To Please the Doctor Read Online Free Page A

as if she ’ d cooked a banquet instead of a few cutlets and greens. “ Yes, I ’ ve finished. Thanks for the help .” She stretched out her hand for a cigarette and was astonished to see her companion step forward and, striking a light, hold it to the tip. The glow of the match set the f irm lines of his features into sharp relief, and again Jill was struck with the undeniable attraction this man possessed. It would be almost too much to expect him to trouble to exert charm as well. With his looks he probably didn ’ t have to, and no doubt at times his off-hand manner was a very useful asset. She drew at her cigarette until the end glowed. “ Was that Harriet? ” she queried.
    “ Yes, the fog is worse. She says it ’ s madness to attempt to make it. ” He paused. “ It must be bad if she says so. She insists that I remain here. ” It was fortunate that turning away at that moment to settle again in his chair he missed the expression of deep consternation which crossed Jill ’ s face. Unaware of the shock his statement had provoked, he continued with complete calm. “ Can you fix a bed for me? Anything will do. ”
    “ I suppose so—I really don ’ t know—I—I mean I hardly know the house—I expect there must be a spare room somewhere—unless of course I am using it. ” Jill could have kicked herself for her lack of coherence, the hesitancy in her voice readily betraying her uneasiness.
    Her disquiet had not escaped those keen blue eyes and for the first time she detected a genuine glint of humour in their depth. It certainly added to his attraction, but as it was amusement at her expense Jill remained firmly indifferent. “ Don ’ t look so perturbed, I am not suggesting you should give up your room. ” This time there was an unmistakable smile playing round the corner s of his lips. “ Surely with feminine efficiency of which you boast you can ma ke up a bed somewhere? Although your appearance leads me to believe that you are more decorative than practical. ”
    A wave of anger swept over Jill, bringing a flood of hot colour to her cheeks; the insolence of the man, the unmitigated arrogance! His eyes, now obviously—and it seemed to Jill for the first time—appraised her slender figure as she sat upright gripping the arms of her chair. They seemed to be taking in every detail from the crown of her coppery hair to her slender silk-clad leg which emerged from the lose folds of the blue velvet. With an almost unconscious movement, Jill pulled the folds of her gown more closely across her knees and tucked her feet beneath the hem; she ardently wished she could bury her face too and hide from that searching gaze the tell-tale colour which she knew still stained her cheeks. With all the dignity she could command, she rose to her feet and, holding her head high, walked towards the stairs which led directly from the lounge in which they sat. One hand resting on the bannister, she paused and, pulling herself up to her full height, turned to face her companion. “ I ’ m going up to bed. I ’ ll find some sheets for you. I ’ m sure you are quite capable of making a bed for yourself! ” She was aware o f his glance following her as she mounted the stairs, and was certain that, had she dared turn to look, she would have seen again that enigmatic smile reflected in the dep th of his eyes.
     

 
    CHAPTER TWO
    It seemed to Jill that she had only just dropped off to sleep when she was rudely awakened by the clattering of a cup of tea on her bedside table. She was barely conscious when memory came flooding back, and she sat up in bed with a start of surprise to see Mrs. Sidons pulling back the curtains to disclose the weak sunlight of an early, wintry morning.
    “ What is the time? Am I late? ” Jill asked anxiously.
    “ Only just seven, Miss, ” Mrs. Sidons replied reassuringly as she knelt down before the burnt-out grate and began to clear the dead ashes. “ No hurry, Miss, we won ’ t be having