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Chapter Seven: Paging Professor Lucas

Posted on Wednesday, 28 March 2007

For Elizabeth, dinner with the Lucases had always been a pleasant affair. She had approached such evenings with happy anticipation of the flowing conversation, witty anecdotes and enjoyable company. Before her marriage to Adam, dinner with the Lucases had been a twice-weekly occurrence. Since relinquishing her single status that frequency had, understandably, been whittled down, yet, by that time Elizabeth had already formed a strong bond with the family. In many ways, Lily Lucas was the kind of mother that Elizabeth often wished Fran could have been. She was as methodical as a Stepford wife, yet was excessively warm and thoughtful. She was a woman who always seemed to have her finger on the family pulse, and was fiercely loyal and protective of her flock. Unlike Fran, Lily’s interference in her children’s life was minimal, for she firmly believed that making mistakes was one of life’s important learning tools. There was no greater contrast to Fran Bennet, who never failed to criticise and put-down when the opportunity arose. From the very first days following her father’s death, Elizabeth quickly learnt that the only comfort and support she and her sisters could expect would only be found in each other, and not their emotionally unsupportive mother.

In addition to the other delights of the evening, the promise of a table piled high with scrumptious delicacies was another strong incentive to attend. In Elizabeth’s mind, nobody could compare with Lily’s culinary prowess. A chef by profession, she had happily walked away from the long hours spent standing on sore feet upon first learning of her pregnancy. With a world-renowned neurologist for a husband, Lily had no real need for paid employment, and she happily presided over her kitchen with dictatorial zeal. Her passion for food was expressed in the day-to-day meal menus and the frequent dinner parties she encouraged her husband to throw for colleagues and friends. It was this passion that made dinner with the Lucases all the more enjoyable, and the Sunday following her arrival in Melbourne found Elizabeth spoilt for choice from the mouth-watering array of culinary delights spread before her.

‘Please, sweetheart, have some more sweet potato torte,’ Lily pressed Elizabeth, passing her a platter. ‘You’ve lost so much weight since you left, I hardly recognised you.’

‘Well, you are definitely doing your best to fix that,’ Elizabeth replied, raising her eyebrow pointedly as she surveyed the various dishes spread before her. ‘You must have been cooking all week, Mrs Lucas.’

‘Mum, easy on with the forced feeding,’ Charlotte quipped, reaching for the sautéed vegetables. ‘Lizzy and I spent half the day buying her a new winter wardrobe. It would be such a shame if she couldn’t fit into any of the items after tonight.’

The five hours spent at Chadstone Shopping Centre had passed quickly, a blur of dressing rooms, shopping assistants and clothing racks. Needless to say, the adventure had given them, and her credit card, a serious workout. Not that her finances would suffer the worst for it. The appointment with her lawyers the previous day had revealed the precise extent of her inheritance, and the figure had blown her away. Seven million dollars in cash, bonds and life insurance, with another three tied up in properties. She had known that as one of the most talented cardiothoracic surgeons in Australia, Adam earned enough to ensure a comfortable lifestyle, but the knowledge of his financial worth had literally rendered her speechless. From the very onset of their relationship, Elizabeth had been fully aware that he owned an impressive beachside home in exclusive Williamstown, and drove around in the latest model BMW Roadster. Being Elizabeth, these material considerations had had absolutely no weight in her assessment of the man himself. Upon Adam’s death she had been astonished to learn that her husband had been the sole benefactor of a dormant trust left to him by his parents. Throughout their relationship, he had rarely dwelt on the painful circumstances surrounding the death of his parents and elder brother, beyond the initial revelation early in their relationship that he understood Elizabeth’s pain at losing her father. Why he had not mentioned the existence of the trust, and why its funds had remained untouched for so long, she would never know.

She had been stumped when the lawyer had asked her what she intended to do with the money. What did one do with nearly ten million dollars? It was with this newfound knowledge, that Elizabeth had been a little more extravagant with her purchases than was the norm. From her previous shopping expeditions with Jane she knew that she wasn’t the easiest person to shop with, and Charlotte had lamented loudly as Elizabeth rejected the majority of the suggestions she made for her friend. Elizabeth had finally decided on enough trousers, shirts, jackets and skirts to mix and match her way through the winter months, and they had both been pleased with the final result.

‘That woollen wrap dress you’re wearing, Lizzy, is like, the bomb,’ confirmed Maria, Charlotte’s younger sister, eying Elizabeth’s form appreciatively. ‘If you do outgrow it, I’ll gladly take it off your hands.’

‘Yeah, like you’ll ever squeeze into it,’ Charlotte scoffed, piling caramelised carrots onto her plate. ‘It would be too tight around your thighs and too loose around your boobs.’

‘Charlotte!’ Elizabeth reprimanded, face flushed. It was hardly appropriate dinner conversation given her boss was sitting at the head of the table.

‘Elizabeth, my dear, being the only male in a family of three women, I’ve learnt to block out ninety-five percent of mealtime conversations in order to preserve my sanity,’ Professor Lucas boomed kindly. ‘Don’t make yourself uncomfortable on my account.’

Elizabeth smiled into her plate. It was a survival mechanism her father had employed too. As the only man in a family of six women, it was little wonder that her father would disappear into his study at every opportunity rather than listen, and deal with, the moodiness, cattiness and silliness of five oestrogen-charged pubescent daughters.

‘Yeah, it’s true, Lizzy,’ Maria concurred, mouth full. ‘Just last week, Dad didn’t bat an eyelid when Char and I were chatting about the best cream to use for vaginal thrush.’

‘Maria, stop trying to shock Elizabeth.’ Lily scolded sharply, slapping her daughter’s thigh indignantly. Turning to Elizabeth, she held up a steaming platter. ‘Sweetheart, how about some more lamb?’

The easy banter continued throughout the meal. Lily fussed and pressed everyone gathered around the table to polish their plates, as Maria, Charlotte and Elizabeth chatted easily. During a lull in the conversation, Professor Lucas turned to Elizabeth.

‘Elizabeth, I was hoping I could have a word with you after dinner,’ he said casually. ‘Lily, could Elizabeth and I please have our tea sent to the sunroom?’

‘Walter, darling, stop distracting Elizabeth from her meal,’ Lily rebuked sharply, brandishing her service tongs at her husband menacingly. ‘I’ll serve you whatever you want, wherever you want it, but absolutely nobody is moving off this table until I’m satisfied, is that clear?’

Only once Lily was convinced that not another bite could be consumed did the meal draw to a happy conclusion. The promise of a decadent dessert brought groans to the lips of all, as they subconsciously patted their distended bellies. Lily rose, and immediately sought the presence of her daughters in the kitchen. Elizabeth’s attempts to clear the plates off the dining table were immediately thwarted by Lily.

‘Okay, sweetheart, please don’t trouble yourself. I want you to go and sit inside with Walter while the girls and I clear up in here,’ Lily fussed, quickly ushering Elizabeth out of the dining room.

‘Hey, why does Lizzy get the royal treatment while we slave away with the washing up?’ Maria complained loudly, as she started clearing the table.

‘Because Elizabeth is our guest, and this dinner is in honour of her return,’ Lily replied emphatically. Turning to Charlotte, she frowned. ‘Now make sure you scrape those plates before putting them in the dishwasher, do you hear?’

‘I’m a guest too, or have you conveniently forgotten that?’ muttered Charlotte darkly, as she loaded the dishwasher. ‘Talk about anti-nepotism!’

Professor Lucas and Elizabeth sat peacefully, breathing deeply as they lightly contemplated the feast they had just consumed. Despite the less than favourable impression that Elizabeth had first formed of her boss during her hospital orientation, she genuinely liked Professor Lucas. He had graduated in the same year as her uncle Edward, and although they were only casual acquaintances, her uncle had been singing his praises for months before she first set foot at Memorial. Walter Lucas had always been a perfectionist, and her uncle had warned her that men like Professor Lucas achieved success by demanding only the best from those around them. Like Charlotte, he was kind and compassionate in nature, and over the years Elizabeth had come to learn that both father and daughter were more alike than either one would wish to admit. The success of Memorial as a hospital could be traced back to the beginning of his tenure as chief of staff. Embodying all the great qualities necessary for a successful physician, Professor Lucas had succeeded in building Memorial into a hospital with a world-renowned reputation for excellence, wisely applying persuasion where intimidation would have been the norm.

Although he lacked the dry sarcasm and wit that she had adored so in her father, Elizabeth often felt that due to the closeness of her relationship with Charlotte that Professor Lucas had almost come to regard her as a surrogate daughter. Indeed, in the first year of her residency, following a yearlong friendship with Charlotte, jealousy of her burgeoning closeness with the family of Memorial’s chief of staff had been widespread amongst other residents. Although she had been dating Adam for months, the more catty of the gossipers had spread allegations of an illicit affair between Professor Lucas and the young protégé. Although all the innuendo had irritated her no end at the time, the pettiness had died down when they perpetrators perceived that her friendship did not result in preferential treatment from the head honcho.

‘So are you looking forward to starting back at Memorial?’ Professor Lucas asked, leaning back in his chair and eyeing her steadily.

‘Very much so, Prof,’ Elizabeth replied, nodding emphatically. Despite his constant requests early in their acquaintance to call him Walter, Elizabeth insisted upon using a shortened version of his title. ‘I don’t think I will ever complain about the patient load, or the facilities, at Memorial ever again. Compared to the standard of care available in Africa, it will feel like I’m working out of a seven star hotel.’

