The Peppercorn Project (22 page)

Later that night, against her better judgment, Isabelle and the kids joined Leah at the pub for a quick dinner. X-rays had revealed Fletcher’s wrist was broken, but not badly. Much to Fletcher’s dismay, all he needed was a simple plaster cast – no surgery and no need to be airlifted by the Flying Doctors to Adelaide. Isabelle had never felt so relieved.

She realised her mistake the moment she sat. She was exhausted and not in the right frame of mind to socialise, even with Leah. The only reason she’d agreed to go out was to thank Leah for all her help that day. Fletcher may have broken his arm, but as Leah had continually assured her, he’d been perfectly safe with Matt, who had shown by his actions how protective he was and how much he cared for her son. It was also clear from Fletcher’s response that he idolised Matt. Isabelle was still trying to work out how that made her feel – another man taking Dan’s place in her children’s lives – because it was obvious Mietta was equally besotted. She was also trying to work out how she was going to apologise to Matt. She’d given him the cold shoulder treatment for most of the afternoon, even though he’d been nothing but wonderful to all of them.

Everyone ate their meals mostly in silence, the only sound the clinking of cutlery against plates and the animated chatter of a group at the next table. Even the massive pine tree in the corner, the fairy lights, the Christmas-themed meal, and
Miracle on 34th Street
playing without sound on the large television wasn’t putting Isabelle in a better mood. If anything, the snowy backdrop on the television made her more depressed, reminding her that in two days she had to drive back to Geelong for Christmas. She’d asked her parents to come and visit her in Stony Creek but they were flying to Europe on Boxing Day and the timing didn’t work for them. She was hardly surprised.

As Isabelle finished her meal, Fletcher yawned. Looking at her watch, she couldn’t believe it was only half past six. It felt so much later.

Isabelle pushed back her chair and stood.

‘I guess we should be going. Fletcher will need more pain relief soon and we all need sleep. It’s been a huge day.’

‘It has,’ Leah agreed.

‘I’m sorry I yelled at you today,’ Isabelle said, giving Leah a hug. ‘And sorry I said I didn’t trust you. Or Matt. I completely over-reacted. You’ve both been amazing and I don’t know how to thank you.’

Leah smiled. ‘It’s all good, Issie. You were scared. I knew you weren’t angry with me or Matt.’

They started up the street to Isabelle’s house, Fletcher and Mietta walking ahead.

‘Before I forget, I meant to talk to you about some things that have been happening at the clinic,’ Isabelle said.

Leah slowed her walk. ‘What sort of things? Is Hugo still giving you a hard time? Because if he is, I’ll come down there and sort him out for you.’

‘No, no, he’s got the message I’m not interested.’

‘I’m glad. So, what is it? What’s up?’

Isabelle chewed her bottom lip and debated how to explain her concerns without sounding paranoid. ‘I’m not really sure. It just seems odd to me that we have so many patients – men and women – coming in without appointments from other towns. Some of them drive over an hour to see Hugo. The appointments never last longer than ten minutes, they rarely make a follow-up appointment and he either bulk bills them or doesn’t charge them at all.’

‘That
is
weird. Have you mentioned it to Alison?’ Leah asked.

‘Yes.’

‘What did she say?’

‘She agreed it was strange too. Especially because she said it doesn’t happen on the days she’s working,’ Isabelle said.

‘How many patients are we talking about?’

‘It varies every day.’

‘Weird. Perhaps he’s actually a good doctor and people don’t mind driving a long way to see him.’

Isabelle sighed. ‘I know it sounds crazy, but my gut reaction is he’s up to something illegal.’

Leah stopped and stared at her. ‘You think he’s dealing drugs, don’t you?’

Isabelle glanced around to make sure no one could hear their conversation. ‘I don’t want to think that, but …’

‘You have to tell Matt,’ Leah said.

Isabelle sighed heavily. ‘Matt’s got enough on his plate right now with Geoff planning his retirement. Besides, after the way I treated him today he’ll probably never want to speak to me again.’

‘That’s absolutely ridiculous. You’ll say sorry, and he’ll forgive you. Easy. Matt doesn’t hold grudges. My advice is to kiss and make up.’

