Tender Nurse

by Hilda Nickson

  Suddenly George looked up at her. “You’ve nursed your patient well. How she escaped with nothing more than concussion and bruises is a mystery.”

  “It was you who came across their car, wasn’t it, doctor?”

  “Yes. But it wasn’t quite the coincidence it might seem. I believe she and her — er — the young man she was with had been spending the evening with friends just the other side of Cliftonville, and I happened to have been to Cliftonville for the evening.”

  “How is he — her young man?”

  “In a bad state, I’m afraid. He not only has concussion and fractured ribs, but injuries to the spine.”

  “How awful. Doctor — can you tell me whether he and Nurse Grey are engaged? She certainly never wore a ring.”

  “Why do you want to know?”

  “As the patient’s nurse. If she should become conscious the first thing she will ask is——”

  “Yes, of course, but I’m afraid I can tell you nothing about her private life. Tell her as little as you can about his condition. Send for me right away. The man is Mr. Graham’s patient, and he is interested in them both. He may even come to see her himself. You can tell her that Godfrey is on Lister and that Nurse Slater is looking after him. Anyhow, she may be rather confused when she does come round, so don’t pay too much attention to anything odd she may say.”

  “Very good, doctor. I will keep in mind what you say and send for you immediately she shows any sign of consciousness. Dr. Howard——” she added, looking at him squarely. “There was a time when I couldn’t have said this, but — well, I’ve changed a bit since my op. You and Mr. Graham were so wonderful to me, I just want you to know that you really can trust me now. My tongue isn’t nearly so active as it used to be.”

  “I know I can trust you, Nurse. That’s why I asked for you to be Nurse Grey’s special.’ I can’t tell you any more now. I can only ask you again to keep to yourself anything Nurse may say in delirium. She may be quite rational when she comes to, of course. Indeed, I hope so. Well, thank you for what you have just said, Nurse. I appreciate it very much.” He rested his hand on her shoulder for a moment, then went out.

  Rita resumed her vigil by the bedside. What was all the mystery, she wondered. Was George afraid of Andrea giving something away? Well, whatever it was, it would be safe with her.

  Later that day, Andrea moved restlessly and opened her eyes giving at the same time a sudden warning cry.

  “Godfrey, look out!”

  Swiftly, Rita bent over her. “It’s all right, Andrea. You’re all right now. It’s all over. Just lie still.”

  With wild, startled eyes, Andrea gazed uncomprehendingly at Rita’s white clad figure. Rita took her hand. “You were picked up by Dr. Howard, my dear. You’re back at The Royal.”

  Andrea’s eyes cleared, then with a slight shudder, she grasped Rita’s hand tightly. “It was terrible, Rita, terrible,” she whispered.

  “Yes, dear, it must have been, but you’re safe now. All you have to do is to keep quiet and rest a while.”

  “What — what happened to — to —Godfrey?” Her voice was almost a whisper.

  Rita took both her hands in her own. “He was brought here, too. He’s on Lister. Slater is looking after him.”

  Relief showed in Andrea’s eyes. “Oh——” she breathed. “I’m — glad. He’ll be all right with Virginia nursing him. How badly hurt is he, Rita?”

  “I can’t tell you that, my dear, and I must go and ring up Dr. Howard. I promised to let him know the minute you came round. You’ll be all right while I go to the phone, won’t you? Just close your eyes and go to sleep again.”

  Andrea gave a slight smile and closed her eyes obediently.

  She was glad that George was going to come. She could talk to him about Martin. If Godfrey was on Lister, Martin would be looking after him. Perhaps George would tell her how Godfrey was. Her thoughts became confused and she drifted into sleep again. Presently she came to the surface to hear a man’s voice speaking her name. When she opened her eyes, George was standing by her bed gazing down at her with a world of concern in his eyes.

  “Well, Andrea. I’m glad to see you conscious again. How do you feel?”

  She smiled up at him. “It’s wonderful to feel safe. I feel as though I’ve awakened from a dreadful nightmare.” “You’ve had a very narrow escape. Have you any pain anywhere?”

  “My head aches and I feel rather sleepy.”