Professor Lucas smiled, his eyes creased in amusement.

‘If that’s the cure for whingeing, maybe I should make it compulsory for all of Memorial’s doctors to spend a year over there as part of their training,’ he grinned. ‘You wouldn’t believe the complaints I’ve heard from our neurologists in the past few months about the waiting lists for the MRI machine.’

‘Oh, what else can you expect from neurologists?’ Elizabeth replied mischievously. Professor Lucas’s smile widened at her teasing dig aimed towards his own chosen specialization. ‘Send those neurologists to Kenya, Prof. I promise you, once they experience trying to practise medicine in a country that has only two MRI machines in total, our single MRI machine will be as revered as the Holy Grail.’

Professor Lucas tossed back his head and laughed heartily. Elizabeth smiled as she observed his mirth.

‘You were sorely missed Elizabeth,’ he stated, once the laughter subsided. ‘I think I speak for all the staff at Memorial when I say that we’re glad to have you back.’

‘And I’m glad to be back,’ she confessed. ‘I’m really looking forward to catching up with the staff. All jokes aside, they are a fantastic lot of professionals.’

With the energy of a small cyclone, Lily breezed through the room, carrying a tray laden with tea paraphernalia. As she busied herself, adding sugar and milk to each cup, Elizabeth complimented her once more on the delicious dinner. With a face flushed with pleasure, she left them to their conversation as she disappeared back into the kitchen to supervise her daughters.

Professor Lucas sipped tentatively at his tea, amused eyes watching Elizabeth as she blew gingerly into the cup to cool the hot liquid.

‘Elizabeth, I must admit I’ve dragged you here with an ulterior motive,’ he began.

Elizabeth turned her eyes towards him, eyebrow raised in silent inquiry.

‘And here I thought you were just craving my scintillating company and witty conversation,’ she replied with a smile.

‘My dear, I may be old enough to be your father, but I still possess enough sense to know that you would much rather be sitting with the girls talking about girly things than sitting here with your crusty old boss,’ he returned, with a knowing look.

Elizabeth smiled. ‘So what exactly is your ulterior motive?’

‘Motives, actually. I know it’s extremely short notice, but I was hoping you could be the speaker for the Departmental Seminar next Monday,’ Professor Lucas replied.

Elizabeth knotted her brows in confusion.

‘The schedule of speakers is normally planned months in advance…’ she began.

‘That’s true. Dr Bertram, up in Gastroenterology, was scheduled to present the new data from his study into intestinal microbes, but unfortunately he has needed to take emergency leave to deal with a personal issue that has arisen.’ Professor Lucas explained.

‘I hope everything is alright,’ Elizabeth replied, a look of concern crossing her face. ‘Edmund is a great guy, and an exceptional doctor.’

Professor Lucas hesitated briefly, contemplating his words carefully.

‘His brother is dying, Elizabeth. He was diagnosed with an aggressive hepatocellular carcinoma a few months ago.’ Professor Lucas stated with sympathy. ‘Unfortunately he has not responded to treatment, and his chances of receiving a matching donor liver are almost non-existent. Edmund left for the West Indies on Thursday. His brother doesn’t have much time, and he wanted to be with him until the end.’

Professor Lucas sipped his drink as Elizabeth sat in silent contemplation. Her heart ached at the thought of all the pain Edmund would experience when the time came. As a doctor, she had looked death in the face more times than she could count, but her experience had taught her that it was a completely different experience when forced to watch a loved and cherished family member slip away.

‘You can understand that I don’t want to cancel the seminar altogether,’ he continued at length, breaking her reverie. ‘The monthly departmental seminars are an institution at Memorial. In my twenty-five years, I can only recall one cancellation, and that was because the speaker, Dr Malone, went into premature labour the night before.’

Elizabeth nodded her head in understanding. The Departmental Seminar was an integral part of Memorial. It provided an opportunity for residents and registrars, clinicians and consultants, to intermingle, exchange ideas, and discuss possible promotions. More fellowships had been decided over the complimentary afternoon tea provided after the talk than via the more conventional interview process. It was rare for a resident to be invited to present, and she couldn’t help but feel a little flattered. Were it not for the tragic circumstances surrounding Dr Bertram, she would have been thrilled with the honour of being invited to present.

‘I haven’t even started back,’ she replied with a prudent hesitation quite unlike her. ‘I haven’t finished my residency. I would feel awkward speaking with all those seasoned professionals eyeing me.’

‘I know how modest you are, Elizabeth. I’m not going to be coy about it; I know the amazing extent of your capabilities, and that’s why you are the only resident that I would ever contemplate inviting to speak,’ Professor Lucas stated simply. ‘I have every faith in your ability to outperform any other speaker we have invited to present. It would be a fantastic opportunity to show your few remaining critics that you are not just an academic anomaly. Unless, of course, you really don’t feel you can handle it.’

Elizabeth’s eyes flashed. ‘I think that you’re deliberately trying to provoke me into presenting, Professor Lucas,’ she said, raising her brow as she crossed her arms and relaxed further into her chair. ‘And I think you know me well enough to realise that my courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me.’

‘Dr Bennet, I’m sure I have no idea what you are referring to.’

Elizabeth steadily fixed her gaze on Professor Lucas, as he met her gaze innocently. She sighed and rolled her eyes. ‘If I agreed, and I’m not saying I will, what would you like me to present?’

‘I want you to share your experiences in Africa with your colleagues.’ Professor Lucas replied, his lips twitching as he smothered his triumphant smile. ‘I think it would be extremely beneficial for the staff to learn more about the medical practices in Africa, and the quality of care provided by the relief organizations. I honestly believe that we can benefit from their on-field practices, particularly in our emergency department.’

Elizabeth chewed her lip as another consideration crossed her mind. Although more than a year had passed since she had left Memorial, the memory of her time spent there in the aftermath of Adam’s death was remarkably fresh in her mind. The discreet looks, the hushed whispers, it had all stemmed from crushing pity that, at the time, overwhelmed her. She was stronger now, but deep down she dreaded seeing that same pity etched on the face of her colleagues as she stood before them on the podium.

‘Elizabeth, you’ll do fine,’ Professor Lucas reassured her, misinterpreting the source of her evident reluctance. ‘Charlotte told me that you showed her a rather impressive slideshow of the hospitals you worked in and the people you met in Africa. She said it was inspiring. I believe your presentation may encourage other doctors to follow in your footsteps, and prompt them to share their skills with those less privileged.’

‘I’m sure it could, if they paid attention to my actual words and speculated less on the circumstances behind my trip,’ Elizabeth muttered, eyes downcast.

Professor Lucas was immediately enlightened as to the cause of her hesitation. ‘Elizabeth,’ he entreated. ‘Look at me.’

As she raised her eyes to meet his, he leaned forward and spoke with the authoritative firmness of Memorial’s chief of staff.

‘When I was younger, I was always getting into scrapes because of my impatience. I was the kind of child that had absolutely no concept of patience, the kind that needed instant gratification of all my desires. I guess you could say that I was a selfish boy.’

Elizabeth listened in silence as Professor Lucas continued.

‘My mother and father worked hard all their lives to make ends meet. I didn’t know it at the time, but my father was working two shifts at the local car manufacturer so that I could have the best of everything. When I was fourteen years old, a new craze swept through my school. I remember the first time I laid eyes on the Schwinn Varsity. She was the most beautiful bicycle a teenaged boy had ever seen; sleek, shiny and fast. All the boys were pestering their parents to get them one, and I decided that I would be the foremost amongst them to own that bike. I nagged and nagged, and after many months my parents finally folded. I got my bike, and it felt like I had died and gone to heaven.’

He smiled ruefully in remembrance.

‘That feeling didn’t last Elizabeth,’ he sighed, nodding sadly. ‘Within months, the Sea Monkey craze began, followed by the Ouija board craze, then the Lava lamp craze. My bike no longer gave me happiness, because there was always something else, something new, that I wanted. Do you understand what I’m saying?’

‘That you were spoilt? I thought that was a prerequisite for any neurologist,’ Elizabeth replied with unease. Her poorly attempted humour did not dissuade Professor Lucas.

‘What I am saying, Elizabeth, is that human beings get bored,’ he declared emphatically. ‘They are always searching for something new to keep them interested. Whether it’s materialistic or spiritual, it’s a never-ending search. Things that were hot today become stone cold over time. It’s the law of life.’

As she averted her eyes, Professor Lucas placed a kindly hand on her arm.

‘A year is a long time, and the Memorial grapevine moved on, Elizabeth. I’m sure Charlotte has already informed you of the latest news circulating about the staff. To my knowledge, nobody speaks of your circumstances any longer. You can either accept that and stand at the podium Monday week and show them exactly how strong Elizabeth Bennet is, or you can hide away. The fact that you’re here now, and not still in Africa, tells me that hiding time is over. So the question becomes: are you strong enough?’

The Professor’s reassuring words melted the remaining hesitation. She gave him a tight smile and nodded. ‘I’d love to share my experiences in Africa.’

Professor Lucas smiled in approval.

‘Excellent, excellent,’ he replied. ‘I knew I could count on you.’

Giving her arm one final squeeze, he rubbed his hands together in triumph.