‘I really don’t think that’s a good idea,’ Isabelle said.

‘As for Matt being busy, of course he is! He’s trying to work out where the drugs are coming from.’

Isabelle looked down and kicked at the loose dirt on the road. ‘I’ve heard people think it’s me,’ she murmured. When she’d overheard someone at the shop say that, she’d been devastated. How could they think she was bringing drugs into town.

‘They don’t, Issie, that’s just stupid gossip. There was an informal town meeting the other night at the pub and I heard Matt assure everyone that the drugs have got nothing to do with you or any of the other Peppercorn families. He reckons the drugs are probably coming from the least expected person. From what you’re telling me, it could be Hugo.’

‘But what if I say something to Matt and he accuses Hugo, and it turns out Hugo’s not dealing drugs? I could lose my job.’

‘I think this is a bit more important than your job, Issie.’ They started walking again. ‘If you don’t tell Matt, I will.’

‘I’ll tell him,’ Isabelle said. ‘Leave it with me.’

They reached Isabelle’s front door. She’d left it unlocked and Fletcher and Mietta were already inside. She heard the sound of the television coming from the lounge.

‘By the way, I haven’t received your RSVP yet,’ Leah said.

Isabelle rolled her eyes. The invitation to the Emergency Services Triple O Ball on New Year’s Eve was at the bottom of a stack of bills and unopened Christmas cards. She’d hidden it there in the hope that if she ignored it long enough it would go away. A bit like she was avoiding opening the Christmas cards because they’d be no longer written to ‘Dan and Issie’, but to her alone.

‘I haven’t said yes because I don’t do dances.’ She didn’t add that the ball also fell on her birthday – a day she planned to celebrate quietly with her kids, well under anyone’s radar. She hadn’t told a soul it was coming up.

‘Not a good enough excuse,’ Leah said, planting her hands on her hips. ‘
Everyone
goes to the ball.’

‘Everyone?’ Isabelle asked. ‘I’m sure that’s an exaggeration.’

‘No exaggeration. It’s a big deal. They hold it every two years. It’s the major charity fundraiser for all the emergency services in the area – police, fire, St. John Ambulance, SES, CFS. People drive here from all directions – some up to five hours away.’ Leah’s face took on a serious expression, which was unlike her. ‘You kind of
have to
go. As the nurse, it’s expected.’

Isabelle pulled a face. ‘But I don’t have anything to wear.’

‘Worst excuse ever,’ Leah said.

‘Who’ll look after the kids?’

‘Another excuse. They have a kids program at the primary school, fully supervised by the oldies who don’t go to the ball. The kids love it.’

Isabelle hesitated. ‘If it’s a fundraiser it will cost a fortune. With Christmas next week, money is still tight.’

‘Fifty dollars a ticket. Hardly a fortune. If you can’t afford it, I’ll pay.’

Another thought occurred to Isabelle. ‘I’m not going on my own.’

‘Of course not.’ Leah winked. ‘Matt will need a partner too.’

Isabelle ignored the implication of that possibility.

‘I haven’t booked a ticket. I’m sure it’s too late.’

Leah grinned. ‘I took the liberty of getting you a ticket ages ago.’ She pulled an envelope from her bag and handed it to Isabelle. ‘Now there’s no more excuses. ‘You’re coming, and that’s that.’

Isabelle smiled. ‘Thanks, Leah,’

‘You’re very welcome.’ She gave Isabelle a hug. ‘And no more excuses about whatever’s going on at the clinic. Talk to Matt.’

‘I’ll call him tomorrow. That’s if he’ll even pick up the phone after the way I treated him today.’

*

As she was climbing into bed an hour later, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the number on the screen and her breath caught.
Matt.

‘Hi Matt,’ she said softly.

‘How are you doing?’

‘All right.’ She paused and took a deep breath. ‘Thanks for everything you did today.’

‘No worries.’

Isabelle’s mouth went dry. Now was her chance to apologise. ‘I’m sorry I yelled at you, Matt. I was rude and ungrateful.’

