Angie of the Garden

Chapter Thirteen-4

Nora was disappointed. She was about to broach the subject of what was in her opinion Annabelle's far too revealing dress. As Hollis had seen Alec Collins walk into the room, her protest would have to wait. He went over to greet him.

"Alec. How have you been?"
"Can't complain, because no one will listen," he replied with a grin. "I'm glad to see that you're feeling better." He then paused before reluctantly adding "And I want to be one of the first to congratulate you on becoming head of the department. I look forward to working under you."

Collins gave him a firm handshake. Hollis sensed that his words were sincere, even if they were noticeably lacking in enthusiasm.

"Thank you. But we'll be working together, I can assure you. Can I offer you a drink?"
"I'd feel guilty having one if you can't," he said.
"Why don't I really believe that?"
"Because I'm just being polite. Of course I'll have a drink."
"There's really no need to feel guilty, anyway. I'm cleared to drink alcohol again.
Not by my doctor, mind you, but I've cleared myself. After narrowly escaping a lecture from my aunts, I've earned a drink."
"I agree. And if you have a relapse I'll drop you off at the hospital on my way home."

They met John Block on their way to the bar. The three of them discussed the latest developments in their chosen profession. As always their conversation developed into a rousing debate, with Hollis and Alec as the chief antagonists. Hollis implied at one point that he had some very compelling evidence supporting his position.

"So why not write a paper about this unusual case you mentioned?" Alec challenged him. "You seem to think it could change my point of view. I'd be anxious to read it."
"I don't think anyone will ever change your point of view," Hollis told him. "But as for a paper..."

John Block shot a very concerned look towards Hollis. He reassured him with his reply.

"The patient has decided not to allow her case to become public," Hollis said. "I'm very disappointed about that, but I must respect her wishes."
"If I didn't know better, Doctor Simms, I'd say you were afraid to publish the paper," Alec said. "Did the results of your treatment disappoint you?"
"I can give an unequivocal no in response to your question," he replied. "Maybe I'll reveal some of the details about her at the next conference, if I have to speak first. Now if you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I have to greet another guest."

Elliot Reese stood in a corner of the large ballroom by himself. He kept a constant vigil for his wife, in order that the two of them might avoid having to converse with one another. Hollis walked over to say hello.

"It's good to see you, Elliot. How's business treating you these days?"
"Not as well as I'd like. You look quite fit, though. I heard you were in the hospital recently."
"It was just a bout of the flu."
"Do women chase you down the street?"
"Pardon?"
"I mean now that you're on television, do you find yourself being pursued by a lot of women?"
"I'm just a psychiatrist, not a rock star. But I do find it difficult to eat in restaurants sometimes. Complete strangers stop by my table to say hello and then insist on receiving my advice. It's very distracting."
"I see. I'm asking because an associate of mine suggested that I appear on a weekly program about investing. He knows the producer. I just don't know if my becoming a celebrity will be worth sacrificing my privacy."
"Better get your running shoes on, old boy," Hollis answered in an amused tone. "The women won't give you a moment's peace if they ever see you on television."
"I've got to freshen my drink," Elliot said shortly before walking away.

Paul Nustad walked up behind Hollis and tapped him on the shoulder. The two men embraced each other.

"You scared the shit out of me!" Paul told him. "I came back from a conference in Vancouver to find a message on my desk saying that you've been rushed you to the hospital. How did it happen?"
"Let's get some air."

The two men sat on the veranda, each with a glass of brandy in his hand. Paul lit up a cigar as he waited for his friend's explanation.

"I had been ill, and was recuperating when Angie appeared in the garden. I went outside to speak with her. I got caught in a sudden rainstorm, and collapsed. I wasn't as strong as I supposed. Sebastian drove me to the hospital."
"Why do doctors always make the worst patients?"
"Because we know that no one should ever listen to a doctor. Anyway, I'm fine now. And I believe Angie is as well. I discovered why she chose to hide on this estate after returning from California. Angie's at peace now because she was able to tell someone about it. I doubt I'll be seeing her again."

Paul took a long drag on his cigar before speaking.

"I'm glad to hear that. I don't suppose there's any chance that you'll tell me what the reason was."
"You know there isn't."
"Well, I'm on the verge of getting some very detailed information about your former l patient. The old gentlemen that previously gave us some documents concerning the Bartons has now provided the name of a family member who has correspondence written by Angie's relatives during her lifetime. He says the letters mention Miss Angelica Barton. We should learn a great deal from them. I'll let you know what I find out, if you're still interested, that is."

Hollis hesitated before responding.

"Why of course I am. Let me know what they say."

Sebastian Simms walked up to the house with Clare Johnson. Hollis was glad to see her as always, and even more pleased to see who had escorted her to the party.

"I hope you haven't consumed all the brandy," Sebastian called out to his brother. "He tried, but I wouldn't let him," Paul told him. "I made him save some for me." "You're looking much better, Hollis," Clare told him as he kissed her on the cheek.

"I feel that way, too. Let me steal your first dance from Sebastian."
"I was hoping you would," Clare replied playfully.

Hollis and his friends celebrated well into the night. The psychiatrist not only had the recovery of Angie Barton to lift his spirits, but he also reveled in the sight of Clare and Sebastian being reunited. As Hollis danced with Olivia, he wondered at how perfect his life was.

"I don't think I've ever seen you happier," she remarked.
"And it's not even my birthday. I had a break through with a patient of mine. I'm also very glad that my brother has gotten back with Clare."
"Oh, yes. She's a nice girl. Maybe he'll move back to the city now." Hollis looked at her with a smirk on his face.
"I'm happy for him," she insisted. "I just meant that being in a serious relationship may get Sebastian to apply himself again."

Annabelle came over and the three of them danced together. At that moment, Hollis understood the meaning of the word contentment. He could scarcely wait to see what tomorrow might bring.