Reunited: A Miracle Marriage. Judy Campbell

but for his stooping gait and a general fragility marked by his grey complexion and dark shadows under his eyes.

      He lowered himself gingerly onto the chair in front of the desk, and remarked, ‘Oh, I know all about you, Doctor, and what happened this morning—saving Callum Brody from a watery grave! You’re a celebrity around here now!’

      ‘News travels fast,’ remarked Jack with amusement. ‘How did you know all that?’

      ‘My daughter told me.’

      ‘Your daughter?’ asked Jack, puzzled.

      Angus Knightley smiled proudly. ‘The lass at Reception—Sharon. She helps that dragon of a woman, Joyce. The practice couldn’t do without Sharon! She told me the other day that a man was going to do a locum job here, so I thought it would be an opportunity to have myself looked at. It’s about time they had a man in the practice at last—much more satisfactory!’ Then he added hastily, ‘Not that I’ve anything against women doctors, of course!’

      Jack raised a quizzical brow. ‘Of course not! I hope I can help. Tell me what the trouble is.’

      He waited patiently as Mr Knightley cleared his throat and took a deep breath, as if psyching himself up to explain his symptoms. ‘The…the thing is…’ He stuttered a little and then said in a rush, ‘It’s very embarrassing, Doctor. I couldn’t have let Dr Cornwell or Dr Lawson examine me…’

      How often does that happen? thought Jack wryly. So many people put their embarrassment and fear before their health and then suffered the consequences of a late diagnosis. He was well used to patients’ diffidence.

      ‘Now you’ve managed to get yourself here, don’t miss the opportunity to tell me,’ he prompted gently.

      Another silence as Angus grappled with the need to explain his problem and the indignity of revealing it, then he said awkwardly, ‘Trouble with the…er, rear end, you know. It’s damned painful.’

      ‘You mean haemorrhoids?’ Jack asked sympathetically. No wonder the man looked terrible. Although piles were the subject of much cruel humour, they were amongst the most painful of common conditions. ‘How long have you been suffering with them?’