‘It’s okay. You had every reason to be upset with me.’

‘It’s not okay. Upset is one thing, but I shouldn’t have been so mean. It was an accident and I should have been thankful you were there.’

‘It’s forgiven and forgotten as far as I’m concerned,’ Matt said. ‘So, how’s Fletch doing now?’

Relief washed over her. If Matt could move on, so could she. ‘He’s good. I’ve just given him more pain relief and he’s in bed.’

‘Hope he gets some sleep.’

There was a short beat of silence.

‘I’m really sorry about your bike too,’ Isabelle said.

‘Forget it. It’s just a bike.’

More silence stretched between them, longer this time.

‘Did Leah mention the ball to you?’ Matt asked.

‘Yes, she did. She told me about it tonight.’

‘Are you going?’ he asked.

‘Apparently, yes, but I told her I’m not going on my own.’

Matt coughed. ‘I was actually going to ask if you wanted to go with me, Issie, but after today I wasn’t sure if you would.’

She pictured him running his finger around the collar of his shirt trying to loosen it like he always did when he was unsure. A knot formed in her heart and travelled straight to her throat. Now she felt hot around her collar.

‘I’d love to go with you,’ she said.

They chatted a bit longer and when she hung up, she leaned back against her pillows, unable to wipe the smile off her face. She was going to the ball. With Matt.

Seconds later, she sat bolt upright. If she was going to the ball she was going to need a new dress. And heels – Leah would send her straight back home if she rocked up in flat shoes.

Her biggest dilemma was where to go shopping. She had no opportunity to drive down to Adelaide, and there were no dress shops in Booleroo or Stony Creek. She could get some solid boots and moleskin pants from the farm supplies shop, but no such thing as a ball gown or high heels. She was only going to be in Geelong for two days over Christmas and the last thing she wanted to do on Christmas Eve was battle the crowds in Westfield to find a dress. That left one option. Internet shopping. Not usually a fan, Isabelle decided it was her best choice.

Instead of sleeping, for the next two hours Isabelle scrolled through dozens of websites searching for the elusive ‘perfect’ dress. The problem was, she didn’t usually get dressed up. She preferred a more casual look, but according to Leah everyone went all out – with most women in full-length dresses and the men in tuxedos.

When Isabelle first spotted the white dress she laughed and thought ‘no way!’ But the more she searched, the more the white dress kept calling her name.
Pick me, pick me, pick me.
In a moment of sheer desperation, she clicked on the ‘
BUY NOW
’ button. She only hoped when the dress arrived, it would fit. All that remained was to choose shoes and accessories. Feeling strangely rewarded by doing something slightly extravagant and out of character, Isabelle continued her online shopping spree. She finished it all off with a text message to Matt, telling him her outfit was planned.

She sank back in bed with a sense of satisfaction. Now she’d ordered her dress, her reticence had dissipated and she was excited about the ball. She closed her eyes and fell asleep to visions of dancing with Matt playing out in her brain.

Belle was going to the ball.

When Isabelle pulled up at the nursing home in Wilmington the next day, her legs were shaking. She hadn’t told anyone where she was going and she probably should have called first, instead of arriving unannounced. With a steadying breath she climbed out of the car and made her way inside. She introduced herself to the receptionist and explained who she was looking for. She smiled at a group of residents who gave her curious glances as walked past and continued down the corridor until she found what she thought was the right room. She knocked.

‘Come in.’

Isabelle poked her head around the partially open door. Inside was a private, light-filled room that overlooked the immaculate gardens. A woman sat in a recliner, doing the crossword in the newspaper. She was well dressed and her silver hair was elegantly styled. A strand of pearls hung around her neck. She was younger than Isabelle had expected. Or else very good for her age.

The woman lay down her paper, took off her glasses and placed them on the small table beside her.

‘Good afternoon.’ Pale blue eyes danced with questions.

‘Are you Hilary Gleeson?’ Isabelle asked.

‘I am.’ Her voice was as steady as her gaze. ‘And you are?’

‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be so rude.’ Isabelle held out her hand. ‘I’m Isabelle Cassidy.’

