RELUCTANT WIFE 7

‘If that’s Jonathan I’d like to speak to him,’ she said hastily, but already Alexis was replacing the receiver.

He shook his head. His voice had a warmth about it as if he was speaking to a child, and yet as he swept his glance over her shorts and T-shirt he wasn’t looking at or appreciating a child: ‘I’m sorry, Carrie, Jonathan is too busy, he’s transporting the puppy to the mainland. She’s still in considerable pain.’

Carrie opened her eyes wide, her voice husky when she asked, ‘Why? What can be done on the mainland? I don’t imderstand.’

Walking across to the old carved sideboard he poured orange juice into two crystal glasses and handed Carrie one as he sat at the table.

‘She needs a plate in her back leg. They have far better facilities on the mainland, and at least that will give her a fighting chance. You realize they’re not sure if the operation will be a success? If it’s not - ’ He shrugged his large shoulders and left the words unsaid.

Carrie sat down at the table opposite hi