Nurse Angela by Hilary Preston Read Free Book Online

that’s one thing clear,” he said. “As for my asking you out of politeness, I wouldn’t dream of such a thing. Actually, if you can stand my company you’ll be doing me a favor. I hate traveling long distances alone.”
    “In that case, Doctor, I shall be very glad to accept your invitation, that is, if I can book a seat at this late hour.”
    “Would you like me to get in touch with the airline for you? I might be able to pull a string or two. You simply must come now.”
    She smiled. “You’re making things very easy for me.”
    “If I can do that, I will with pleasure. It will merely be your just reward for all you do for the people here.”
    Knowing how much in advance holidays were usually arranged these days, Angela did not expect Simon to be able to get a seat at all, still less on the same day. But he surprised her by getting her a seat on the very same plane as himself.
    “How on earth did you manage it?” she asked.
    “The usual thing,” he told her. “Someone had canceled a booking. The cancellation had not actually been on the same plane, of course, but the booking clerk fixed that for me. It simply meant transferring someone else to a later plane. Don’t worry,” he said as he caught sight of a tiny frown on her forehead, “it wasn’t anyone with an important appointment.”
    Angela could scarcely believe this was happening—suddenly to be several days in Simon LeFeure’s company. Of course, it was largely coincidence she told herself. It was natural enough that he should be going to France and, of course, natural that he should offer her a drive when he knew she was going. He would no doubt have made the same offer to anyone. All the same, she could not suppress a lift of her heart at the thought of the journey.
    When she told Roger of Simon’s invitation, he was astounded, startled and outraged all at the same time.
    “What!” he cried in an alarming falsetto. “You mean to tell me he’s inveigled you into going to Paris with him?”
    “Don’t be silly,” she laughed. “I’m not ‘going to Paris with him.’ He’s merely giving me a lift to the airport.”
    “Hm,” he snorted. “And then to Paris. And of course, you can bet your life on both journeys back. I tell you, he’s nothing less than a wolf.” He glared at her, but well used, by now, to these violent reactions of Roger’s, Angela merely smiled in return.
    He fumed in silence for a minute, then said with a slight smile. “I’m as jealous as hell, Angela. I wish I’d carried you off that night or asked you to marry me properly or ... or something,” he finished lamely.
    Suddenly, he got up, pulled a footstool close to her chair and sat down taking her hand in his.
    “Darling, this is serious, really serious. I’ve wanted to ask you, but didn’t feel I had enough to offer you. Will you consider marrying me, Angela? Will you?”
    “Why, Roger ... ” His eyes were more serious than she had ever seen them and in their depths ...
    “I love you, Angela. Did I have to tell you?”
    “Roger,” she whispered. “I—” A strange emotion robbed her of words. Dear, light-hearted Roger, really loved her. Even th o ugh at one time she had suspected it, it still seemed incredible. Her eyes softened. Impulsively, she touched his cheek.
    “Will you?” he asked again.
    “Roger, I hardly know what to say. I think your feelings have grown ahead of mine. I’m very fond of you, Roger. In fact, my affection for you increases every day, but I don’t know whether it’s strong enough yet for marriage.”
    She gazed at him anxiously. She did not want to hurt him. He smiled ruefully and patted her hand. “All right, darling. I’ll just have to keep on asking you, that’s all, and keep my fingers crossed while you’re away.”
    “Roger,” she protested laughing. “What on earth are you driving at? Dr. LeFeure and I will probably be bored to death with each other. At best, I expect we’ll talk shop.”
    Paris!