The Stone Archangel

The Stone Archangel

Isobel Matheson has arrived in Spain to work as an assistant surgeon in the orthopaedic department of a Cordoba hospital, the head of which is Raul Mascolo y Rafael. At home in Edinburgh she’d been pursued by the vindictive family of a former patient; aware that they were turning their attentions to her parents she has left the country rather than have her family tormented on her account. Her first meeting with Raul is a disastrous misadventure, the second little better, though by this time she has met Jose Maria, his father, and agreed to keep a friendly eye on Jose Maria’s great niece, Tamaracita. Knowing nothing of this, and questioning her integrity and her skill, Raul is nevertheless forced to concede that she is both unselfconsciously kind and an adept and skilful surgeon, while Isobel, delighted by her new situation, is left fascinated and unnerved in equal measure where Raul is concerned. He remains both critical and watchful. Quick thinking and highly intuitive, Isobel is a welcome addition to the hospital staff and a hit with Tamaracita. Made wary by her experiences in Scotland and concerned that she may visit trouble on her new colleagues, she gives Raul a partial explanation of her circumstances and is touched and grateful at the support she receives. The attraction between them grows. Then she realises with surprise and shock not only that she may have been pursued to Spain but that in resolving her problems for her Raul is effectively removing her reasons for being in Cordoba .