Part 15 (1/2)

The delegates left, all except one, a tall, black-cloaked figure with a white face and burning red eyes. His name was Grimoire, and he was the nearest thing the General had to a friend.

Perhaps it was because Grimoire was the only man if man was the word who wasn't afraid of him.

In his own way, Grimoire was devoted to the General, although he showed it, as sometimes happens, by needling him constantly.

'You really think you can get away with taking those apes to a formal reception?'

'They've got to put in a token appearance,' said the General firmly. 'We're a peace conference, a conference has to have delegates. You're in charge, Grimoire. Anyone gives any trouble, bustle them out. I know I can rely on you.'

As indeed he could.

Grimoire had been having a hard time before the General took him on his staff. He was an experienced mercenary, but he had certain limitations, especially during the hours of daylight.

After dark, however, he was unequalled. And he asked for little...

Loaded down with a variety of parcels in different shapes and sizes, the Doctor and Peri staggered into her room. Peri had exchanged her dressing-gown and robes for a well-cut grey trouser-suit.

Dropping his armful of burdens on the bed, the Doctor perched on the end of it and mopped his brow.

'I have undergone many terrifying experiences during my travels through s.p.a.ce and time, Peri but shopping with you is undoubtedly the most unnerving.'

Peri, exhausted but happy, set about unwrapping and sorting her acquisitions.

'You just don't understand shopping, Doctor. It's a girl thing.'

'Why did you have to buy three evening dresses?' he protested. 'And why did you insist on my buying that dress suit?

We're leaving in a day or so and I haven't heard of any festivities.'

'That's where you're wrong. One of the women in the commissary was buying a new gown for the reception.'

'What reception?'

'There's a reception tonight for the peace conference delegates.'

'Well, we're not invited.'

Peri spotted an ornate envelope on her bedside table, grabbed it and ripped it open. 'Oh yes we are at least I am.

”Lord Delmar, Governor of the Hospice of Karn, requests the pleasure...” There'll be one of these waiting for you in your rooms, Doctor.'

'Blast! What time's this reception?'

'Six o'clock.' Peri glanced at her newly acquired watch and shrieked. 'It's already gone three!'

'Plenty of time then.'

'Less than three hours to get ready? Plenty of time?' Peri sorted through the parcels until she found the one containing the Doctor's dress suit and thrust it into his arms. 'There you are then, off you go. Pick me up here at a quarter to six and don't be late!'

She bustled him out of the room.

The reception was well under way by the time the Doctor and Peri arrived. (They were a little late because Peri had changed her mind three times about which dress to wear.) The reception was held in a large, ornately furnished room in Lord Delmar's quarters. There were glittering chandeliers, and servants with trays of exotic drinks and delicacies. There were scattered little groups of people, drinking and nibbling and making laborious conversation.

There was even a major-domo to announce the guests.

'Mr John Smith and Miss Perpugilliam Brown,' he boomed.

Peri glanced at the Doctor as they went inside.

' Mr Mr John Smith? What happened to the Doctor bit?' John Smith? What happened to the Doctor bit?'

'We're in a hospital,' the Doctor reminded her. 'It might give people the wrong idea. I don't want people telling me their digestive problems over the canapes and champagne.'

'There's more to it than that, isn't there?'

'Let's just say I've good reasons for remaining incognito.'

They moved to the centre of the room, where Lord Delmar, splendid in frock coat, knee-breeches and buckled shoes, was waiting to greet them.

His eyes lit up at the sight of Peri in her low-cut red gown.

Beside her was the Doctor, looking neat and sleek in his black dress suit.

Peri curtseyed and the Doctor bowed.

'Charmed, charmed,' said Lord Delmar. He studied Peri's bare shoulders and arms with appreciation. 'You certainly seem restored to full health, young lady. Another success for our esteemed Doctor Solon.'

Solon, who was standing amidst a wors.h.i.+pping little group of junior doctors nearby, came towards them at the mention of his name.

'It was a privilege,' he murmured. 'I am only too happy to have been of service.'

'I couldn't possibly tell you all that Doctor Solon has done for me,' said Peri. 'I only wish I could repay him as he deserves.'

The sweetness of her words contrasted strangely with the fury in her eyes, and Solon moved away as a waitress came over with drinks and another with delicacies.

Lord Delmar registered the exchange. 'Your young friend doesn't seem too fond of Doctor Solon, Mr Smith. A little friction, perhaps?'

'Doctor Solon's surgical skills are undeniable,' said the Doctor. 'His bedside manner leaves something to be desired.'

'Hanky-panky,' thought Delmar instantly. There had been rumours about Solon and female patients before. Solon's eminence gave him a certain lat.i.tude, but all the same... He decided to have a word with Commander Hawken.

Hawken himself came over, looking, as usual, as if he ought to be swinging from the rafters. The Doctor introduced him, and Hawken's suave charm soon made Peri forget his intimidating appearance.