“Anyone would think you were driving an ambulance with blue lights flashing and sirens making a racket,” Charles murmured.
“Oh,” she said with relief. “You are awake then.”
“I can hardly nod off at this speed. Do please remember what you are driving, Ruth. This is my much-loved Rolls Royce which I have had for many years and would be delighted to have for many more.”
Ruth smiled and her tension dissipated a little. If he could joke, he couldn’t be too bad. She would still be happier once he had been examined properly.
Ruth managed to persuade him to go to bed as soon as they arrived home and Dr. Arnold was able to visit half an hour later. After a thorough and prolonged examination, he wanted to admit Charles to hospital just to be on the safe side but Charles resisted. “I’m fine,” he said. “All I need is a good rest. Don’t fuss, both of you,” he tried to smile at Ruth and the doctor who stood beside the bed. “Just leave me to sleep. I’ll be good as new tomorrow.”
“Well, I can’t make you go but don’t you dare get out of bed until I’ve seen you in the morning,” said Dr. Arnold sternly. “And if I still think you need to go to hospital, to hospital you will go.”
Charles smiled ruefully. “Okay, okay. But you’ll see. I shall be fully recovered and you will be wasting your time.”
“Umm,” was the reply. “Don’t worry, Ruth. I shall see myself out,” the doctor said, leaving Ruth to sit with Charles.
“Are you hungry, darling? Would you like a tray sent up before you go to sleep?” she asked.
“No … but you go and spend some time with Stephen … and have an early dinner … then come and join me. I’ll have a little read and then I’ll nod off until then.”
Ruth kissed him lightly on the cheek before leaving the room and running up to the nursery. Tina had already given Stephen his bath and he smelled of baby soap and talcum powder. Leaving Tina to tidy up the nursery, Ruth sat in the rocking chair with her young son in her arms and cuddled him firmly as the chair swayed gently back and forth. Watching Stephen gradually close his eyes she wanted to do the same. She was exhausted after such a traumatic afternoon. She felt happier now that Dr. Arnold had seen Charles but still couldn’t completely relax, wishing he had taken the advice of the doctor and spent the night in the hospital. An hour later, she gradually eased herself out of the chair, placed Stephen in his cot, and covered him over with the blankets. He didn’t wake. She kissed her finger and pressed it to his cheek.
“Thank you for staying over tonight, Tina. That’s kind of you. I am worried about His Grace and if I don’t have to concern myself with Stephen, that will be a huge help,” she said to Tina.
Tina smiled. “I do hope His Grace will feel a lot better soon.”
“Thank you, Tina. I’m sure he will. I’m just going to have a quick shower, some dinner and then I’ll retire early so I can keep an eye on him.”
Charles was asleep when she popped back to the bedroom and not wanting to disturb him, she showered in Vicky’s bathroom, changed into a clean turquoise linen dress and headed for the dining room where Hardy was waiting to serve her.
The macaroni cheese with fresh garden peas and creamy mashed potato, followed by strawberry cheesecake and cream were just what she needed. It was nursery food; comforting and easy to swallow. It was the cook’s night off and Betty Hardy had prepared the meal, knowing it was one of Ruth’s favourites. How kind she was.
It was nearly eight-thirty by the time she returned to the bedroom, having fetched the latest saga she was reading from her sitting room. It would be good to have an early night and immerse herself in a few chapters. It was a great story; a real pot-boiler and once she commenced reading, difficult to put down.
Charles was awake. The bedside light was on but his book lay unopened on top of his chest. He looked lost and forlorn and was labouring to breathe. He smiled weakly and reached out for her hands as she neared the bed.
“Hold me, darling.”
She reached out instantly for the telephone. “I’m calling for an ambulance.”
“No! Please, Ruth. Don’t. I don’t want to die in hospital. I want to be in my own bed … with you beside me, holding me, loving me. I don’t want to be in a sterile ward surrounded by people I don’t know, pulled about and prodded and poked with needles in and out of me, wires … machines … no.”
“But Charles … you ….”
“No buts, darling. Please … just lay here beside me … I need to talk to you.”
Tears threatened to fall as Ruth did as he bid, trying hard to hide how upset she was when she felt his pulse and found it growing fainter as the life flowed from him.
“My will,” he whispered, taking her hand as she snuggled up beside him, maybe for the very last time. “I want to talk to you about my will … I’ve left you well provided for … you’ll be very comfortable and want for nothing. You can live here … for as long as you wish … although I would like you to stay
