and his wife, who had just entered. ‘There you are, Miss Bywater,’ he said, cheerfully. ‘How is your father today?’
‘When I left him this morning, he had rallied, but I am anxious to return to see how he is.’
‘I am sure you are. Stephen will take you after dinner. Ah, here is Richard and my grandmother. We can go in now.’
Diana had caught a glimpse of Richard and the old lady through the open door. He had carried her down the stairs as if she were a child and was setting her on her feet, ready to escort her into the dining room. Mr and Mrs Harecroft followed and Diana found herself walking beside Stephen.
Still in the clothes she had been wearing the day before and in which she had spent the long worrying night, she felt dishevelled and untidy and could not bring herself to take part in the conversation with any animation. Mr Harecroft, busy talking about something that had happened in the shop that morning, did not seem to notice or if he did, hid it very well. Stephen was not so good at hiding the fact that he would rather have introduced her to the household in different circumstances when she was suitably attired. Richard was silent except for such comments as politeness demanded. The air was charged with tension and Diana was glad when the meal came to an end and Stephen told her the tilbury was at the door.
‘We missed you at work today,’ he said as they set off.
‘Yes, I am sorry about that. I will endeavour to make up for lost time when I come back. If I come back.’
‘Whatever do you mean? Of course you will come back.’
‘I may have to spend more time with my father. I am told he will need nursing.’
‘Then a nurse will be found for him.’
‘Mr Harecroft, you cannot think my wages will stretch to a nurse?’
‘No, of course not. It will be my privilege to provide the necessary.’
‘I cannot expect you to do that. I would never be able to repay you.’
‘Nonsense! Have you so soon forgotten that I asked you to marry me? When that comes about, your father’s well-being will be one of my chief concerns. After your own happiness, that is.’
‘Mr Harecroft, I have not agreed…’
‘I know, but I can be patient. I said so, did I not? And do you think you could call me Stephen? At least when we are away from the shop. It would not be appropriate there.’
‘That would imply I had accepted you.’
‘But you are going to, aren’t you?’
‘I do not know. I cannot think of anything but my father at the moment.’
‘Of course. I understand. St Thomas’s, isn’t it?’
‘Yes.’
‘Why choose that hospital?’
‘It is the nearest to my home and Mr Harecroft said there was not a moment to lose.’
‘Good in a crisis, is my brother Richard.’
She was not sure if it was said with irony or not, but decided to take his words at face value. ‘Yes, he was. I could not have managed without him.’
‘I did not know you were still at work when I left last evening or I would have been the one to take you home. In future when you work late, let me know and I will wait for you.’
‘Thank you, but I do not want to be treated any differently from the other clerks.’
‘They are men. And I am not going to marry them.’ It was meant to raise a laugh and she dutifully obliged.
He paid the toll and took them over the river and they were soon at St Thomas’s. He helped her down and accompanied her into the hospital, following her as she made her way to her father’s room. He was awake and had a little more colour than when she had last seen him.
‘Papa, how are you today?’ She bent over to kiss his cheek, noting with relief that his face had lost some of the contortion that had accompanied the seizure. ‘I am sorry I did not come back sooner, but I overslept.’
His smile was a little lopsided and he did not speak, but it seemed he had understood her.
‘Papa, I have brought Mr Stephen Harecroft to see you.’ She turned and indicated Stephen, who was standing behind her. He came forward and held out his hand but the patient could not take it. Instead of reaching for it, Stephen dropped his own hand back to his side, while Diana sat on a chair by the bed and told him everything that had happened since she left him.
‘Everyone has been so kind,’ she said.
He struggled to speak, but his words seemed to be a muddle of incoherent sounds and his frustration was evident. ‘Hush,’ she said. ‘Do not distress yourself. You are being well looked after here and as soon as you are well enough I shall take you home and look after you myself.’ He tried to speak again and this time she understood the word ‘Toby’. ‘Mr Harecroft took Toby home last night, Papa. Mrs Beales is looking after him.’ This was followed by more mumbling on his part.
‘Oh, dear,’ she said, addressing Stephen. ‘He is worried about his dog. Mrs Beales, our housekeeper, is not always kind to him.’ She turned back to her father. ‘I shall go home as soon as I leave here. Do not worry about him.’
She chatted to him a little longer while Stephen stood at the foot of the bed looking uncomfortable, when the nurse came to tell her that it was time to go, he seemed relieved.
‘What a dreadful place!’ he said as they made their way back to the gig. ‘The smell!’
‘I do not suppose they can help that and they are doing their best for my father.’
‘Could your papa not be nursed at home?’
‘He will be as soon as he is well enough to be moved.’ They had reached the gig. ‘Thank you for bringing me, I am most grateful.’
‘I am glad I did. I had no idea your father was in such straits. We must have him moved to a private hospital and employ some decent nurses. I am appalled that Richard took him there.’
‘Your brother did what was best at the time and I cannot afford private nursing, Mr Harecroft.’
‘Stephen,’ he corrected her. ‘I thought we agreed on that. And your father’s well-being is my concern. I told you that before.’
‘I have not yet agreed to marry you and until I do—’
‘Oh, Diana, do not be so stubborn. You know it will be best for everyone concerned.’
‘You mean my job at Harecroft’s is dependent on my saying yes?’
‘I did not say that, did I?’ He stood by the trap and held out his hand. ‘Now, you go and direct me to your house.’
He might not have said so, but the implication was there. She gave a huge sigh. He was like his brother in
