‘Of course, I do – it’s the best thing I’ve read in ages. It’s full of raw emotion and it’s going to be inspirational to other children who are experiencing – or have experienced – what you went through.’
‘Pippa, for now, please keep all this to yourself.’
‘Of course – it goes without saying.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Why don’t you get yourself back to bed and try to get some sleep? You need to rest. I’ll clean up down here.’
Elle nodded. ‘Thank you. I feel exhausted.’ Clutching her shawl, she walked towards the door then hovered.
‘I’m so glad you’re here,’ she said.
‘Me too,’ Pippa replied warmly.
ChapterSeventeen
‘Shall I or shan’t I?’ Elle asked nervously as both she and Pippa stared at the computer screen, upon which was Elle’s entry for the writing competition.
She’d spent the last two weeks polishing the entry, checking the grammar and proofreading it. ‘I think it’s ready to go.’
‘That would be a shall,’ Pippa encouraged. ‘And hurry up or we’ll miss the bus.’
‘It’s now or never.’ Taking a huge breath, Elle hit ‘enter’. The email was gone. ‘There’s no turning back now.’ Her eyes were wide with the panic that had suddenly hit her.
Pippa hugged her tight before pulling away slowly. ‘I know that was a big moment for you … but now you need to get your coat, otherwise we’ll be late.’
* * *
Twenty minutes later, they were standing outside the library doors.
‘You will remember to keep quiet about my competition entry, won’t you?’ Elle repeated, pausing in the oak porch that framed the entrance to the library.
‘Of course, I’ve promised,’ replied Pippa. She noticed Aiden hurrying across the courtyard from the creperie. As soon as he spotted them he waved. Pippa tapped her watch, grinning at him.
‘I don’t want anyone knowing, I suppose to save face a little in case I don’t win.’
‘It’s our little secret – just as long as when you win, I can go with you to meet Sam Stone.’
‘That’s a deal. But now I’ve sent it, I’m starting to panic a little.’
‘Why?’
‘Because it was all so personal – writing about the shawl and revealing Irene isn’t my mum.’
‘Irene knows and she’s good with that. There’s no need to panic. Now shush – here’s Aiden.’
‘Good morning, ladies,’ he said cheerfully, bounding up the steps towards them.
Pippa narrowed her eyes at him. ‘You’re full of the joys of spring.’
‘Just high on life,’ he replied, grinning and fishing around in his pocket before pulling out a letter.
‘I’m under strict instructions to hand you this.’ He passed the envelope to Elle.
‘From whom?’ Elle asked, opening the library door.
‘Yes, from whom?’ Pippa’s mouth and eyebrows were twitching with curiosity.