‘The only reason I’m doing this is because I’m afraid that if you are forced to cancel the seminar for only the second time in history, the hospital might suddenly implode, or something’ she added with an impertinent toss of her head, raising her teacup to her lips.

Professor Lucas laughed, as Elizabeth finished off her tea. As she placed the cup onto the tray before her, Professor Lucas cleared his throat nervously.

‘Elizabeth, I did say motives, didn’t I? That’s plural. There is something else, of a rather sensitive nature, I needed to talk to you about.’

‘That sounds ominous,’ she replied worriedly. ‘It’s nothing serious, I hope?’

‘No, no,’ he reassured her hurriedly. ‘I’m sorry; I seem to be giving you the impression that my news is bad news. Hopefully, you’ll take what I’m going to tell you as quite the opposite.’

Elizabeth was intrigued. ‘I’m all ears, Prof.’

‘Do you remember, before you left last year, that there was some construction that had started in the east wing of the south building?’ he asked hesitantly.

She scratched the back of her neck, her eyes squinting as she searched her memory. She nodded in remembrance as the image of entered her mind.

‘The new operating theatres?’ she asked.

‘Yes, the new theatres,’ Professor Lucas nodded, pleased. ‘Construction was in the early stages when you left, so I’m glad that you remember.’

‘How could I not?’ Elizabeth’s eyes took on a faraway look, recalling the fragments of a long forgotten conversation. ‘I remember Adam was really looking forward to their completion. He very much wanted to be amongst the first surgeons scheduled to use the new facility.’

Professor Lucas smiled as he sighed softly.

‘Yes, well, Adam would have loved the new theatres,’ he stated matter-of-factly. ‘Actually, Elizabeth, that’s my second ‘motive’ for dragging you here.’

‘I don’t understand. What do the new theatres have to do with me?’ Elizabeth forehead creased in confusion.

‘I hope that this is something which brings you joy, Elizabeth,’ he began, bright eyes studying her face earnestly. ‘Although the theatres have been in use since January, only theatre South East one was named, in honour of our celebrated prize-winning Professor Emeritus William Boyle. Up until last week, theatre South East two was known as just that.’

He paused, as Elizabeth’s eyes slowly widened in dawning realisation.

‘Last week, the hospital board of directors decided to honour Adam’s memory by naming the theatre after him.’ Professor Lucas announced. ‘Tomorrow, a plaque will officially herald that theatre South East two shall forever more be known as the Adam Newgreen Memorial Theatre.’

The news touched Elizabeth deeply, rendering her speechless. It was the perfect answer to the pain that had gnawed at her on her first night back, when she had looked into the study and lamented the fact that a man of Adam’s calibre would, over the natural progression of time, become a forgotten memory. Her heart soared, for Professor Lucas had effectively ensured that Adam’s name and contribution to Memorial would live on forever.

‘I don’t know what to say. That’s wonderful news,’ she whispered, her heart too full for words. ‘Adam would have been honoured.’

‘He was a gifted surgeon, and we shouldn’t have lost him the way we did,’ Professor Lucas replied gently. ‘Although he never got to use the theatres, by naming the theatre after him, his name will remain on the lips of Memorial’s staff for generations to come. And that is something few doctors will ever achieve.’

‘Thank you, Prof. This is the best news you could have told me,’ she stated quietly. She sighed deeply. ‘Wow, I don’t know what else to say. This weekend has certainly proven to be full of unexpected surprises.’

‘How so?’ Professor Lucas probed.

‘Yesterday, my lawyer informed me that Adam left me an estate in excess of ten million dollars.’

Elizabeth delivered the news so calmly, and without fanfare, that it caught Professor Lucas unaware. He blinked rapidly, leaned back into his seat with a stunned expression fixed on his face, before emitting a long, low whistle.

‘Ten million dollars!’ he repeated incredulously. ‘That’s a hell of a lot of money Elizabeth!’

‘You’re telling me,’ she replied, shrugging her shoulders. ‘You should have seen my face when he first informed me. Although I was prepared for the fact that Adam had left me our home, some cash and stocks, I was stunned when I learned the full extent of the inheritance. I couldn’t speak for a full ten minutes afterwards.’

‘What are you planning to do?’ Professor Lucas asked, scratching his head in amazement.

‘I have absolutely no idea,’ she shrugged, running her hand through her hair. ‘What does one do with ten million dollars? I’m not the type of person that’s going to quit her job so that I can sail around the world whilst drinking martinis. I was never interested in becoming a doctor for the money.’

Professor Lucas nodded his head in understanding. Although the financial perks of a successful medical career was a strong incentive to many would-be doctors, he knew that Elizabeth was a different breed of doctor. From her very first days as an intern at Memorial, he had been impressed and pleased with her very human approach to practising medicine. She had an honest regard for her patients and their well being, taking time to listen to their fears as she spoke with them, and not at them. Her relationship with her patients was a mutually symbiotic one; she helped them physically, and they assisted her emotional maturation.

‘I’m thinking of establishing a surgical cardiothoracic fellowship at Memorial in Adam’s memory,’ Elizabeth declared suddenly.

Professor Lucas blinked.

‘That’s a very generous commitment,’ he observed, taken aback. ‘You really need to think it over for longer than five minutes before you take such a huge step.’

‘It’s one I can afford to make,’ she replied with a wry grin. ‘I may not know what else to do with my inheritance, but this fellowship is a start. The more I think about it, the more determined I’ll become to establish it.’

‘For what it’s worth, if you do decide on funding a fellowship, I don’t envision any opposition to such a plan from Memorial’s board of directors.’ Professor Lucas added. ‘How could they, when such a fellowship would allow us to attract the most promising junior cardiothoracic surgeons to Memorial?’

They sat quietly, each lost in thought. At the sound of a light cough, they both looked up to find Charlotte leaning against the door. In her hands were two plates of decadent mini pavlova.

‘I come bearing dessert on the condition that you have to let Elizabeth come out and play’ she whined childishly

Professor Lucas smiled, welcoming the opportunity to lighten the mood. Charlotte handed out the plates and sat down beside Elizabeth, yawning lazily as her father and friend spooned portions of the fluffy mounds into their eager mouths.

‘Mmmmm,’ Elizabeth murmured blissfully, eyes rolling heavenward. Turning to Charlotte, she frowned. ‘Aren’t you going to have some?’

‘As if Maria and I could have waited this long to attack those desserts,’ Charlotte snorted sarcastically. ‘You’ve been here for ages. You’re lucky we left you two any dessert at all.’

Professor Lucas responded with a grunt, as he attacked his dessert with relish. Charlotte’s presence reminded Elizabeth of the night of her arrival home, when they had talked whilst partaking from Lily’s delicious chocolate mousse. In turn, the topic of their conversation, Darcy Pharmaceuticals, came to mind. Elizabeth licked away the cream from her spoon and turned her gaze towards Professor Lucas.

‘Char tells me there is a new drug trial starting,’ she stated casually

Professor Lucas nodded absentmindedly as he fidgeted with his spoon.

‘Yes, a new trial of an ACE inhibitor that Darcy Pharmaceuticals has been developing for the past couple of years,’ he replied. Peering at her over his spoon, he raised one brow. ‘Are you interested in participating?’

‘Good God, no’ she exclaimed, a little too emphatically, shuddering at the prospect. ‘That’s definitely the last thing that I would want’

Professor Lucas gazed at her with heightened curiosity.

‘Why, you surprise me, Elizabeth. For an ambitious cardiology resident like yourself, that emphatic denial seems a little peculiar,’ he questioned probingly. ‘Experience in drug trailing would look good on any doctor’s curriculum vitae.’

Elizabeth curled her lip.

‘Believe me, Prof, if it was any other company other than Darcy Pharmaceuticals running the trial, I would be the first in line with my hand up,’ she stressed dryly.

At Professor Lucas’ puzzled expression, she explained the reasons behind the moral objections to Darcy Pharmaceuticals.

‘I’m personally not too thrilled about the trials myself, as I have no doubt Char has informed you,’ he sighed, casting a chastising look towards his increasingly uncomfortable daughter. ‘However, my objections are quite different to yours. I would have preferred a bit of time to study the parameters of such a trial, but my authority as chief of staff in this instance has been vetoed. Somehow, Darcy Pharmaceuticals has pushed their agenda through with alarming speed, no doubt wielding their considerable clout as a major shareholder at Memorial.’

‘I’ll admit I was quite shocked when Char told me that Darcy Pharmaceuticals had such a vested interest in Memorial,’ she replied openly.

Professor Lucas sighed deeply.

‘It’s never been an issue until now,’ he said. ‘However, despite my own personal reservations at the way in which the trial has been pushed forward, I have no other objections to the trial itself. In my position, where a considerable amount of our funding comes from Darcy Pharmaceuticals, I can’t afford to take the moral high ground. I must remain impartial in my management of Memorial. This trial could ultimately prove to be a good thing for the hospital.’

Elizabeth pondered his words carefully. Catching the warning in Charlotte’s eye, she resisted the temptation to argue her view further with Professor Lucas. She knew that his latter words held some truth in them, for if the trials were successful, Memorial would be amongst the first hospital in the world with access to the new drugs. It would certainly raise Memorial’s international standing, and attract more funding for Memorial’s clinical research teams.

‘So you expect the trail supervisor next week?’ Elizabeth asked, finishing off the last of her dessert.

