‘I think so. The hospital have suspended him, and there may be criminal charges in connection with one of the complaints.’ She slid the letter across the table so that Hugo could read it all. ‘Thank you.’
He shook his head, laughing. ‘You did it all. I just...watched and admired.’
‘Well, thank you for watching and admiring. You do it so well.’
They finished breakfast and drove to the hospital. Hugo had a planning meeting to attend, and Nell had decided to spend the time in the ward, helping the children’s play specialist.
‘It’ll be great when we have more space.’ The young red-headed woman grinned at Nell.
‘Did Dr Bertrand tell you? We have the money now, and the work can go ahead again. There should be some progress during the next few weeks.’
‘Yes, he did. We’ll be able to watch it go up. I’ll take pictures for you every day, so you can see what’s happening.’
It was a nice thought, but Nell wondered why Louise thought she wouldn’t be able to take pictures for herself. ‘Thanks. I won’t be here every day, so it would be good to have those.’
‘You won’t be here at all, will you? What about the celebrations?’
‘I forgot about those,’ she hedged. Maybe this was something that Hugo hadn’t told her about?
‘Well, once you’ve been, you won’t forget them for next year. Montarino’s royal anniversary fortnight is a bit special, there’s always lots to do. I expect you’ll be really busy.’ Louise’s voice rang with anticipation.
‘Mmm. Well, yes. It would be great if you could take some photos. While I’m busy.’ Nell turned her attention to the little boy who had just been wheeled into the playroom by one of the nurses, gathering up some bricks and putting them on the table in front of him.
* * *
‘Montarino’s royal anniversary fortnight.’ Nell couldn’t help keeping the sharpness from her voice. Over the course of the day, she’d made discreet enquiries about it, as well as looking it up on the Internet. Apparently the whole royal family took part, and there were concerts, exhibitions and other events over a full two weeks. Why hadn’t Hugo told her about it?
A small voice at the back of her head told her why. But Nell was trying to ignore it.
‘Ah. Yes.’ Hugo put his car keys down on the table. ‘I was going to mention that.’
His tone had a guilty ring to it. The small voice got louder.
‘Okay. It’s just that one of the play therapists at the hospital mentioned it. She says it’s really good fun.’
‘Yes, it is.’
‘And that the whole royal family takes part?’
‘Yes, we do. It’s a tradition dating back hundreds of years. It’s said there used to be a banquet that lasted two weeks, but we’ve skipped that bit now.’
‘And it’s in two weeks’ time.’ Nell was getting a very bad feeling now.
‘Yes.’ He paused, frowning. ‘Nell, I think... Maybe we should give it a miss.’
‘That’s entirely up to you, Hugo. But shouldn’t you be with your family?’ Hugo seemed to be getting on so much better with his father these days. They still occasionally had their ups and downs, but Nell had encouraged Hugo to voice his affection and respect for his father. No doubt under similar pressure from his mother, Hugo’s father had begun to voice similar feelings about his son.
‘Well... I’ll have to go to some of the events. Now that I’m back to full health, I should start taking on some of my royal duties again. I may have to stay at the palace for...a few nights. Maybe more.’
This wasn’t like Hugo. He was usually so decisive. Nell knew for sure now that something was up. ‘Hugo, just say it. What’s going on? Don’t you want me to go with you? You know I’ll support you, in whatever you want to do.’
He sat down at the kitchen table, tracing his fingers across its surface. Then he seemed to come to a decision. ‘I don’t want you there.’
‘Okay. Fine.’ Nell swallowed the feeling that suddenly the world was turning in the wrong direction. It was making her feel a little sick.
‘It’s not that I don’t want you with me. I just...’ He shrugged, letting out a sigh. ‘I don’t want you involved with my official duties. These two weeks are always really busy and... I promised you that you’d never be just the woman on my arm. That you’d always have your own career.’
Nell didn’t remember him promising her that. Maybe he’d just promised it to himself. ‘I can see why you’d say that. But I don’t mind. If you want me to be there, I’ll happily support you. That’s what we do for each other, isn’t it?’