3 The Surgeon's Blade

by Faith Mortimer

  “I’m going for the lamb, I think. Starting with the soup, then lamb, and if I’ve room, the tart.

  Libby looked through the menu again. “I’ll take your recommendation and try the walnut pesto, as I’ve never had it before.”

  Happy with her choice of dishes, Libby took time to look around the restaurant. The restaurant was almost full. When a woman entered and quietly asked for a table, Alfredo graciously showed her to one a little distance away from where Robert and Libby sat. With the glowing light from the flickering candles, Libby couldn’t make out the woman’s features. She only knew she was slim and blonde and obviously enjoyed red wine. That could be me sitting there on my own, Libby thought.

  Alfredo poured the wine, and they sat back savouring the bold, dry and full-bodied Chianti while waiting for their food.

  “This is a delicious wine,” she said after a few tentative sips. “As I mentioned earlier, I know nothing about Italian food or wine. Of course, I’ve been to quite a few restaurants and cheaper pizzerias, but this place is rather special.”

  Robert nodded in agreement. “Alfredo is unique in Southampton. His father started the restaurant when he first came over from Italy. Alfredo was just a babe in arms then. Anyway, he eventually followed in his father’s footsteps, and now we have the best-kept secret in the city. I come here a lot.”

  “I gathered as much. Do you cook much at home?”

  “Yes. I have to feed myself. Besides, I get a lot of enjoyment out of it. What about you?”

  Libby gave a sigh. “I’m not very good, I’m afraid. I never seem to have enough time to open a cookery book and make something different, let alone special. I make do with simple things like grills or one-pot meals. Did you teach yourself how to cook?”

  “I did. Your grills and one-pot meals are okay. Not everyone has the inclination to spend lots of time in the kitchen. I just happen to enjoy it when I’m at home.” He looked reflective while telling her this, and she wondered if he had ever shared a kitchen with someone, someone who was close enough to matter.

  There was a pause before he continued. “Of course you can always come round and try my cuisine,” he said giving her a mischievous look.

  Libby smiled and relaxed. “You are naughty. You know how I feel about two-timing Nigel. Mr Cheesman, our relationship must be purely platonic – you know that and you promised.”

  He looked sheepish. “I did, didn’t I? I must have been mad to agree to those terms.”

  She raised her eyebrows and gave him a warning look.

  “Okay, okay,” he laughed, holding up his hands in mock penitence. “I give in. I promise. But the invitation holds. I’d love to cook for you some time. Really I would.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “As you’re smiling, I know you’ll capitulate eventually. No woman can resist my chocolate mousse!”

  Their soup arrived, and they tasted Alfredo’s masterpiece in silence.

  “This is amazing,” said Libby. “How can he make something to taste so wonderful with just a few diced vegetables?”

  “Ah! It’s all in the secret ingredients. I’ve begged him for years to tell me, but he never budges. Wait until you taste the next course. You’ll be a convert for life.”

  “I’m already converted.”

  “So tell me why you’re working here in Southampton and not London where you trained?” he asked as he laid down his soup spoon.

  Libby thought for a moment. “It was Jem. We met in London on a course. We sort of clicked as friends, and I mentioned that I liked sailing but never had the opportunity living in London. When the position of junior sister came up, he let me know, and I applied for it. It seemed like a God-given chance to work near the sea and in a major hospital.”

  “I see. And Nigel? I presume you met him at work too?”

  Libby nodded as she finished her last mouthful. She wiped her mouth on her napkin and continued. “Yes. He’s one of the consulting gynaecological surgeons, and we sometimes have one or two of his cases on my ward. We started going out together—” She stopped. When did they start going out together?

  “Yes?”

  “Sorry, I was trying to remember how long we have been going out. Some things are still a little fuzzy. Yes, it must be about five or six weeks now.”

  “And already you’re engaged? He must be one fast worker.”

  Libby wrinkled her nose while she fiddled with the stem of her glass. “Yes, he must be. We hit it off, I suppose.”

  Robert looked at her curiously. “You suppose?” he said softly.

  Libby met his gaze. “I didn’t mean it to come out like that, and this will sound a bit strange to you. Nigel and I have a great relationship. He’s extremely kind and loving. He gets a bit uptight sometimes, but that’s just his way, and he’s very protective of me. But—”

  “But what? Does he make you laugh?”

  Libby thought for a moment. “He’s quite a serious person; but yes, I’m sure we share lots of laughter together.”

  “You don’t sound very sure,” Robert murmured. “You learn to like someone when you find out what makes them laugh, but you can never truly love someone until you find out what makes them cry,” he quoted.

  “Robert, don’t.”

  “Don’t what? It’s just a quotation. I don’t know where from, but I’ve always liked it. But going back to Nigel. You said just now that ‘this will sound a bit strange’. What exactly did you mean?”

  Libby looked embarrassed as she fidgeted in her seat. “Well, we are engaged, but it’s strange—”

  “Yes?”