‘He’s not due to start until then, but I expect a visit from him tomorrow. Apparently he is extremely eager to begin the trial.’ Professor Lucas replied putting his empty plate down.

‘I bet he is,’ she muttered. Sensing her disdain, he frowned slightly.

‘Elizabeth, I trust that you’ll be able to put aside your own personal feelings regarding Darcy Pharmaceuticals,’ Professor Lucas remarked with gravity, meeting her flashing eyes. ‘I know you have very passionate objections towards them, but the last thing we need is tension and infighting amongst the staff of our cardiology department, because it will affect the patients.’

Elizabeth sighed in resignation. ‘Prof, the well-being of our patients will always be my number one priority.’

‘Okay, that’s it, dessert’s finished.’ Charlotte declared joyfully, moving to gather the empty dishes with alacrity. ‘Is Lizzy free to go now?’

Professor Lucas chuckled at his daughters’ thinly veiled impatience.

‘Yes, yes, go,’ he replied, waving them away with his hand.

Charlotte gathered the cups and plates onto the tray and turned towards the kitchen. Elizabeth stood and made to follow her friend. As she reached the door of the sunroom, Professor Lucas called her name. Turning to face him, he smiled.

‘Welcome back, Elizabeth.’

Smiling back, she silently turned to follow her retreating friend. Professor Lucas sighed, sat back into his chair and closed his eyes, his face a picture of contentment.

Despite their individual expectations, Professor Lucas and William did not meet on Monday. In spite of being a seasoned traveller, the long trip from London had wreaked havoc with William’s body, triggering a severe bout of jet lag that kept him lethargic for the duration of the weekend. All thoughts of venturing out into the city, and organising a catch-up with Charles, flew out the window as fatigue and disorientation gripped him. By the time the symptoms had abated, reviving his concentration and motivation, it was too late to schedule a Monday meeting. It wasn’t until Tuesday afternoon that William was finally presented with the opportunity to meet Professor Lucas and inspect the Memorial’s facilities firsthand.

Purposely arriving early for the first critical examination of his new workplace, on first impressions alone, Melbourne Memorial Hospital failed to impress. Nestled by parklands, the hospital façade itself was unremarkably droll and dreary. It was only once William had passed through the automated doors that he found himself transported to back to a world that he loved. Walking briskly down the halls, he felt the buzzing energy filling the place course all over his body, igniting his very soul. His feet automatically dragged him towards the emergency department, the pulse of the hospital, taking in the soothing yellow walls that seemed to placate the throng of waiting patients lining up to see the triage nurse. Standing discreetly near the lifts that would take him to the tenth floor offices of the chief of staff, William watched the interaction between doctors and nurses at the central workstation with envious impatience. There was another, stronger feeling, deep within him, that infused his heart with warmth. Although Pemberley and London were thousands of miles away, he felt all the relief and tranquillity of a traveller approaching the end of his journey, drawing nearer to the familiarity of home. The old adage, ‘home is where the heart is’, had never rung more true for William. Straightening his tie, William entered the elevators, and minutes later her found himself sitting comfortably in Professor Lucas’s office.

Within minutes of their introduction, William was thankful for Richard’s insightful warnings regarding Professor Lucas. Despite his attempts to appear as accommodating and welcoming as possible, it was clear to William that the man was clearly less than enthusiastic about the arrangements that has been thrust upon him and his hospital. Since the moment he had sat down, William could feel the intensity of Professor Lucas’ gaze on his face. William sat back, his apprehension hidden behind an impenetrable mask of forced calm. As CEO of Darcy Pharmaceuticals, it had been an eternity since he had answered to a higher authority. William found it slightly unsettling to relinquish his control to a man who was essentially his employee.

‘You’re a medical doctor, not a pharmacologist’ Professor Lucas remarked matter-of-factly, studying the file that Darcy Pharmaceuticals had couriered from London with a critical eye.

William voiced his affirmation. ‘I completed my internship at St Mary’s and my residency at University College Hospital, London.’

‘As I can see,’ Professor Lucas remarked evenly.

William remained silent throughout the ensuing pause.

‘In my experience, it’s quite rare for physicians to turn to commercial research,’ Professor Lucas added at length, leaning back into his chair, stroking his chin with his hand.

‘Rare, but not unheard of,’ William replied smoothly. ‘We often see scientists turning towards new careers in medicine. I don’t see that there is anything unusual about the reverse situation.’

‘Science is fraught with failure, Dr Crady, as I am sure you know.’ Professor Lucas remarked. ‘The scientists that turn to medicine as a career do so for two main reasons. Firstly, because of the frustrations involved in research, and secondly, because they believe that all their effort could be better served towards helping people directly and achieving immediate results for their efforts. I am curious as to what fuelled your motivation to leave off practising medicine to embark on a career in research?’

William paused as he deliberated over his answer.

‘Darcy Pharmaceuticals had an opening which I literally could not refuse,’ he replied with hidden meaning. ‘Professor Lucas, although my commitments with Darcy Pharmaceuticals may have limited my practising of medicine in recent years, I have continued to study the latest medical literature, and I very much consider myself still a physician. Please remember that my employment here is not going to be limited to trial supervisor.’

‘Yes, well I must confess that I am surprised that Darcy Pharmaceuticals would think it necessary to send one of their own doctors to establish this particular clinical trial.’ Professor Lucas added. ‘Our hospital has successfully participated in a few trials, Dr Crady. We have never needed the presence of an out of hospital trial supervisor previously.’

‘I am sure this decision is not meant to be construed as Darcy Pharmaceuticals holding a negative view of the capabilities of Memorial’s staff,’ William replied briskly. ‘The company believes that the doctors on staff here at Memorial are more than competent.’

‘Dr Crady, with all due respect, your very presence indicates otherwise.’ Professor Lucas retorted, eyebrow raised challengingly.

‘Quite the contrary, Professor Lucas,’ William responded, stifling his rising indignation. ‘My presence here is a testament to Darcy Pharmaceutical’s commitment to the success of these particular trials by sending someone intimately familiar with the drug and the trial protocols. If the company had no faith in Memorial’s staff, I would be here for the entire duration of the trial, and not the six months I expect to be here.’

Professor Lucas tapped his fingers against the desk as he examined the cool demeanour of the man seated across from him.

‘Dr Crady, I have always been a stickler for honesty. It is a principle that is particularly indispensable in a doctor, because our positions are ultimately positions of trust. Without the trust of the patient, the doctor cannot connect with his patient. The best way to obtain this trust is to be as open and honest as possible. I am sure you concur.’

William cringed internally, his deception niggling at his conscience. Professor Lucas continued, obvious to his struggles.

‘I am uncomfortable with subterfuge, Dr Crady. Even though your employer owns a significant share in this hospital, I cannot pretend that I am enthusiastic with what they have thrust upon me.’ Professor Lucas leaned forward. ‘It can be no secret to you, that I am displeased with the way this trial has been initiated.’

‘I am fully aware of that, Professor.’ William replied coldly. ‘If only you were fully aware of whom you are talking to’ he added silently.

‘However, Dr Crady, I am neither resentful nor petty,’ Professor Lucas stressed. ‘I prefer to reserve my final judgement into this whole affair until after the trial has concluded.’

‘Professor, I don’t think you will have any cause for disappointment.’ William replied confidently. ‘Darcy Pharmaceuticals believes that the new ACE inhibitors will produce revolutionary results in the treatment of heart disease.’

‘And I am sure that you are in no way impartial’ Professor Lucas remarked dryly. ‘So, despite the fact you have not practised for the past three years, you wish to offer us your medical services?’

‘That is correct. As you see, I have kept up all my medical accreditations,’ William replied, nodding towards the file. ‘My residency was in cardiology, and as it will take a while before data from the trial filters in, I would like to take the opportunity to assist the cardiology department here at Memorial.’

Professor Lucas sat silently. As the pause lingered, William’s heart pounded lightly at the prospect that he would be denied the one thing that he had orchestrated the entire trial for.

‘I don’t envision having any trouble placing you on our rounds, Dr Crady.’ Professor Lucas replied finally. ‘You’ve graduated from an extremely prestigious medical college, and your paperwork seems to be in order. Like most hospitals in Australia, we suffer from a shortage of doctors. No doubt we could use your services in our emergency department.’

‘I passed by the ER on my way up. It certainly seemed busy,’ William conceded.

‘Yes, well, you begin next Monday.’ Professor Lucas announced brusquely. ‘I invite you to attend the Memorial Departmental Seminar that afternoon, and I will take the opportunity to introduce you to your new colleagues. I strongly suggest you come in a gregarious mood, Dr Crady. The success of your trial depends on your ability to liase with the other doctors. You will, after all, be acting upon their recommendation of suitable candidates. The Departmental seminar is the best place to begin your networking.’

‘I am fully aware of the importance of teamwork, and I am looking forward to the opportunity,’ William replied firmly.

‘Until then, I’ve organised a lunch meeting with Dr Wentworth, the Head of Cardiology, for this coming Friday. Dr Wentworth will need to be kept informed of all the procedures, protocols and parameters you intend to implement for the trial. I hope that is convenient for you.’

To William, Professor Lucas’ words were more of a statement than a question.

‘I have no fixed engagements, Professor Lucas,’ he replied easily.

