Chapter Forty-One
Jessica walked as briskly as she could back to Thistle Cottage, mindful that her dad was trying to keep up with her, the road was now a bit icy and he was already in a bit of a state. ‘What happened?’
‘She slipped going down the stairs this morning. I don’t quite know how. I just heard a thump and then a yelp and I went down to find her in a heap.’
Jessica winced at the thought. ‘What did she hurt?’
‘Her arm. She said it’s sore to touch. I got her up and she’s sitting on the sofa.
But she’s very quiet and I’m worried. It’s unlike your mum to not say much.
I tried making her a cup of tea. But she didn’t want one and she wouldn’t eat the toast I made her.
That’s when she asked if I could come and get you.
She didn’t want to bother Murray in case they were all still asleep. ’
Jessica nodded. ‘I’m glad you did come and get me and I’m sure she’ll be okay. Don’t worry, Dad.’ She was now becoming more concerned about him — his face was grey. She wasn’t used to seeing him in such a tizz.
They got to their lane and Jessica quickened her pace and pulled her key from her bag, unlocking the door. ‘Hi, Mum,’ she said, running in to see her mum sitting on the sofa. ‘Dad told me what happened. How are you feeling?’
‘Much better now that you’re here. Honestly. He’s been making such a fuss, which has made me feel worse.’
Jessica turned to see her dad coming in the door behind her. ‘Dad, will you go and put the kettle on while I just see how Mum is doing?’
He nodded and looked over at Catriona with a small shrug. ‘Can I get you a cuppa, love?’
‘That would be nice. Thanks, Gus.’ She waited until he’d disappeared and looked at Jessica. ‘I’m only saying that to give him something to do. His tea is awful.’
‘What happened, Mum?’
‘It was my own silly fault. I was wearing socks and slipped down the stairs.’
‘Mum . . .’
‘I know. How many times did I tell you and Murray not to run down the stairs wearing socks when you were kids? Serves me right. I feel like a right old fool.’
Jessica wanted to give her a big hug but wasn’t sure what hurt right now, so instead gently patted her on the back. ‘Don’t be silly. It’s one of those things, Mum. But Dad did say he’s worried about you as you’ve gone very quiet. He said your arm was sore.’
Catriona looked over at the kitchen door to make sure he wasn’t standing there and lowered her voice. ‘He was fussing and that stresses me out.’
Jessica shook her head kindly. ‘Never mind that. How is your arm?’
‘It’s very sore,’ she said. ‘I really do think it might be broken.’
‘Okay. What should we do then? Do you want me to call the doctor? Or take you up to the hospital?’
‘There’s no point in phoning the doctor.
You’ll be held in a queue and be there all day and lucky if you get an appointment three weeks on Tuesday.
They’ll likely need an X-ray anyway. Do you mind just running me up to Larbert?
I’m sorry, dear. Sorry to be a pain. Especially with it being so cold and snowy out there. ’
‘Oh, Mum,’ said Jessica tenderly. ‘There’s no need to apologise. Of course I’ll take you to the hospital.’
‘Hospital?’ said Angus, who appeared at that moment with a tray of mugs. He clattered it onto the coffee table and the tea sloshed over the rim of the cups.
‘Honestly,’ said Catriona sharply. ‘There’s no need to panic. Jessica will nip me up to the hospital and get it checked out. I’m sure it’s just a sprain.’
Angus stood up tall. ‘Righto. I’ll come too.’
Jessica felt her mum’s pointy elbow in her ribs. She was clearly making the most of her good arm. ‘Dad,’ she said decisively. ‘I think it would be better if you stayed here. You can let Murray know what has happened. And it might be better if I go anyway.’
‘Yes,’ said her mum. ‘She wants to come and check out the doctors.’
‘Do I?’ said Jessica, puzzled.
‘Yes. There might be some handsome doctors there. Didn’t you say that you knew a doctor there?’
‘Um,’ she said uncertainly, now realising her mum really didn’t want her dad to come along. ‘I’m sure I did.’
‘There’s also a parcel being delivered this morning. Someone needs to be here for that.’
‘Well, okay, if you’re sure. But I’m really not all that happy about not coming with you.’ He scratched his head.
‘Dad,’ Jessica said soothingly. ‘Don’t worry. I’ll call you as soon as we know what’s wrong and I’ll take good care of Mum.’
‘Hmm, make sure you do. Don’t get all distracted by the first man in a white coat to come along.’
Why was she even having this conversation? The only man she wanted to talk to or look at was Reuben.
‘Right, come on then, Mum. Let’s go. Can you manage to get your jacket on, do you think?’
Catriona stood up and winced. ‘I don’t think I can, love. It’s awfully tender.’
‘Let’s just get your shoes on and get you in the car and I can pop a blanket over you. At least you’re dressed.’
She managed a small smile. ‘I know. I would have been the talk of the village if I’d still been in my pyjamas.’
As they made their way outside, her dad fussing around them, Jessica unlocked the car and made sure her mum was as comfortable as she could be. She then got in and started the engine. Lowering the window, she said, ‘I’ll call you as soon as we’re there and have seen someone.’
‘Thanks, dear. Look after her.’
‘Go back inside now and warm up. You’ve had a fright too.’
‘Oh, Jess . . .’ said her mum, her voice trailing away.
‘Is it painful, Mum?’
‘Well, yes, it is but it’s not that. The timing of it is awful. It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow and I’ve got so much still to do.’
Jessica reached over and patted her mum’s knee. ‘Let’s just see what the doctor says. One step at a time.’