Lakeland Nurse (ebook)

Argumento de Lakeland Nurse (ebook)

What was she to do? At that moment John Brownlees bustled into the room, apologising to Neil for being out when he arrived. From the affection shown between them it was obvious that the two were old friends.

Youre in your old room, John said. Wander up when youre ready. Now, Ive still got things to do so Ill leave you and see you in the morning. Thanks for looking after him, Zanne. And he was gone.

Faintly Zanne said, Ive had a long day. I think Ill go to bed.

As she rose, Neil also stood up. Im tired, too, after the flight and the drive. But I fancy a breath of air so Ill walk you back to your flat.

Theres no need, she said sharply. Ill be quite all right.

But I want a walk.

They set off through the trees. It was the last night for various groups and she could hear sounds of merry-making and partying here and there. For some reason, even though she was happy where she was working, Zanne felt suddenly lonely. Her mother was in Canada; she was miles from the place shed lived all of her twenty-two years. She shivered.

Youre cold, he said, and took off the coat hed picked up. Here, put this on.

No, honestly, I dont need But he wrapped it round her anyway.

Remember the last time I lent you my coat? he asked mischievously.

In the dark she blushed. I remember.

How is the young man, by the way? Did he recover?

Peter Collins has recovered. Says hell have another go at walking the rail next year. Neil laughed.

They reached her front door. Zanne foraged in her bag for the key, then stepped into the shade of her porch. Neil followed her. He reached out, held her gently by the shoulders and turned her towards him.

I hate this man for what he did to me, her brain shrieked, but her body felt something else. He lowered his head and kissed her, softly, sensuously, pulling her to him so that her breasts grazed the front of his sweater.

Goodnight, Nurse Ripley, he said. Then he was gone.

Zanne let herself into her little flat. She took off her dress and hung it neatly. She brushed her hair, creamed her face, cleaned her teeth and put out her clothes for the next day. She made herself a mug of tea, though she didnt want it. Then she got into bed and picked up a magazine she didnt want to read.

It was no good. She would have to think about what had happened. She hated Neil Calder for what he had done to her. But shed let him kiss her. Worse, shed responded to him and had been sorry when theyd broken apart. How could she? How could she have such violently opposed feelings towards the man? She thought shed never sleep. But the sheer turmoil of her emotions was too much for her. Her eyes closed and her weary brain sought rest.0