‘Excellent.’ Standing, he stretched out his hand and pumped William’s with authoritative firmness. ‘My secretary, Mandy, will give you the particulars for Friday. You will have to forgive me, but I have an important phone call that I cannot delay. Good afternoon, Dr Crady.’

With those parting words, William was ushered into the foyer office of Professor Lucas’ secretary. Mandy reached for Professor Lucas’ schedule.

‘Dr Crady, Professor Lucas has organised for Dr Wentworth to give you a tour of the cardiology and emergency department at midday, followed by lunch at one,’ she began, smiling brightly. ‘Due to a departmental meeting later in the afternoon, Professor Lucas will be unable to leave the hospital and has arranged for the lunch to be in Memorial’s cafeteria, Meryton’s. I hope you find everything up to your expectations.’

William replied in the affirmative, as he expertly entered the details of his lunchtime appointment into his PDA. As he exited the Professor’s suite, he gallantly held the door open for the short nurse bounding energetically towards the office, accepting her thank you with a charming smile. Within seconds, he stepped into the elevator and disappeared behind the closing doors, sighing in satisfaction.

‘Mandy, who the hell was that?’ Charlotte demanded. She sighed appreciatively, releasing the breath she had inadvertently held on to as she had watched the handsome stranger disappear into the elevator.

‘That was Dr William Crady, here to see your father,’ Mandy sighed, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. ‘He’s gorgeous, isn’t he? No wedding band, either.’

‘You sneaky thing!’ Charlotte exclaimed. ‘I’m surprised you made a point of checking out his ring finger. I wonder what Paul would think about that?’

‘Charlotte, I’m married, not dead. Checking the ring finger of a gorgeous guy is an involuntary reflex, and it doesn’t just disappear once you’re married.’ Mandy sighed, shaking her head in exasperation. ‘And surely you wouldn’t begrudge me my share of the eye candy?’

‘Eye candy is an understatement,’ Charlotte replied dreamily. ‘What did he want with my father?’

‘Evidently, Dr Crady is the supervisor that Darcy Pharmaceuticals has sent over from England for the new clinical trials.’

‘That’s the new trial supervisor?’ Charlotte repeated, incredulously.

‘Yes. Exactly what were you expecting?’ Mandy asked, eyebrow raised in curiosity.

‘Whatever I was expecting, it wasn’t that.’ Charlotte replied. ‘But now that I’ve seen our newest member of staff, I think we can honestly expect pandemonium.’

Charlotte could guess at the interest that Dr Crady would generate once the nurses caught a glimpse of him. She doubted that any of the female staff would be immune to his physical charms. ‘With the exception of Lizzy, of course,’ she mused, silently. Adam aside, she didn’t think that anything could tempt her into dropping her animosity towards Darcy Pharmaceuticals and its employees.

As Elizabeth strode into the cafeteria, she sighed in happy exhaustion. She could scarcely believe that it was already Friday, that the week was drawing to a close. Prior to her trip to Africa, she would have thought the week had been an incredibly busy one. With her new knowledge, Elizabeth had a greater appreciative of everything that had previously annoyed her at Memorial. The number of patients she had examined since starting on Monday was a mere drop in the ocean compared to the staggering number she saw daily in Kenya. She couldn’t help feeling guilty with each expensive diagnostic test that she had ordered, or every expensive procedure she had performed, remembering the days when gauze and syringes were considered a precious resource. As the week wore on, the guilt had slowly disappeared, replaced with a deep sense of gratitude. It was wonderful to know that her ability to help people was not held back by a lack of resources.

Equal important to Elizabeth, the staff had enthusiastically welcomed her back with little fanfare. Professor Lucas had been right; the sympathetic looks and hushed whispers that had driven her crazy had finally disappeared, directed towards another. Elizabeth privately sympathized with Marianne, the new source of their whispers. The break-up of any relationship was hard in any circumstance, but to have the unfaithful partner working alongside you every day was another matter all together. She was in awe of the strength the young nurse displayed in the face of Dr Willoughby’s presence, knowing she could never approach the same situation with Marianne’s dignity.

Scanning the cafeteria, she found Charlotte and a few of the nurses huddled closely together around one of the tables. Elizabeth smiled to herself. Since her internship, she had enjoyed the lunchtime company of Charlotte and her friends whenever her shifts allowed. Closer to her in age than her fellow residents, Elizabeth felt at ease in their company. Lining up patiently, she ordered her salad sandwich, and made her way over to her friends. They hardly acknowledged her arrival, and sat whispering furiously as they directed their gaze towards the other end of Meryton’s.

‘What are we all watching?’ Elizabeth mused loudly.

‘Lizzy!’ The nurses collectively offered her a belated welcome, and promptly directed their gazes back to the object in question.

‘English muffin at ten o’clock,’ murmured Melissa, dreamily. ‘Sitting with Dr Wentworth and Professor Lucas.’

‘Forget McDreamy and McSteamy, I’ll have that English McMuffin to go, any day,’ concurred Sophie, with a deep sigh.

Elizabeth peered towards the table where Professor Lucas and Dr Wentworth sat, eating lunch. They were talking animatedly with another man, holding a folder of papers. With his back towards her, she couldn’t make out any thing beyond the dark brown hair that kissed the nape of his neck. She shrugged, and unwrapped her salad sandwich.

‘Have you heard him speak?’ Marianne whispered. ‘God, his voice is like warm molten chocolate. I would love to hear a sonnet roll of his tongue, with that gorgeous accent.’

Elizabeth smiled into her sandwich. Marianne was an incurable romantic, with an unhealthy addiction to Shakespeare.

‘Well, he can take my vitals any day,’ replied Melissa, with a wicked grin. ‘Or any night.’

All four nurses sighed in unison.

‘Who exactly are you girls all fawning over?’ Elizabeth asked.

‘Where have you been?’ Charlotte responded incredulously. ‘You missed the new resident cardiologist touring the department.’

‘I was in the ER all morning, working’ she replied, defensively. ‘What’s this about a new cardiologist? Who is he?’

‘Dr William Crady,’ sighed Sophie and Melissa in unison. ‘Charlotte told us he was hot, but if he was any hotter, he’d be steaming!’

Elizabeth cast a reproachful glance at her friend.

‘Char, I live with you and you never told me anything about a new cardiologist,’ Elizabeth replied, rolling her eyes.

‘I haven’t seen you since Tuesday, Lizzy,’ Charlotte responded, exasperated. ‘You worked the night shift the past three days, so was I supposed to send you telepathic messages?’

‘Oh, look, they’re getting up. Lizzy, quick, take a look!’ Marianne whispered excitedly.

Elizabeth drew her eyes towards the table in interest. She wondered why Professor Lucas had not informed her during last Sunday’s tête-à-tête that a new doctor would be joining her department. She watched as the man in question rose gracefully to shake the hands offered by Professor Lucas and Dr Wentworth. As he turned around to prop his briefcase on a neighbouring table, in order to place his papers, her eyes widened in surprise.

‘I don’t believe it’ she breathed in shock.

‘We told you!’ Sophie grinned. Gazing at her watch, her face fell. ‘I’d love to stay and get your feedback, but Dr Tilney will kill us if we’re late. They don’t call him the General for nothing.’

As Sophie, Melissa and Marianne begrudgingly headed to their wards, Elizabeth sat motionless, watching the new doctor head out the cafeteria, leaving flustered doctors, nurses and patients in his wake.

‘You don’t believe what, Lizzy?’ Charlotte pressed, as she watched the colour drain out of Elizabeth’s face.

‘Char, who did you say he was?’ she asked, turning her gaze to her friend.

‘Dr William Crady,’ Charlotte replied, puzzled.

‘From England?’ Elizabeth probed.

‘Yes, I believe so.’ Charlotte responded. ‘Elizabeth, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.’

Elizabeth sighed, appetite forgotten as she rubbed her temples.

‘Remember the jerk from my flight last week?’ Elizabeth groaned.

Charlotte’s eyes widened as realisation dawned.

‘No! Are you serious?’

Elizabeth threw her friend a withering look. Charlotte covered her mouth as she recalled her conversation with Mandy on Tuesday.

‘You’re right, Lizzy’ she returned apologetically. ‘Mandy told me that he has been sent by Darcy Pharmaceuticals to establish the new clinical trials for the heart drug. I guess it makes sense they would send a cardiologist.’

‘That’s just damn wonderful,’ Elizabeth muttered angrily. ‘I’m going to have to work alongside that jerk? How long is he here for?’

‘Six months,’ Charlotte responded sympathetically. ‘Dad’s planning to introduce him to the faculty after your talk at the Departmental Seminar.’

Elizabeth furrowed her brow. The mere memory of his words infuriated her, and she could imagine the smug expression that would spread across his features once he discovered that she, inadvertently, was also an employee of Darcy Pharmaceuticals. Unless….

Elizabeth smiled suddenly, the turn in her countenance stunning Charlotte.

‘Lizzy,’ she wheedled purposefully. ‘What are you thinking?’

‘Nothing,’ she replied innocently. She stood quickly, brushing down her shirt. ‘I need to get my presentation organised. I’ll see you later.’

Charlotte watched as Elizabeth walked briskly out of the cafeteria, a deep sense of dread settling in the pit of her stomach.

Chapter Eight: Departmental Seminar

Posted on Tuesday, 17 April 2007

Elizabeth tiptoed quietly through the silent house, guided solely by the light of the breaking dawn. Passing the family room on her way through to the kitchen, she was suddenly startled by the sound of her name being uttered softly in the darkness.

