The Peppercorn Project

by Nicki Edwards

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘What did she say?’

  ‘She agreed it was strange too. Especially because she said it doesn’t happen on the days she’s working,’ Isabelle said.

  ‘How many patients are we talking about?’

  ‘It varies every day.’

  ‘Weird. Perhaps he’s actually a good doctor and people don’t mind driving a long way to see him.’

  Isabelle sighed. ‘I know it sounds crazy, but my gut reaction is he’s up to something illegal.’

  Leah stopped and stared at her. ‘You think he’s dealing drugs, don’t you?’

  Isabelle glanced around to make sure no one could hear their conversation. ‘I don’t want to think that, but …’

  ‘You have to tell Matt,’ Leah said.

  Isabelle sighed heavily. ‘Matt’s got enough on his plate right now with Geoff planning his retirement. Besides, after the way I treated him today he’ll probably never want to speak to me again.’

  ‘That’s absolutely ridiculous. You’ll say sorry, and he’ll forgive you. Easy. Matt doesn’t hold grudges. My advice is to kiss and make up.’

  ‘I really don’t think that’s a good idea,’ Isabelle said.

  ‘As for Matt being busy, of course he is! He’s trying to work out where the drugs are coming from.’

  Isabelle looked down and kicked at the loose dirt on the road. ‘I’ve heard people think it’s me,’ she murmured. When she’d overheard someone at the shop say that, she’d been devastated. How could they think she was bringing drugs into town.

  ‘They don’t, Issie, that’s just stupid gossip. There was an informal town meeting the other night at the pub and I heard Matt assure everyone that the drugs have got nothing to do with you or any of the other Peppercorn families. He reckons the drugs are probably coming from the least expected person. From what you’re telling me, it could be Hugo.’

  ‘But what if I say something to Matt and he accuses Hugo, and it turns out Hugo’s not dealing drugs? I could lose my job.’

  ‘I think this is a bit more important than your job, Issie.’ They started walking again. ‘If you don’t tell Matt, I will.’

  ‘I’ll tell him,’ Isabelle said. ‘Leave it with me.’

  They reached Isabelle’s front door. She’d left it unlocked and Fletcher and Mietta were already inside. She heard the sound of the television coming from the lounge.

  ‘By the way, I haven’t received your RSVP yet,’ Leah said.

  Isabelle rolled her eyes. The invitation to the Emergency Services Triple O Ball on New Year’s Eve was at the bottom of a stack of bills and unopened Christmas cards. She’d hidden it there in the hope that if she ignored it long enough it would go away. A bit like she was avoiding opening the Christmas cards because they’d be no longer written to ‘Dan and Issie’, but to her alone.

  ‘I haven’t said yes because I don’t do dances.’ She didn’t add that the ball also fell on her birthday – a day she planned to celebrate quietly with her kids, well under anyone’s radar. She hadn’t told a soul it was coming up.

  ‘Not a good enough excuse,’ Leah said, planting her hands on her hips. ‘Everyone goes to the ball.’

  ‘Everyone?’ Isabelle asked. ‘I’m sure that’s an exaggeration.’

  ‘No exaggeration. It’s a big deal. They hold it every two years. It’s the major charity fundraiser for all the emergency services in the area – police, fire, St. John Ambulance, SES, CFS. People drive here from all directions – some up to five hours away.’ Leah’s face took on a serious expression, which was unlike her. ‘You kind of have to go. As the nurse, it’s expected.’

  Isabelle pulled a face. ‘But I don’t have anything to wear.’

  ‘Worst excuse ever,’ Leah said.

  ‘Who’ll look after the kids?’

  ‘Another excuse. They have a kids program at the primary school, fully supervised by the oldies who don’t go to the ball. The kids love it.’

  Isabelle hesitated. ‘If it’s a fundraiser it will cost a fortune. With Christmas next week, money is still tight.’

  ‘Fifty dollars a ticket. Hardly a fortune. If you can’t afford it, I’ll pay.’

  Another thought occurred to Isabelle. ‘I’m not going on my own.’

  ‘Of course not.’ Leah winked. ‘Matt will need a partner too.’

