‘I’m so sorry.’ Struggling desperately to control herself, Jenna rummaged in her pocket for a tissue. Someone pushed one into her hand. ‘Just leave me for a minute—I’ll be fine.’ Oh, God, she was going to crack. Right here in public, with these kind people around her.

Evanna hurried out of her clinic, alerted by Janet. ‘Jenna? Are you all right?’

Jenna blew her nose. ‘Just being really stupid. And making my clinic even more behind than it is at the moment.’

‘Then perhaps we can get on with it? I’m first.’ Mrs Parker’s crisp voice cut through the mumbling and the sympathy. ‘And I’ve been standing on this leg for twenty minutes now. I’m too old to be kept waiting around. It isn’t the first drama we’ve had on Glenmore and it won’t be the last.’

Even the gentle Evanna gritted her teeth, but Jenna stood up, grateful to be forced into action.

‘Of course, Mrs Parker. I’m so sorry. Come with me. The rest of you—’ she glanced around the crowded waiting room ‘—I’ll be as quick as I can.’

Following Mrs Parker down the corridor to her room, Jenna braced herself for a sharp rebuke and a lecture.

Instead she was given a hug. ‘There, now…’ Mrs Parker’s voice shook slightly, and her thin fingers rubbed Jenna’s back awkwardly. ‘Those folks think they’re helping, but they’re overwhelming, aren’t they? I’ve lived on this island all my life and there are times when I could kill the lot of them. You must feel like a crust of bread being fought over by a flock of seagulls.’ With a sniff she pulled away, leaving Jenna with a lump in her throat.

‘Oh, Mrs Parker—’

‘Now, don’t you get all sentimental on me, young lady.’ Mrs Parker settled herself in the chair. ‘Sentimental is all very well once in a while, but it doesn’t solve problems. I’m guessing those tears have nothing to do with that foolhardy rescue or lack of sleep. Do you want to talk about it?’

Jenna blew her nose again. ‘I’m supposed to be dressing your leg—’

‘You’re a woman. Are you telling me you can’t talk and bandage a leg at the same time?’

Jenna gave a weak smile and turned her attention to work. Washing her hands, she prepared the equipment she needed. ‘It’s just reaction to yesterday, I’m sure. And I am a little tired. Really.’

‘I’m old, not stupid. But not so old I don’t remember how it feels to be confused about a man. You came here as a single mother. I’m guessing you’re rethinking that now.’

Jenna’s hands shook as she removed the bandage from the old lady’s leg. ‘No. No, I’m not rethinking that. Lexi and I are a team.’