CHAPTER ONE

      ‘BUT there must be some other work—anything?’ Olivia fought for control, trying to keep the note of panic from her voice.

      ‘Ms Morrell, we have plenty of work on our books, particularly for someone with your casualty experience. However, as you’ve said you will only consider a live-in position, it makes things very difficult. Even the large teaching hospitals are cutting back on their living accommodation—the agency nurses just don’t get a look-in.’

      Olivia nodded. She had heard it all before. This was the fifth agency she had tried and the only one that had actually come up with a job—a live-in position nursing a recently disabled gentleman in Melbourne. The work in itself didn’t worry her, but in her present emotional state Olivia doubted if she would be much good at bolstering the young man’s spirits.

      ‘Well, thank you for your time.’ Olivia stood up, smoothing her smart grey skirt. Trying to blink back the ever-threatening tears, she reached for her bag. ‘If anything comes in, you will let me know?’

      Miss Lever looked up from the files she was half-heartedly flicking through. Suddenly she felt sorry for Olivia for despite the designer clothes, immaculate hair and make-up she obviously wasn’t as together as she first appeared.

      ‘Just a moment.’ Miss Lever tapped the keyboard of her computer. ‘I’m sure this won’t remotely interest you, but I did receive an e-mail today from our New South Wales office. It would seem they’re having trouble filling a particular vacancy. It is live-in, but I can’t imagine....’ Her voice trailed off as she printed off the particulars.

      ‘Tell me about it,’ Olivia said sitting down sharply. Surely there must be a job for her.

      ‘The position is for a charge nurse with advanced nursing skills to work in general practice.’

      ‘It sounds perfect.’ Olivia nodded enthusiastically.

      ‘I think you’d better let me fill you in a bit before you go getting too excited. The practice is in Kirrijong—have you heard of it?’

      Olivia nodded. ‘Vaguely. It’s way out in the bush, isn’t it?’

      ‘That’s an understatement. It’s very pretty apparently, but also very isolated. The practice covers a vast area and the surrounding townships. But when I say “surrounding”, you could hardly say they’re close by. Kirrijong isn’t close to anything. They’re actually in the process of building a small cottage hospital to service the area, which is due for completion in three to six months. The position is available until then, but if you like it...’ Miss Lever gave a cynical smile ‘...I’m sure they’d be delighted to keep you on.’

      She looked over at Olivia, expecting to see a look of horror on the well-made-up face. This was, after all, no modern city surgery. Instead, she was surprised to see Olivia closely reading the e-mail, her face full of interest. Perhaps she would get her commission after all. ‘You did your midwifery training in England, I see, as well as your general training.’

      ‘Yes, but I came straight out to Australia afterwards, and I’ve been in Casualty ever since. Apart from the odd surprise delivery in the department, I haven’t practised.’

      Miss Lever shrugged. ‘They only say midwifery training desirable. You’re more than qualified and, anyway, they’re desperate.’

      ‘What do you mean?’

      ‘Well...’ Miss Lever shuffled uncomfortably in her seat. ‘Look, I’m not aware of your circumstances and, of course, it’s none of my business, though it does appear you need a live-in job in a hurry.’

      Olivia blushed. Was it that obvious how desperate she was?

      ‘I just feel I should emphasise this is not the sort of job you’re used to. Apart from your regular hours, you will be expected to help out in emergencies at any given time. It’s an extremely busy surgery, with a large, complicated patient