Elle slept the slumber of someone well satisfied with their day. She didn’t even wake up when Penny’s cats again spread themselves out over her bed. Despite her deep sleep, she woke up early. Things were going well, yes. But there was still the nagging feeling at the back of her mind that certain things had been left unsaid between Rob and her.

It must only be she who felt that way, though. Rob had moved on, she told herself. He had ceased to care about her at all.

Chapter 32

The next day, a few storm clouds were obscuring the sun when Elle got up. ‘Please don’t rain, please don’t rain,’ she murmured all through breakfast.

‘Would everything be ruined if it did?’ Colin asked.

‘Not exactly. But I want it to be perfect. Rain would just be a hindrance to that.’

Colin nodded. He understood the importance of making an impression.

Breakfast was a more solemn affair than usual. Elle felt that no one seemed quite as excited about tonight’s party as they should be. Molly seemed positively nervous. She kept opening the oven doors and muttering about the meat drying out.

‘I’m still not really sure about the main course . . .’ she confided nervously. ‘It’s a lot to live up to. The spuds in particular . . .’

Elle smiled. ‘It will be perfect. I have every faith in you,’ she told her for the hundredth time.

That morning Elle had a few more errands to attend to, and then she had to get ready for the party. She knew it was important that she looked the part tonight of all nights.

After breakfast she made her way into town. Her stomach was aflutter with nerves. She felt almost the way she had the day Rob first asked her out. She needed to keep as calm as possible for tonight. She couldn’t go getting stage fright now. Think of all the work everyone has put in, she told herself. Everyone needs this party.

She was outside Pebbles Café when she heard her name being called. She had popped in for a takeaway espresso to help cure her nerves. She didn’t need to turn around to know who was saying her name, and the very voice sent a shudder up her spine.

‘Hello, Ms Harte,’ said Doug Grant, catching up to her. ‘I’m glad I caught you. I was just about to come out to the hotel, but now I won’t have to.’

Elle was mute. She didn’t know what to say. Why was the bank manager being so friendly? He had a smug little smile on his face too, as though he was enjoying himself very much.