Tall Poppies by Janet Woods Read Free Book Online Page B

Livia,’ she whispered.
    â€˜I told the girl to watch out for the doctor. It’s just you and me  . . . alone.’ The housekeeper picked up a pillow and gazed down at her. ‘I could do you a favour and put you out of your misery.’
    Livia appeared at the door and crossed swiftly to Mrs Sangster’s side, saying crisply, ‘I don’t think that would be wise, Mrs Mortimer.’
    The pillow was thrown aside. ‘It was only a joke.’
    â€˜One in poor taste. You can see that Mrs Sangster is suffering.’
    â€˜Of course I can, Carr. Poor Mrs Sangster. I’m here to comfort her, and you’re supposed to be keeping a watch out for the doctor.’
    â€˜I’ve roused Connie, and she’s watching out for him in my place. Would you leave us please? Mrs Sangster needs to rest and you’re upsetting her.’
    â€˜If you’re not very careful, Carr, you’ll lose your job without reference, then you and your precious brother and sister can starve on the street.’
    â€˜Not while there’s breath left in my body,’ Margaret forced out. ‘I’ll report what you said to me, to the doctor.’
    The girl seemed unafraid by the thought of the loss of her job when she told the housekeeper, ‘And I’ll back it up. Now  . . . would you please leave?’
    â€˜Who are you to tell me—?’
    â€˜Get out,’ the girl hissed at her. ‘Mrs Sangster is agitated enough without you adding to it.’
    The housekeeper turned to go, saying quietly, ‘Don’t think I’ll forget this, Carr.’
    â€˜I’m sure you won’t, and to be frank, at this moment I don’t care whether you forget it or not.’
    â€˜The door closed rather loudly behind the departing housekeeper, and smoke puffed down the chimney.
    As Margaret felt Livia’s hand close gently around hers in comfort, peace stole over her. She’d done the right thing yesterday  . . . she knew it. The girl was loyal and caring, and had the strength to stand up to Henry’s tart. ‘Thank you, dear  . . .’ Margaret wanted to tell her what she’d done, but she couldn’t quite get the words out.
    â€˜Shush, don’t try and talk,’ the girl soothed. ‘I can hear the doctor’s car coming. You’ll soon have some help.’
    Mrs Sangster was almost incoherent when the doctor came in. Livia hovered while he carried out his examination, wanting to reassure Mrs Sangster, while keeping out of the doctor’s way.
    He said in a quiet aside, ‘Her brain is swelling, and there is the possibility a clot is blocking the flow of blood. If I can get her into hospital in time, a surgeon might be able to drain the fluid off. Can we telephone her husband? I’ll need his permission, and I expect he’ll want to be with her.’
    Livia could see by his grave manner that he didn’t expect his patient to survive, and she could barely keep her tears at bay. ‘The housekeeper probably has his address.’
    â€˜I imagine she does,’ Dr Elliot said, not quite able to keep his distaste at bay.
    â€˜No  . . . not  . . . Henry.’ The words issued from Margaret Sangster’s mouth in a slurred fashion, but were quite firm. ‘Die  . . . own  . . . bed.’
    They were Mrs Sangster’s final words before she was gripped by a seizure. When it subsided her lips were blue-tinged and her breath came in rattling gasps. Ten minutes later she relaxed completely.
    Livia smiled through her tears at the doctor, who was already busy with his stethoscope. Hopefully, she asked, ‘Has she gone to sleep?’
    â€˜I’m afraid not, my dear. Mrs Sangster has died.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘She’d never have lasted long enough to get to hospital. I’ll issue a death certificate, then I’ll ring her husband and