The Boss's Bride by Emma Richmond

Author:Emma Richmond
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-10-10T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIVE

‘MEASLES?’ she exclaimed in disbelief. ‘Lydia has measles?’

‘Yes.’ Seating himself on the sofa, Dr Markham patted the cushion beside him.

Ignoring the gesture, Claris perched on the arm of the chair. ‘Where on earth would she have caught measles? She hasn’t been anywhere!’

He glanced at the baby and asked quietly, ‘Has he had his MMR vaccine recently?’

‘MMR?’

‘Measles, mumps and rubella,’ he explained.

‘I don’t know. I could find out. But you surely can’t catch it from a vaccination, can you?’

‘You can from a dirty nappy. Which is no doubt why the elegant Adam hasn’t caught it,’ he added.

‘I haven’t caught it either,’ she pointed out. ‘And Adam does change his nappy,’ she added defensively, and then wondered at her attitude. Why did she need to defend him, for goodness’ sake?

‘Does he?’ he asked in obvious astonishment, ‘Good Lord.’

‘He’s very good with the baby!’

The doctor smiled. ‘Trod on your toes, did I?’

‘No. It’s just…Well, he’s not the way people think he is.’ Yes, he is, she told herself disgustedly. Mostly, anyway. But he did help out with the baby. In fact, he was very good with him, which had surprised her. The fact that he didn’t treat him like a baby was beside the point, and it didn’t seem to bother Nathan at all. Admittedly most of the changing and dressing was done by Lydia and herself, but Adam had changed him on occasion, and certainly he bathed him and played with him. ‘I certainly didn’t know you could catch measles from a nappy. Will she be all right?

‘Should be.’

‘ Should be? What on earth does that mean?’

He smiled again. ‘Exactly what it says. Plenty of liquids, paracetamol for the pain, and if her eyes hurt make sure she stays out of direct light. She should be better in a few days. Then we can have our date,’ he added softly. ‘How’s the eye?’

‘It’s fine.’ Still worried, still examining his face, she asked, ‘Lydia’s really all right? I always thought measles was dangerous in an adult.’

‘Not necessarily. Measles can affect the eyes, but there’s no sign that it’s done so. Ring me if she gets worse, although I don’t anticipate any problems. He’s a nice little chap, isn’t he?’ he added, nodding towards the baby, who was busily playing with his bricks.

‘Yes.’

‘And you’re a nice lady. Give me a ring when you’re less harrassed. You look like someone I could grow fond of.’ Getting to his feet, he gave a small flap of his hand and walked out.

Someone he could grow fond of? That had a nice ring to it. Although he’d been rather too casual about the measles for her liking. She was quite sure she had read that it could be dangerous.

Adam appeared moments later, and she asked quietly, ‘How is she?’

‘Intent on getting up.’

She opened her mouth to protest, then closed it when he gave her a bland smile.

‘Do we have any paracetamol?’ he asked.

‘There should be some in the kitchen cabinet.’

He nodded. ‘Do you want any?’

She shook her head.

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