Page 40 of Sands of Sirocco
The door opened and Mr.Osborne came inside.Ginger stood, and he waved her back down again.“No need, no need.I’m only dropping in to see how the morning is going.”
Dr.Radford gave Osborne a beaming smile.“She’s wonderful, just as you said she would be.”
Osborne seemed to shift uncomfortably, his neck reddening.He didn’t meet Ginger’s gaze.“Excellent.Remember, her schedule is to be as flexible as possible when necessary.And, Lady Virginia—” He halted, then glanced at Dr.Radford.
Dr.Radford looked between the two of them, then stood abruptly.“Why don’t I give you a chance to speak in private?”
As the door clicked shut, Osborne rested his weight against the desk.Ginger sensed that he planned to bring up Noah.It would be better to be up front rather than appear to be concealing anything from him.
Ginger sat straighter.“I wanted to tell you I saw Colonel Benson last night, as it so happens.I assume he’ll be returning to the front soon?If he’s to be in Cairo, there’s a chance our paths may cross from time to time.I didn’t want you to think I’d been dishonest with you yesterday.”
“Yes, Lord Helton mentioned the encounter.”Osborne’s grey eyes gave nothing away.“As it so happens, Colonel Benson has been granted some medical leave.He suffered a minor head injury while out at the front.But, between us, I think his motives are suspect.”He clasped his hands, his brow furrowing.“How well do you know Colonel Benson?”
“Not very well.”A pang of guilt went through her, but it couldn’t be helped.“But we are friendly.”
Osborne studied her and she shifted under the weight of his scrutiny.“It occurs to me, Lady Virginia, that Colonel Benson may be a superb source of information about that concession.His intelligence report made us aware of it.Lord Helton wouldn’t want me to ask this of you but if you can speak to the colonel, see what you can find out about how he learned of it.”
She held back an ironic laugh.He wanted her to question Noah?“He’s not likely to share that information with me, Mr.Osborne.”
“Isn’t he?I’d heard he was quite taken with you—even to the point of sharing information he shouldn’t have in the past.”Osborne gave her a pointed look.Ginger felt herself tense, but he offered a kind smile.“Come now, Lady Virginia.I know about your history with him.The man is in love with you.And while you claim to no longer share that interest, I think some encouragement on your part may do the trick should you want information on the concession.”
Ginger’s pulse increased.“But I told Lord Helton I would stay away from Colonel Benson, sir.”Just what was he suggesting?
Osborne chuckled.“What you don’t want Lord Helton to know, I won’t share.We have a mutual goal: learn about the concession.My rules about the methods you use to find it are less particular.You work directly for me.And Lord Helton lets Colonel Benson get away with unscrupulous, possibly treasonous, behavior.Why not see if we can’t take advantage of that?”
It wasn’t the first time Osborne had implied that Noah was less than loyal to the Crown.“Frankly, Mr.Osborne, I’m surprised that you seem to distrust Colonel Benson.”
Osborne’s lips twisted below his moustache.“I know—his record seems impeccable on the surface.It’s what’s under that which concerns me.There’s a group of men in the intelligence world who lately have grown more vocal with their criticisms of the British policies with our colonies.Colonel Benson is among them.And when I investigated him—”
Osborne stopped short, as though he realized she may not be the best person to entrust with his suspicions.
Osborne’s eyes locked with hers.Only the ticking of a nearby clock on a shelf sounded.Then, he straightened.“Very well.For now, I’ll come speak to you here in the mornings.This afternoon, I’ll expect you’ll need the time to acquaint yourself with the hospital.But you’ll be free to go each day at noon from here, which should give you the time to attend to the matter we’ve hired you for.You can ring me at the Savoy if necessary.Thank you for your cooperation with this.His Majesty’s government is grateful for loyal citizens.”
As grateful as they were for the contributions of men like Noah?Ginger frowned as he left her.The more she thought about it, the more absurd it seemed that he should have any concern about Noah’s loyalty.Noah had sacrificed himself in so many ways throughout the years.
She lifted her head as Dr.Radford breezed back into the office.“Ready to begin the day?”The doctor gave her a bright smile.“I have a full schedule.”
Ginger stood.She hadn’t been away from nursing long enough to miss it, but now that she’d met Dr.Radford, she felt excited.“I’m ready.”
They headed out of the office.“Has anyone ever trained you in anesthesia, Sister Whitman?”
“I wish it had been possible.I had studied it, but then the RAMC strictly forbade it for all English and Australian nurses.A few New Zealander nurses were able to proceed with studying and practicing it though.”
Dr.Radford’s eyes sparkled.“Strictly speaking, I don’t think you’re employed directly by the RAMC anymore, are you?Why don’t we give you some materials to study?”
A thrill rose within her.Working with Dr.Radford might be her favorite assignment yet.If Ginger truly wanted to be a physician, this might be the start.
ChapterFifteen
Preparing to leave for the day, Ginger was keenly aware of her feet throbbing.She washed her hands for what felt like the fortieth time and removed her apron, then headed for the door.At least, unlike most of the other nurses, she could go home tonight.
The thought of a hot bath and warm dinner with servants tending to her wasn’t unwelcome.She gathered the stacks of papers and booklets Dr.Radford had given her to study when she’d come by to check on Ginger.
Evening had fallen on Cairo.The scent of smoke came from close by as she stepped onto the pavement.The streets seemed thick with activity.
She looked for an unoccupied cab.Most the cabs that past appeared empty, but the drivers didn’t stop at her hailing.
A motorcar approached and stopped beside her.Noah sat in the driver’s seat.Ginger furrowed her brow at him, even though the sight of him made her heart skip.“What are you doing here?”
