A Match for Sister Maggy by Betty Neels Page B

opened the door for her, and stood watching while she spoke to Nurse Sims and then went downstairs.
    Her gay and animated manner at supper caused her friends to look askance. Maggy, for all her size, perhaps because of it, was known to be rather shy and retiring. Those who knew her well realised that she was in a dreadful temper. She did indeed go back to the ward with little sparks of rage in her eyes, and pink cheeks; most of the rage was against herself. She opened her office door and stood staring. The little room seemed full of people— Sir Charles Warren, Matron and Dr Doelsma. She looked at him down her beautiful nose and then turned her back, waiting for someone to speak.
    Matron began: ‘Er—Sister MacFergus, we won’t keep you from your work, but I am sure that this little matter can be cleared up in a few moments. I am certain that your reasons for not going to Holland are given from the highestof motives, but I can assure you that you need have no qualms about leaving the ward. It is unusual, I admit, for a Ward Sister to take over a private case; but Sir Charles wishes it, and it can be arranged quite simply.’ She inflated her bosom and nodded briskly, signifying that it was now Maggy’s turn to speak.
    They were all three looking at her, Matron with the certain air of a woman who had stated her case and expected no argument. Sir Charles with a shrewd twinkle, and Dr Doelsma with a smile. How dared he? Maggy gave him a baleful stare and turned a shoulder to him again.
    â€˜I should be glad if you would take on Mevrouw Doelsma, Maggy.’ It was Sir Charles, at his most wheedling. ‘She is a lifelong friend of mine; I want her to have the best attention there is, and I consider you are the one to give it. As a personal favour, Maggy.’
    She liked and admired Sir Charles; she could not refuse him. He was also senior consultant of the hospital, and she a Ward Sister, there to do her work under his guidance and carry out his orders.
    â€˜If you wish it, Sir Charles, I’ll be glad to go with Mevrouw Doelsma.’
    He beamed at her. ‘Splendid! I’m sure that Matron will see you later and fix up all the details. I think you should go in about ten days’ time, don’t you. Paul?’
    Maggy didn’t look round when Dr Doelsma answered, nor when he said,
    â€˜May I have a few words with Sister, Matron? I promise I won’t keep her for more than a minute.’
    He ushered her and Sir Charles out of the little room and stood in the open doorway, contemplating Maggy’s very straight back.
    â€˜You needn’t be afraid,’ he said blandly. ‘I’ve left the door open this time.’
    This remark had the effect of making her turn round to face him. She said with great hauteur and a rising colour,
    â€˜I do not wish to be reminded of that regrettable incident.’
    He was instantly contrite. ‘I’m sorry, indeed I am; not because I kissed you, but because I’ve made you angry. Forgive me, and for taking such shameful advantage of you just now. It was unfair, I know. But I want you to nurse Mother. I should have warned you that I like my own way, and go to any lengths to get it.’ He waited a moment, but she did not speak. ‘My mother is normally a bright and happy woman, but now she had been badly frightened. She hides her fear, but only when you or I are with her does she lose it. She is a sensible woman; in time she will overcome it, and forget. Until then, she needs help. She likes you, Maggy, and trusts you—as I do. Thank you for consenting to come.’
    Maggy was still looking out of the window, facing a fact which could no longer be ignored. She was hopelessly in love with Dr Doelsma; and while her good sense counselled her to take the prudent action to withdrawing her consent and never seeing him again, the delightful prospect of being with him, perhaps frequently, for the next few weeks was impossible