35

After his bath, Timothy withdrew completely into childhood, and wrapped himself up again in his mother’s kimono. Again he asked for Roger and, when Cora told him he hadn’t got back yet, burst into tears. Thereafter all suggestions for reading the paper or a walk in the garden were ignored. He stayed in his mother’s bedroom to talk to her photograph, to hold conversations with the mysterious Patrick, mumbling about sinning in God’s sight and being no more worthy to be called his son. Cora, not knowing what on earth to do, phoned The Dower House several times in an attempt to summon Roger, but getting no answer rang Dr Gibson’s surgery to demand an emergency home visit.

The concerned doctor arrived swiftly and Cora babbled with bewilderment. ‘He’s gone quite off his chump. He started off being a bit dreamy and dippy, talking to his mother, and rambling on and on about someone called Patrick, but then he got very agitated when I couldn’t produce Master Fuller. I made up a lie he’d gone to Sainsbury’s, but after that he went completely off the rails. He said his mum had come back in the night, and he wanted to tell her some big bad secret about himself.’

‘Yes, I actually knew about that. Mr Fuller called me out in the night because Tim had woken up in a very distressed state. I diagnosed it as a psychotic illusion.’

‘Well, I think I’d better tell you what this big bad secret is.’ Cora paused for effect and took a deep breath. ‘You won’t believe this, but him and Mr Fuller are a pair of nancy boys. What do you think of that, then! No one else knows but me. Even Lady P never knew.’

The doctor stared with popping eyes and an open mouth. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Positive. Been going on years. You look shocked, Dr Gibson.’

‘I must admit I’m quite bowled over.’

‘Well, it’s true.’

‘Good God. I had absolutely no idea. I’ve always thought Tim was rather fey, but Roger Fuller doesn’t seem the type at all. Do you think Sally knows?’

‘Search me, but it seems strange she hasn’t shown her face at all around here, ’specially as she’s trained up in all this grief wotsit stuff.’

‘According to Roger she’s gone away for a few days, but that might be a blind. Her presence is desperately needed, but if she does know then it’s the last place she’d want to be. Oh, dear. This has put me in a difficult position on patient confidentiality terms. Thanks for the info, though. All Tim’s ramblings yesterday about confession have fallen into place. Do you know what his current thoughts are on the priest?’

‘Definitely wants to see him.’

‘And has the Father rung to confirm?’

‘Yes. Said he’d be down around six. I told Tim and he was ever so pleased. That was before he went all peculiar.’

‘Excellent. If he feels the need to cleanse his soul then confession may be invaluable. In the meantime, I’ll try some stronger sedation. After the priest’s been I’ll reassess the situation, possibly with the help of a colleague. If there’s no improvement it might be necessary to admit him to a psychiatric hospital.’

‘That bad, eh?’

Together they went up to Timothy, who was curled up in Marina’s bed, sucking his thumb. ‘Tim, old son,’ said the doctor carefully. ‘You’re really worn out, aren’t you? How about a nice bit of shut-eye?’

‘Yes, please. I’m really tired and I’d like a good sleep before Father Ewan comes.’

‘Here’s a couple of pills to help. When you wake up, try a little turn around the garden and get some deep breaths of fresh air.’ Timothy obediently swallowed the tablets with a sip of water, lay down and turned his back.

As they left the room Andrew Gibson looked at his watch. ‘Just gone ten-thirty. He’ll be out of it for at least three hours. Did Roger Fuller say what time he’d be back?’

‘No, he didn’t.’

‘And you say you’ve had no replies from his landline? I presume you haven’t got his mobile number?’

Cora bristled. ‘No I haven’t. Being on-call’s not part of his plan, is it? Selfish so and so.’

‘Oh, well. I’ll be passing The Dower House on my way back to the Health Centre, so if his car’s there I’ll pop in and explain the situation. If he doesn’t turn up in the fullness of time, and you really can’t cope when Tim wakes up, ring me straight away.’

‘Dr Gibson, if these tablets are going to knock him out cold, can I call old Mac’s taxi and do a quick whizz up to Sainsbury’s on the ring road? There’s not a crumb in this house, and Mr Bhatti’s just won’t do. I’ll be ever so quick.’

‘As long as you really are quick,’ he said, ‘but it’s only right that we tell Tim. Best let him know what’s happening. It’s all part of information and respect to the patient, and I’ll write it up in his notes ’

They gingerly entered the bedroom again. ‘Tim,’ Cora whispered, patting his hand. He blearily opened his eyes. ‘Listen, I’m going to call old Mac and nip up to Sainsbury’s.’

‘No need. Roger’s been.’

‘Er… no. He rang to say he’s not actually had time yet. He’s still at home doing a bit of sorting out. You have a nice sleep and he’ll be back long before you wake up.’

‘OK, but bring me a packet of Quavers and a bottle of merlot. Father Ewan will need them to give me communion. Oh, and before you go, can you look out Morgana’s bag for him?’

Cora looked blank. ‘A bag that belonged to his little sister,’ mouthed Dr Gibson. ‘Some talk of blessing. A request of Marina’s. Nothing to concern yourself with.’

Timothy sighed deeply, turned back over, and began to breathe evenly. They both stood looking at him for another minute. ‘Spark out,’ said the doctor.

‘Right,’ said Cora. ‘I’ll get old Mac on the blower.’