The Doctor's Engagement

‘I’m just going to put an extra layer here,’ she told her, winding extra wool over the tibial crest to provide added protection.

She picked up the bandage and started to apply the second layer from the base of the toes, careful to maintain fifty per cent overlap and fifty per cent stretch to ensure just the right amount of pressure on the leg.

‘Goodness me, another layer?’ Mrs Hunter looked surprised as Holly picked up another bandage.

‘We do four layers in all,’ Holly told her, using a figure of eight pattern to allow the bandage to conform to the limb shape.

‘I don’t really understand how I got this wretched ulcer in the first place,’ Mrs Hunter admitted quietly, and Holly glanced up at her with a gentle smile.

‘Well, basically the valves in the veins of your legs aren’t working very well,’ she explained, ‘and they allow a backflow of blood which increases the pressure in your veins. What we’re trying to do with this pressure bandage is to improve the blood flow in your veins and reduce the stagnation in the tissues. I’d like to see your leg again tomorrow, just to check that the bandage hasn’t slipped, and then after the weekend to check that the ulcer isn’t oozing too much and that the pressure is just right. Do you want me to call on you at home?’

‘Goodness me, no!’ Mrs Hunter wiggled her foot back into the oversized slipper she’d brought with her and stood up with Holly’s help. ‘I like the excuse to come out. My daughter always drops me and picks me up.’

‘That’s fine, then.’ Holly pushed the dressing trolley to one side and washed her hands carefully. ‘Dr Logan mentioned how important it is for you to exercise. Just some walking is fine, but if you can’t manage that then just do some gentle exercises with your foot. Like this.’

She demonstrated foot extension, ankle flexion and rotation, and was satisfied that Mrs Hunter understood the importance of what she was doing.

‘The other thing to remember is that you shouldn’t stand for long periods if you can avoid it.’

Mrs Hunter nodded and picked up her handbag. ‘Dr Logan told me the same thing. He’s an excellent young man.’

Holly gave a weak smile. He was indeed.

‘I’ll see you tomorrow,’ she murmured, showing Mrs Hunter to the door. ‘Do you want me to arrange transport for you now, or is your daughter giving you a lift?’

‘She’s coming when she’s had her hair done.’ Mrs Hunter hobbled gingerly to the door and smiled at Holly. ‘Thank you, my dear. I’ll wait for her in Reception and I’ll see you tomorrow.’

‘That’s right.’ Holly watched her go and then turned to find Mark standing in the corridor, an odd expression on his face as he watched her. What did he want? ‘Did you want to talk about Mrs Hunter’s leg?’

‘Mrs Hunter’s leg?’ For a moment he looked blank and then he shook himself. ‘Oh, yes—what did you think?’

‘Well, it isn’t too bad.’ Holly walked back into her room and Mark followed her. ‘I think it should heal. We usually say three months maximum of compression bandage treatment and then if the ulcer hasn’t healed, refer back to the specialist.’

‘That sounds fine by me.’ Mark strolled over to the window and stared across the car park. ‘About tonight...’

Tonight?

‘Oh, Mark!’ She smiled suddenly, remembering her earlier encounter with Caroline. ‘Caroline hinted to me earlier that she really is interested in Greg. We’ll see how she is tonight, but it seems as if you won’t be needing a fiancée for much longer.’

She saw Mark’s head move slightly but he didn’t turn to face her.

‘No, you’re probably right.’ His voice sounded strange and she walked up to him, her expression puzzled.

‘Are you OK?’

Was he really that worried about Caroline?

‘I’m fine,’ he said smoothly, ‘and I’d better get back to my patients.’

Holly watched him leave the room, puzzled and more than a little depressed. Whatever was worrying Mark, she was pretty sure that Caroline was cured. Which meant that, sooner or later, Mark would realise that his life was back to normal. And she would have to make a decision. Continue to work at the practice, knowing Mark would never feel the same way about her, or start looking for another job.

* * *

Despite Mark’s earlier bad mood, they had a surprisingly pleasant evening at the yacht club, and from the way Greg and Caroline behaved towards each other Holly was in no doubt that Mark’s problems were over.

But hers were just starting...

How had she ever let this happen? Why had she been stupid enough to fall in love with him? She should have played the part of his fiancée and then reverted to friendship when the time came without a second thought.