would be mollycoddled. Her godmother never sat still long enough for Ellie to do anything much special for her, to repay her for all she’d done, but now she wouldn’t have a choice. Ellie would do everything she could to make Matilda feel loved. She planned on being so focused and dedicated to her role as carer that she wouldn’t have time to think or stress about what the locals were saying behind her back.
Although the plastic frog had jumped to the other side of the old wooden veranda, the key was still there, tucked inside, just as Ellie suspected. She stood on the hot-pink welcome mat where she’d first landed as a confused and heartbroken fifteen-year-old, then let herself in, smiling at the bombardment of familiar smells. Matilda had been in hospital for two days now, but this place was so infused with aromatherapy essences that Ellie reckoned it would smell like a flower shop even if she’d been gone a year.
Dumping her bags in the living room, Ellie quickly tidied the kitchen table, wanting the house to be in order for Matilda’s return. Her thoughts turned to dinner and what from her limited repertoire she might prepare, but when she opened the fridge, and then the pantry, dismay set in. Both empty, bar half a packet of sugar, two tins of baked beans, some old crackers and Moroccan mint tea bags. What on earth did Mat live on? Whatever the answer, one thing was clear: Ellie would have to go shopping. Deep down she’d known she couldn’t hole up in the cottage for the duration of her stay, but it had been a lovely fantasy. Still, it was just after midday. Mat would have eaten lunch already and Ellie couldn’t wait to see her.
She found the car keys in the leaf-shaped bowl in the hall and was about to leave when she decided on one final touch. Racking her brain, trying to recall what she’d learned about essences and oils while living in this house, Ellie remembered something about lemon and ylang-ylang being good for convalescing. Once a few drops were in two of Mat’s many burners and the candles lit, she smiled and left the cottage.
She started the vintage Holden Premier and turned toward the hospital. Once out on the road, however, the calm instilled in her at the cottage quickly dispersed. Whatever way she looked at it, she’d have to deal with someone at the hospital—nurses, doctors, orderlies, who knows? More nervous than she ever was in front of the camera, she chomped down hard on her lower lip, hoping the pain would distract from the worry. She knew that once she saw Matilda and had been enveloped in one of her magical hugs she could face anything. No one would dare to say a word to her in her godmother’s presence. All she had to do was get there. Because, despite what the town thought of Ellie, Mat was a well-respected resident. She was almost a local dignitary due to all the books she’d published, not to mention the fact she did so much charity work. She was held in such esteem that most overlooked her slightly wacky way of living and dressing, while others wholeheartedly embraced her quirkiness.
Sucking air into her lungs, Ellie found a parking space right outside the entrance and gave herself a final pep talk.
“Think of it as a test. If you survive this, the town will be a piece of cake.”
Inside the small, one-ward hospital, she found the front desk unmanned. A sign informed her that the receptionist was on lunch and all inquiries were to be directed to the nurses’ desk. One hurdle down.
Ellie headed along the familiar corridor. She’d been here many a time in her teens when Flynn had broken limbs or dislocated things on the football field. Nothing had changed. She kind of hoped there’d be another sign on the nurses’ desk directing her back to reception—then she’d simply hunt Mat down on her own.
She had no such luck. Behind the desk stood a glamorous nurse in a short medical ensemble that looked more appropriate for a fancy dress party than the requirements of the job.
The nurse looked up as Ellie padded toward her. She flicked a long, blond ponytail over one shoulder and her perfect green irises glistened as if she were a pirate laying eyes on a monumental treasure.
“Well. Well. Well.” She looked slowly up and down as if assessing Ellie’s less-than-fashionable attire. “If it isn’t Elenora. The runaway bride returns.”
Pain speared Ellie’s chest. At the nurse’s reference to one of the most regrettable moments of her life, she summoned all she’d learned in front of the camera and tried for an air of polite indifference.
“Lauren.” Ellie smiled tightly, quaking inside. At the same time, she clocked the nurse’s ring finger, her heart relaxing at the absence of any marital bling. Lauren Simpson had always had her sights on Flynn. “I’m here to collect Matilda. Can you tell me her room number, please?”
Lauren scoffed. “This isn’t the big smoke, princess. We don’t have hundreds of rooms to choose from. She’s the second door on the left. I’ll get her discharge papers ready.”
“Thank you.” As Ellie turned, she screwed up her face in disbelief. Some things never changed. On the other hand, never would she have imagined Lauren becoming a nurse. But all thoughts of her archenemy left as she came to Matilda’s door, which was slightly ajar. The room was quiet and dimly lit, the antithesis of its occupant. She peered in, noting two foot-shaped lumps at the end of the bed.
“Mat?” she called, knocking at the same time.
There was slight movement under the covers and then a loud shriek. “Is that you, girl? Jeez, Els, you don’t have to knock. Get yourself in here quick smart.”
Grinning, Ellie pushed the door but almost stumbled as she caught sight of her godmother. She tried to hide the shock on her face. Mat looked ghastly. Usually a towering, well-built woman, she now seemed frail and tiny in this hospital bed. Her face was sallow, and gray bags drooped under her big brown eyes despite the enforced rest.
“What are you gawping at, sweet?” came Matilda’s disapproving voice. “Never seen a sick old woman before? Get over here and give us a cuddle.”
Relaxing, Ellie rushed to the bed and climbed up alongside her old friend. “The only thing sick about you is your sense of humor.” She laughed into Mat’s hair as they wrapped their arms around each other and clung tightly. “Golly, it’s good to see you again.”
They stayed like that for an aeon before Matilda, her voice slightly choked, pulled back, tugged off Ellie’s cap and tucked the stray strands of hair behind her ears. “Don’t go getting all sentimental on me. Hysterics won’t get me out of this prison. Which better be why you’re here.”
“Why else?” Ellie shrugged and recognition flashed between them.
Matilda opened her mouth as if about to speak but Lauren swanned into the room.
“Afternoon, Ms. T,” she said with a warmth Ellie had never witnessed in her before. Ever. “Looks like today’s your lucky day.” She turned to Ellie. “Sheila, the other nurse on duty, will be in to help Ms. Thompson get ready. If you can come with me, I’ll run you through her pain relief medication and hire you out a wheelchair.”
No, was what Ellie wanted to say. I’ll just stay right here, while you fetch the chair and tablets. But perhaps she was overreacting, her imagination getting away with her. Although Lauren’s red fingernails were inappropriately long for a nurse, how much damage could she really do?
“Okay,” Ellie said. She leaned over and kissed Matilda on the cheek. “I’ll be right back.”
They were barely out of Mat’s earshot before Lauren started. “You’ve got some nerve coming back here.”
“Still predictable, I see,” Ellie replied, before she thought better of it. Probably not a good
