Betty Neels - Dearest Love

Dr Tavener stood aside so that Arabella came into view. ‘This is Miss Arabella Lorimer—John Clarke, a wizard with animals.’ He waited while they shook hands. ‘Hand over the puppy, Miss Lorimer.’

They all went into a pleasant room, crowded with books and papers. There were two cats asleep on a chair and a black Labrador stretched out before a cheerful fire. ‘Sit down,’ invited Mr Clarke. ‘I’ll take a quick look.’ He glanced at Arabella. ‘Titus has told me about his rescue. At first glance I should imagine that good food and affection will soon put him on his feet.’

He bent over the little beast, examining him carefully and very gently. ‘Nothing much wrong. I’ll give you some stuff to put on those sores and I’ll give him his injections while he’s here. There’s nothing broken or damaged, I’m glad to say. What’s his name?’

‘He hasn’t got one yet.’ She smiled at Mr Clarke, who smiled back.

‘You can decide on that as you go home.’ He handed the puppy back and she thanked him.

‘Would you send the bill or shall I…?’

‘Oh, I don’t charge for emergencies or accidents,’ said Mr Clarke cheerfully. ‘Bring him for a check-up in a month or so—or earlier if you’re worried. There will be a fee for that. Titus knows where the surgery is.’

‘Thank you very much. I hope we haven’t disturbed your Saturday afternoon.’

He flicked a glance at Dr Tavener’s bland face. ‘Not in the least. Nice to meet you and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you are worried.’

Getting into the car again Arabella said, ‘It was very kind of you, Dr Tavener, to bring us to the vet. Mr Clarke is a very nice man, isn’t he? We’ve taken up a lot of your time. If you would drop us off at a bus stop we can go home…’

‘Have you any idea which bus to catch?’

‘Well, no, but I can ask.’

‘I have a better idea. We will have tea and I will drive you back afterwards.’

‘Have tea? Where? And really there is no need.’

‘I said, “have tea”, did I not? I live in the next street and my housekeeper will be waiting to make it. And don’t fuss about Percy—we have been away for rather less than an hour and tea will take a fraction of that time.’

‘The puppy?’

‘Is entitled to his tea as well.’ He had turned into a pleasant street bordering the canal and stopped before his house. ‘Let us have no more questions!’

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