Read Online Roses For Katie by Dilys Xavier - Free Book Online Page A

having to go through an operation. She may not make it.’ Tears were not far away as she spoke.
    ‘I see,’ Pat said, thoughtfully. ‘Now Mrs. Turner, just sit yourself on this garden seat and, if it’s all right with you, I’ll go inside and make you a nice cup of tea.’
    Katie didn’t argue. It was good to have someone care about her needs; good to have someone fuss over her, again. Pat soon returned with a tray. ‘I found everything, including some biscuits,’ he said. ‘Now I’m going to wait while you drink that down, and I’m going to make sure you’re all right before I start my work.’ He pulled a garment from underneath his arm. ‘Here, I found this draped over a chair in the kitchen.’ He slipped the jacket over Katie’s shoulders. ‘The sun’s up, but ‘tis none too warm this early, but you’ll be all right with that over your shoulders.’ She closed her eyes, and realized that she must have dropped off to sleep for a few minutes, because when she opened them again Pat was busy in the garden, barely yards away. He sensed she was looking at him, and looked up.
    ‘Well, you’ve got a bit more colour now,’ he said, crossing over to her. ‘If you want to go inside and take a proper rest in the warm, take my arm, so that you don’t wobble off your feet.’
    ‘That’s a good idea,’ Katie said laughing at the thought of wobbling to the ground. ‘You made a lovely cup of tea. I think I must have dozed off after it because I feel sleepy now; I feel as though I could sleep for a week.’
    ‘Ah, so that means you’re more relaxed. Good. All that tension is no doubt a reaction to what happened last night. Have you rung the hospital yet to find out how things are going?’
    ‘No. I didn’t ring earlier in case they were serving breakfast. I’ll do it now when I go inside.’
    With his strong arms holding her tightly, Pat helped Katie into the sitting room, and made her comfortable in her favourite chair.
    ‘There,’ he said, with his infectious smile, ‘the phone’s at your side, and you’ll be able to see me through the window to check that I’m up to no mischief.’
    Katie looked up at him, thankful that he was there to help and comfort her. He was like a rock to her, and she felt that whatever her worries were, she could tell Pat about them. ‘I’m just so glad you’re here,’ she said, returning his smile, ‘but I’m all right. Don’t worry.’
    Before he left, Pat’s bright blue eyes gave her a searching look. It seemed to her that he was truly anxious about her state of health. She made the phone call, but all she got was the usual, ‘comfortable’ She leaned back in her chair with a deep sigh, and within minutes she was catching up on the sleep she had missed last night. It must have been over an hour before she opened her eyes at the sound of crockery in the kitchen. It was Pat making coffee for them both.
    ‘You’re a saint, and so thoughtful,’ she said. ‘Bring yours in here and sit down beside me. I’d like your company.’
    Pat had slipped off his gumboots and outer garment, and sat on the little cane stool at her side.
    ‘I saw Jack from the garage driving your car away just as I drove in,’ Pat said. ‘I presume it’s having a road safety check and service, so how will you get to the hospital today? Will someone be able to drive you there?’
    ‘Yes. I almost forgot about that, but I’m sure Sam will take me.’ She shrugged. ‘I haven’t had any definite news from the hospital yet, though. When I last asked about Aunt Bertha, what they told me was vague. Still, I think I’ll ring again now to ask when she’s having the operation.’
    Katie lifted the phone and dialled the hospital, and asked for information. She gave Pat a glum look as she listened to the reply. ‘Nothing further, other than being told once more that the patient is satisfactory and comfortable,’ she said. ‘That’s the usual reply. They’ll never give more over the