‘Shall I go and find someone?’ said Antony. ‘Then you can stay here with her?’
She nodded, suddenly, embarrassingly, fighting tears yet again. It was partly gratitude that he had guessed what she wanted, and partly shock at seeing Amy so diminished.
She cleared her throat, pulling herself together at the same time as she pulled up a chair. Then she picked up one of Amy’s hands, as small as a child’s. ‘Amy? It’s Francesca. I’ve come to see you. I know you’re asleep, but I’m going to wait here until you wake up.’
As she sat, waiting for Antony to come back with a nurse, or for some reaction from Amy, Fran felt strangely connected with the old lady. They hadn’t always communicated very well, but here, holding hands, saying nothing, feeling seemed to flow between them.
Antony came back with a nurse who seemed pleased to see Fran. She introduced herself and then said, ‘The trouble is, she’s just not getting enough fluid. The care home said she didn’t like the taste of the water. She missed the water she had at the farm.’
Fran glanced up at Antony.
‘That’s easily solved,’ he said. ‘I could go back and fetch some. I’ll buy one of those dispenser things at the hardware store first.’
‘Honestly,just a bottle would be fine,’ said the nurse, ‘but that might be really helpful. Even if she can’t really taste the difference, it will encourage her.’
‘Would she like some of her cowslip wine, do you think?’ asked Fran.
‘She might,’ said the nurse. ‘Again, she probably wouldn’t have very much but it might cheer her up.’
‘I’ll ask Issi,’ said Antony. He looked at Fran. ‘Is there anything else you need from home? Or from the canteen?’
‘I’m sure I’ll be fine—’ Fran began.
‘I’d have a cup of tea now,’ said the nurse. ‘The canteen is staffed by volunteers and they’ll close soon. And I do recommend the chocolate cake.’
Antony smiled. ‘I’ll get that and then head off for the farm.’
‘He’s nice,’ said the nurse when Antony had gone. ‘Is he your boyfriend?’
Fran felt put on the spot. ‘Er, yes. I suppose so. It’s all a bit new,’ she explained.
‘If it’s new, he’s being really kind – especially to an old lady he doesn’t know.’
‘Oh, he does know her, sort of. It’s complicated.’ Fran didn’t want to say that they were neighbours, and Amy thought Antony was the spawn of the devil, particularly when he so obviously wasn’t.
‘Maybe he’s being kind to her to help you?’
Fran nodded. ‘I expect that’s it. He is one of the kindest people I know.’
‘Thenhang on to him. Kindness and good looks don’t always go together.’
The nurse left and Fran smiled to herself. If the woman had also known that Antony was well off, she’d have been even more insistent that Fran should keep hold of him.
Just under an hour later, Antony came back with the water and a care package from Issi: sandwiches, some make-up and a thermos of hot chocolate.
He kissed her cheek and they hugged briefly.
‘You must go now,’ said Fran. ‘You’ve given up enough of your time for me and mine in the past two days.’
‘Call me if you need anything. And I’ll pick you up whenever you want.’ He looked at her so intently there was no doubt that he meant it. It made Fran’s heart skip a beat from relief and happiness. He was a rock when she needed one.
‘I will call but I know you must have so much to catch up with.’
He hesitated. ‘You’re more important than work.’
She laughed gently, loving him more for saying that. ‘You don’t have to choose. Do your work. If Issi or Tig can’t pick me up I’ll get a taxi.’
‘I’ll allow Issi or Tig to pick you up, but don’t take a taxi. It wouldn’t take long for me to do it.’
