Page 57 of A Helpin g Hand for the Village Nurse

Ottilie and all the girls followed him to the barn and watched expectantly as he produced the sack of pellets they seemed to like so much. He offered Ottilie a handful, as he’d done before, and then took some out himself.

Ottilie’s smile grew as they crowded her, tickling her palm as they hoovered it clean. It didn’t take long for it all to be gone.

‘Are they allowed any more?’ Ottilie asked.

Victor gave her one more handful. ‘That’ll do,’ he said.

Ottilie tried to reach the ones who hadn’t had the first treats, but some of them still went for seconds despite her efforts.

Then Victor fastened up the sack and wiped his hands.

‘This cancer business…’ he said, turning to Ottilie, his eyes glazing as he rubbed his hand over Daisy’s head.

It pained her to see that amiable, avuncular old face so sad. It was the first face she’d met on her arrival in Thimblebury, and he’d made her so welcome she’d never stop being grateful.

‘We’ve caught it in good time and the survival rates in cases like Corrine’s are really good. Treatment will be fast and brilliant, and she’ll be well in no time.’

‘Can you promise that?’

‘Nobody can promise anything in this world, but if I was asked to bet I’d put my house on it.’

At this he seemed to brighten. ‘Don’t mind me; silly old bugger. I’ve just got used to having her around, you know.’

‘There’s nothing silly about worrying for her. You know, if you need to ask questions or you feel as if you need to talk something through that’s bothering you, you only have to come and find me. And don’t think you’re a bother, because it won’t be any bother at all.’

Victor brightened further still, and then a mischievous look crossed his face. ‘You know what…I think you’re all right.’

Ottilie laughed. ‘Thanks.’

‘Better than that old Gwen. I know everyone falls down worshipping her, but she were always a bit bossy for my liking.’

‘Oh, I can be bossy.’

‘But you’re kinder with it. We won’t forget any of what you’ve done for us. Not ever, as long as any of us lives.’

Ottilie laughed again, but with a lump forming in her throat this time. ‘Don’t start getting all sentimental. You’ll start me off, and you don’t want that.’

‘Aye…’ Victor drew in a breath and reached into the sack of treats. ‘One more for the road, girls, and then that’s enough for today. You’re going to bankrupt me with all you eat.’

The rain was coming down properly and Ottilie was soaked through by the time they got back to the farmhouse. Corrine tutted as she put the kettle on to boil.

‘Let me get a hairdryer for you,’ she said to Ottilie, taking her jacket to hang it over a chair near the stove.

‘It’s only a bit of damp. It’ll be dry by the time I’m ready to go.’

‘Victor will run you down the hill. Can’t be walking in this – you’ll be soaked to the bone.’

A low rumble of thunder ripped across the sky. Corrine’s hands went to her hips. ‘Well that’s settled it. No argument – we’ll take you home in the Land Rover. I’m not having you get struck by lightning.’

Ottilie could see that when Corrine said no argument, she meant it, and so nodded agreement to the plan. ‘Thank you.’

‘It’s the least we could do as you came up to see us. Now, are you having cake with this tea?’ she asked, putting a slab of fruit cake out and setting it in front of Ottilie before she’d had an answer.

Looks like it, Ottilie thought, trying to hold back a grin.

‘Have you got some sandbags at your place?’ Victor asked as he pulled off his wellies at the back door.

Ottilie turned to him. ‘Sandbags?’

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