Excerpt
Tyne glanced at her hostess whose smile was noncommittal. But
Cam caught Tyne’s eye and winked. She did her best to keep a straight
face. She wondered how much resistance Elizabeth had offered to her
husband’s order to quit nursing. She had probably decided from the
beginning to be lady-of-the-manor rather than a working mother.
Dinner over, the Tournquists and their guests retired to the drawing
room where Arthur served the men brandy. Tyne refused a liqueur,
and joined her hostess in a cup of coffee, which Mrs. Tournquist
served from the buffet. The talk was general and animated but
Tyne found herself growing quieter as the evening wore on. Her
thoughts kept straying to the real reason for her dad’s visit to Calgary.
Nothing had been mentioned tonight about any possible offer
from Mr. Tournquist regarding the Calgary Herald. Yet she could not
help but wonder.
The exquisite marble clock on the mantelpiece struck ten, but still
her dad showed no signs of leaving. Tyne knew that Mr. Tournquist,
so recently discharged from hospital, must be more than ready for
his bed.
At the first lull in the conversation, Tyne said quietly, “Dad, if you
don’t mind, I think we’d better go. I have a ten-thirty curfew, and we
shouldn’t keep Mr. Tournquist up any longer.”
Jeff bustled to his feet. “Of course, of course, I hadn’t thought. I
was enjoying our visit so much.”
But Arthur put out his hand. “Don’t leave on my account. I’ve
done nothing for ten days but lie in bed. Tyne thinks she’s still on
duty, making me settle down at some unearthly hour, and expecting
me to sleep through the night.”
With a strained smile Tyne rose to her feet. She knew her former
patient was only half joking. She turned to Mrs. Tournquist and held
out her hand. “It’s been lovely meeting you, and I’ve enjoyed the
evening immensely. Thanks so much.”
Behind her, she heard Arthur say, “Stay a little while, Jeff. Cameron
can drive Tyne back to the hospital. You don’t mind, do you, son?”
“Certainly not,” Cam said. “I’ll bring the car around. See you later,
Mr. Milligan.”
Tyne took her leave of her host and hostess, and kissed her dad
goodbye. “I won’t see you before you leave tomorrow, Dad.
Libros Libertad 