  “I don’t actually remember being engaged. What I mean is, I can’t remember actually getting engaged. It’s a complete blank.”

  “I see. Maybe it’s one of the last vestiges of your amnesia. I expect it’ll all come flooding back to you soon.”

  Libby looked unhappy and tense while twiddling her wine glass around in her fingers. As the waiter approached their table, Robert broke the tension. “Ah, it looks like our main courses have arrived.”

  ~~~~~

  Robert was right. The food was excellent. They finished eating and relaxed over coffee. The conversation turned to a familiar topic – sailing – and Libby was surprised to find that Robert owned his own sailing yacht.

  “Of course, it’s nothing like you’re used to after sailing on Nigel’s super beast, but I love her.”

  “Why have you never mentioned you had a boat before?”

  “The occasion never arose, I guess.”

  “What’s she like? Is she a modern yacht or an old wooden one? Where do you keep here?”

  Robert laughed. “Hang on! Give me a chance to answer! I think she’s beautiful. She’s modern, thirty-eight foot long, and I keep her on the Hamble River in a marina.”

  “Fabulous! Can I see her?”

  “Of course. Just let me get the bill and we’ll go.”

  Libby laughed. “I didn’t mean now, silly.”

  “Why not? It’ll only take us a matter of fifteen minutes or so if we take the back roads. Come on, it’s not as if you have to go to work tomorrow or have to get back home early. You’re mistress of your own time. Live a little, Libby,” he urged with softness in his voice.

  Libby felt unsure. She was intrigued with Robert. He was constantly surprising her. She had finally relaxed, but was aware of the subtle undercurrents that ran between them. What if…darn it! She could do what she liked. Robert had just said she was her own mistress.

  “Okay. Just a quick look then,” she said and gave him a shy smile.

  ~~~~~

  ‘Caterina’ was gently bobbing with the oncoming tide. She sat securely in her marina berth with her mast rising tall and stately against the blue-black sky. A tangy breeze blew in from the open sea, and Libby took a deep breath enjoying the smell and taste on her tongue.

  She bent down to remove her heeled shoes and accepted Robert’s helping hand as he guided her on board.

  “We
lcome aboard Caterina.”

  Libby wandered over the teak deck, noting where everything was kept, while Robert watched her with an amused smile upon his face. He remarked how he loved keeping a tidy boat. Libby agreed and noticed all the ropes neatly coiled and the cockpit smelling fresh and clean. Below, she marvelled at the snug but modern saloon.

  “She’s gorgeous and has that wonderful smell of a new boat,” she exclaimed in delight.

  “Well, she’s less than a year old, and I take great pride in maintaining her.”

  “Can I look round?”

  “Of course you can. Would you like coffee or a glass of wine?”

  “Mmm. Not sure. What are you having?”

  “Coffee. I have to drive you home, and if I drink any more, I’ll be well over the limit.”

  “Okay, I’ll join you in that case.”

  “Do you feel okay going on a boat after what happened last time?” he asked from the galley.

  “Fine thanks. Nigel said it was an accident, due to that foolhardy Sebastian. Apparently, he came too close, illegally, and Nigel had to gybe to avoid him. It’s a lucky thing we didn’t collide or others might have been hurt. Thanks.” Libby accepted the steaming mug of coffee and sat down on the upholstered bench settee with her legs curled under her. Looking around the saloon, Libby noted how every piece of brass and woodwork gleamed. The made-to-measure furniture was elegant and traditional. Overall, the boat looked classy without being too obvious and flashy. Caterina ‘felt’ like a well-loved and cherished yacht, and Libby was completely at home on her. “She really is lovely. When do you sail?”

  “Whenever I get the chance. I’ll probably take her out tomorrow as I have a day off.”

  “Nice.”

  “Want to come?”

  “I’d love to, but some other time maybe.”

  “What’s wrong with tomorrow? When is Nigel due back? He need never know.”

  Libby laughed. “You really are incorrigible you know! Nigel is due back on Monday.”

  “So what’s stopping you then?”

  She wagged a finger at him as if to say ‘you know why not’. Robert sighed in mock drama fashion and gave her a grin.

  “Coward.”

  “I am not!” She laughed, laying her coffee mug down on the table.

  “Then prove it. Come along tomorrow. The weather forecast is good. We can call in and see Stephanie afterwards, if you like.”

  She was tempted. A day out sailing might be just the thing to blow away the cobwebs. She wondered why she felt a bit depressed and decided it was because she was missing Nigel.

  “Okay, I will. But you’ll have to take me home soon, or I’ll never get up in the morning. It’s getting late and I’m feeling rather tired.”

  “We could actually stay the night on here, you know. There are two cabins.”

  Libby didn’t need to answer, her look said it all. Robert gave her another cheeky grin and placed their empty mugs in the galley sink. “Okay, time to go home.”

