‘She can’t drink,’ Christabel snapped. ‘She’s unconscious.’
Jules looked up and met the other woman’s eyes.
‘It’s not for Rita. It’s for us. Five cups, Will, and some cool water with a straw for Granny, please, for when she comes around.’
‘What do you want me to do?’ Christabel asked.
‘Perhaps you could go to the end of the drive and wait for the ambulance,’ Jules suggested, ‘so they know where to come.’
‘I’ve explained on the phone.’
‘All the same,’ Jules said calmly. ‘Wouldn’t want them to miss the entrance and get lost, would we?’
Christabel had stopped pacing and was standing firmly rooted to the spot, her feet planted wide.
‘I can do that,’ Tasha said, appearing in the doorway.
‘This,’ Christabel hissed, pointing a finger at her daughter, ‘is all your fault. I wouldn’t trust you with feeding the chickens at the moment, let alone looking out for a large vehicle with a blue flashing light.’
Tears started to pour down Tasha’s cheeks. She looked as if she was about to turn and run again.
‘That,’ Jules retorted firmly, ‘is definitely not helpful.’
She extended her arm behind her.
‘Tasha, why don’t you come here and sit next to Granny? It will be nice for her to see your face when she comes around.’
Christabel stared at Jules for a moment before marching huffily past. As soon as she had gone Rita’s eyelids flickered.
‘Good idea,’ she murmured. ‘Last thing I want is her fussing over me.’
‘Welcome back,’ Jules said with a smile. ‘Look who’s here.’
She urged Tasha closer.
‘Best medicine in the world,’ Rita murmured before her face screwed up in pain and she tried to shift.
‘I need you to stay still,’ Jules said, placing a hand lightly on her shoulder. ‘There’s an ambulance on its way.’
Rita blinked in assent, her eyes glittering.
‘Tasha,’ she said through gritted teeth, ‘you’re all right?’
Tasha was crying as she crouched down.
‘I’m all right, Granny.’
‘And Hercules?’
‘He’s fine. He’s here, right next to you.’
The dog shifted closer and licked Rita’s wrist.
‘I’m so sorry, Granny, this is all my fault.’
Rita’s eyes widened and she wiggled her fingers for Tasha to take hold of.
‘Now don’t you talk such nonsense. I’ve got nobody to blame, but myself.’
