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Page 150
That's why I wanted a nurse disguised as a companion for her, but she took to you so warmly that . . . Linda, you must realize I couldn't take you away from her."
Linda blinked. "But Peter, surely you didn't expect me to stay forever? It's only a job. Why your aunt might live ten or fifteen years. Did you expect me to live with her"
"My aunt won't live one year," he said, his voice harsh.
Linda's corner seemed to darken again and get colder. "I can't believe that," she whispered. "I've seen people with heart disease. They have swollen legs and blue lips. They can't breathe."
"That's coronary insufficiency or congestive heart failure. My aunt doesn't have that kind of heart disease. She's got an aneurysm they can't operate onmaybe more than one. One day it will . . . burst." His voice broke, and he swallowed. Then he added, "When you get back to London, you can speak to her doctor yourself."
"If she's that ill, she must have a doctor in Corfu," Linda said. She wouldn't, couldn't believe that Peter was making this up or exaggerating his aunt's illness, but her throat closed when she saw his face go cold and hard.
"Yes, she does, a half-baked quack recommended by that fool, Mrs. Paxton." He shook his head. "Maybe he isn't so bad, but he doesn't have the equipment. In any event, there isn't much any doctor can do, so he's as good as

 
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