The Private Patient Read Free Page A

word with him.”
    Without speaking he came up to her, turning the desk lamp so that its bright beam shone full on her face. His fingers were cool as they touched the skin on each cheek, pinching it into folds. The touch was so impersonal that it seemed an insult. She wondered why he hadn’t disappeared behind the screen to wash his hands, but perhaps, if he considered it necessary for this preliminary appointment, this had been done before she entered the room. There was a moment in which, not touching the scar, he scrutinised it in silence. Then he switched off the light and sat again behind the desk. His eyes on the file before him, he said, “How long ago was this done?”
    She was struck by the phrasing of the question. “Thirty-four years ago.”
    â€œHow did it happen?”
    She said, “Is that a necessary question?”
    â€œNot unless it was self-inflicted. I assume it wasn’t.”
    â€œNo, it wasn’t self-inflicted.”
    â€œAnd you have waited thirty-four years to do something about it. Why now, Miss Gradwyn?”
    There was a pause; then she said, “Because I no longer have need of it.”
    He didn’t reply, but the hand making notes in the file was for a few seconds stilled. Looking up from his papers, he said, “What are you expecting from this operation, Miss Gradwyn?”
    â€œI should like the scar to disappear, but I realise that’s impossible. I suppose what I’m hoping for is a thin line, not this wide sunken cicatrice.”
    He said, “I think with the help of some makeup it could be almost invisible. After surgery, if necessary, you can be referred to a CC nurse for cosmetic camouflage. These nurses are very skilled. It’s surprising what can be done.”
    â€œI’d prefer not to have to use camouflage.”
    â€œVery little or none may be necessary, but it’s a deep scar. As I expect you know, the skin is layered, and it will be necessary to open up and reconstruct those layers. For a time after the operation the scar will look red and raw, a great deal worse before it gets better. We’ll need to deal, too, with the effect on the naso-labial fold, that small droop of the lip, and the top of the scar where it pulls down the corner of the eye. At the finish I shall use a fat injection to plump up and correct any contour irregularities. But when I see you the day before the operation, I shall explain in more detail what I propose to do and show you a diagram. The operation will be done under a general anaesthetic. Have you ever been anaesthetised?”
    â€œNo, this will be my first time.”
    â€œThe anaesthetist will see you before the operation. There are some tests I would like done, including blood tests and an ECG, but I would prefer those to be carried out at St. Angela’s. The scar will be photographed before and after the operation.”
    She said, “The injection of fat you mentioned—what kind of fat?”
    â€œYours. Harvested by syringing it from your stomach.”
    Of course, she thought, a silly question.
    He said, “When were you thinking of having it done? I have private beds at St. Angela’s, or you could come to Cheverell Manor, my clinic in Dorset, if you prefer to be out of London. The earliest date I can offer you this year is Friday the fourteenth of December. That would have to be at the Manor. You would be one of only two patients at that time, as I shall be running down the clinic for the Christmas break.”
    â€œI’d prefer to be out of London.”
    â€œMrs. Snelling will take you to the office after this consultation. My secretary there will give you a brochure about the Manor. How long you stay there is up to you. The stitches will probably come out on the sixth day, and very few patients need or wish to stay post-operative for more than a week. If you do decide on the Manor, it’s helpful if you can find time for a preliminary