Compulsively Mr. Darcy Read Free Page B

pre-adoption was done during the transition from the last manager to me, and with the new investigator taking over what Uncle Ed usually handled, a few things got missed. I’ll see you at lunch.”
    â€œGood luck.” Elizabeth said good-bye. She glanced at the clock. She still had time to go check on a patient before lunch.
    ***
    An hour later, as Elizabeth sat in her office at the hospital, a voice scolded her, “You’re supposed to be off today, Dr. Bennet.”
    She looked up from reading a patient’s chart and smiled at the young Vietnamese woman at her door, her friend and colleague Dr. Chau Luc. “I’m just checking on Mr. Vinh.”
    â€œYou Americans are all workaholics, working all the time. You never rest.”
    â€œSpeak for yourself, Chau. Aren’t you always working at your father’s club on your days off?” Elizabeth said. Chau was very devoted to her family.
    â€œThe only way I get to spend time with my father and brothers lately is if I help out at Merry Bar. When you and Jane have some free time, you should come and check the club out. I’ll introduce you to my family.”
    â€œFirst chance we get,” Elizabeth promised and stood. “Now, I need to go see my patient.”
    Mr. Vinh looked surprised to see her. “Dr. Bennet, I thought you were not working today.”
    â€œI missed you and want to see what damage I did yesterday,” she said. His infection was a rare case, and she fretted about his progress.
    Smiling at her teasing, Mr. Vinh replied that he was well and she need not bother herself.
    Aware that Vietnamese people always said they were fine, even if they were dying, she carefully examined him anyway. Satisfied at his healing, she bid him good-bye.
    He held out a hand and, in a formal manner, said, “Thank you very much, Dr. Bennet. I’m honored to have your care.”
    She shook his hand. “You are very welcome, Mr. Vinh. I’m glad to be able to help.”
    â€œI saw what happened with the two men yesterday. The dark-haired one insulted you. He thought you neglected his friend and he was angry. I’m honored that you put me first, though I would have been happy to wait.”
    â€œI’m so sorry you saw my undisciplined outburst yesterday. I put you first because you were the sicker patient.”
    â€œI don’t have money but I have influence.” His eyes serious, Mr. Vinh added, “If you want, I can make them leave the country.”
    She held up her hands. “No, no. He was worried about his friend. I was the bad one. You don’t have to do anything. I want them to stay, please.”
    He pointed his finger in a commanding manner at her. “Anybody gives you trouble, you come to me. You promise?”
    She quickly agreed, a little fearful if she didn’t, he would do something on his own. “Don’t worry, Mr. Vinh. If I have any trouble with anyone, I promise to come to you for help. Those men yesterday were tourists passing through. I’m sure I won’t see them again.”

CHAPTER 3
Two Men and a Baby
    Jane tried not to gawk at the group that just arrived from Net Thi Phen Resort.
    Mr. Hurst, a forty-year-old Englishman whose family owned a Scotch and brandy distribution business, requested something stronger upon being offered tea or coffee. Mrs. Hurst, a thirty-seven-year-old woman, had simply listed “socialite” as her current and past employment history. Jane tried to recall the sparse details she had just read about the Hursts this morning. Nothing stood out.
    Mrs. Hurst’s brother, Mr. Bingley, and his friend, Mr. Darcy, accompanied the Hursts. Jane’s eyes widened, recognizing their names.
    Mr. Bingley said, “Our other sister will join us shortly, but no need to wait for her. She’s reading in the car.”
    Mr. Bingley’s infectious good humor, especially when he caught a glimpse of the children playing, more than