  “That will wear off. What about your arm?”

  “My arm?” She looked at her arms lying on the bedcover and suddenly realized that her right arm was swathed in bandages. She moved it carefully. “It feels a bit stiff.” “But you can move it.”

  “Oh, yes.” She demonstrated the fact, then lifted her other hand to her face.

  “Just a few cuts and bruises,” he told her.

  “Dr. — George — how has Godfrey fared?”

  He looked down at her gravely. “He is more badly hurt than you are, Andrea.”

  She moistened her lips. “How badly?”

  “We’re not quite sure yet, my dear,” he said gently. “He has fractured ribs, caused by the steering wheel. He wrenched his shoulders and has concussion——”

  “Oh!” She covered her face with her hand. “Poor, poor, Godfrey. I wish I could go and see him.”

  “Perhaps you will in a week or so, but you must get stronger yourself first.”

  “George — I suppose Martin won’t be coming to see me?” she asked wistfully. “It’s not his ward, I know, and it would look odd to Sister and the nurses, but——”

  “It won’t be so very odd really, pet. I’ll tell Sister he’s coming to see you about Godfrey. He wants to see you. He’s been out of his mind with worry — even though I’ve kept him well informed of your progress. Well, now, I must rush off. Get as much sleep as you can, and try not to worry about Godfrey. Virginia will be along to see you this evening when she’s off duty. She told me to tell you. And by the way——” he bent closer toward her and said softly: “Martin sent his love.” He straightened up. “Now here comes Nurse Wainwright.” He turned to go out. “She’ll be all right now, Nurse. Just keep her quiet and don’t let a lot of people in here. She’s to see no one except Nurse Slater, for a few days, at any rate. Better say, not until I say so.”

  “Very well, doctor.”

  For the rest of the day Andrea slept intermittently, rousing only when Rita gave her some light form of food and nourishing drinks. Once when she opened her eyes, Virginia was seated at the bedside. “Hello, Gini,” she said sleepily, then her lids closed heavily again.

  The next day she was brighter however and when George entered the small private ward accompanied by the Ward Sister, she was ready to greet him.

  “Well, Nurse Grey?” he asked with a smile. “How are you?”

  “Good morning doctor. I’m feeling much better. The headache has almost gone.”

  “Good. She can have another pillow now, Sister, and I don’t think a ‘special’ is necessary any longer.”

  “Very good, Dr. Howard.”

  After another word or two with Andrea, he turned again to Sister. “By the way, Sister,” he said casually, “Mr. Graham would like to speak to Nurse Grey. He wants a word or two with her about the young man who was driving the car.” He began to walk toward the door, deliberately not looking at Andrea, but she knew that that was his way of telling her that soon she was to see Martin at last. It seemed a very long time ago since that evening up on Beacon Hill. Things had happened since then. She shuddered. Her mind was clearer now and she remembered with pain that she had still not told Godfrey that there was someone else in her life. Now, Godfrey lay injured — badly injured. Perhaps it was good that she hadn’t told him. He was already suffering enough. She moved restlessly on her pillow. If only things had not happened like this. She hated the thought of Godfrey lying there suffering and she did not want to add to that by causing him any mental upset. She would have to wait
until he was better before telling him. She had wanted so much to put the thing behind her, to be free from ties wrought by habit to turn to Martin.

  Presently, her heart gave a great bound as she heard Martin’s voice in the corridor.

  “May I speak to Nurse Grey, Sister?”

  “Certainly, Mr. Graham.”

  He spoke again in a low voice, then, for the sake of etiquette, they entered together. At the door Martin turned. “Thank you, Sister — I shall only be a few minutes.” Sister left them and Martin drew up a chair to the bedside. Immediately he covered her hands with his. “Oh, Andrea, my darling, if I could have spared you this.”

  “Martin,” she breathed. “Martin, how wonderful to see you again.”

  “I love you,” he said simply, his eyes roving over her face.

  “Martin——”

  He longed to bend and kiss her. Instead, he merely asked: “How are you feeling, darling?” and sat back in his chair. “I’ve been well nigh crazy with worry.”

