In the sanctuary of the ladies, Meagan repaired the damage as best she could. It was unfortunate, but not the end of the world, that she had been seen not looking her best. She grimaced at her reflection in the mirror. She had to admit she had neglected her appearance for a long time after Charlie’s death and besides working abroad, where there often hadn’t been even basic facilities to wash, it would have been impossible to be perfectly turned out, even if she’d cared to.
But determined that this would be a new start she had treated herself to a new wardrobe, a very expensive haircut and an extortionate but heavenly weekend at a spa. She was pleased with the feathery haircut that framed her face, emphasising her best feature—her green eyes. It deflected attention away from her too-wide mouth, she thought with satisfaction. Pity about the new shoes, however. They were ruined.
Not wanting to keep Colin waiting any longer than she had already, she sprayed perfume behind her ears and went to join him.
‘Dr Stuart’s just arrived. He’s waiting for us in our seminar room. Perhaps he can give you the guided tour tomorrow instead. We’ll have a quick chat, then you’re coming to dinner—Peggy’s expecting you. Afterwards, I’ll show you the way to the cottage I’ve rented for you. Is that all right?’
Colin had already gone over the arrangements with Meagan on the phone as he and Peggy were leaving the next day on the first leg of their trip, which would take in Australia as well as visits to their daughters in Glasgow and London on the way. Meagan knew they had both been looking forward to it for some time. They had had some difficulty attracting a locum, and when he had heard from Meagan’s father that she was looking for a short-term position with a view to a permanent post, he’d been determined to entice her to the island.
Colin ushered Meagan into the meeting room, standing aside for her to go in first. As Meagan entered the first thing that caught her attention was the man sitting at one end of the table. He may have showered and shaved—that much was evident from the longish black hair clinging damply to his forehead—and he may now be wearing a crisp white shirt and she noticed as he stood to greet her, freshly laundered beige chinos, but there was no mistaking him. It was Cameron! For a moment Meagan let her jaw drop. It was all she could do to stop herself groaning out loud. Cameron, the man who had stolen her heart all those years ago, Cameron, the man who had rescued her by the roadside, was Dr Stuart—her new colleague. Meagan felt her heart pound as she wondered frantically how to handle this new development. While her mind whirled about whether she should acknowledge to Dr Colin that the two of them had already met, Cameron’s deep tone broke the lengthening silence.
‘Dr Galbraith, I presume,’ he said, a half-smile on his lips. ‘I trust you had a pleasant journey? I’m sorry I was late but there was a hold-up on the road. Some visitor to the island managed to put her car in the ditch and she needed some help.’ Out of sight of Colin, he dropped his lid in a slow wink.
Speechless, Meagan could only allow him to engulf her hand in his and shake it. So this is how he wanted to play it, she thought with relief.
‘Please, sit down. I don’t think this will take too long. As you know, Colin is leaving tomorrow. Circumstances prevented us from meeting before now, but he has assured me you are right for the job. He said you are practical, sensible, as well as an excellent doctor. All welcome traits in a colleague,’ he said dryly. Meagan couldn’t be sure, but thought he was mocking her.
She sat down on the nearest chair, wishing she had some time to gather her thoughts. Oblivious of the tension between his the younger doctors, Colin addressed Cameron.
‘You know, Cameron, we are fortunate to get Meagan. Her father has been trying to persuade her to join him in his private practice in Edinburgh but without success so far, eh, Meagan?’
‘I hate to disappoint my father, but city life just isn’t for me,’ Meagan said. ‘And after the time I’ve just spent abroad I’m more sure than ever that I want to work somewhere where I can really do some good and be part of the community as well.’
‘I notice you’re wearing a wedding ring. Is your husband joining you in Uist while you’re here?’ Cameron asked suddenly.
The question took Meagan completely by surprise, although she supposed it was perfectly reasonable of him to ask.
She darted a glance at Colin. He obviously hadn’t mentioned her past to Cameron.
Meagan swallowed. She still wasn’t used to saying the words ‘I’m a widow’ and she didn’t want to go into any explanations now. Instead, she evaded his probing, but nevertheless her answer was truthful. ‘No, he won’t be joining me.’
Cameron frowned slightly. He looked as if he was about to say something, but then changed the subject.
‘I’m concerned you may find us a little boring here. I gather from Colin that you trained in London and have just returned after a two-year stint with Médecins Sans frontiéres?’ Cameron said quietly. ‘I spent some time with them myself and you couldn’t have more of a contrast here. Although—’ he glanced at Colin ‘—we do have our moments.’
Meagan looked at him a stubborn set to her chin. ‘I’m quite sure I won’t be bored. In many ways this will be the perfect opportunity to see if rural life suits me before I decide where to join a permanent practice.’ She managed a smile while forcing herself to look steadily into those deep brown eyes. ‘Besides, I’m a keen sailor,’ she went on, ‘and I’m never happier then when I’m near the sea. I always hoped to return to Uist one day. I just never dreamt it would be as one of the medical team.’ Meagan couldn’t help sliding a look in Cameron’s direction. When she had met him she had been with a group of fellow sailors towing the islands. He had known that. Still there wasn’t a flicker in his eyes.
‘Colin did mention that you had been here before, so at least you know what to expect.’
‘Meagan sailed competitively, Cameron. She’s a woman of many talents.’ Colin smiled fondly at Meagan. ‘I still have my old boat if ever you want to use it. I don’t get out in it much these days,’ he said, rubbing his hip with a grimace, ‘but Cameron takes care of her for me. I’m sure he’d be delighted to take you out on it. Won’t you, Cameron?’
Cameron smiled, his eyes creasing at the corners. ‘It would be my pleasure, but I suspect we’ll both be too busy while you’re away to do much sailing. Anyway, shall we get down to business?’
The next hour passed swiftly as Cameron quizzed Meagan on her experience. She knew that there was little he could find to criticise, except perhaps her limited experience as a general practitioner. She hadn’t actually worked as a GP since she’d completed her general practice training. The end of her training had coincided with Charlie’s death, and once she had emerged from her haze of grief she had gone overseas. While her experience there had shown her she could cope with most things, working as a GP was bound to have its own challenges.
Colin leaned back in his chair, apparently satisfied that the interview was drawing to a close.
‘The practice covers the whole of Uist, with a population of around two thousand, a large proportion of whom is elderly. We can handle most things but what we can’t handle comfortably we send to Stornoway, or for more specialist care to Glasgow. We’re very fortunate to have Cameron, who is a member of the Royal College of Paediatricians and who is happy to see most of the children,’ Colin informed Meagan.
Meagan looked over at Cameron in surprise. What was a qualified paediatrician doing in rural practice? she wondered. But something in his expression warned her not to pursue the matter.
‘We do our own on-call rota and I’m afraid that’s one in two at the moment,’ Colin went on ‘You’ll have every second night and weekend on and every second one off. Do you feel you can cope?’
‘That’s fine. I’m used to working hard. I prefer to keep busy,’ Meagan said. It was the truth. Working so hard that she had no time for thinking had been what had saved her sanity.
Colin