‘Of course,’ replied Elle. ‘It just needs switching on at the wall and will take a moment or two to load.’
Watching Jenny walk towards the computer, Pippa leaned in towards Elle. ‘Have you checked yours yet?’
With Pippa watching over her shoulder, Elle logged on to the system.
‘One hundred and twenty-eight new messages.’ Elle quickly began to scroll through them and turned towards Pippa. ‘Nothing from the Salvation Army.’ She sighed.
‘I know it’s disappointing but keep the faith.’
‘I just want answers and I’m not good at this waiting lark.’
‘I can’t imagine how difficult it is – but there’s something to take your mind off of it.’ Pippa pointed to an email on the screen.
The email was titled ‘Noah Jones’s upcoming visit to the Library on Love Heart Lane.’
Elle clicked on the email. ‘It’s his schedule, his arrival time, how many books will arrive ahead of the signing, and a note to say we should receive posters in the next few days to distribute around the town and village to advertise the event.’
‘And no keeping one of those posters for yourself. The last thing I need is coming home to discover you’ve pinned them around the house.’
‘As if… Okay, maybe just one,’ agreed Elle with a smile.
‘We do need to pull out all the stops for this event,’ Pippa continued. ‘We need fresh flowers in the corners of the room, maybe even a buffet, along with teas and coffees.’
‘Good idea,’ replied Elle. ‘Are you all done?’ she asked Jenny, noticing she’d finished on the computer and looked disappointed.
‘Yes, thank you. I’ll catch you later.’ She waved and stood aside as Florrie walked through the doors holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
‘Great timing! You’re just the florist I wanted to see,’ enthused Elle. ‘We have a very special book signing coming up at the library and we thought we could do with a number of floral displays to brighten up this area.’
‘I’ve heard! I’m a huge fan of Noah’s, read every book, and it will be my absolute pleasure. Drop me an email with budget and colours.’
‘Perfect and what beautiful blooms those are. I can smell them from here.’
‘They’re gorgeous. Someone has got exquisite taste! I have to shoot now; the van engine is running. It’s my busiest day of the year.’
Elle looked at Florrie. ‘Oh my gosh, it’s Valentine’s Day isn’t it? It totally slipped my mind, what with not having a significant other.’
With a huge grin on her face Pippa extended her arm. ‘I’ll take those.’
‘Have a lovely day!’ Florrie waved as she disappeared back through the door.
‘Aiden or Wilson?’ Elle whispered, glancing at the flourish of pastel-coloured roses and freesias.
Pippa inhaled. ‘What a gorgeous scent.’
‘Come on, who are they from?’ probed Elle.
Pippa pulled out the small white envelope and paused. ‘They aren’t for me.’
‘Oh no, have they been delivered to the wrong place?’
She shook her head. ‘No, they’re for you.’ She held the flowers out to Elle.
‘For me?’ Elle repeated, puzzled, taking the bouquet from her. Sure enough, the envelope was addressed ‘Elle Cooper’.
‘Come on then, open the card.’
‘It’s probably Irene,’ Elle said heartily, slipping the card out of the envelope. ‘This is the kind of thing she’d do.’
