Angel of Death

‘He loves you, anyone can see that.’ Miranda pushed away the memory of Charles kissing Elena. The other woman was probably more interested in Alex, who was free and available. ‘He’ll want you to be happy. I can’t see why there should be any real objection, so long as you don’t overstrain yourself, try to walk, get out of the car. A short drive could make all the difference to your mood, and that’s important, especially at the moment. You need to be cheered up. Tell him.’

‘He may not be able to spare the time.’

‘Then get Milo to take you. Or me! I can drive.’

Charles came in, overheard what she was saying and raised his eyebrows. ‘What are you two plotting?’

Pandora told him in a rush, her voice shaky.

He scratched his chin uncertainly. ‘I think we should ask the doctor if it’s OK, first, don’t you?’

‘Ring him now, then,’ urged Miranda, getting up, but Pandora caught her hand.

‘Wait – if I can go, come with us. We’ll drive to my favourite church, you can go in and say a prayer, light a candle to the virgin.’

Charles made the phone call, put the question to the doctor, listened intently. ‘Yes, she’s very depressed. I think it would do her good to get out even if only for half an hour.’ He listened again, smiling. ‘Yes, thank you, I promise.’ Putting the phone down he turned to his wife. ‘He says you can have one hour’s drive today, he’ll be along to see you tomorrow morning to make sure it wasn’t too much, but you are not to put a foot to the ground.’

She let out a long sigh of pleasure. ‘Wonderful. Can we go at once? You will come, won’t you, Miranda? Or had you other plans for your afternoon off?’

‘No, I’ve nothing special planned, and I’d love to come.’ She walked to the door. ‘I’ll wait in reception while you get ready.’

‘I haven’t worn outside clothes since we got back here. I just lie about in my nightdress, all day. It’s so boring. Just getting dressed is going to be fun.’

In the reception area Miranda found Milo and told him what was afoot. His face lit up.

‘That’s good news. I was getting worried about her.’

‘Me, too.’

‘She’s been more and more depressed this week. I wonder the doctor and Charles couldn’t see it. They’re so concerned about this baby that they aren’t thinking about Pandora herself.’

Miranda gave him an affectionate look. ‘You’re very fond of her, aren’t you?’

‘I’ve known her since she was born, she’s almost my own child. Can I get you anything while you’re waiting, Miranda? Tea? Some sparkling mineral water spiked with fresh lime and lemon? Very refreshing on a hot day.’

‘Some tea would be nice.’

‘Milk or lemon?’

‘Lemon, please.’

‘Sugar?’

‘No, thank you. I find it more refreshing without sweetness.’

He brought it in a tall glass in a fretted silver holder; a slice of lemon floated on the top. There was a faintly herbal scent to the tea, Miranda sipped it happily.

‘Delicious, thank you, Milo.’

‘My pleasure.’ He gave her that characteristic little bow of the head, his smooth, discreet, olive-skinned face warm. He was one of the nicest men she had ever met. He made her feel safe, cherished. But he also had a quiet authority – he could be anything, she thought – head waiter, hotel manager, prime minister, archbishop, absolutely anything.

She finished the tea just as Charles pushed Miranda in her wheelchair through the swing doors. Milo came forward to take Pandora’s thin, frail hand, lift it to his lips and kiss it.

‘Agapeete moo!’ he said gently and Miranda knew enough Greek now to realise he had called Pandora ‘my dear’. She was pleased with herself. She had been having Greek lessons for weeks now and was gaining a little of the language every day, but learning a language was not easy for her.

‘I’m going for a drive! The doctor said yes,’ she eagerly told him and he smiled down at her.

‘Enjoy yourself. You’re looking better already.’