See with Love

By I.G. Whit

Clare Rondell was a nurse on leave from the hospital, due to a severe illness. Allowed to work for private patients, she took on the job for Jonathan Edwards, a blind man who didn't have the foggiest idea of how to do anything for himself. His housekeeper Bailey was away on vacation and the Driver who was supposed to stay with him, was called away on an emergency. Finding Jonathan almost starving, she decides to take the job and in doing so, teaches him how to take care of himself. When his mother insists on Jonathan being put in a rest home, Clare marries him to make sure such a thing can't be done. Then sets out to defeat the hateful mother who has no love for whom she'd grow to love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 16, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465390936

I.G. Whit

n/a

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Copyright © 2011 by I.G. Whit.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

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Contents

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 1

Nurse Rondell! The shocked, high pitched voice of Agatha Finkmeister, vibrated throughout the room in an outraged manner as her eyes bulged out at what she was witnessing. And what are you doing to my husband? Her arm extended as her finger was shaking as she pointed toward the man in question, as if this was the first time she’d ever found him in such a situation as this.

Out of breath, nurse Clare Rondell, at last, was finally able to push the offensive, Harold Finkmeister away from her. Wishing with all her heart, she could strike the man and leave him laying on the floor in a heap.

Looking towards the woman who’d just now entered the room, Mrs Finkmeister, if you will but notice. It is I who was trying to get away from this lecherous old goat, whom you call your husband. Her uniform being twisted about with several of her buttons undone and her hair mussed from having engaged in a fierce struggle going on with Mrs Agatha Finkmeister’s beloved husband, the erst-while, Harold. Someone whom she would rather be found dead, then engaged in any type of fondling with this man.

Now dear, the balding, over weight Harold, called out to his wife, with a placating smile on his lips. It’s all just a little misunderstanding. You see, Nurse Rondell here, she’d just started to fall and I caught her, that’s all there is to it! He looked at Clare sideways, as if he were daring her to dispute his word on this matter and cause further complications.

Unfortunately the old lech had met his match in Clare Rondell. At 27 years of age, her hazel-green eyes sparked fire as she took in a deep breath and shook her head in disbelief. Drawing herself up to her full five foot five inch height, she’d quickly tucked her dark brown hair behind her ear. If you believe what this old goat is saying, you deserve to be made a fool of. She began trying to straighten her uniform and refastening her buttons, then looking from one to the other. I came in here for a book, which little Harold, left behind. Pointing to Harold Sr., Then he jumps out at me. When you came in he was trying to throw me down on the couch, to do only heaven knows what. She’d lost her last bit of patience with all of them, as she started to leave the room without anything further to say on the matter.

You’re fired Nurse Rondell, Harold yelled at her swiftly departing back. As if there were any doubt in her leaving his household with all possible speed.

Wrong Mr Harold Finkmeister, I quit the minute you dared to have the gall to jump out at me. Turning to the now white face of the unsuspecting Agatha, You have my deepest sympathy, madam. And if I were you, I’d put him on a leash and have him muzzled, before he attacked someone else. Walking out of the library door, she grabbed her sweater and purse, then left the Harold Finkmeister mansion for the last time. Breathing a sigh of relief as she did so and wondered if anyone else would be fool enough to take this job. She sincerely hoped this wasn’t so. Having worked for this family, was an education in itself in being prepared for any attempts at seducing a woman.

Getting into her car, she was shaking her head over all of the events which led up to this altercation. She’d been Head Nurse at Brighton General Hospital, Clare having come down with a bad case of `pneumobacillus’, or more commonly known as pneumonia to the lay person. And the long hours she worked, caused her body to become so terribly run down, she was forbidden to return to staff duty, for at least six months. Which for anyone, being out of work for this length of time, was impossible.

Not being one of the idle rich, Clare had taken on some very light, private duty nursing jobs. Generally they were easy and she’d gotten along very well with her patients, for the most part at least. Then the registry asked her to look after young Harold Finkmeister, without any warning about what she would possibly be undertaking in doing such a job.

