Free Doctor Knows Best by Ann Jennings Page B

hands and shoved Megan forward into the middle of the group.
    Suddenly Megan was aware of the pristine white of new plaster again as she realised that sitting down in the midst of the group was Giles Elliott’s daughter, and by her side was the man himself.
    â€œAh, Miss Jones,” he said, his blue eyes sparkling, “perhaps you would care to autograph my daughter’s plaster?” He put his arm casually around his daughter’s shoulders. “Joanna, can I introduce Megan Jones, Sister in Casualty.”
    Joanna looked up and the same vivid blue eyes quizzed Megan. Then she smiled. “Daddy, we have already met. This is the girl I told you about, the one who looked after me when I had the accident.”
    Giles looked at Megan. “Is this true?” he asked.
    â€œYes, it is,” replied Megan. “But of course, I didn’t know then she was your daughter,” she added quickly.
    â€œNo,” he rapped. “If you had ,perhaps you wouldn’t have told the police it was Joanna’s fault.”
    â€œI most certainly would have done,” replied Megan, her brown eyes flashing indignantly. “The fact that she is your daughter doesn’t alter the fact that the motor cyclist was not to blame.”
    â€œI really fail to understand how he hit her,” he said. “Surely he must have seen her? Are you certain you saw everything?”
    Megan bristled. “Are you doubting my word?” she exclaimed angrily, forgetting where she was.
    Joanna reached up and touched her father’s arm. “Megan is quite right,” she said. Then she heaved a big sigh. “I might as well tell you, because you’ll find out anyway sooner or later. I was wearing those earphones you hate so much and listening to pop music.”
    â€œAs you were walking along?” asked her father incredulously.
    â€œYes,” whispered Joanna in a small voice.
    Megan glanced at him; his face was as black as thunder. Suddenly she felt sorry for the young girl. It had been a silly thing to do and now she was paying the price. Impulsively she reached out and touched Joanna’s shoulder.
    â€œAll’s well that ends well,” she said. Then she laughed, trying to bring a smile to Joanna’s rather worried-looking face. “I think we can safely tell your father that you won’t be doing it again.”
    â€œYou bet,” said Joanna gratefully, thankful for Megan’s intervention. “In fact, if you like, Dad, you can sell them. You can put the money towards that hi-fi I’ve been wanting,” she added cheekily, seeing her father smile.
    â€œI’m sorry I doubted your word for a moment,” he said slowly to Megan, adding, “One is always protective towards one’s children, you know.”
    â€œI wouldn’t know,” replied Megan a trifle sharply. “I haven’t got any!”
    Before Giles Elliott had an opportunity to reply, her brother Richard joined them. He took one look at Joanna and it was quite obvious he liked what he saw. “Can I help you across to the refreshment table?” he asked her.
    Joanna glanced questioningly at her father, who smiled and nodded in reply. “Yes, that would be lovely,” she responded and off they went, a crutch supporting her on one side and Richard on the other.
    â€œCan I get you any refreshments?” Giles asked Megan.
    â€œNo thanks,” said Megan shortly. She didn’t feel like socialising, least of all with Giles Elliott who had not only turned out to be married, but who had also doubted her word into the bargain.
    â€œOh, come on,” he said in a soft, persuasive tone of voice that caused Megan’s heart to churn with bitter anguish. “Do have a sausage roll at the very least.”
    â€œIt isn’t even Christmas yet, and already I feel that if I see another sausage roll I shall scream!” said Megan ungraciously.
    Giles Elliott chuckled.