Accepting her judgement without further question, Daniel asked, "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Yes, please. I need to get back to the Hursts. Mrs. Hurst should get dressed before the doctor arrives, but she's not thinking straight. Could you go and find Maria and tell her what's happening as best you can? She'll either be clearing away in the function room or back at the house. There's not much she can do now the doctor's on his way, but if she hears any commotion, she'll wonder what's going on."
"I don't think my Portuguese is up to it, but I'll draw pictures if I have to. And I'll bring the doctor down to you when he lands. See you in a minute."
Maria was in her kitchen. It didn't take long to make her understand there was something wrong—it seemed panic was an international language. He managed to get across the room number and she flew off in that direction while he waited in the car park for the doctor.
When Daniel and the doctor got to the Hursts' room, Mrs. Hurst was clearly upset, and Laura held her hand whilst trying to question her about her husband's symptoms.
"Mrs. Hurst, please try to stay calm and not worry too much," she was saying. "Look, the doctor's here now. I'll stay with you in case he doesn't speak much English, alright?"
The older woman nodded and sat down on the bed beside her husband, who gave her a wan smile in a brave attempt to reassure her. Maria stood anxiously by the window, where Daniel joined her. The room seemed crowded and claustrophobic, but Laura's calm control was admirable as she interpreted between patient and doctor. His English was good, but her Portuguese was better, and since time was of the essence, they settled for the latter.
The initial flurry and panic of the situation faded, but even though the adrenalin racing around Daniel's system began to subside, his senses remained in turmoil. Only a short while ago she was in his arms, and there had been nothing in his head but the thought of her, the feel of her. He should be glad for the intrusion providing an escape he would have struggled to initiate from a complication he could ill afford, but he wasn't glad. The strong pull of it was frightening.
Laura glanced up at him, and he imagined he saw as much disappointment in her eyes as must show in his own. The thought that she might feel the same way was some small consolation at least. He reached out to give her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
The doctor decided Mr. Hurst wasn't in imminent danger, but was keen that he should be properly examined. "I think it's probably some sort of vicious virus, but I'd like him to go to hospital for a few tests as a precaution," he concluded. "There's no need for an ambulance. If I telephone ahead to the hospital, will someone be able to drive him there?"
It was clear to all of them that Mrs. Hurst was in no fit state to drive her husband.
"I'll need to go in case there are any language problems," Laura said, glancing across at Daniel.
"I'll drive," he stated matter-of-factly.
Without waiting for her response, he went to reverse his car down the pathway, which was only just wide enough to take it, and they bundled the Hursts carefully into the back. Laura kissed Maria good-night and promised to update her in the morning, then climbed into the passenger seat beside Daniel. He drove competently, following her directions.
When they arrived at the hospital, Laura said, "Thanks for driving. You go on back to the hotel. I'll get a taxi when I've finished here."
He shook his head and climbed out of the car, using his strength to help Mr. Hurst out and into the wheelchair a nurse brought for him. "No, I'm staying here with you."
They accompanied the Hursts as the doctors ran their tests, Laura helping out with interpreting where necessary while Daniel tried to remain unobtrusive, tactfully hanging back in nearby waiting rooms as they moved from one test to another. He hoped it was a comfort for Laura to know he was there, even with the closeness between them dissipating as the hours passed.
Somewhere around three in the morning, they were told Mr. Hurst would be fine but should be kept in hospital to monitor his recovery. Mrs. Hurst took some persuading to come back with them and get some rest, but finally acquiesced, and Daniel drove back to the hotel without a word.
When they had seen Mrs. Hurst to her room and were alone at last, he planted a tender kiss on Laura's forehead.
"You've been amazing," he said. "You were calm and collected all night. I think Mrs. Hurst would have gone to pieces if you hadn't been there. You acted above and beyond the call of duty. Anybody else might have just called the doctor or fetched Maria and left it at that."
Laura shook her head. "I couldn't possibly have done that."
"I know you couldn't. Maybe that's what I like about you, after all. All that irritating practicality and boring sense of duty has its uses sometimes."
Laura lifted her lips to meet his, but he kept the kiss featherlight and soon pulled away. If he kissed her properly, he might not be responsible for where it led them.
She looked up at him with something akin to disappointment, and it tugged at him deep inside.
"Thanks for coming with us tonight," she said. "You needn't have, and I appreciate it."
"You're welcome." He touched a finger to her cheek. Needing to reassure her, he added, "I'm not avoiding the fact that we have unfinished business to discuss, but we're both way too tired for that right now."
"I know. Good night, Daniel."
****
When Daniel walked into reception towards the end of Laura's morning shift the following day, she was busy rummaging