  Chapter 10

  Libby felt alive as she stood at the helm of Caterina. She was a joy to handle and responded with the lightest of touches to the wheel. Robert said she was a natural sailor and was happy to work the winches and handle the sheets while Libby stood behind the wheel. They had a wonderful morning tacking up and down the Solent, and with lunchtime approaching, Robert said it was time to head back to the Hamble River if they wanted to visit Stephanie later. Once they had taken the sails in and started the engine, Robert produced a couple of baguettes filled with tasty ham and chutney.

  “That was scrummy. I didn’t realise I was so hungry.”

  “It’s the sea air. It never fails to give you an appetite. Fancy a cuppa now or shall we wait until we’re back in the marina?”

  “I’m happy to wait.”

  There was little traffic going their way as they motored up the river estuary. Most were going in the opposite direction. Robert took the wheel once they entered the channel proper, and Libby stood on the deck gazing at the craft moored in the passing marinas.

  “Where does Nigel keep his boat then?” Robert asked.

  “At Port Hamble. We’ll pass Tourbillon in a moment. See the tall mast on the hammerhead pontoon? That’s her.”

  “Tourbillon means whirlwind in French, did you know?”

  Libby nodded. Standing on the side with the wind blowing through her hair, she felt tremendously happy. She had loved her morning sailing with Robert, who had proved to be the perfect companion. He was so easy to talk to and made her feel good. He was always ready with a quick joke, and Libby found herself laughing that morning at the silliest of quips.

  “There she is!” she called out to Robert. “I wonder who that is—” Her words dried as she recognised the figure in the cockpit. As her voice carried over the water, the figure turned towards her. With a feeling of horror, she realised just who it was standing there. As she looked into his eyes, she felt his fury.

  ~~~~~

  “I know you think I’m crazy, but I’ve got to go and see him and explain.”

  “Explain what, Libby? That you’ve just spent a very nice four hours sailing up and down the Solent with a friend? And what about Stephanie? Aren’t you coming with me after all?”

  Libby thought for a moment. “I’d better not. Nigel will be livid if I don’t go to meet him. He’ll want to know what I’ve been up to.”

  “And what about him then? I thought you said he was due back tomorrow not today?”

  Libby looked miserable. “He must have finished the meeting early. I’m sorry, Robert, but I feel so guilty…I should have switched my mobile on, But I forgot I turned it off during the concert. If I’d put if back on afterwards, then I would have known he was home. He would have telephoned me.”

  “Well, he didn’t leave a text message, did he? Libby, there’s nothing to feel guilty about. Why do you persist in feeling guilty? He went away and left you here on your own. He can’t expect you to sit at home all day, can he?”

  Libby didn’t answer because that was exactly what Nigel would have wanted. He would have expected her to wait by the telephone until he rang.

  “Okay, I’ll give you a lift back to Hamble Point. But for God’s sake don’t apologise to him. We’ve done nothing wrong.” He looked and sounded extremely exasperated.

  “I know that, you know that. You have to understand something, Robert, and that is Nigel is under a lot of strain at the moment. He has such a responsible job, and the pressures that come with it are huge.”

  “We all have responsibilities, Libby. My own occupation is not all a bowl of cherries.” He caught the obstinate look in her eye and held up his hands. “Okay, okay. I get the message. I’ll drive you back to him. Just don’t expect me to coming running when—”

  “When what, Robert? Were you going to say, when we’re finished? Is that what you think? Nigel and me won’t make it together? Oh, very funny! Well let me tell you something. Nigel is kind and honest, and I can’t see him throwing his attention onto someone else’s fiancé. I think we better cool it right here and now. I’ll get a taxi – no, don’t bother. I never want to see you again. You can keep your blessed boat.” She shouted. “I’m off.”

  “You're mad, do you know that? Throwing yourself at him. I’ve seen his sort before. Libby, I’m telling you, he’s not the one. Trust me.”

  Libby was out of the cabin and already half-way across the cockpit. “Oh really, and now you’re going to tell me that you are, I suppose? Well, I wouldn’t want you if you were the last person on earth. Goodbye!” she spat back at him.

  Chapter 11

  Robert watched as Libby clambered over the side rail and jumped down on to the pontoon. Without another look in his direction she ran off towards the marina office where he knew she would find a list of taxi numbers.

  Damn the man! And damn her! Just when he thought everything was going so nicely. Robert was sure Libby enjoyed their day together – like she had obviously enjoyed las
t night in Alfredo's. Robert had planned a nice family visit to see his sister. That would have convinced Libby of his honourable intentions, and he felt sure he could easily have persuaded Libby to spend more time with him afterwards.

  He was surprised at her reaction. Sure, she was bound to be nervous where Nigel was concerned. He came across as a real power freak and totally possessive. Robert was more furious with himself when Libby had seen Nigel on his deck – he should have made sure she was below fixing a coffee or something, and it was his own fault for not discovering for himself where Nigel kept his boat. He was usually a much more careful planner. Another mistake like this, and he would have blown his plans – and he did have plans – and Libby featured very highly in them.