The Rebel of Penhally Bay by Caroline Anderson

Author:Caroline Anderson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2011-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

‘Sam?’

He stopped on the path of his patient’s bungalow and looked in at the intimidatingly familiar face of his old headmistress in the window next door.

She was tapping on the glass, and she beckoned him in with an imperious finger. He felt a smile curve his lips, and without ceremony he crossed the grass, tapped on the door and went in. ‘Well, hello, you,’ he said, crossing over to her and crouching down beside her chair. ‘How are you? You look well.’

‘I’m very well. Back in my home at last—have you got time for a cup of tea?’

He glanced at his watch. He did, but only if he didn’t stop for lunch at the practice—which meant not seeing Gemma. But he could live with that. It would heighten the suspense—as if that was necessary! But Gertrude Stanbury had been one of the very few people who’d believed in him, Nick being the other most significant one, and he owed old Gertie a damn sight more than the time for a cup of tea. Not that he’d get that if she heard him refer to her as Gertie!

‘That would be lovely,’ he said with genuine warmth, and he stood back and watched as she struggled to her feet and limped painfully into the kitchen.

‘You’re in pain,’ he said, and she turned and raised that autocratic brow at him as of old.

‘And just who are you to tell me that?’

He grinned. ‘Ah, well, it was a medical comment.’

‘Was it, indeed? I’ve had a knee replacement, and I need the other one done. Going to fast-track me?’

He chuckled. ‘You know I would if I could, but it wouldn’t be fair and, anyway, I’m only locuming. I have as much clout as you do, probably a damn sight less. So—how are you really?’

‘Oh, not so good, but I manage. Sam, could you put the kettle on for me? I find it hard to lift if there’s more than just a cupful in.’

‘Sure.’

He wondered how on earth she did manage, and asked.

‘Oh, I have a home help who’s marvellous, and I get by. But I’m all the better for seeing you back home. I’m sorry about your mother. I gather she’s made excellent progress.’

‘She has. Who’s your spy?’

She chuckled. ‘Lauren. She came to put me through my paces this morning. Sam, could you pass me down those cups, please?’

‘Sure. I gather you had to move out after the flood.’

‘I did, but it’s done me a huge favour. I’ve got new furniture and carpets and everywhere’s redecorated—it’s like a new house, and yet all my precious things were safe, because they were in the top of a wardrobe. And the rest…’ She shrugged and smiled. ‘Well, I won’t have to worry about replacing anything again in my lifetime. The insurance company were wonderful. So—tell me about Africa. What’s this I hear about you having an accident?’

‘Nothing passes

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