The Secret Pool

Fran tossed off her sherry. ‘You had it all worked out, didn’t you? Were you so sure of me?’

He smiled faintly. ‘Certainly not. But Lisa was.’ He got up and took her glass as Tuggs came in to say that dinner was served. ‘And may I, on behalf of Mrs Tuggs and myself, wish you both happiness, Miss Manning and you, sir.’

‘Why thank you, Tuggs. I shall be driving Miss Manning back the day after tomorrow; when I return we must make all the necessary arrangements. We hope to marry within the month.’

Nothing more was said about the wedding over dinner and when Fran said that she would like to go back to Clare’s, Litrik made no objection. It was a warm quiet night and they had little to say to each other. Only when he drew up before Clare’s flat did Litrik say, ‘I’ll come in with you, if I may—it may be easier for you.’

Karel and Clare were delighted at the news. Beyond remarking that it must have been love at first sight, and the hope that they would wait until she had had the baby before they married, Clare showed little surprise. She plied them with coffee and then tactfully retired to her kitchen with Karel so that Fran could bid her new fiancé good night—something she did in her normal calm manner, thanking him for her pleasant afternoon and asking if he would be good enough to let her know when he wished her to be ready for the journey back to England.

‘Well, I’ll let you know tomorrow. You will have to come and say goodbye to Lisa. Can you manage the morning? I’ve patients to see after lunch.’