Part 40 (2/2)
”The fog probably slowed them up. Come into the drawing room.”
The telephone's shrill ring sounded eerie in the quiet house, and Julia picked it up. ”Collinwood...Speaking...Where?...What76.are their conditions?...Yes,...Yes, I'll be right there.”
”What is it, Julia?”
She had gone into the foyer and started putting on her coat. Carolyn followed, her uneasiness increasing. ”Julia? What is it?”
”There was an accident on the coast road. Amy and Angelique are at the hospital in Collinsport.”
A small army of Collinses followed Julia into the building, agreeing to wait in the lobby. Julia went directly to the emergency room. Amy, her left arm in a sling, came running to meet her. ”Thank goodness you're here, Julia. She's so still.”
”How are you, Amy?”
”Dr. Morgan said that my arm is fractured. Julia, you've got to help Angelique. She's the important one.”
”You're just as important.” She turned to the nearest nurse. ”Meg, take Amy to a room and make sure she lies down. I'll prescribe something for the pain later.”
”Yes, Doctor.”
John Morgan looked up as Julia entered the room. ”I thought I heard you in the hall.”
Julia tried to remain detached from Angelique's pale features as she checked the woman's' pulse. ”What's wrong with her, John?”
”Concussion, broken ribs, possible ruptured spleen. I was about to take her into x-ray.”
”let's go.”
The family gathered when they noticed Julia's approach. ”Amy has a fractured left arm and she's in mild shock. I'm keeping her here overnight for observation.”
”What about Angelique?” Elizabeth asked.
”Her injuries are more serious. Dr. Morgan is taking her into surgery right now for a ruptured spleen.”
”Oh, my.”
”The trouble is, she's still unconscious, but I don't want to take the risk of internal bleeding.”
”Why is she still unconscious, Julia?” Maggie asked, standing with Quentin.
”Mild concussion. The x-rays didn't show anything severe. She also has a couple of broken ribs.”
David spoke. ”Can I see Amy?”
”Of course. But I'd prefer you not to mention anything about the surgery just yet. She's upset enough as it is. Would you go with him, Maggie? Meg can show you the room.”
Maggie slipped away from Quentin. ”Come on, David.”
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