Grainger stood up.

“If it is bad taste for a woman to encourage a man she does not intend to marry, then, in my opinion, it is equally bad-mannered for a man to snivel about having been turned down. Ought to take it on the chin and hold his tongue. Come to think of it, he’d be a fool to do anything else. After all, a rejected suitor isn’t a very heroic figure.”

Ruth made a helpless gesture that to the doctor seemed singularly out of keeping with what he knew of her character.

“I see what you mean, Dr. Grainger, and in a way, I agree with you. But the point is that where Noel is concerned, I’m in a very difficult position. I think you will agree with me that the best possible thing is for the two young people concerned not to see one another any more. But this is Noel’s home. He can’t be expected to leave it, can he? So...
”
She shrugged her shoulders.

Dr. Grainger deliberated. He simply couldn’t believe Nurse Cavendish was the sort of woman Mrs. Baylis made her out to be. On the other hand, it was pretty clear that Ruth had got her knife into her. It might well be that it would be better for Kit to get out as quickly as possible.

“In the natural course of events I should be discussing the question of how long Mr. Baylis needs a nurse with Dr. Heathfield in the near future. I can, if you wish, do that at once. Or, if you prefer to make a formal complaint about Nurse Cavendish, you are, of course, within your rights.”

“Oh, no!” Ruth rejected the idea unhesitatingly. “Not that, for Noel’s sake. But if you will have a word with Dr. Heathfield...
”

“Very well,” Dr. Grainger agreed shortly. “I will do that.” He made his escape, feeling uneasily that quite against his will he had somehow or other been cozened into playing this woman’s game for her.

Thank heaven, though, the final decision doesn’t rest
wi
th me,
he thought as he drove off.
That’s Heathfield’s pigeon!
Later that evening he called Jason.

“That you, Heathfield? Good, glad I caught you in. I’ve just been to Moneyhill, and Mrs. Baylis wants to know when she can get rid of Nurse Cavendish.”

“When Mr. Baylis no longer needs her,” Jason replied promptly. “I made that clear ... and also that it’s for you to decide when that is. Trouble is, she wants to know now.”

“Oh?” Jason’s voice sharpened. “What’s the hurry?” And then, as Dr. Grainger hesitated he insisted, “Come on, Grainger, out with it. They could afford half a dozen nurses if it was necessary, so it’s not the financial angle. So what is it?”

“I received the impression that Mrs. Baylis hasn’t really taken a liking to Nurse Cavendish,” Dr. Grainger explained guardedly.

“No?” Jason said dryly. “I doubt if the lady would like anybody who is such an extremely reliable little watchdog—and utterly incorruptible. But she must have given you some reason for her attitude, or more likely hinted in a way that was quite unmistakable, but couldn’t be brought home against her later.”

“Actually, she was pretty outspoken,” Dr. Grainger said reluctantly. “But frankly, Heathfield, I’d sooner not repeat what she said.”

“As bad as that?” Jason said sharply. “Well, I’m sorry, Grainger, but I must ask for details—in fairness to everybody, particularly Nurse Cavendish. Surely you can see that. But if you really feel you can’t, then I’ll make inquiries for myself.”

“Oh, very well.” Dr. Grainger agreed unwillingly. “But mind, Heathfield, I don’t believe a word of it myself. I’ll swear Nurse Cavendish isn’t—”

“I’ve an appointment in five minutes,” Jason told him. “So if you could come to the point...
”

“Well, it’s this. According to Mrs. Baylis, Nurse has been encouraging young Noel’s advances, but with no intention of marrying him. She substantiates the statement by saying that Wrinch—you know, the accountant chap—had the same experience with her some years back. Pretty beastly, and as I said, I don’t believe it, but...
”
He paused and waited. “Hello?” he said
sharply. “Yes
, I’m still here.” Jason’s voice was completely toneless. “Will you tell Mrs. Baylis that I will have to see her husband again before making a decision? I fancy Thursday will suit me best. Wait a minute. Yes. Thursday at three. Suit you?”

“All right by me,” Dr. Grainger confirmed.

“Right, I’ll note that. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye,” Dr. Grainger echoed and hung up. There was a dissatisfied expression on his face.