Hilary’s eyes twinkled. She covered Isabelle’s hand with her own. ‘Well, it’s about time.’ She indicated another chair. ‘Please, sit.’

Isabelle did as she was told. ‘I’m one of the Peppercorn families.’

‘Of course. You’re living in my old house. I’ve heard all about you from Matt.’

Isabelle raised her eyebrows.

‘Nothing gets past me, dear. I’m still part of the Stony Creek grapevine. I hear you and Matt Robertson have been seeing quite a bit of each other. I’m glad. He’s such a lovely young man.’

Isabelle blushed. ‘He is lovely,’ she agreed.

Hilary sat forward in her seat. ‘I’m cross that Matt didn’t bring you out to meet me, but now that you’re here, tell me, how’s it all going?’

‘Well, really well. Everyone is lovely. My kids have settled in better than I expected too.’ She smiled. ‘Without the Peppercorn Project and your house …’ A lump formed in Isabelle’s throat and unexpected tears filled her eyes. She brushed them away. ‘Without your generosity, I don’t know where we’d be.’

‘I’m glad I could help,’ Hilary said, with a smile. ‘I loved Rachel and Joe’s idea of helping out families who were doing it tough.’

‘My husband died of a heart attack in January,’ Isabelle blurted out.

‘Oh you poor, sweet girl.’ Hilary placed her hand on Isabelle’s arm. ‘Would you like to tell me about it?’

Strangely, Isabelle did, and for the next half an hour she found herself telling Hilary her life story, ending with her arrival in Stony Creek, her burgeoning feelings for Matt and the upcoming ball. When she’d finished, she blew her nose on another tissue Hilary handed her.

‘I’m so sorry. I haven’t cried like this in a long time,’ Isabelle said.

‘You must have needed it.’ Hilary dabbed at the corner of her own eyes. ‘Crying is good for you.’

Isabelle sighed. ‘I know, but I don’t usually lose it and blubber all over a total stranger.’

‘Rubbish, you’re not a stranger to me.’

Isabelle smiled. ‘Thank you. That means so much.’

As Hilary shifted position in her chair, Isabelle sensed there was about to be a shift in the direction of the conversation. ‘Has anyone told you about my first husband?’

Isabelle nodded. ‘Edith Patterson told me he died, but she didn’t tell me the details.’

‘He died not long after we’d arrived in Australia. We didn’t have any children, but like you, I lost the love of my life too soon and wondered if I’d ever be able to survive.’

Isabelle sniffed as the tears threatened again.

‘I’ll bet you’re wondering if there’s such a thing as love a second time around,’ Hilary said.

‘Dan was my soul mate. I can’t imagine loving anyone else that way again.’

‘That’s understandable, but don’t be closed off to the idea. I happen to believe we
can
have more than one soul mate. I was blessed, Isabelle, blessed. I met a lovely man not long after my first husband died and we were married for nearly sixty years. He passed away not long ago. We had a wonderful marriage. If you ask me if there’s such a thing as falling in love again, I’ll tell you yes, there is.’

‘I’m worried about my kids though,’ Isabelle said.

‘Of course you are, but ask yourself this: Does he care for them? Love them? Protect them?’

Isabelle frowned. ‘Who?’

‘Matt, of course.’

Isabelle’s breath caught. ‘But Matt and I are just—’

‘Don’t say you’re just friends,’ Hilary interrupted. ‘I saw it in your eyes and heard it in your voice when you spoke of him. You care for him very deeply, but you’re holding back.’

‘I—’

‘You’re scared. That’s natural. You don’t want to lose the memories of your first husband. I understand that.’

Isabelle nodded. If anyone truly
did
understand, it was Hilary.

‘You’ll know when you’re ready, Isabelle. And Matt’s a good man. He won’t push you.’

Isabelle swallowed. This was unfamiliar territory. Other than a conversation with Leah, she’d never opened up and spoken to anyone about moving on. She checked her watch, stunned to see it was almost five o’clock. ‘I’m so sorry, Hilary, I’ve been here much longer than I intended. I really should go. It’s getting late and I don’t really want to be driving back to Stony Creek at dusk.’ She stood and collected her handbag, slinging it across her shoulder. ‘Can I come back after Christmas to visit you?’

