The Vicar's Daughter

‘You would like me to cast an eye over her?’

‘I believe Lady Trueman would like that—just in case there is further damage.’

‘Just so.’

The two men trod into the nursery and Margo opened a sleepy eye.

Professor van Kessel eyed her with a faint smile. ‘It seems that we are destined only to meet in emergencies, Margo.’

CHAPTER THREE

MARGO blinked, her delight at the sight of him. doused by the knowledge that she looked even worse than usual, cocooned in a blanket with her hair still damp. And probably, she thought miserably, the brandy had given her a red nose.

Indeed it had—contrasting strongly with her still pale face. The professor, looking at her, found himself wondering why he was pleased to see her again. He had thought about her from time to time, this plain, rather bossy girl. A typical vicar’s daughter, but one, he had to admit to himself, who would keep her head in an emergency and use the common sense she had so obviously been endowed with. Not, he had thought, the kind of girl he would want to spend an evening with. Now he wasn’t so sure. There was more to Margo than met the eye...

‘Is Peggy going to be all right?’ She had wriggled upright in her chair, nothing visible but her face and a great deal of untidy hair.

‘I think so; she is regaining consciousness. We’ll have her X-rayed in the morning. What about you, Margo?’

‘Me? I’m fine; I just got a bit wet.’

He turned easily to Dr Wilcox. ‘Margo and I have met before on occasion. I certainly didn’t expect to see her here.’

‘She’s not staying with Lady Trueman; she’s visiting her aunt, Mrs Pearson, who lives in the village.’ Dr Wilcox smiled at Margo. ‘I’ll pop in tomorrow and see that you are none the worse for your soaking—’

He broke off as Bessy came in. ‘Didn’t know anyone was here,’ she excused herself. ‘I’ve brought Miss Pearson’s clothes. Lady Trueman says as soon as she’s ready she’ll be driven back to her aunt’s place.’