The Calloway Sisters by K. A. Lalani

Author:K. A. Lalani
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical fiction
Publisher: Troubador Publishing
Published: 2022-04-28T00:00:00+00:00

17

Although Matron Freda Lomax was slightly intrigued by the swiftness with which the attraction between Nurse Calloway and Dr Ashworth became apparent, she was not unduly concerned by it. She definitely gave no heed to Nurse Whitman’s attempt at gossip which was designed to cause trouble for Agnes, as she knew instinctively that Nurse Whitman was motivated by jealousy alone. Her friend and confidante Sister Bryan confessed to being less impressed by the developing relationship; however, the matron advised her that placing too much faith in anything that Nurse Whitman might impart to her would be an error of judgement for someone with her years of experience. Sister Bryan acceded to her friend’s judgement. Matron Lomax did agree to speak to Agnes at the sister’s urging but only because she wanted Agnes to be aware that a colleague was seeking to cause conflict where she believed none existed.

‘It has come to our attention, Nurse Calloway, that you appear very friendly with Dr Lennox Ashworth. I can only guess that given the strength of your friendship that you knew him previously?’

Agnes smiled. ‘Yes. He remembers me from some social gatherings my parents hosted prior to him commencing his medical studies. Alas my memory of him from that time isn’t as strong.’

‘Well, no matter. You appear to have renewed your acquaintance with each other on board. I know I have no need to doubt your professionalism, Nurse Calloway, but I feel obliged to advise discretion and some caution. There are some among us who require little motivation to court conflict where none exists.’

Agnes smiled and Matron Lomax nodded. ‘You can go, Nurse Calloway.’

Agnes nodded to the matron and Sister Bryan as she took her leave, and Matron Lomax stood to replace her files. Sister Bryan stood beside her with pursed lips.

‘What’s the matter? I spoke to her as you urged that I should. So I hope your confidence in my judgement hasn’t been dimmed. I understand your reservations because you don’t know Agnes Calloway as well as I do and you want to reserve judgement about her competence as a nurse until you have seen her in action, but if my years of experience count for anything your trust will be rewarded in her case. Alas, I cannot have the same confidence in the person whom I suspect brought the relationship to your attention. It was Elizabeth Whitman?

Sister Bryan nodded. She admitted to not having taken to Agnes and she couldn’t explain why as yet she didn’t share Freda Lomax’s confidence, but she knew her friend’s instincts were very sound from the many years they had worked together. As for Nurse Whitman, she was unlikely to trust her again.

‘So you are convinced my source was motivated by jealousy?’

‘Definitely. I speak from experience in her case. I realise this has been a long voyage and the nurses under our charge are bound to have become restless by the tedium. So I hope now, Kathryn, that the matter is at rest.’

Sister Bryan nodded.

‘I have

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