Immediately, he let out an infectious laugh. ‘More!’ he shouted as Elle gave him a couple more pushes.
‘Not in work today?’ Louisa asked.
‘Day off,’ replied Elle.
‘It’s a lovely day for it,’ Louisa said, glancing up at the sky.
‘Yes, it is. The weather certainly makes a difference. Anyway, we’ll leave you to it. Enjoy the park, Lovely to meet you, Louisa.’
‘You too,’ she said and sat back down on the bench.
They could hear Theo’s giggles fade away as they carried on walking along the path.
‘Was it just me or was there a slightly uncomfortable atmosphere there?’ Irene asked when they were finally out of earshot.
‘You felt it too? I didn’t know whether it was just my imagination acting up.’
Irene shook her head. ‘She didn’t introduce us to her friend.’
‘Who clearly wasn’t just a friend – which is very strange because Aiden told me that Louisa had suggested they give things another go.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes. He wanted to ask Pippa out, but he hasn’t because Louisa has been very down about all the changes in her life, and he didn’t want to cause her any more upset.’
‘How lovely of him to put his life on hold and sacrifice his own feelings. But judging by what we’ve just witnessed, there’s no need,’ Irene observed, discreetly looking back over her shoulder. Elle followed her gaze to see the group now strolling towards the entrance of the park.
‘Do you think I should say something to Aiden?’
‘I think you’re going to have enough to deal with over the next twenty-four hours. Concentrate on what’s important inyourlife.’
‘Hmmm, yes, I think you’re probably right,’ replied Elle, knowing she would be sitting by the letterbox until the letter from her biological mother arrived. Just at the very thought her heart began to race again.
ChapterTwenty-Two
Elle had been awake and staring at the clock for most of the night. She was willing the time to pass quickly, but of course it felt like the longest night ever. All she could think about was Cora Hansley. She wondered what sort of night she was having, knowing her letter was on its way to the daughter she gave up.
There were other thoughts also turning over in Elle’s mind. What sort of life did Cora have and where did she live? Did she have a family of her own? Hopefully the answers to her questions would soon be answered.
Just past eight a.m. Pippa gave Elle a huge hug before she left for work, and told Elle to ring her the second she had any sort of news.
‘You’ll be okay?’
‘Yes,’ replied Elle, forcing a brightness into her voice that she didn’t feel, knowing that no matter how hard she tried to hold it together she was soon going to be an emotional wreck.
As soon as Pippa left the house, Elle forced herself to eat a bowl of cereal even though she wasn’t hungry, then took a quick shower. After that, all she could do was wait. Ten minutes later there was a knock at the door and she nearly jumped out of her skin. ‘Recorded delivery,’ she murmured, putting her hands on her chest. ‘Of course, it will be recorded.’ With her pulse racing she hurried to the front door to find Irene standing on the step smiling back at her.
‘What are you doing here?’ Elle asked, opening the door wide. ‘You gave me the fright of my life. I thought you were the postman.’
‘Oh my, I’m sorry. I didn’t want you waiting on your own.’ She kissed Elle’s cheek then hung up her coat before settling on the chair in the living room.
‘Thank you,’ said Elle, relieved she didn’t have to do this alone.
‘You look absolutely exhausted,’ Irene added. ‘Did you get any sleep?’
‘Not a wink.’
‘Have you eaten?’
