Chapter Twenty-twoHowever much Miss Cara might have wanted to stay quietly in her bed, cosseted by Anna and visited by Candida and Derek, she was not permitted to do so. She could stay where she was for the morning, and she could have her afternoon nap, but she must get up and come down for tea. Candida, who had come to enquire, stood unnoticed by the half-open door and heard Miss Olivia dealing with her reluctance.
‘If you do not feel able to get up, I shall be obliged to send for Dr. Stokes.’
Miss Cara said in her mousy voice,
‘He is away.’
‘How do you know?’ said Miss Olivia sharply.
‘Louisa mentioned it.’
‘Then I shall send for his partner. We haven’t met him yet, but I suppose he is competent, and I have no doubt that Louisa has supplied you with his name.’
‘It is Gardiner. She