  “I’m feeling almost normal,” she assured him, her eyes resting on him lovingly. Then she said: “Martin— I’m very worried about Godfrey.”

  “Yes, I guessed you would be.” He looked at her in silence then said: “He’s in a pretty bad state, Andrea.” She frowned worriedly. “That’s what everybody keeps telling me. I’m relying on you, Martin, to tell me the whole truth. He——” her face showed signs of distress. “He’s not — dying, Martin, is he?”

  He leaned forward quickly. “Why, darling, of course not. You mustn’t distress yourself.”

  “Then tell me.”

  “I will, but you must promise not to upset yourself. I doubt now whether you should be told yet, but I suppose worrying will be worse.” A heavy frown settled on his face. “I’d give anything to have spared you this, darling, but you must know some time. Godfrey has severe injuries to his spine. His legs are affected.”

  Her eyes widened. “You mean — his legs are — are paralyzed?”

  “Yes.”

  A dawning of the truth came upon her and her eyes filled with tears. “You fear it may be — permanent?” she whispered.

  He nodded.

  “Martin — oh, Martin — how awful!” She gave a sob and turned her head into the pillow.

  “Andrea, don’t.” He grasped her hand.

  The pressure of his fingers was comforting. “Martin, that would be terrible — terrible.”

  “I know — I know.”

  She raised stricken, tormented eyes as another realization began to form in her mind.

  “I didn’t tell him, Martin, I didn’t tell him. I was going to — just before we said goodnight — but he doesn’t know. He doesn’t know — and I can’t tell him now, I can’t!”

  His own face mirrored her suffering. “My dear, I know how you feel. But don’t make any decisions yet——”

  She shook her head. “It isn’t any use postponing it, Martin. If Godfrey is going to be a cripple for life, I just can’t let him down.”

  He gazed at her dully. “No darling, you can’t. But we must hope — for all our sakes. For Godfrey’s most of all. I will do what I can for him, you can be assured of that.” He got up. “I must go now, darling, I’m afraid, but promise me you’ll try not to worry.”

  “I’ll try,” she whispered huskily.

  After Martin’s visit, George gave instructions to Sister that Andrea should have as many visitors as possible, so long as there were no more than two or three at a time. She must not be too much alone.

  She was pale and strained when Virginia came that evening. Quickly Virginia took her hands. “Andrea — I’m sorry, so terribly sorry,” she said in a low voice. “I believe Martin told you this morning.”

  “Yes.”

  Virginia looked at her white face and red-rimmed eyes, now dull with pain and hopelessness.

  “Andrea — you must get well — get up and about again as soon as you possibly can. Don’t lie here worrying and brooding.”

  “Has Godfrey asked about me yet?”

  Virginia swallowed hard. “Yes — this afternoon. He — he was so relieved when he knew you were all right. He scarcely gave a thought to himself.”

  “Has he any pain?”

  Virginia shook her head. “Very little. He — can’t feel his legs — at all.”

  Andrea wrenched a hand from Virginia’s grasp to cover her eyes. “Don’t, Virginia, don’t. It doesn’t bear thinking about,” she cried brokenly.

  Virginia compressed her lips in an effort for control. “We’ve got to face it, Andrea.”

  “Face it! That’s what I’ve been trying to do all day!” she cried. “It’s easy for you to face it — it doesn’t mean so much to you——”

  “It certainly doesn’t mean quite the same to me as it does to you,” Virginia said quietly.

  Andrea gazed at her for a minute, then brought her hand down on to the bed in a helpless gesture. Would she ever fully comprehend Virginia?

  Virginia said: “I take it you didn’t get around to telling Godfrey about Martin?”

  “No.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “What do you expect me to do, Virginia?” she asked quietly.

  “I——” Virginia looked at her and pressed her hand.

  “I’m sorry, Andrea. You won’t let him down, I know.” “Thank you for that, at least.”

  “Forgive me. I’m not quite myself. Everything has been rather a strain.”

  “I know. Much as Martin and I love each other, we still have a sense of what’s right. As long as Godfrey remains helpless, I shall stick by him. I couldn’t possibly tell him now.” Though her eyes were bright and her cheeks drawn, Andrea’s voice was quiet and determined.

