Page 107 of The Bookshop By the Loch

“I’m feeling fine now. A bit embarrassed about causing such a needless commotion, but that’s all.”

“But Mrs Matthews…”

Celeste folded her freckled pale arms and stuck out her jaw.

The doctor heaved a sigh. “Alright. You can stay here.” He swivelled to speak to Maeve and Joy. “Keep an eye out for any signs of concussion, drowsiness or vomiting. If you have any concerns about Mrs Matthews’s condition, ring for an ambulance immediately.”

They both confirmed they would without hesitation.

Dr Jenkins leant down and addressed Celeste. “And you behave yourself.”

Celeste looked horrified at the prospect. “Dear me, no. What fun is there in that?” She made a contented sigh and rested her white, thick head of hair back against the pillows.

The doctor gathered his briefcase and suit jacket. “Could I have a quick word with both of you ladies please?” He indicated to Maeve and Joy.

Maeve nodded and stepped out into the corridor with Joy closing the room door shut behind her.

Tobias and I were left alone in Celeste’s room with her, the faint traces of summer breeze gently billowing the curtains, bringing a freshness to the air.

“May I, Celeste?” I asked, patting a corner of her bed.

“Please do.”

I sat myself down beside her and Tobias pulled over a chair. “So, what happened?” I asked her. “Or should I say, why did it happen?”

Celeste glanced up at me.

I pointed to Corinne’s letter, stuffed inside the envelope. “Was it because of that?”

Celeste’s attention followed mine. “Ah. So, Maeve told you I got the brush-off?”

“Yes.” There was silence, except for the sound of birdsong outside.

“Is that why you collapsed?” asked Tobias gently. “Because of its contents?”

“No, of course not. I was being too cavalier with my wheelchair, that’s all.”

Her misty eyes lingered on the envelope and Corinne’s elegant loopy handwriting. When she spotted me looking at it too, she pulled her attention away. “Now, if both of you don’t mind, I’d like to rest my eyes for a few moments. Being a force of nature takes its toll.”

“I bet it does,” smiled Tobias across at her.

Celeste settled herself back against the pillows and before long, her eyelids fluttered closed and she was dozing.

A moment or so later, her door eased open quietly. Maeve was standing there, ashen-faced. She gestured for the two of us to follow her.

I eased myself from the bed, so as not to disturb Celeste, Tobias rose from his chair and we followed Maeve back out into the hallway, leaving Celeste to slumber.

Tobias clicked the door shut at his back.

Dr Jenkins had departed by this time, but Joy was still standing there, looking troubled.

“What is it?” I asked, my stomach giving a concerned wriggle.

Maeve took a breath. “It isn’t good news.” She moved to speak, decided she couldn’t and gestured to Joy to take over.

Joy’s pink, round face broke into a sad smile. “The doctor said Celeste’s becoming weaker, although five fire-breathing dragons wouldn’t be able to get her to admit it.” Her expression became graver. “She can’t risk another fall. In her condition, fractures to the likes of thigh bones can cause serious issues to other parts of the body.”

I rubbed my face. I didn’t want to hear this. None of us did. But Celeste seemed so much brighter and her tongue was still working at full tilt. “So, what does that mean? What’s the prognosis? How many months?”