‘Of course,’ murmured Luke. A less terrifying one, with a bit of luck.
‘And by mid September I’ll be gone.’
He was still struggling to take in the news. Somehow he’d assumed Jennifer would be here until the day she retired, efficient and soulless to the very last.
‘You haven’t asked me why,’ said Jennifer.
‘Sorry. Why?’
‘I’m sick and tired of having to deal with people who aren’t properly ill.’ She crossed her thin legs and shook her head. ‘Men complaining that they’re overweight but refusing to exercise or eat less. Parents bringing their children to me because they stay up past midnight playing computer games then can’t be bothered to get up for school. Women wanting me to refer them to cosmetic surgeons because they don’t like the way their jowls sag. And don’t even get me started on the ridiculous twenty-something girls wanting boob jobs and Botox.’
‘That’s not all of our patients, though,’ said Luke.
‘It’s enough of them to drive me to distraction.’ Jennifer pursed her lips. ‘Anyway, I’ve decided there’s more to life. To be honest, everyone talks about this village being such a friendly place to live, but I can’t say I agree; I haven’t found that at all. Half of the villagers are whingeing hypochondriacs and the rest just drink too much.’
Was there any point in attempting to explain why she might not have made too many friends during her time here? Luke decided on balance there probably wasn’t.
‘So, you said you’re leaving the UK? Do you know where you’re going yet?’
‘Of course I know where I’m going, Luke. If I didn’t, I’d be a complete moron. Africa.’ Jennifer’s tone was crisp. ‘Specifically, Uganda. I’ve volunteered my services at a hospital there. Can’t wait. I’ll be using my skills to treat patients who genuinely need my help.’
Luke’s phone buzzed to signal the arrival of a text, and he felt rather than saw Jennifer’s momentary eye-roll as he glanced at the screen: Hi, just put salmon in oven. Home soon? Also, don’t forget quiz tonight – we’re teamed up with Bea and Hallie! Xx
It was Christina, waiting for him at the cottage. The mention of Hallie and Bea gave him a jolt.
‘Well, you’re obviously busy.’ Straightening a pile of papers on her desk, Jennifer continued, ‘Anyway, now you know what’s going to be happening. Please don’t mention it to anyone else at the moment – there’s no need for it to become public knowledge just yet. And another thing, when the time does come, I really don’t want one of those ghastly surprise leaving parties.’
‘Right, got it. I won’t let that happen.’ Luke nodded seriously and somehow managed to sound sincere. ‘But well done on the voluntary work. It sounds very worthwhile.’
‘I’ll be making a real difference,’ Jennifer agreed. ‘Treating the Ugandans and educating them in health matters.’
She would too; she was a fine doctor. Luke said, ‘Good for you.’
And good luck to everyone in Uganda.
Chapter 43
The Tiffany ring had been tight before. Now, just ten days later, it was loose. Tasha turned it around and around her finger, counting the number of times the diamond reappeared. It wasn’t as sparkly as it had been. She took it off and held it up, viewing it against the background of the fluorescent ceiling light.
‘Everything OK?’ said the nurse.
‘It used to be sparklier than this. It’s gone all dull.’
The nurse pointed to the antiseptic hand gel dispenser. ‘That’s what’s done it, endlessly putting that gunky stuff on your hands. Give it a good scrub with detergent and an old toothbrush and it’ll be as good as new in no time.’
As good as new in no time. If only they could say the same about Rory. Tasha swallowed and leaned forward in her chair to study his half-closed eyes, those beautiful light green irises and the long dark lashes she loved so much.
Except it was unfair to single out the eyes; she loved every aspect of Rory, every last detail of him. From his toes to his shoulders to his ear lobes to the silky-soft skin on the insides of his wrists . . . she loved all of him.
Reaching for his hand and easing her fingers between his, she gave them a squeeze and felt the tiniest squeeze in return. Just at the moment it was all he could manage, the limit of his strength. Dear God.
It still seemed completely unbelievable that this could happen to someone like Rory. After a lifetime of daredevil antics and deliberate risk-taking, how was it possible that a tiny, microscopic virus could lead to a situation like this?