At 11 years of age, he already proved a precocious child, but after the first two days within her care. There was absolutely no doubt as to whom he was emulating. The first time she’d been pinched by young Harold, she only chastised the boy, rather mildly. Later, while she was straightening out the young boy’s bed, the elder Harold, came up behind her. It was her loudly shouted shriek, which brought on great peels of laughter from both of the Harolds. With a furious, Kindly keep your hands to your own self in the future, Mr Finkmeister. One more pinch coming from either of you two and I will respond in like manner. They were both still there laughing uproariously, as she departed the room in a huff.

Why did some men conclude that a woman alone, was fair game to any of their unwelcomed advances? Clare felt tired and she really wasn’t up to trading insults with Martha Reynolds, who was from the Nurses Registry office. Still they had to be told what happened to her and with any luck, Nancy would take her call and this would be the end of it. Arriving back at her apartment, she quickly made herself a cup of coffee to relax her nerves.

Finally, something right was happening for her, Nancy having indeed, answered the telephone. Explaining what all transpired, she could hear the laughter, emanating over the line. Oh Clare, you are truly priceless, Nancy commented as she calmed down enough to speak once again. So far, you’re the only one of our nurses, to have lasted a full week. Once again she’d burst out with more unrestrained laughter. Maybe we should send a bill along to the Finkmeister’s, for combat pay. Making a suggestion which wasn’t all that far out of line, anyone working in that household, should be in line for a large bonus of one kind or another.

Listen Nancy, anyone going into that household, should be first cautioned about that old goat. Clare was rubbing her hip, Right now, I’ve got so many bruises from their pinching, I don’t know if my posterior will ever return to it’s normal flesh color and not purple, blue and green!. Having grimaced as she rubbed her hip and felt the results of the bruising.

Still giggling, Nancy commiserated with Clare, You truly are correct in that observation, we should be allowed to inform our nurses about some of the stranger situations, they might run into from time to time. But you know how it is with the higher ranking echelon, they’re only interested in the money. Not how you have to put up with some unwanted advances. The young girl then became serious, I’m really sorry about what happened, Clare.

Just get me a job where I can at least have a descent chance to out run my patient. She was trying to lift Nancy’s spirits. After all, it wasn’t her fault the Finkmeisters were the kind of people they were. Pitying the woman of the house and wondering if she might be that naive, not noticing what her husband and son were up to with the hired help.

Hey girl, there was a note of excitement, which was now in Nancy’s voice. We just received a call for a nurse-companion, to a blind man. There are only two stipulations, one is that you must be available immediately, which you are. And two, you might have to live in for a few weeks. How does that grab you? This could be a stroke of luck which she knew this particular nurse was in need of, pretty badly.

Fine, just as long as I can make sure that he’s not one of the grabbing type. Clare laughed, Who do I get in touch with?

You go to 129 Belton Lane, that’s out in Youngmen Heights. You’ll see a Mr Jonathan Edwards, he’s the one who will be doing the interview, just as soon as you can get there. I’ll call and inform them of how you’re on your way. This could prove to be a good opportunity for Clare and Nancy was glad she could give it to her. Of all the nurses on their list, this one was the best and could be depended on in almost every case.

With the exception for the one she’d just left and Nancy knew whatever took place, was not of her own doing. Therefore, she was not hesitant in recommending her to this other patient who needed immediate assistance.

Thinking what she needed to do, and knowing if she’d left her apartment immediately, she would miss rush hour traffic. Clare responded, I’ll be there in an hour. That way neither one of us will be out on a limb if it doesn’t seem suitable. It would also mean she could make it home after the rush hour traffic as well. This made the situation even better, in her eyes.

Fine, I’ll call Mr Edwards and tell him you’re on the way. If I don’t call you back, you know it’s all set up for your interview to take place. Quickly, Nancy rang off to do as she’d said.

Within the hour, Clare was pulling up to an impressive, large two storey brick home. The circular driveway, was in itself, so immense, it was breathtaking. Rolling lawns surrounded the outer portion of the house, with a breath taking, cascade of flowers on either side. Walking up the few steps, Clare could not deny the beauty of what her eyes beheld as they looked all around her.

