“That would be marvellous.” Mel chanced a look down and tried to look pleased, rather than horrified, that her toenails were being painted fuchsia. “Donovan mentioned to me that he met Jasper on the golf course at the club. Donovan just loves playing golf,” she said, hoping it trapped him into spending hours on the green. “It’s more a passion than a hobby.”

“Jasper’s the same way. I can’t work up an interest in it myself.” She began to chat about different people she wanted Mel to meet, and about how they might get together for tennis or sailing.

Mel agreed animatedly, wondering if a person could actually die of boredom.

Her face was scrubbed clean, and cream was slathered on. Some sort of oil was squirted all over her hair, and then plastic was wrapped around it.

“I just love being pampered this way,” Linda murmured. They were both lying back in soft chairs, having their hands massaged and their nails done.

“Me, too,” Mel said, and prayed they were nearly finished.

“I suppose that’s why this job suits me. Most of the time I work nights, so my days are free. And I can make use of all the hotel’s benefits.”

“Have you worked here long?”

“Almost two years now.” She sighed. “It’s never dull.”

“I imagine you meet all sorts of fascinating people.”

“The high-powered sort. That’s what I like. From what you were saying the other day, your husband doesn’t sound like small change.”

Mel would have grinned, but she settled for an indulgent smile. “Oh, he does very well. You could say that Donovan has the magic touch.”

They were rinsed, their scalps were massaged—Mel actually found it quite enjoyable—and it was nearly time for the finishing touches. She realized that if Linda didn’t probe soon she would have to find an opening to bring up the subject herself.

“You know, Mary Ellen, I was thinking about what you told me the other day.”

“Oh.” Mel feigned discomfort. “I’m so sorry about that, Linda, dumping on you that way, and so soon after we’d met. I guess I was feeling a little lost and homesick.”

“Nonsense.” Linda waved her glorious nails. “I think we just hit it off, that’s all. You were comfortable with me.”

“Yes, I was. But I’m more than a little embarrassed to think that I bored you with all that business about my personal life.”

“I wasn’t bored at all. I was touched.” Her voice was smooth as silk, with just the right touch of sympathy. Mel felt her hackles rising. “And it made me think. Please tell me if I’m getting too personal. But have you ever considered private adoption?”