The Mistletoe Kiss by Betty Neels

Author:Betty Neels
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 1997-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

It was late in the morning when Emmy woke, to stare up into Mrs Burge’s face. She was on the point of asking ‘Where am I?’ and remembered that only heroines in books said that. Instead she said, ‘I feel perfectly all right; I should like to get up.’

‘Not just yet, love. I’m going to bring you a nice little pot of tea and something tasty to eat. You’re to sit up a bit if you feel like it. I’ll put another pillow behind you. There…’

‘I don’t remember very clearly,’ began Emmy. ‘I was taken to the hospital and I went to sleep.’

‘Why, you’re snug and safe here in Professor ter Mennolt’s house, dearie, and me and Beaker are keeping an eye on you. He’s gone to the hospital, but he’ll be home this evening.’

Emmy sat up too suddenly and winced. ‘I can’t stay here. There’s no one at the house—the estate agent won’t know—someone might want to buy it…’

‘Leave everything to the professor, ducks. You may be sure he’ll have thought of what’s to be done.’

Mrs Burge went away and came back presently with a tray daintily laid with fine china—a teapot, cup and saucer, milk and sugar. ‘Drink this, there’s a good girl,’ she said. ‘Beaker’s getting you a nice little lunch and then you must have another nap.’

‘I’m quite able to get up,’ said Emmy, to Mrs Burge’s departing back.

‘You’ll stay just where you are until I say you may get out of bed,’ said the professor from the door. ‘Feeling better?’

‘Yes, thank you. I’m sorry I’ve given you all so much trouble. Couldn’t I have stayed in hospital and then gone home?’

‘No,’ said the professor. ‘You will stay here today and tomorrow, and then we will decide what is to be done. I have phoned the estate agent. He has a set of keys for your house and will deal with anyone who wishes to view it. The police will come some time this afternoon to ask you a few questions if you feel up to it.’

‘You’re very kind, sir, and I’m grateful. I’ll be quite well by tomorrow, I can go…’

‘Where?’ He was leaning over the foot of the bed, watching her.

She took a sip of tea. ‘I’m sure Mrs Grimes would put me up.’

‘Mrs Grimes—the lady with the powerful voice? Don’t talk nonsense, Ermentrude.’ He glanced up as Mrs Burge came in with a tray. ‘Here is your lunch; eat all of it and drink all the lemonade in that jug. I’ll be back this evening.’

He went away and presently out of the house, for he had a clinic that early afternoon. He had missed lunch in order to see Ermentrude, and had only time to swallow a cup of coffee before his first patient arrived.

Emmy ate her lunch under Mrs Burge’s watchful eye and, rather to her surprise, went to sleep again to wake and find another tray of tea, and Mrs Burge shaking out a gossamer-fine nightie.

‘If you feel up to it, I’m to help you have a bath, love.

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