‘I’ll look forward to it, dear.’

Hilary stood too. She was a head shorter than Isabelle and frail, but her grip was tight and Isabelle felt herself relax in her arms.

‘Next time bring Matt and the children with you.’

*

‘Bet you’ll never guess who I met yesterday,’ Isabelle said before taking a sip of her drink.

She and Matt were sitting in the beer garden at the pub, having lunch. Fletcher and Mietta were playing with friends and everyone else in town seemed to be rushing around with last-minute Christmas plans. It was the first time they’d seen each other face to face since Fletcher’s accident, and the last chance they’d have to catch up before Isabelle left for Geelong the next day.

‘Who?’

‘Hilary Gleeson.’

‘Really? Where did you meet her?’

‘Her nursing home.’

Matt’s eyes widened. ‘You went there on your own?’

Isabelle nodded. ‘Some of her mail got mixed up with mine and I decided to deliver it to her. Someone at the general store normally sorts it, but every now and then some of it finds its way to me instead. When it does I usually just pass it onto Rachel to forward to Hilary.’

‘I know,’ Matt said. ‘I’m often the one who plays postman and delivers it to her.’

‘So I heard.’

He winced. ‘I can imagine what else you heard too. Was she cranky with me for not getting out to see her lately?’

Isabelle smiled. ‘A little. Apparently you were supposed to bring me out to meet her.’

Matt groaned. ‘I’m never going to hear the end of it. I promised her I would, but I just haven’t had the chance. The last time I saw her was not long after you moved here. She had dozens of questions about how you were settling in.’

‘She mentioned it’s been a while since you visited. I’m pretty sure she marks every one of your visits on her calendar. She told me you’re like a grandson.’

‘She’s a very special lady.’

‘Don’t I know it. I was there for nearly three hours, told her my entire life story, and used up an entire box of her tissues. I wish I’d met her sooner.’

Matt smiled. ‘She’s easy to talk to isn’t she? And she doesn’t mind giving you her opinion.’

Isabelle laughed softly. ‘You’re not wrong about that.’

‘I’m sure she’d love to see you again.’

‘It’s all arranged. I’m going to see her after Christmas. She wants to meet the kids.’ She didn’t say she’d promised Hilary she’d bring Matt with her too.

‘I wish you weren’t going back to Geelong for Christmas,’ Matt said.

Warmth washed over her. ‘Me too, but I have to. It’s the right thing to do.’

‘Next year you have to stay here. Christmas in Stony Creek is really special.’

Jane arrived at their table carrying two plates. ‘It certainly is a special time,’ she said. ‘You’re going to love it, Isabelle,’ she said as she placed their meals in front of them.’

‘Issie’s going back to Geelong for Christmas,’ Matt said.

Jane’s face fell. ‘You won’t be here for carols?’

Isabelle shook her head sadly. Leah had told Isabelle that a small group of men and women went door knocking, singing Christmas carols and delivering presents to the local children. Then on Christmas Eve, the entire town gathered on the oval for a picnic dinner followed by the arrival of Santa on the back of the fire truck and then Carols by Candlelight. Isabelle was bitterly disappointed she was missing out.

‘How long will you be away?’ Jane asked.

‘Less than a week. I’ll be back on the 28th. Plenty of time to get ready for the ball.’ Isabelle smiled. ‘As long as my dress arrives in time, otherwise I’m not going.’

Jane’s eyes twinkled. ‘Are you two going together?’

Isabelle felt her cheeks turning bright red. ‘Yes, we are.’

Matt looked around furtively, his eyes sparkling. ‘And don’t tell anyone, but I’m actually looking forward to it,’ he said with a chuckle.

‘Surprisingly, so am I,’ Isabelle agreed.

‘You two will look just gorgeous together,’ Jane gushed.

‘Thank you,’ Isabelle and Matt replied in unison.

‘How’s Fletcher’s arm?’ Jane asked.

‘So far it’s good. He hasn’t complained once.’

