Page 168 of An Unholy Affair
Jack: Eveline’s awake and on the mend. She had cellulitis in the tissues around the wound, but the antibiotics are taking care of it, thank god.
Jack: I also wanted to let you know before anyone else that Eveline and I are getting married next week, or as soon as we can get it arranged. Eveline’s already bagged Stelle to be best woman/ bridesmaid, so will you three be my best men?
Jack: Btw, she doesn’t know about Simon yet. Stelle’s coming later to the hospital so we can talk to her about what happened.
Connor: CONGRATULATIONS! I’m so happy for you both, and glad you took my advice last night.
Finn: Congrats. That’s the best news, mate. Connor, what advice?
Connor: If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it. Woah oh, oh…
Jack: Lol. Not till tomorrow morning when Foxbrooke Jewellers opens.
Finn: And there was me thinking that Henry would be the first to fall…
Henry: All in good time. Congratulations, Jack. Need a reception venue?
Estelle: OMGGGGGGG!!!! This is so exciting!!! If you want it, Henry and my gift will be the reception at the Manor. We owe you big time for the Winter Ball and it can serve as a dry run for if we do any weddings in the future.
Jack: Wow, thank you! To be honest, I hadn’t thought any further than the church bit. Henry, can I borrow a suit?
Henry: Of course.
Finn: Can I borrow one too?
Connor: Me three please…
Henry: Estelle?
Estelle: Fuck off. I’m going to see if Aunt Simone can get Eveline and me anything. She doesn’t go back to France till Tuesday, so she can take measurements.
Estelle: Jack, give Eveline a hug from me and I’ll see you at the hospital in a couple of hours xxx
Jack saton one side of the hospital bed, Estelle on the other. Eveline’s parents had returned to the rectory where they would be staying, and her mother was making plans to fly her husband and other daughters over for the wedding.
He held one of Eveline’s hands in his. ‘We won’t stay long, angel. You need to rest.’
She opened her mouth as if to argue, then yawned and nodded.
With her free hand, Eveline reached for Estelle. ‘Thank you for taking care of the pigs and for helping me last night.’
A flash of pain crossed Estelle’s face, and she blinked, her eyes liquid. ‘It’s nothing. I’m just so fucking glad you’re okay.’
She smiled. ‘Never felt better.’
Jack’s stomach twisted with what was coming next, but he couldn’t lie to her.
‘Eveline,’ he began. ‘Stelle and I need to tell you something about last night.’
‘You do?’ She glanced between them. ‘What happened?’
He caught Estelle’s eye, and she nodded as if to encourage him to continue.
‘When we were waiting for the ambulance, Simon Little broke into your house.’
Eveline frowned. ‘I don’t understand. Broke in? Why?’
‘You were reacting badly to any light, so the house was completely dark, and we weren’t making any noise,’ he continued. ‘We heard the back door open, then someone creeping up the stairs.’
