A family? ‘I think it’s a bit soon to be thinking of that,’ Flora said faintly, deciding that it was time to end the conversation before gossip about her ‘wedding’ reached the pub. ‘Your leg is healing well, Mrs Parker. Make an appointment to see me again on your way out.’

‘Yes, I’ll do that. I certainly won’t be seeing Conner, that’s for sure.’ She sniffed. ‘I value my health far too much for that.’

Flora opened her mouth to reply and then realised that no reply was expected because Angela Parker was once again answering her own question.

‘I think this time Logan will discover he’s made a mistake.’ She slid her bag over her arm. ‘If he’s not careful, he’ll find himself handling the summer singlehanded and that won’t be an easy task with a toddler and a new bairn.’

Knowing that to comment on that statement would trigger a conversation she didn’t have time for, Flora stood up, worried that she’d never finish her clinic if all her patients had as much to say as Angela. ‘It was nice to see you. Don’t forget to put that leg up when you’re sitting down.’

‘I always do that.’ Angela opened the door. ‘Take care of yourself and give me regards to your aunt.’

‘I’ll do that, Mrs Parker.’ Flora waited for the door to close behind her and then sank back into her chair. A quick glance at the clock on the wall confirmed that she was now running seriously late and she gave a despairing shake of her head. She still hadn’t adjusted to how long each appointment took on Glenmore. Everyone had something to say and a consultation involved so much more than it did on the mainland.

‘Problems?’ Logan stood in the doorway, a question in his eyes. ‘Angela Parker was with you a long time. Is her leg giving her trouble?’

‘She still has some signs of eczema around the ulcer but that’s because she isn’t using the cream you gave her. She’s not pyrexial and there’s no pain or tenderness to speak of and no obvious signs of cellulitis or infection. I’ll keep an eye on it. If it isn’t looking any better next week, I’ll give you a shout.’

Logan walked into the room and closed the door behind him. ‘If there’s no sign of healing in another month or so, I’ll refer her for a biopsy. We need to exclude malignancy.’

‘I think it is healing, it’s just that she doesn’t do much to help it along.’

‘So why are you looking so worried? I can’t believe that Mrs Parker’s leg ulcer is responsible for that frown on your face.’

‘I’m hopeless at this job,’ Flora confessed simply. ‘Absolutely hopeless.’