‘Elizabeth!’

She jumped visibly, her hand automatically rising to her chest as she eyed the reclining shadow on the plush chaise reproachfully.

‘It’s lucky that you’re a cardiologist, because you almost gave me a heart attack,’ she scolded, breathing deeply in an attempt to calm her nerves. ‘Adam, what are you doing?’

Her husband arose from his position, and shuffled towards her, arms outstretched and hair adorably tousled. Elizabeth melted into his embrace, the warmth of his body seeping into her chilled form. She rested her head against his neck, feeling the tremors of his steady heart as he breathed in the scent of her hair.

‘I missed you,’ he whispered affectionately, pressing his lips onto her forehead. ‘I can’t sleep without you by my side.’

Elizabeth looked up with raised brow, meeting his tender gaze.

‘And yet you managed quite well without me for the first thirty-five years of your life,’ she teased, running a hand through his tousled head.

‘Darling, before you came into my life I wasn’t living,’ he murmured, tightening his arms around her waist. ‘I was merely existing. My life began the day I met you.’

Deeply touched by his sentimentality, Elizabeth smiled as she gently caressed his cheek with the palm of her hand.

‘Adam, you can’t do this every time I’m scheduled for the night shift,’ she insisted softly.

‘Do what, sweetheart?’ Adam replied absentmindedly, twirling one of Elizabeth’s curls around his forefinger.

‘Worry about me.’ Elizabeth replied gently.

‘It’s a husband’s right to worry about the woman he loves,’ he replied indignantly, hugging her possessively. ‘There are a lot of thugs and louts roaming the streets at night, getting into all sorts of trouble. A gorgeous woman like you could easily become a target of harassment. How could I not worry?’

‘Not to this excess, darling,’ Elizabeth whispered into his neck

‘I can’t help it,’ Adam replied, burying his head into her curls. ‘I’ve never experienced the type of happiness I have found with you, and if I live to be one hundred, I could never find anyone who makes me feel the way I feel when I’m with you. I can’t bear the thought of ever losing you, Elizabeth.’

Elizabeth raised her head and gently lifted Adam’s chin with her hand. She gazed deeply into his eyes, taking in the raw vulnerability she saw within.

‘Sweetheart, stop being morbid. You’re not going to lose me,’ she reassured with gentle firmness, moving to lock her hands behind his neck. ‘You’re a surgeon who has become too accustomed to a daytime schedule, and just forgotten how crazy residents hours are.’

‘I wouldn’t mind having more surgery scheduled at night, if it meant I could steal a few of these,’ Adam replied softly, kissing her gently.

‘A happy thought indeed,’ Elizabeth replied after a delicious silence, her lips tingling. ‘But until the day that happens, I want you to relax a bit. These crazy hours will pass soon enough, I promise you. You’ll see enough of me here and at the hospital that you’ll soon get sick and tired at the sight of me.’

‘I will never get tired of you,’ Adam growled deeply, swinging her effortlessly into his arms. ‘I’ll be ninety years old, immobile, incontinent, bald and toothless, and I will still love and want you as much as I do now.’

‘Is that a promise?’ Elizabeth whispered, as her husband carried her slowly towards their bedroom.

His dark blue eyes gazed solemnly into hers, windows of tenderness.

‘I promise.’

The sound of approaching footsteps resonating on the polished floors shattered the silence, startling Elizabeth out of her reverie. She sat up straight, furtively brushing away her tears as she hastily gathered her patient files and organised them into a neat pile. She tucked an errant curl behind her ear and opened the top most files, making a concerted effort to appear busy. As the footsteps halted before her, she nonchalantly gazed up into the kindly face of one of the security staff. He flashed her a smile, and crossed his arms across his chest.

‘Still on duty Dr Bennet?’ he inquired, relishing the opportunity for conversation.

Elizabeth smiled with forced cheerfulness.

‘Thirty more minutes before my shift officially ends, Stuart,’ she sighed. Holding up the stack of files, she grimaced. ‘Just catching up on some light reading.’

Stuart nodded in acknowledgement, digging his hand into his pocket to produce a packet of mints. Popping one into his mouth, he offered the packet to Elizabeth, who politely refused. He shifted his weight from foot to foot, looking around the deserted hallway.

‘You’ve chosen a pretty good place for that,’ he remarked, chewing slowly. ‘It looks pretty comfortable for a waiting area. Padded seats too.’

Elizabeth nodded absentmindedly. ‘Given the amount of time anxious family members will wait here while their loved ones are in surgery, the last thing they need is to be confined to those horrid plastic chairs.’

‘Well, it’s a pretty smart idea to make use of this waiting area.’ Stuart gazed at the sealed double doors leading to the surgical theatres. ‘You’re unlikely to be disturbed here. Unless they start scheduling more night time surgeries.’

Elizabeth’s head turned sharply towards him, eyes widening briefly before they glazed over with indescribable emotion. ‘A happy thought indeed,’ she whispered inaudibly, touching her lips with her fingertips.

The guard fixed his gaze at the shiny silver plaque fixed above the sealed doors.

‘They finally named it,’ he remarked at length, nodding his head towards the plaque.

Elizabeth blinked, and raised her eyes to gaze fixedly at the object in question. Her reply was soft, touched with melancholy. ‘Yes, they did.’

‘Adam Newgreen Memorial Theatre,’ he read the inscription aloud. ‘Adam Newgreen. I’ve only been here six months, so the name doesn’t ring a bell. Who was he?’

‘One of Memorial’s best cardiothoracic surgeons,’ she replied quietly

‘And for us without a medical degree, that would be…?’ Stuart prompted.

‘A heart doctor.’

‘Ah,’ he replied, with dawning realisation. ‘And what’s your specialty, Dr Bennet?’

Elizabeth tore her gaze away from the plaque and started fidgeting with her files, her answer curt, dismissive. ‘The same.’

She was saved from further questioning by the static cackle emitted from Stuart’s radio. Grasping the device, he exchanged a few words with the voice on the other side. Hooking the radio into his belt, he turned to Elizabeth with an apologetic smile.

‘Duty calls,’ he announced, dryly. ‘I’ll leave you to finish your reading, Dr Bennet. Have a good night, or what remains of it.’

With a slight nod of his head, he turned on his heel and strode quickly down the corridor.

Elizabeth watched the retreating figure disappear around the corner, and leaned back into her chair. She sighed deeply, rubbing her eyes tiredly before fixing them one more to the plaque that bore her husbands name. When Professor Lucas had first informed her of the hospital’s decision to create the Adam Newgreen Memorial Theatre, she had not envisioned that the small waiting area overlooking the surgical theatre would become an unlikely place of solace for her. She was inexplicably drawn there, more so during the night shifts when there was little chance of being seen or disturbed. With the exception of the staff changing room, where they had shared neighbouring lockers and secret kisses, she felt closer to Adam at this place than any other section of the hospital. She couldn’t explain why, for he had never worked there, but sitting quietly before the theatre, gazing at Adam’s beloved name, she allowed herself to be swept away by memories tinged with equal portions of joy and pain.

As her beeper bleeped loudly, Elizabeth sighed. Casting a cursory glance at the screen, she gathered up her files hastily. With one last longing look at her husband’s name, she quickly retreated down the hall.

The light of the dawning sun was streaked across the night sky, producing a cornucopia of warm colours that belied the frigidity of the morning. Elizabeth yawned sleepily as she quietly opened the front door to her home. Kicking off her shoes with a relieved sigh, she welcomed the warmth and the softness of the plush woollen pile under her toes. The smell of freshly brewed coffee assaulted her senses, and placing her satchel onto the glass sideboard, she moved towards the kitchen with curiousity. Charlotte sat serenely at the kitchen bench, flicking through a magazine as she nestled her coffee mug in her hand. She looked up expectantly as Elizabeth entered, registering the surprise on her friends’ face.

‘Hey, Char,’ Elizabeth greeted her, eyebrow raised questioningly. ‘What are you doing up?’

‘Isn’t it obvious?’ Charlotte replied pertly, holding up her mug.

‘Please, Char, no games,’ Elizabeth replied, as she stifled a deep yawn. ‘I don’t have the brainpower at six in the morning, especially not after a horrendous twenty hour shift. I’m exhausted.’

Charlotte clucked sympathetically. ‘Do you want me to pour you a cup of coffee?’

Elizabeth shook her head emphatically.

‘I’m dead tired and you want to give me coffee?’ she replied reproachfully. ‘The only thing I need is a pillow. I’m so tired I could probably sleep right here on the kitchen floor.’

‘You poor thing!’ Charlotte said soothingly. ‘Tough night?’

‘Just the usual Sunday night workload in the ER,’ Elizabeth mumbled sarcastically, opening the refrigerator and taking out a bottle of juice. ‘You know, a stabbed gang member, a drunk driver who wrapped his car around a pole, a heroin overdose. Oh, and the burns patient who fell asleep while smoking. That was in addition to the normal patients who had to wait while we dealt with the aforementioned idiots.’

Charlotte chuckled as Elizabeth shook her head in disgust.

‘It was nice of you to take Dr Ferrars’ shift on such short notice, in addition to your own earlier in the afternoon.’ Charlotte swirled the contents of her mug mindlessly.

‘Well, it’s not like I had plans for the night, and he was rather desperate,’ Elizabeth replied, sipping her juice.

