When I came down with the flu, Ruth banished me from the house.

“You may be contagious and we can’t take the chance that Mandla might get sick. You need to leave and take your bloody germs with you!”

“Where do you want me to go?” I sniffed, feeling congested and sorry for myself.

“I could book you into a hotel or a B and B, but why don’t you ask Loverboy if he can look after you?”

“No, Ruth. I couldn’t impose like that.”

“Oh, please.” She waved me off and then marched to the phone. “What’s his number?”

When I refused to give it, she looked it up in the phone book and dialed it. “Hello, Riaan? It’s Ruth, here. Dee’s coming down with something and I don’t want her around Mandla. Do you think you could look after her for a few days at your place? You could? Oh, thank you so much. How about you come over now and pick her up. I’ll make sure she’s waiting for you.”

“Ruth,” I groaned when she put the receiver down.

“What? How many women get to play a real-life Jane Bennet when she falls ill at Netherfield and Bingley has to take care of her?” She cupped her chin and then said, “I suppose that makes me Mrs. Bennet in this scenario.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. And to think everyone thought you were the clever one! You really should read more books.” She tutted and then headed into my room, throwing things into my rucksack. “Don’t you have anything more alluring than this?” She scrunched her nose up at my old nightgown. “What happened to the silk kimono I gave you? Did you cut it up for curtains in a reverse Scarlett O’Hara move?” Before I could dig it out of the back of the wardrobe, she marched into her own room and pulled three silk nightgowns from her cupboard. “Here, take these.”

“For God’s sake, Ruth. I’m not wearing your ridiculous lingerie.”

“Suit yourself, but—” She was interrupted by a knock. “Wow, someone is sure eager to have you over at his place,” Ruth said before unceremoniously opening the door and shoving me into Riaan’s arms. “Don’t come back until you’re a hundred percent better.”

Had I been healthier, I would have been mortified. Things had been strained between Riaan and me since the camping trip at the site at Drimolen when it had become clear that he still harbored romantic feelings for me. The closer he tried to get to me, the more I withdrew. Ruth thrusting me on him like that was not only rude but it also sent mixed messages, which was the last thing I wanted to do. But, as things were, I felt terrible and was just grateful to have someone care for me while I convalesced.