The doctor called in to see Geoffrey in response to a phone call from Dora. The colonel reluctantly submitted to an examination which resulted in his medication being increased. When told he should rest more he replied that if he rested any more he would grow roots. 'Good to see you've still got your sense of humour Geoff.'
'Well they do say laughter is the best medicine Hugh. How's your wife these days?'
'Daphne's not so good. Never did laugh much herself and now she has precious little to laugh about.'
'Well being in a wheelchair can't be much fun. give her my regards.'
'I'll drop in again next week Geoff- time we had another game of chess.'
'Hmm I don't think so. Even Dora can beat me now. I taught her to play you know. '
Well ok- we'll play Scrabble.'
'Don't be surprised if I come out with some really rude words then!'
Worrying about her uncle had meant Dora's own blood pressure was causing concern. She was pleased that the extra medication seemed to be helping him and hoped that if she was more relaxed her problem would sort itself out. Lady Caroline Beck visited Geoff with her son. 'How's Dora?'she asked.
'Happy and in love.'
'With that stable boy, Steve?'
'Oh for heaven's sake Caroline, he's more than that, he's her right hand man.She'd be lost without him.'
'Still got her horse has she?' asked Lord Beck. 'What was it called Cobra?'
'Yes she still has Copper Prince.'
'Splendid beast what. Not quite up to champion of Beck though.'
'Dora hasn't time to do much in the way of serious training otherwise Copper could be a force to be reckoned with. I'm sorry Caroline, I'm feeling rather tired.'
Caroline and her son took their leave and the colonel breathed a sigh of relief. He was sure that the extra tablets were responsible for his increased tiredness. 'Infernal things' he said. Well let everyone think he was still taking them but he ballywell wasn't going to!'
Dora had made up her mind that it was time to tell everyone about her pregnancy. The morning sickness had almost stopped but now she was tired most of the time. It was a struggle to get up in the mornings and she had a nap every afternoon. 'You oughta see a doctor girl- it ain't natural all this sleep.' 'Don't worry Slugs. I'll be okay.'
'Steve can't you talk sense into her?'
'Slugs, I promise you- Dora will see the doctor when she needs to.'
They went to their room soon after supper each night and Dora soon fell asleep. Steve had bought a small television and sometimes watched it for a while but more often than not he read. Dora usually woke up as the 9 o'clock news was finishing. Steve would make them both a hot drink then get into bed himself.
The weather had continued to be cold but towards the middle of March it brightened. Dora was outside with Steve and had just watered the lightning tree. Looking up to check it's growth she saw a bird- a magpie. Frantically she searched the sky for more but saw none. 'Steve' she cried in an agonised voice.
He turned round in time to see her clutching at the tree. Hurrying over he supported her as she almost collapsed . He picked her up and carried her indoors where she soon revived and waived aside his suggestion they should call the doctor. That night the dream she'd had weeks ago became a reality.
This part of the story ends here and continues in 'One for Sorrow.'
There follows a postlude for this story which also fits in the later one.
It was April 2nd only a couple of weeks since the colonel died. Steve was conscious that his proposal to Dora had been made rather hurriedly so that they could tell Dora's uncle about it and the baby as he lay unconscious and hope he heard. It certainly had not been romantic or how Steve had envisaged it would be, The ring had been bought soon afterwards.Steve was worried in case deep down Dora thought that he'd done it because of the baby, to please her uncle, and appease her parents and Slugger. This was far from the truth. She was still getting over her uncle's death. The pregnancy was still not noticeable to anyone who didn't know her well. Her figure hasd altered only slightly but her clothes fitted more snugly and she was convinced she looked fat in spite of all Steve's loving assurances to the contrary. She was depressed thinking of the months ahead. Steve was determined to go ahead with the plan he'd formulated before the colonel's death and enlisted Ron's help to carry it through. After breakfast next morning Ron announced he was going to clear out the small barn and suggested Dora might like to supervise. She looked at Steve who said he was going into Tockwith to see Jane Oldcastle's solicitor so Dora agreed and was soon seated on a chair with her feet on the trusty footstool. Steve kissed her, told her to take it easy and he would see her soon. She dozed in the early spring sunshine till much later Ron gently nudged her awake saying 'Ere Dora, are you ready for a nasty surprise?' The words struck a chord in her memory and she looked up to see Steve at the gate, the knapsack he had taken to Liverpool slung over his shoulder. In his hand was a bouquet of spring flowers. This time when Dora called his name he ran to her and setting knapsack and flowers in a handy wheelbarrow swung her up carefully in his arms. 'Hello darling, I'm home. ' He set her gently down, picked up the flowers and the knapsack and produced a box of her favourite chocolates. 'Let's put these indoors then I want you to come down to the lake with me'. A small bench had been erected in a shady spot amongst the trees and here they sat down with Steve's arm draped round her.
'Dora, I've been thinking. When I proposed you might have thought it was mainly so that the baby would be legitimate. I want to tell you this wasn't the case.I did it bcause I really love you.' He slid down on one knee, took her hand in his and gently eased her engagement ring off. Now I'll ask you again will you marry me?'
As she said 'Yes' he kissed the ring, kissed her finger and slipped it carefully back on. I've had it in mind for a long time to propose today and I want to promise you-as I promised uncle that whatever happens I won't go off and leave you again.'
As we're being honest I was hoping you'd propose on Valentine's day. I was disappointed. I had been going to tell you I thought I was pregnant but it didn't feel right. I didn't know how you'd react and I didn't want to spoil our lovely weekend.'
'So that was the real reason you went all quiet on me!'
'Yes' she whispered.
'Well, tonight we're going to have our engagement celebration- just you and me. I'm nor taking no for an answer because I've already booked a table at Georgio's. I promise we won't be out late . You can put on that pretty kaftan your mother bought you. You look lovely in it- not pregnant and certainly not fat! Slugger rang the bell for lunch. 'Oh Steve you're wonderful!' she said as he took her hand and led her indoors.
THE END