Free Begun by Time by Morgan O'Neill Page B

be a bit of a medical issue hanging over us, actually.”
    Poppy’s eyes went wide. “Are you…expecting?”
    “Poppy! No! It’s nothing like that. We’ve never, you know. No!” Catherine felt thoroughly flustered and tried to regain control of her thoughts. “It’s Jonnie. I think he may be seriously ill, and I don’t know what to do about it, where to turn, or if I will be capable of taking care of him, once we’re wed.”
    Poppy’s hand went to her heart. “What in the world? I’m dashed. Do tell me how I can help.”
    Catherine took a deep breath and forged ahead. “I love Jonnie with all my heart, and I honestly don’t know what to do.” The tight ball of nerves that lodged in her chest when Jonnie confessed his visions at the Cutty Sark suddenly broke loose in a sob. Her eyes filled with tears. “I…I love him so much, Poppy. It would break his heart if he knew how helpless I feel, and I wouldn’t hurt him for anything in the world.”
    The waitress came by, and Catherine turned her face away while Poppy ordered tea and scones for both of them.
    Once the waitress was gone, Poppy touched Catherine’s hand again, to get her attention. “Tell me what has been going on. What sort of illness do you believe he has?”
    Catherine regarded her friend through watery eyes. “I’m sorry to burden you with this, but you are the strongest person I know. You’ve been through so much, and you have gained wisdom through your ordeals that I couldn’t hope to claim.”
    Poppy shook her head. “I’m not that strong,” she said quietly.
    Catherine felt a stab to her heart. This self-doubt reminded her of what Jonnie felt, and she didn’t want either one of them questioning themselves. “You are very strong, Poppy.”
    She sighed. “Perhaps. I tell myself to keep soldiering on every day.”
    “And you’re doing a splendid job of it.” Catherine daubed at her eyes as their food was set on the table. “Now let me explain about Jonnie.” She told his story from the first instance at Hatfield House right through to the Cutty Sark .
    Finally, Catherine pushed her plate away and waited for Poppy’s response. She could feel the ball of tension again forming in her chest. What would her friend think of all of this?
    Poppy shook her head. “What a strange situation. You must be going out of your mind with worry.”
    “It hasn’t been easy.”
    “Has Jonnie received medical care?”
    “Yes,” Catherine said. “He’s seeing a neurologist and a psychiatrist — off base — and we’re hopeful this will help. I’m proud of him for doing that. Most men wouldn’t.”
    “I’m sure everything will work out just fine, and I’ll always lend an ear if you need to talk. Just remember something.”
    “Yes?”
    “You simply need to put one foot in front of the other,” Poppy said. “Some days, that will be all you can manage. I have every confidence you’ll have no issues in helping Jonnie, if that is what he needs, and if that is what you choose. There is only one question you must ask yourself… If you decide you don’t wish to be by his side through sickness and health, will you be able to live a lifetime without him?”
    Catherine’s mouth dropped open. So few words, yet they clarified what she felt in her heart. She loved Jonnie and could not imagine life without him.
    …
    On 23 September, Brandon came into London for a two day leave. He arrived at Catherine’s doorstep at half four, ready for an early start at a whirlwind evening of dinner and dancing.
    She wore a tailored black dress with sharp shoulders and a low-cut, scalloped neckline that showed off her beautiful curves to perfection. A fancy little hat perched on her head, jauntily cocked to one side, and she had a pair of pumps so shiny he could see his reflection in them.
    “You look like every man’s dream,” he said, and leaned in to kiss her on the cheek. “I’m glad you’re mine.”
    “Thank you,” she replied, and took his