  “Suppose he offers you your freedom? He might even insist on it,” Virginia said.

  “Does he know that there is a possibility of not walking again?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Then as long as he doesn’t know, the only reason he would offer me my ‘freedom’ would be because he no longer loved me. And only if he told me that would I agree.”

  In the days that followed, Andrea’s name was continually on Godfrey’s lips. Day after day, Virginia answered his questions about her and listened to his constant talk of her. He was as much in love with her as ever.

  “Will she be able to come and see me soon, Virginia?” he asked, not for the first time.

  “Quite soon, I should think. She’s to get up for a while tomorrow, Rita tells me.”

  “Oh, I am glad she’s doing so well. If she had been really seriously hurt I should never have forgiven myself.”

  ‘It wasn’t your fault, Godfrey. No matter what you say about your steering gear, George says you couldn’t have done a thing about it. Nobody could with all that oil spilled on the road, not even with the most superefficient car.”

  He looked at her gratefully. “You’re a great comfort to me, Virginia. No wonder Andrea is so fond of you.”

  “Is she?”

  “She certainly is. And I’m lucky to have you to nurse me.”

  She gave a slight smile. “You’d rather have had your Andrea though, wouldn’t you?”

  He grew serious. “It would have been wonderful to see her every day under different circumstancs but——” he frowned. “I wouldn’t want her to see me so helpless and do the things for me that you do. Virginia — how long am I going to be like this, do you suppose?”

  “I — we don’t know yet, Godfrey, and don’t start worrying about it, my dear, will you?”

  “If only I could even feel my legs. They are really there, Virginia?”

  Her heart contracted with pity, but she gave a light laugh. “Of course they are — silly.”

  He grinned. “Well, there’s one thing. I’ll really have to get a new car now. But I’m afraid I shan’t get much for ‘old faithful’ now. She’s only fit for the scrap yard. It was good of Dr. Howard to tow her in for me. He’s a real nice fellow, isn�
�t he?”

  “Yes. One of the best,” she agreed.

  “I like Dr. Graham too,” Godfrey went on. “He seems different on the job somehow. Do you know, Virginia, I’m ashamed to admit it, but there was a time when I was more than a little jealous of him.”

  Virginia’s heart jumped. “Jealous, Godfrey. Why?”

  “Andrea seemed to think so highly of him at one time. At first, she disliked him, then later she was full of admiration for him. Now——”

  Virginia held her breath. Was it possible that he had guessed after all? “Now?” she prompted.

  He smiled. “Now, she hardly seems to mention him.”

  Her heart ached for him. He loved Andrea so much. But would he really want to marry her if he knew she loved someone else? And surely it would be wrong for Andrea to marry out of pity, even if marriage were possible now. But she mustn’t give up hope so easily. This afternoon the portable X-ray would be coming to get another picture of his spine, and tomorrow the orthopaedic specialist was coming. Perhaps the damage to the spinal nerves was only temporary. Fervently, she prayed that this was so.

  The next day, Andrea was allowed to see him. Still rather pale, she walked into the small side ward on Rita’s arm. Virginia pulled up a chair for her, then she and Rita left them alone.

  “Andrea, darling——” He held out his arms.

  “Godfrey, oh, my dear.” She bent over and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

  “Sorry I can’t sit up, sweetheart,” he said, taking in every line of her face. I’m only allowed the one pillow.

  How are you, darling? I’m terribly sorry for what happened.”

  She put her fingers to his lips. “Now — none of that. It wasn’t your fault at all. Oh, darling — you’ve come off by far the worst. What did the specialist say?”

  “Nothing that I could make head or tail of. I gather the nerves of the lower region of my spine are injured. But somehow, Andrea, I have great faith in Dr. Graham. Nerves can be mended, I suppose. Anyhow, I expect he’ll give me all the gen. when he comes this evening.”

  “Godfrey — you have wonderful courage, my dear.”

  He looked at her with his warm brown eyes. “It’s the thought of you, my darling, that gives me courage. I’ve been thinking, darling. The night of the accident — what was it you were going to tell me?”