Charlotte’s ears pricked up. ‘Desperate?’

‘He’s going through a hard time with his fiancée Lucy,’ Elizabeth replied indifferently, rubbing her eyes tiredly. ‘I understand she issued him with an ultimatum regarding last nights’ shift.’

Charlotte’s eyes shone with curiosity. ‘What kind of ultimatum?’

Elizabeth rolled her eyes at her friend’s blatant nosiness. ‘Charlotte, in the words of the Kenyan elders: the news you are willing to pay money for today, you can obtain for free tomorrow. Would it kill you not to know right now?’

‘Hey, killjoy, we’re not in Kenya. Spill it!’ Charlotte pouted petulantly.

‘According to Edward, Lucy is a little upset that his family hasn’t warmed toward her yet,’ Elizabeth explained, smothering a smile as Charlotte crestfallen expression instantly transformed to rapturous expectation. ‘She heard, from mutual friends, that his sister and brother-in-law were planning to attend ‘Miss Saigon’ last night, and so she purchased tickets for the same session, hoping to accidentally ‘bump’ into them. Unfortunately, she didn’t bother to check whether Edward was free for the night, and was furious when he told her he couldn’t go. To cut a long story short, she told him that the future of their relationship hinged on his availability last night.’

‘And so he caved,’ Charlotte remarked, with a shake of her head. ‘Why would Lucy marry a doctor if she doesn’t like the fact Edward’s bound to work long hours?’

Elizabeth shrugged dismissively.

‘In some ways I feel sorry for Lucy,’ Charlotte mused. ‘I’ve heard that her future sister-in-law is a real piece of work! Marianne can’t stand her!’

‘Marianne?’ Elizabeth’s brow was creased in confusion. ‘How would Marianne even know Edward’s sister?’

‘Don’t you know?’ Charlotte exclaimed. ‘Edward’s bitchy sister Fiona is married to Marianne’s brother James.’

‘I never knew that,’ Elizabeth replied, surprised.

‘Well, its not exactly something that Marianne discusses at work, because she doesn’t want it to get back to Edward, but she doesn’t think too highly of her brother or his pretentious wife,’ Charlotte elaborated. After a moments pause, her face softened. ‘Poor Edward. He really is a sweet guy.’

Elizabeth’s eyebrow shot upwards. Charlotte laughed as she caught the inquiring look on her face.

‘No, Lizzy, even if Edward wasn’t engaged, he’s just not my type. Too introverted for my liking,’ she remarked reflectively. ‘My men need to be a little more outgoing.’

‘Like your new mystery man?’ Elizabeth asked stealthily.

Charlotte smiled cheekily at her friend.

‘Time will tell, Lizzy,’ was her cryptic reply. ‘As for Edward, he needs someone as quiet and introverted as himself, otherwise he’ll be a henpecked husband throughout his married life.’

‘Exactly how did we get onto the topic of Edward Ferrars’ love life?’ Elizabeth sighed. ‘And you still haven’t answered my question. What are you doing up so early? I usually have to use a crowbar to prise you out of bed when you aren’t rostered for the morning shift.’

Charlotte drained her mug before meeting Elizabeth’s gaze.

‘I’m rostered on this morning.’ she replied casually.

‘Since when?’ Elizabeth retorted, leaning against the bench top. ‘I distinctly remember you telling me that you are rostered on for this afternoon.’

‘If you must know, I swapped shifts with Melissa.’ Charlotte replied, calmly.

Elizabeth eyed her friend suspiciously.

‘Whatever for?’

Charlotte threw Elizabeth a quick look, before rising off her stool and ambling to the sink.

‘Two reasons really.’ Charlotte painstakingly rinsed her cup, eyes lowered. ‘Dr Crady is starting work today.’

Elizabeth snorted in response. ‘And you want to be amongst the adoring masses as they pay homage to their precious McCrumpet?’

‘It’s McMuffin.’

‘Whatever! What’s the second reason?’

Charlotte smiled to herself before schooling her features into one of calm nonchalance.

‘I want to make sure I can attend the seminar.’

‘You’ve been at Memorial for years and not once have you shown any interest in attending the Seminar previously,’ Elizabeth replied, eyes narrowed.

‘Well, that’s because my best friend has never been invited to be the speaker,’ she returned reasonably.

‘And?’ Elizabeth prompted, brow arched.

Charlotte spun around to face her, arms defensively crossed across her chest.

‘And if you think that I’m going to miss out on whatever it is you have planned for that seminar of yours then you obviously know nothing about me,’ she added.

Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders, as she turned away from her friend’s piercing gaze. ‘I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about!’

‘Oh really?’ Charlotte retorted, challengingly. ‘I didn’t miss that look in your eye at lunch on Friday. You’ve been so secretive about the details of your presentation. You’ve got something planned.’

‘Of course I have something planned! It’s called a presentation, Char.’ Elizabeth rolled her eyes.

‘Don’t play innocent with me, Elizabeth Bennet!’ Charlotte waved her finger scoldingly towards her friend. ‘I’m talking about Dr Crady.’

‘Funny, I thought you were talking about my presentation.’ Elizabeth quipped.

Charlotte rolled her eyes in frustration. ‘You know what I mean.’

The two women locked gazes. Elizabeth sighed deeply, dropping her head tiredly.

‘Were you, or were you not in the room when your father warned me about the importance of keeping the peace amongst staff members at Memorial?’ Elizabeth tilted her head questioningly.

‘I was,’ Charlotte admitted. ‘But I also know you well enough to know you have something up your sleeve. I’m not going to miss the show.’

Elizabeth shook her head slowly, smiling slightly to herself as she ran her hands through her curly hair. Charlotte grinned triumphantly.

‘There! I knew it!’

‘You are far too stubborn for your own good,’ Elizabeth replied, yawning sleepily.

‘Just promise me you’re not going to do anything stupid, like get yourself fired for slandering Darcy Pharmaceuticals.’ Charlotte entreated.

‘Char, I can faithfully promise you that the words ‘Darcy Pharmaceuticals’ won’t even pass my lips.’ Elizabeth pointedly ignored Charlotte’s expression of incredulousness. ‘You had better get dressed if you want to get to Memorial before the peak hour. I’m going off to bed.’

Elizabeth placed her glass in the sink and moved towards the hallway, rubbing her neck as she did so. Charlotte’s voice arrested her movement.

‘Jane called here last night.’

Elizabeth spun round, instantly concerned.

‘Jane? Is she alright? There’s nothing wrong….’ Elizabeth bombarded Charlotte.

‘Steady pardner!’ Charlotte laughed, standing back with her hands placed defensively before her. ‘Knowing how much you worry, she made a point of telling me to tell you that everything is fine, both in Perth and at Longbourne. No need to panic.’

Elizabeth relaxed visibly. ‘So did she tell you what she wanted?’

‘Since when did I become your secretary?’ Charlotte snorted. ‘She just asked me to get you to call her back.’

Elizabeth turned towards her room, examining her watch as she did so. ‘It’s too early in Perth. I’ll call her after the seminar. Later, Char.’

Charlotte watched her friend as she disappeared into her room. She sighed deeply before a quick glance at the clock sent her scurrying for the shower.

William could barely contain his excitement. It had been years since he had experienced anything akin to the feelings of exhilaration and anticipation that the coming day promised him. The impossible dream was finally becoming a reality, and the three years spent begrudgingly as Darcy Pharmaceuticals’ CEO melted away. He had spent the night in a state of restlessness, his over stimulated mind keeping him wide-eyed for the majority of the night. Even so, he had no trouble arising early at the break of dawn, showering quickly before spending half an hour agonising over which suit to wear on his first day. Chewing his lip, he decided against his obscenely expensive Armani suits, settling for a charcoal Hugo Boss with simple black and grey silk tie. He stood admiring his impeccable reflection, fiddling with his tie until the phone rang heralding the arrival of the chauffeur.

He arrived at Memorial an hour early for his scheduled meeting and orientation with Dr Wentworth, and took the opportunity to purchase a steaming cup of coffee and morning paper from Meryton’s. Sitting down in the café, oblivious to the pointed stares of a few of the nurses seated at the table opposite him, he turned to the business section as he sipped his coffee. Ten minutes passed before his solitude was disturbed.

‘I see great minds think alike, Dr Crady.’

William looked up into the smiling visage of Dr Wentworth, as he towered above him, carrying a coffee and newspaper. Arising to shake his hand, he instantly invited his departmental head to share his table. Accepting his offer, Dr Wentworth settled himself opposite William, oblivious to the frustrated groans of the nurses in response to the change in view.

‘You’re rather early for our meeting this morning, Dr Crady.’ Dr Wentworth observed, pouring sugar into his coffee.

‘Please, call me William,’ William replied smoothly. ‘I must admit that’s the effect of being rather excited by the prospect of starting a new job in a new country.’

‘A month of gruelling shifts will cure you of future eagerness, I assure you’ Dr Wentworth replied, his faint smile softening the seriousness of his words. ‘And it’s Fred, or Rick, whichever you prefer.’

William nodded in understanding. He knew the hours of a resident were less than glamorous; rather, they were downright scary. He had once worked a twenty-eight hour shift with nothing more than a muesli bar and seven cups of coffee constituting his breakfast, lunch and dinner.