‘Just as well he was with you, Matt,’ Jane said.

His face fell. ‘I’m not sure Isabelle would agree with you.’

Isabelle touched him on the arm. ‘I said I was sorry. It would have been a lot worse if he’d fallen and you hadn’t been there. You kept him calm and splinted his wrist. I might not have shown it at the time, but I’m grateful.’

Matt rewarded her with his biggest smile.

Kim Bailey and one of the other mothers from school walked in. They waved to Isabelle and Matt before taking a seat at the other end of the garden.

‘I’ll be over soon,’ Jane called out to her before turning back to Isabelle. ‘Well, dear, you have a lovely Christmas and I’ll see you when you get back.’

‘Thanks, Jane. Merry Christmas to you and Joe too.’

‘Enjoy your meals.’

When Jane was gone, Matt leaned closer. ‘What I’m
really
looking forward to seeing is you in this dress you keep talking about.’

Isabelle felt her face warm again. She dipped a chip in sauce and brought it to her mouth. ‘I’m a bit worried it’s going to be too much for Stony Creek.’

‘I doubt it. I’m sure you’re going to look amazing.’

‘What will you do for Christmas?’ she asked. If she didn’t steer the conversation in a different direction right now she’d be suggesting they skip lunch to take him home for a preview.

‘Joe and Jane put on a Christmas lunch here at the pub for us orphans.’

She frowned. ‘Orphans? Don’t you have family?

‘I do, but they’re spread around and we only get together every second year. One sister’s in Perth and the other one lives in Tassie. Mum and Dad are in Newcastle.’

Isabelle’s heart sank. ‘So that means you won’t be in Stony Creek for Christmas next year.’

Matt picked up her hand and drew lazy circles across her skin with his thumb. Her heart began beating erratically at his soft touch and she had to force herself to concentrate on what they were talking about.

‘I thought I’d invite them all to Stony Creek next year so they can meet you and the kids …’ His voice trailed off but his eyes never left her face. It was the first time he’d mentioned anything about a long term future together.

A delightful flutter started low in Isabelle’s stomach. She swallowed hard and smiled. ‘I’d really like that.’

‘So, is the clinic closed over Christmas?’ he asked, then bit into a chip. ‘Geoff and Alison have already headed down to Adelaide to be with family.’

‘Yeah, we closed up yesterday.’

Matt’s brow creased.

‘Why do you ask?’

‘No reason, but I walked past the clinic on my way here and I thought I saw Hugo’s car.’

It was Isabelle’s turn to frown. ‘Can’t be, he went back to Adelaide yesterday too. Are you sure it was his?’

‘Who else around here drives a silver Audi?’

‘That would be his,’ she agreed. ‘Maybe he just forgot something and came back.’

Matt shook his head. ‘There were two other cars parked out front. They didn’t belong to anyone from town. Perhaps he’s here seeing patients.’

Isabelle picked at a fingernail. Should she mention her concerns?

‘What’s been going on?’ Matt asked.

She was amazed at how well he could read her. Dan used to be able to do that too. She leaned forward and lowered her voice. ‘I think I know where the drugs are coming from.’

Matt’s eyes darkened. ‘What? Where?’

‘Hugo. At the clinic.’

He sat forward in his seat, shifting from off-duty cop to instantly alert. ‘What’s been happening?’

For the next ten minutes Isabelle told him everything, leaving nothing out. She was probably embellishing some of the stories, but the more she thought about it, the more she realised Hugo
did
act very mysteriously. In the last few days, his behaviour had become even more erratic – he’d jumped every time she entered his office. He’d seen more patients than ever in one day, each appointment lasting just minutes and almost none of them were billed. Even Alison had commented the week before that she couldn’t wait for Hugo’s dad Adrian to return to work and for things to go back to normal.

‘I wish you’d told all of this me sooner, Issie,’ Matt said.

She hung her head, feeling his disappointment. ‘I’m sorry, Matt. Leah told me I had to say something, but I was worried I’d lose my job. I really can’t afford to.’

Matt frowned. ‘Who else knows something’s going on? Rachel?’