An Irish Country Love Story

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Book: Read An Irish Country Love Story for Free Online
Authors: Patrick Taylor
had off while Sue was here, said, “Look, Nonie, it was decent of you doing the weekend, and the surgery this morning so I could run Sue up to Aldergrove. Would you like me to take your well-woman clinic after lunch?”
    A spoonful of soup on the way to her mouth stopped. “Would you?”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œI really would like to lie down,” she said.
    â€œI’ll do it,” Barry said. At least being busy would keep his mind off missing Sue. His model ship could wait.
    â€œYou’re very sweet, Barry. I’d appreciate it. I really would. In fact—” She finished her soup. “—I’ll pass on the second course and head up now.” She rose.
    â€œSleep well,” said O’Reilly.
    â€œI will,” she said.
    â€œBarry and I will cope tomorrow,” O’Reilly said. “All right by you, Barry?”
    â€œSure.”
    â€œYou have the day off, Nonie.”
    â€œThank you, Barry, Fingal,” she said, heading for the door.
    The door closed behind her.
    â€œDecent of you, that, Barry,” O’Reilly said.
    â€œOch,” Barry said, “I’ve had lots of time off while Sue was here. Nonie’s only just started with us. Let’s give her a chance to settle in.”
    â€œAgreed,” said O’Reilly. “Let’s do just that.”

 
    4
    They That Are Sick
    â€œYou, my dear,” Kitty said as she poured O’Reilly a second cup of tea, “are becoming a regular gentleman of leisure. Here.” She handed him the cup and saucer, passing them across his plate, on which lay the wreckage of a pair of breakfast kippers.
    â€œThanks.” He spread his favourite Frank Cooper’s Oxford marmalade on a slice of toast. “And it is pleasant to have more time off. Nonie’s doing the Friday-morning surgery, Barry’s out making a couple of home visits, and all I have to do is sit here in case of a real emergency. I can sup my tea and enjoy the company of the best-looking woman in Ulster until Barry comes back and then, if the lovely off-duty Sister O’Reilly would like, I’ll take her to lunch at the Culloden.”
    â€œGreat idea, Fingal. I’d like that very much,” Kitty said. “So we have Nonie to thank for this more leisurely pace.”
    â€œWe do.”
    â€œHow is she working out?”
    â€œFine, I think. She doesn’t have the even temperament of Jenny, but she’s a first-rate physician. The customers seem to like her and she’s a hard worker. I think she’s fitting in well.”
    â€œI’m glad to hear it.” Kitty sipped her own tea. She cleared her throat and said, “Look, after lunch could we nip down to Bangor? We really need to buy some new curtains for this room. They’re getting threadbare.”
    â€œExcuse me.” Kinky came in carrying an empty tray. “I’ll just tidy up then get back to my kitchen, so, to see to the other doctors’ lunches. I did not mean to eavesdrop, but I did hear you say, sir, that you would be taking Kitty out to lunch?” She began to clear the table.
    â€œThat I will,” said O’Reilly, and bit into his toast.
    â€œMore power to your wheel, sir. It does me good to see yourself having a bit more free time.” She started loading her tray.
    â€œThanks, Kinky.” O’Reilly frowned and turned to Kitty. “I don’t see the need for new curtains. The old ones have stuck the pace bravely ever since I bought the practice.”
    â€œExactly,” said Kitty. “They’d not have been out of place … what year was this house built? I’ve always thought it looked Georgian.”
    â€œBack in 1818.”
    â€œI was right, and I’m sure they’ve been here since King George III ruled all of Ireland. They are positive antiques.”
    â€œBut I like these old curtains. I don’t want to spend more money buying new

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