Page 84 of A Helpin g Hand for the Village Nurse

‘Not sure yet – haven’t had all the RSVPs. How about eight?’

‘Eight sounds fine.’ She turned to Victor, who didn’t seem to have been listening. ‘Are you going to this film thing?’

‘Oh, I don’t think so.’

‘But I’m sure you’re welcome to this time. Magnus says it’s a bonding thing for all of us – that’s it, right, Magnus?’

‘Yes, you’re welcome to come,’ Magnus said very deliberately, seeming to give Victor an odd look with it.

‘Well, I’ll see what Corrine says, but I expect she’ll be too tired.’

‘Yes, I expect so,’ Magnus said in his strange way again.

Victor gave the tiniest shrug and then turned back to fitting all the components into his drill case.

‘So that’s eight,’ Magnus said to Ottilie. ‘Don’t forget.’

‘I’ll see you tomorrow, won’t I?’ she asked. ‘I’m sure you’d remind me if I did forget.’

‘Yes, but I’m making sure you know the arrangements. We thought it might be fun to dress up a bit, so wear something a bit fancy.’

‘Fancy? Really?’

‘Yes, I want us to be in our Sunday best. Indulge me, won’t you?’

‘OK,’ Ottilie said uncertainly.

Looking pleased with himself, Magnus went back to where Geoff was stacking unused timber. They had a quick word, and then Geoff looked as pleased as Magnus. The frown she’d been holding on to creased Ottilie’s forehead.

If she hadn’t known better, she’d have said something was being cooked up.

Ottilie had pulled out a black dress she’d bought shortly before Josh’s death, had a little cry about it, and then put it back, taking out a floral one instead. It was more of a tea dress than evening wear really, but when Magnus had said to be fancy, surely he didn’t expect her to turn up in a red-carpet number? And so she’d put it on, slapped on a bit of make-up and combed her hair, and hoped that would do.

Corrine was at the table finishing her tea when Ottilie went in. ‘Ooh, you look nice.’

‘Do you think I’ve overdressed? It’s only Geoff’s cinema after all.’

‘I don’t think so,’ Corrine said. ‘I think that looks just right. I wish I could still see where my waist was meant to be.’

‘Don’t be daft – you always look lovely,’ Ottilie said, grabbing her handbag from the chair where she’d left it.

‘You look nice,’ Victor said, echoing Corrine’s compliment as he came in from the front garden. ‘Ready to go? I’ve got the engine running on the car – thought I’d better warm it up in case it didn’t feel like starting.’

Ottilie nodded. ‘Thanks for this. You’re sure neither you want to come?’

‘Oh no,’ Victor said.

‘There’s something on telly we want to watch,’ Corrine added. ‘Have a lovely time and tell us all about it when you get home.’

Half an hour later, Ottilie arrived at the village shop and went round to the side gate that was always left unlocked for film club, pushed it open and then went up to the house. Through the vast windows she could see Magnus hurrying to get the door. The place seemed weirdly quiet. Usually – at least whenever film club was on – by this time the kitchen would be filled with the other members. But Ottilie couldn’t see anyone else. Nor could she see any signs of the ‘soirée’ Magnus had promised. No food was laid out, no bottles of booze…neither could she hear any music or chatter coming from anywhere.

‘Am I early?’ she asked as he opened the door and swept her into a hug.

And then he held her at arm’s length and gave a satisfied nod. ‘You look lovely,’ he said. ‘Perfect. Just right.’

‘OK…thank you,’ Ottilie replied slowly. ‘Where’s everyone else?’

‘In the cinema room. Come on – let’s go through.’

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