Page 25 - Julie Thorley Nine Lives book

A Touch of Sea Air
when Miss Faulkner took a tumble. It transpired that some mischievous children had dug a deep hole in the sand into
which she, unsuspecting, had placed her foot. She fell her full length, much to the amusement of the onlookers, and was most embarrassed. She was not hurt, only very ustered and a little winded. But then who should happen along but Dr Braddock. He was extremely concerned and insisted on carrying Miss Faulkner back to the house, where he checked her most carefully to ensure her ankles were not twisted.
Ada was, I think, rather annoyed that she was not herself the centre of attention and behaved most irtatiously. She positively simpered at the poor doctor: ‘O dear, it seems that you will never be free of this house, while one or other of us needs you.’ And then, it was my turn to be ustered, because I swear he looked straight at me as he replied, ‘I am always happy to call here, ladies.’ I have not admitted this to myself before, and can scarce believe I am saying it now: but can it be that it is not Ada that he admires, but me?
---
Ada awoke with a headache this morning, so I feared I would miss my walk again. It looked as though the highlight of the day would be my visit from Dr Braddock. Oh yes, he is still visiting and says my health is much improved.
After his usual examination, he completely took me by surprise by offering to take me for a walk himself, since he had no more calls to make. My aunt readily agreed; so long as Miss Faulkner went, too, as chaperone and so off we three went. He graciously offered me his arm – he didn’t want me to suffer the same indignity as our poor music teacher – and we had a lovely afternoon.
The weather was de nitely taken a turn for the better and there was plenty to see. There were lots of families on the sands today, revelling in the sunshine, building sandcastles and walking at the water’s edge. There was even a Punch and Judy
21