Doctor at Villa Ronda

Doctor at Villa Ronda by Iris Danbury

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Authors: Iris Danbury
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Adrienne said, “If Elena has a private talk with you, and I think she will try soon, then you must say as little as possible. Just be polite and no more.”
    “Very well,” agreed Nicola. Dona Elena was not a woman to be underrated, she thought. Once or twice during dinner last night, when Elena had removed her concealing dark glasses, Nicola had caught an occasional glance from cold green-brown eyes.
    A t four o’clock when Dr. Sebastian returned from Barcelona, he came out to the little courtyard at the back of the Villa.
    “ If I could have your attention, Miss Brettell, for an hour or two? That is, if my niece will kindly give me permission?”
    A drienne gave her uncle a friendly thump on his arm.
    Sebastian’s study was book-lined, furnished with a large desk, chairs of embossed leather and a beautiful bronze statue of Apollo. There were long, complicated forms to fill in on her behalf in connection with her work permit, and the doctor completed all he could for her.
    “ You must attend in person first at your own Embassy, then at the Spanish official place, but I will take you there tomorrow.”
    “ Thank you.”
    H e handed her what was evidently a chapter of his book. “Could you manage to retype that with all the alterations and so on?”
    S he studied the corrected pages for a few moments. “Yes, I’m sure I could do that . Now?” She looked around for the typewriter.
    “ Presently.” He rose and walked about the room while Nicola waited.
    “ Miss Brettell,” he said at last, “did you go to the village yesterday? With Adrienne?”
    “Yes, Dr. Montal.”
    “ And you visited the fish quay?”
    N icola’s face lit with enthusiasm.
    “ Oh, yes. I thought it was wonderfully interesting. Those marvellous patterns they make with the fish!”
    S ebastian’s face grew more sombre, if that were possible.
    “ Did Adrienne meet anyone there?” he asked.
    “ No, I don’t think so,” she replied.
    “ Not a young fisherlad?” he persisted.
    “ Oh, yes. I saw her talking to a young boy. I suppose he was a fisherman.”
    S ebastian nodded. “Exactly. Now, Miss Brettell, I want you to listen carefully. My niece is apparently forming a great attachment to this young man, Barto. He lives in a cottage farther down the road with his family. Actually, I own the cottage. Adrienne seems to find many excuses to call at his home or see him wherever she can.” When he paused, Nicola waited in silence.
    “I want you to do your best to prevent Adrienne from continuing this association and to report to me whenever she meets the young man.”
    Nicola’s face flamed. “But, Dr. Montal, you’re asking me to spy on your niece!”
    “Certainly. I cannot tuck her under my arm all the time. I am a busy man, but I must do something to stop her from making a fool of herself over Barto.”
    “Surely there couldn’t be much harm in a youthful friendship like that?” she protested.
    “Allow me to know whether harm might arise or not,” he said coldly. “I’m not concerned only about any harm to Adrienne. There’s the boy, Bartolomeo, also to be considered. The friendship must stop for his sake as well as hers.”
    After a few moments Nicola said, “How am I expected to do that?”
    “Adrienne is easily persuaded to a course of action if she likes the person giving the advice. She will probably accept from you what she would resent from me—or—or others.”
    S he guessed that he had been going to say “Elena. ” “Wouldn’t this—this undesirable friendship die of its own accord if no one interfered?” Nicola felt bound to ask. “To forbid her to see him may only result in her rebellion.”
    Sebastian smiled, but only with his mouth. There was no warmth in his eyes. “I see that you have common sense, Miss Brettell. That is why I think I can rely on you to carry out my wishes.”
    “ Supposing I am doing your work here, how am I to prevent Adrienne from doing whatever she chooses or going wherever

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