‘I couldn’t believe it when I heard Janet booking patients in to see him. I said to Nina Hill, “Well, that’s going to be interesting to watch. Now he’ll get his comeuppance because no one will see him.”’ Having delivered that prediction, Mrs Parker paused expectantly and Flora glanced up at her, realizing that some sort of response was required.

‘They’ll see him, Mrs Parker,’ she said quietly. ‘That was then and this is now. Conner is well qualified. And it’s great news that Logan finally has help. Super.’

‘Super?’ Mrs Parker gaped at her. ‘You think it’s great news?’

Far too loyal to reveal her own reservations, Flora secured the bandage. ‘Of course. Logan is barely managing on his own. We need another doctor on the island.’

‘Well, don’t imagine for one moment that Conner MacNeil will make a difference! Even if he is a doctor now, which frankly I doubt because everyone knows that these days you can fake everything for a price, there won’t be a soul on this island who will trust his opinion.’

Flora took a deep breath and tried to speak. ‘Mrs Parker, you really shouldn’t—’

‘Anyway, enough of that conversation.’ Mrs Parker apparently didn’t even notice the interruption. ‘I refuse to waste the air in my lungs on Conner MacNeil when there are so many more important things going on around us. I meant to say to you, John Carter was seen talking at the school gate with Meg Watson. Now, that’s an interesting match, if you ask me. She’s a single mother and he’s…’

Realising that a two-way conversation wasn’t required, Flora stood up and washed her hands, only half listening as Mrs Parker regaled her with all the latest island gossip.

How could Conner not be hurt by the negative reaction of the islanders?

Was he really as indifferent as he seemed?

If it were her, she’d be completely mortified.

She tugged a paper towel out of the holder and dried her hands, part of her brain listening to Mrs Parker while the other half thought about Conner. He’d built a shell around himself, and who could blame him?

‘So what do you think, dear?’

Realising that this time Mrs Parker was waiting for a response, Flora turned. ‘I honestly don’t know,’ she said truthfully. ‘I couldn’t give an opinion.’ And even if she could, she wouldn’t. ‘Don’t forget it’s important to walk when you have a venous ulcer.’

‘Yes, yes, I can’t possibly forget because you keep telling me.’ The elderly lady put her foot on the floor and tested it gingerly. ‘Oh, that’s much more comfortable. You’re a wonderful nurse, dear. Simply wonderful.’

But a useless gossip, Flora thought wryly. ‘That’s very kind of you, Mrs Parker.’