The Surgeon and the Princess by Karin Baine (ebook reader with android os .TXT) 📕

having to talk over any serious, painful personal stuff about her family or what had happened to her.

‘You do seem to enjoy the water. How helpful did you find aqua therapy during your recovery period? I mean, I know we use it here, but, personally, did it help you?’

Georgiana could tell his question arose from genuine curiosity rather than simply prying into her private life. It made it easier to answer.

‘Yes, but possibly not in the way you’d imagine.’ Judging by the raised eyebrows, she decided he wasn’t expecting that response.

‘Oh? Didn’t you find it useful exercise during rehabilitation? I assume they did have hydrotherapy pools at the clinic where you had your after care?’

‘Sure. The strengthening exercises were less painful in the water compared to the gym because of the hydrostatic pressure. It’s known to improve respiratory function without overtaxing the body.’

‘But?’

So far, she got the impression she was telling him something he already knew, since it was part of their programme for their amputee patients.

‘It’s more about the mindset of being in the water, if that makes sense... When I’m on solid ground the onus is very much on walking or doing everything on two legs, which is no longer natural for me. It’s different in the water. I can almost forget I’m not normal now. I no longer need the leg or hoist to swim, float or splash around. You know, have fun.’ She flicked her fingers across the surface of the water, spraying Ed, who didn’t seem to mind in the slightest.

‘It’s good to know for future patients that even if they can’t manage the exercises or prosthetics, they can still get something out of this.’ He was pensive, as if he already had someone in mind, and Georgiana was curious about this person who’d grabbed his attention.

‘Glad to be of help. Is this a hypothetical fishing expedition or are you thinking about someone in particular?’ It was ludicrous for her to dig for more info as though she were a jealous girlfriend or a patient with a crush. Strictly speaking she wasn’t a patient and he probably had some sort of gagging order preventing him from talking about people he treated. It was none of her business and she really didn’t know why she was getting all worked up about the idea he could be swimming after hours with another secret visitor.

‘A little girl who’s having some trouble adapting. Hannah.’

Relief whooshed through her, chasing away her irrational territorial hold of Ed at the thought of sharing her swimming partner. She wanted to give herself a good slap for being so stupid about the whole matter.

‘How so?’

A smile played across his lips as he thought about her question. ‘She doesn’t like being told what to do. Reminds me of someone, but I can’t imagine who.’

‘Ha-ha. Some of us simply know our own minds. It could be you simply don’t know how to deal with a strong independent woman.’

Ed laughed. ‘She’s four years old but you could be right. Hannah’s refusing to wear a prosthetic or go anywhere near the water.’

‘And your usual charm offensive isn’t working?’

‘I know you’ll find this hard to believe but, no, it isn’t. I must be losing my mojo.’

Georgiana liked that he wasn’t afraid to make fun of himself, even if he was frustrated by another patient refusing to fall in line with his usual tried and tested ways.

‘Oh, I doubt that. You just have to find a new way of getting her to trust you. She’s not going to co-operate until she sees what’s in it for her. Everything about life after an amputation is a difficult journey. Even more so at that age, I’d say. She’s not going to put herself through any more pain if she can’t see the benefit of it. Take me as an example. I didn’t want a part of you or this clinic. I had no reason to believe you had anything to offer me of any benefit. Yet, the promise of a swimming pool and some privacy and I’m hiding on the back seat of your car.’

In the end she’d wondered what he’d got out of the arrangement but after seeing him here in a quandary over a little girl, she knew. The satisfaction of knowing he’d done everything in his power to help. Georgiana was grateful for his perseverance and she knew Hannah’s parents would feel the same about his personal attention.

‘I’m not sure that would be appropriate in these circumstances.’ He twisted his body around in the water so he had his back to the wall beside her, kicking his legs out in front. From a distance they would’ve looked like any other two swimmers taking a rest and having a chat. That was all Georgiana wanted. To be unremarkable.

‘You’re going to have to work hard to get on her good side, the way you did with me.’ Georgiana was becoming increasingly involved in the story, since she knew what a difference it was having her prosthesis. If the child was to experience everything life had to offer it would be in her best interests to take advantage of everything being offered to aid her recovery.

‘I’m on your good side? Good to know.’ He looked pleased with himself at that snippet of information. Georgiana immediately had the urge to wipe the smirk off his face, lest he think he had won her over so easily.

‘For now.’ She pushed herself away from the side of the pool, accidentally on purpose splashing him as she kicked out.

‘Oh, you’re in for it now!’ Ed shouted after her, spurring her pace. That sudden competitive edge between them made her heart race that little bit faster too.

The water swirled and moved alongside her as he launched himself after her. Georgiana went to give an excitable shriek, only to inhale a mouthful of water. It went up her nose and down her throat, making her choke. Panic swamped her and she dipped under the water. She lost focus,