Just as she reached for the bell, the door quickly opened, Are you Miss Rondell? The man holding the door open, stood about six foot tall, she would have guessed. He’d possessed a rather pale complexion, it appeared as though he never really got out in the sun light. His black hair matched his black piercing eyes as he stared at her. You are the woman from the Nurses Registry, aren’t you? His voice sounding strained at her not answering any of his questions and he appeared a bit nervous.

I’m sorry, Clare extended her hand to him. The name is Clare Rondell, you startled me a little. She was smiling, but noted that the man paid little or no attention to her offer of a hand shake, so she’d lowered it back to her side.

Please come in Miss Rondell, you see, I’m here in the house alone, and when I heard your car pull up and you took so long in coming to the door, I became alarmed. He’d closed the door and started walking across the entrance hall, expecting she should follow without being told to.

I was entranced by the beautiful flowers which grow along the sides of the house. She sighed, I wish I had the knack of how to grow such lovely blossoms as those.

He proceeded into a darkened room, possessing all the appearances of being a library. Won’t you please take a seat, Miss Rondell. Making his way around a desk, to occupy the chair on the other side. Watching him closely, she judged his age as being around 29 or 30. And unless she was badly mistaken, those oh so beautiful dark eyes she’d first noticed, could see nothing.

Now Miss Rondell, let me introduce myself to you. My name is Jonathan Edwards and I live here together with a housekeeper, Mrs Bailey. There’s Russell Jamison, of course, he’s my driver and usually acts as the butler. Once in a while, my mother, Dolores Edwards, comes here to stay for a while. He folded his hands on the desk, in front of him. That’s the entire population of my household. Now please, tell me something about yourself, from the looks of him, he certainly didn’t believe in standing on any sort of formality.

All right Mr Edwards, she smiled at him. As you are already aware, my name is Clare Rondell. Currently, I’m on what is called a medical leave of absence from Brighton General Hospital, where I was a Head Nurse, for the last three years. Up until six weeks ago, I have enjoyed extremely good health. At that time, I had unexpectedly come down with a bad case of pneumonia, which the doctor said was brought on by fatigue.

Personally I think he’s wrong, but he has insisted on a six month leave from my job. I’m completely recovered now, but only allowed to work with private patients. She thought she’d covered all the vital facts which would be needed by this person, if she were to be hired.

Tell me Miss Rondell, how old are you? His brows furrowed a bit, as if he really were looking at her.

I’m 27, how old are you?

His smile made her relax, You’re right, it’s really none of my business. But it’s hard to judge someone when you can’t see them. And turn about’s fair play! I’m 29 years old. His face having appeared to become animated whenever he smiled at her, But in all fairness, I must ask you. I’ve been calling you Miss Rondell, are you married, or otherwise involved? His face becoming serious, as if this were something vitally important he should know.

Clare sat there for several minutes, before answering him. No Mr Edwards, I’m not married. Nor am I otherwise involved with any other person. Her voice held a sound of sadness as she answered, his sharp ears didn’t miss the faltering voice.

It’s not that I’m trying to pry into your personal life, but you see, he gave his shoulders a lift. There will be times when you’ll be expected to stay here with me, for possibly a week or two, at a time. So you can see there would be instances, when a gentleman friend, might have some objections to such an arrangement as this. He was slowly moving a pencil around on the surface of his desk, as if nervous at needing to speak of such a matter as this to a perfect stranger.

Thinking about what he said, she saw the logic behind his questions. Mr Edwards, since you’ve been up front with me, I’ll try to be the same for you. I have no family, nor do I date men, with any regularity. When you reach the age of 27, and you’re still not married, men have a tendency to think one of two things, concerning your life style. Either you’re free with your personal virtue or there’s something wrong with you.

She drew in a deep breath, before continuing. Just for the record, the first idea is ludicrous and the second… Well, let me just say I was burnt once and it would take someone who was mighty special, to allow myself to become that involved with any person, again. Not saying anything else on the subject.

Her answers pleased the man sitting behind the desk. Now, tell me what Nancy at the registry, meant when she told me you’d suddenly become available. How did this come about, did your last patient die? Being one of the few ways he knew of that this event should take place, with a person in the nursing profession.

