Nurse Angela by Hilary Preston Read Free Book Online Page A

Angela’s excitement grew as the days flew quickly by. She flung herself into a flurry of shopping and sewing, planning and replanning what clothes to take and what not to take. The weather was fine and warm and according to the prophets was likely to remain so for a week or two. So, for traveling in Simon’s car, she chose a light, uncrushable dress in navy and white Egyptian cotton and a short coat in white cuddle cloth in case it turned chilly in the evenings. To wear with the dress, she bought the tiniest of navy blue hats in light straw, which would set off her light blond hair, and a pair of comfortable navy sandals and handbag to match. It was a color that would not quickly show the dust and dirt of travel. For sightseeing in Paris, she made—with the help of her mother—two suits of heavy shantung in matching designs and colors so that they could be interchangeable and two cocktail dresses, one of fine wool, the other of soft chiffon. She pondered for a long time as to whether or not she would really need an evening gown, and in spite of the very remote possibility of anyone inviting her to a ball or some other formal evening, she decided to make one in layers of nylon net. Simple to make, but beautifully effective and easy to pack.
    When, inevitably, the rest of the ward sisters learned she was going to Paris, Angela was treated to a good deal of teasing. In vain, she protested that she was going alone. For Simon’s sake, she made no mention of his offer of a lift, and indeed no one even seemed to be aware that he was taking his holiday at that time.
    It was not until her last night of duty before her holiday that Matron said; “I consider it very regrettable indeed that Dr. LeFeure is going to be away at the same time as you, Sister. Of course I know that Dr. Wilson is reliable, but with a relief sister on night duty too ... I must say it’s most inconsiderate of Dr. LeFeure. He kept very quiet about it too ... or he made up his mind suddenly. I would have asked you to change your date had I known sooner. It’s too late to do anything about it now, however, what with all the shuffling around it would mean. In any case, I’m told you’re going abroad, so I expect you have everything arranged.”
    “Yes, Matron, I have.”
    “Oh well, I suppose we’ll have to make the best of it. None of the night nurses are on holiday, that’s one consolation. Good night, Sister.”
    Simon was not on duty that evening, his place being taken by Dr. Wilson who spent half his time at Kirkwhite and the other half at the General. He knew most of the patients at Kirkwhite so that, actually, Matron’s anxieties were groundless.
    “Old fusspot,” Tony Wilson said disrespectfully. “Simon told me months ago what date he was going away, and after all, it concerns me most. I’ve got his work to do. I don’t blame him for not broadcasting his comings and goings. He’s going to Paris—so are you. What a time the gossips would have if they knew.”
    Angela gave an amused smile. “Do you know?”
    “Know what?” he asked in a hoarse stage whisper.
    “That we’re traveling to Paris together.”
    “No. Are you?” He rubbed his hands. “My, that’s a tasty piece of scandal if you like. That would make the place hum.”
    “Oh, don’t exaggerate, and don’t you dare say a word,” she threatened. “You’re the only one in the hospital who knows.”
    “What a pity. It would have been fun. Seriously, though, I hope you thoroughly enjoy yourselves. I’m all for people just doing what they want without being afraid of what people will say. I think gossip should be counted as one of the seven deadly sins—it’s nearly always spiteful. No matter how unblemished someone’s character may be, a trip like this would soon become an affair of the worst kind by the time the gossips were through.”
    “I suppose so. But good heavens, you have me worried now. Put so baldly, we do seem to be laying ourselves open to