‘I’ve heard that the ethics approval for your trial may come in as early as next month,’ Dr Wentworth stated, leaning back easily. ‘I guess a large company like Darcy Pharmaceuticals can afford to throw around a bit of cash to fast-track their applications.’

William frowned slightly. ‘The company is very eager to begin the clinical trials.’

‘Evidently,’ Dr Wentworth replied, fixing his gaze upon William briefly before shifting his eyes back to his coffee cup. ‘Well, in the meantime, we’ll certainly keep you busy.’

‘Given it’s my first day, what can I realistically expect today?’ William inquired.

‘The usual for any new resident,’ Dr Wentworth replied, sipping his beverage carefully. ‘All your paperwork is in order, so you’ll be issued with a beeper and a locker. I’ve assigned Dr Edward Ferrars the task of showing you our procedures and introducing you to some of the staff. I understand Professor Lucas is planning on introducing you to the rest of the department after the seminar. Dr Bennet is presenting, so we expect a full house.’

Dr Wentworth cast a quick glance at William’s suit.

‘You’ll notice that our doctors find they are tremendously more comfortable being less formally dressed,’ he continued, gesturing towards his own dress pants and simple white shirt for emphasis. ‘I’m sure that you will find that ties are quite dispensable in our profession.’

Despite his ability to school his features into a mask of imperturbable calm, Dr Wentworth caught the brief expression of indignation that crossed William’s face.

‘William, unlike many countries, we don’t stand upon ceremony here. Dr Ferrars will fill you in, no doubt. We don’t even wear white coats!’ Dr Wentworth chuckled at William’s open incredulousness. A wide smile graced his features as he caught sight of the young man approaching William’s chair.

‘Edward!’ Dr Wentworth called in greeting. ‘Speak of the devil. You remember William don’t you?’

Edward shook William’s hand, smiling with ease and friendliness.

‘Of course, we met on Friday,’ he replied, sitting down. ‘Rick informs me that I’ll be showing you the ropes today.’

‘How was the theatre?’ Dr Wentworth inquired, sipping his coffee.

‘Don’t ask. Does the word disaster mean anything to you?’ Edward shook his head with a sigh. Turning to William he smiled apologetically. ‘Women!’

William nodded with instant understanding as he finished off his coffee.

‘Edward, I’m going to leave William to your capable hands this morning,’ Dr Wentworth announced upon spying a short, yet slender woman entering the cafeteria. ‘If you have any problems, William, don’t hesitate in coming to see me.’

With a quick wave, he rushed off toward the cafeteria entrance. Both men rolled their eyes as he stooped down to embrace the woman with obvious ardour.

William folded his paper and turned to Dr Ferrars. ‘I’m ready when you are.’

‘I’ll grab a coffee to go, then we can get on our way,’ Edward replied, quickly heading towards the growing line waiting for the barista.

Ten minutes later, as they stood awaiting the elevator, they were startled by a breathless voice shouting desperately across the silent corridor.

‘Hold the lift!’

Within seconds, a young woman joined them, face flushed from exertion as she clutched her side and panted laboriously.

‘Charlotte, early as usual, I see,’ Edward deadpanned, as she began rifling through her large bag.

Charlotte cast him a quick scowl before continuing her search. ‘You should really go sign up to perform in the Melbourne Comedy Festival. I hear their looking for someone to make all the other comedians look good. Where the hell did I put my keys?’

‘You probably locked them in the car,’ Edward replied, his prediction proving unfounded seconds later as Charlotte drew out a large key ring with a triumphant smile. ‘Umm, Charlotte, have you been introduced to Dr Crady?’

Looking up suddenly towards Edward’s hitherto unnoticed companion, Charlotte was arrested by the sight of the best specimen of manliness she had ever witnessed. ‘Damn it if the McMuffin isn’t more beautiful up close,’ she mused. She averted her eyes before her staring became apparent. ‘No, Edward. I haven’t.’

‘William, Charlotte is one of our best nurses here at Memorial.’ Edward stated admiringly, as Charlotte blushed with pleasure at the compliment. ‘I’d try and stay on her good side if I was you.’

‘That’s a double-sided compliment if ever I heard one,’ Charlotte frowned, casting a quick glance towards William. ‘Welcome to Memorial, Dr Crady. Hopefully you enjoy your time here in Australia.’

William nodded briefly in acknowledgment. ‘Thank you.’

‘Did Liz get home okay?’ Edward turned to Charlotte.

Charlotte nodded her head distractedly, glancing surreptiously at William. He seemed less gallant than the last time she had encountered him, when he had smiled so charmingly outside her father’s office. ‘Lizzy was absolutely exhausted. What were you thinking asking her to take your shift? You know she’s too soft hearted to say no.’

As Edward hung his head, William raised his eyebrow at what he perceived to be unacceptable impertinence. Best nurse or not, he knew he would never tolerate similar attitude from any of his subordinates.

‘I feel horrible, but nobody else was available at such short notice,’ Edward responded repentantly.

‘Well, hopefully she wakes up in time for the seminar,’ Charlotte replied. ‘She was dead to the world by the time I left the house.’

‘Liz is the most reliable person I know. She understands we’re all counting on her being here,’ Edward added warmly. Turning to William he elaborated further. ‘Dr Bennet is presenting at the seminar today. It should be packed.’

‘Dr Wentworth seems to think so, too. What is the attraction?’ William asked, wondering at the exact nature of the relationship between Dr Bennet and the nurse standing before him. Edward was prevented from immediately answering by the opening of the elevator doors. Filing into the lift, William stood back awkwardly as Charlotte and Edward punched their respective floor numbers into the console.

‘Dr Bennet is one of our cardiology residents, and is quite popular amongst the staff,’ Edward explained as the elevator glided upwards. ‘She recently returned from a year abroad volunteering with Médecins Sans Frontières. She’s an exceptional doctor.’

Charlotte smiled warmly in agreement. ‘She’s an exceptional woman.’ As the lift ground to a halt, she turned to acknowledge William before stepping off. ‘It was nice to meet you, Dr Crady.’

As the doors slid shut, Edward leaned towards William. ‘You’ll find the nurses are fantastic around here, but a word of warning. If you have any problems with the boss, be careful not to voice them to the nurses. Charlotte’s last name is Lucas.’

William raised his brow. ‘Lucas? As in Professor Lucas?’

‘One and the same,’ Edward affirmed. ‘She’s his daughter.’

William pondered over the valuable snippet of information. Within seconds, the lift lurched to a stop and William followed Edward down the corridor to an electronically sealed door. Slotting a small plastic key into the sensor fixed next to the handle, Edward invited William to enter as he held the door open. William took in the small kitchenette, round tables and assortment of comfortable chairs with a critical eye. It was a far cry from the luxurious staff facilities at Darcy Pharmaceutical’s headquarters, but he conceded the room was quite acceptable given the little time he would probably find to spend in there.

‘William, welcome to our humble staff room,’ Edward announced, leading him through. ‘It doesn’t look like much, but it serves its purpose. A word of warning, though: the coffee here tastes terrible. It’s ok in an emergency, but you’ll find yourself gravitating towards Meryton’s when you actually want something decent to drink.’

He ushered William to a smaller door, signalling for quiet with his forefinger placed across his lips as he gingerly prised it open and peered inside. Upon finding it empty, he swung the door open and flipped on the lights. Two single beds with matching bedside tables were the only furnishings in the windowless room.

‘This is what we affectionately call the ‘power nap’ room,’ Edward stated, as William pressed his hand into the mattress. ‘It’ll be indispensable to your sanity when you start pulling double shifts with little less than an hour off in between.’

‘That good hey?’ William grinned, wryly.

Edward sighed deeply. ‘They are an absolute killer. Did you come here with any family, William?’

‘No.’ William replied tersely.

‘Perhaps that’s for the best,’ Edward responded, brow furrowed. Coughing in embarrassment, he cast a quick look towards William. ‘Sometimes this job robs you of any chance to have a proper personal life.’

Turning on his heel, he led William towards another door across the opposite wall, pushing it open to reveal a maze of metal lockers.

‘Staff locker room,’ Edward stated matter-of-factly. ‘Administration doesn’t recommend you leave any valuables in your locker. All the lockers with a white sticker dot are currently available, so it’s as good a time as any if you want to choose one.’

William examined the wall of lockers, frowning slightly as he noticed a decided lack of white stickers on the upper row. At over six foot three, he didn’t particularly relish the idea of stooping down for access to his personal effects. As he was about to lay claim to one of the lockers in the lower rows, his eye rested on a solitary white sticker stuck on a central locker in the upper row. Walking over, he opened the door and examined the empty interior. He turned to Edward. ‘I’ll take this one.’

Edward frowned in consternation. Opening his mouth, he hesitated briefly before snapping it shut. ‘It’s been over a year,’ he debated internally. William, seeking affirmation, didn’t fail to notice his colleague’s disconcerted visage.

‘Is there something wrong?’ William frowned slightly.

Edward paused.

‘No….no. It’s the logical choice, given your height. No problem,’ he replied slowly, more to himself than to William. Rousing himself, he gave William a tight smile. ‘If you’re ready, we can go and collect your access pass and locker key from Human Resources before I take you through our patient procedures. We’ve got a lot to do before the seminar.’

As the two men departed the locker room, one was filled with smug satisfaction at the ease with which things were unfolding, the other troubled by a niggling feeling that Dr Bennet would be less than happy to learn she had a new neighbour.

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