The chuckle surprised him, she could tell, I think I’d best explain the situation I was unexpectedly forced to leave on very short notice. Then Clare began her tale about the two erstwhile Harold Finkmeister, father and son. If looks could kill, that, for lack of a better name, gentleman, would now be dead! But no such luck. She was still chuckling and could tell he was truly to the point of enjoying the story, as well.

The last straw came for me when Agatha Finkmeister asked me about what I was trying to do to her husband. The woman was really too much, if she thought there was any way someone in their right mind would want anything to do with the man. And I certainly think I’m in my right mind! The elder Finkmeister, is one of the worst persons I’ve ever had to deal with and believe me, I’d thought I must have come into contact with every kind of degenerate.

She was shaking her head, tears were rolling down her face by this time, as she vividly described the scene to him. And to add insult to injury, I could show you the bruises… . Suddenly she’d realized what she’d said, and slapped her hand over her mouth and wishing she could have bitten down on her tongue. Her face was a crimson red, with embarrassment. How could she have been so crude to have said something like this to a blind man?

Why Miss Rondell, are you blushing? His eyes appeared to be twinkling as he faced her in such a way as to appear as if he were truly watching her.

How could you tell? She was astounded at how he should be so sensitive to the deep blush which swept her face.

Darling girl, he was grinning at her. You’ve just paid me one of the highest compliments, I’ve ever received. Not only did you offer to show me the bruises, but having the good grace to be embarrassed by such a casual statement. Nodding his head to her as he appreciated the fact, And I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Bowing his head in acknowledgement.

Clearing her throat, she tried to look away from him. I’m sorry, she said finally. Every so often I get a bit, carried away with some of my stories, Mr Edwards.

Could we please just use first names, for I’m sure we’re going to work out fine together. Besides of which, I love the sound of the name Clare, and you can call me Jonathan or just what ever you feel the most comfortable with. Is that suggestion all right with you? Tilting his head to the side which reminded her of a little boy who would be questioning an adult. They talked easily for another half hour, before Jonathan took time and asked, How soon can you start?

When would you like me to start? Amused at his total lack of patience in wanting a nurse/companion.

How about one hour ago. And if that’s agreeable with you, could you do me one favor? He looked at her a little sheepishly, as he asked, Could you please move in right away?

Eyebrows shot up into her hairline as it covered her forehead. Move in, she’d almost choked on the words.

His head bent downward, he appeared embarrassed. As I’ve told you earlier, generally there are two other people here in the house with me. Somehow there’s been a snafu, Mrs Bailey, is away on her vacation and Jamison had to leave on a family emergency. I simply couldn’t feel right, telling him I was here alone, not whenever his family needed him so desperately.

It was then he’d raised his head as if to look at her. I’m rather hungry and I don’t know the least thing to do about fixing myself something to eat. Sharing with her a problem which came up and he didn’t know how to deal with it.

Clare looked at him, speechlessly, When was the last time you had something to eat? Wondering how someone could have been so thoughtless as to leave him alone like this.

Sometime yesterday, I think. He was like a lost little boy, with no one to show him the way.

Oh Jonnie, what am I going to do with you? She sighed as she rose from the chair. First, lead me to your kitchen, then I’ll fix your food right now, but tomorrow morning, we start on a crash course in teaching you the joys of cooking. I never want to ever hear of you going hungry, again.

As if having second thoughts, Haven’t you ever heard of home delivery? You can get whole meals brought to you, all you have to do is call them on the telephone. Giving him something to think about which he’d be sure to remember in the future, if such a need ever arose again.

Slapping his forehead with the palm of his hand, Just how dumb can a guy be. I’ve been sitting here starving, and all I had to do was make one little telephone call. Twining his own fingers in with Clare’s, he took her to the kitchen with a satisfied smile, evident on his face.

You know Jonnie, you could have asked your mother, I’m sure she would have come over to help you out. She felt his reaction stiffened, as they walked into the kitchen. Something had to of upset him, she could tell by the