  Isabelle ignored the implication of that possibility.

  ‘I haven’t booked a ticket. I’m sure it’s too late.’

  Leah grinned. ‘I took the liberty of getting you a ticket ages ago.’ She pulled an envelope from her bag and handed it to Isabelle. ‘Now there’s no more excuses. ‘You’re coming, and that’s that.’

  Isabelle smiled. ‘Thanks, Leah,’

  ‘You’re very welcome.’ She gave Isabelle a hug. ‘And no more excuses about whatever’s going on at the clinic. Talk to Matt.’

  ‘I’ll call him tomorrow. That’s if he’ll even pick up the phone after the way I treated him today.’

  *

  As she was climbing into bed an hour later, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the number on the screen and her breath caught. Matt.

  ‘Hi Matt,’ she said softly.

  ‘How are you doing?’

  ‘All right.’ She paused and took a deep breath. ‘Thanks for everything you did today.’

  ‘No worries.’

  Isabelle’s mouth went dry. Now was her chance to apologise. ‘I’m sorry I yelled at you, Matt. I was rude and ungrateful.’

  ‘It’s okay. You had every reason to be upset with me.’

  ‘It’s not okay. Upset is one thing, but I shouldn’t have been so mean. It was an accident and I should have been thankful you were there.’

  ‘It’s forgiven and forgotten as far as I’m concerned,’ Matt said. ‘So, how’s Fletch doing now?’

  Relief washed over her. If Matt could move on, so could she. ‘He’s good. I’ve just given him more pain relief and he’s in bed.’

  ‘Hope he gets some sleep.’

  There was a short beat of silence.

  ‘I’m really sorry about your bike too,’ Isabelle said.

  ‘Forget it. It’s just a bike.’

  More silence stretched between them, longer this time.

  ‘Did Leah mention the ball to you?’ Matt asked.

  ‘Yes, she did. She told me about it tonight.’

  ‘Are you going?’ he asked.

  ‘Apparently, yes, but I told her I’m not going on my own.’

  Matt coughed. ‘I was actually going to ask if you wanted to go with me, Issie, but after today I wasn’t sure if you would.’

  She pictured him running his finger around the collar of his shirt trying to loosen it like he always did when he was unsure. A knot formed in her heart and travelled straight to her throat. Now she felt hot around her collar.

  ‘I’d love to go with you,’ she said.

  They chatted a bit longer and when she hung up, she leaned back against her pillows, unable to wipe the smile off her face. She was going to the ball. With Matt.

  Seconds later, she sat bolt upright. If she was going to the ball she was going to need a new dress. And heels – Leah would send her straight back home if she rocked up in flat shoes.

  Her biggest dilemma was where to go shopping. She had no opportunity to drive down to Adelaide, and there were no dress shops in Booleroo or Stony Creek. She could get some solid boots and moleskin pants from the farm supplies shop, but no such thing as a ball gown or high heels. She was only going to be in Geelong for two days over Christmas and the last thing she wanted to do on Christmas Eve was battle the crowds in Westfield to find a dress. That left one option. Internet shopping. Not usually a fan, Isabelle decided it was her best choice.

  Instead of sleeping, for the next two hours Isabelle scrolled through dozens of websites searching for the elusive ‘perfect’ dress. The problem was, she didn’t usually get dressed up. She preferred a more casual look, but according to Leah everyone went all out –
with most women in full-length dresses and the men in tuxedos.

  When Isabelle first spotted the white dress she laughed and thought ‘no way!’ But the more she searched, the more the white dress kept calling her name. Pick me, pick me, pick me. In a moment of sheer desperation, she clicked on the ‘BUY NOW’ button. She only hoped when the dress arrived, it would fit. All that remained was to choose shoes and accessories. Feeling strangely rewarded by doing something slightly extravagant and out of character, Isabelle continued her online shopping spree. She finished it all off with a text message to Matt, telling him her outfit was planned.

  She sank back in bed with a sense of satisfaction. Now she’d ordered her dress, her reticence had dissipated and she was excited about the ball. She closed her eyes and fell asleep to visions of dancing with Matt playing out in her brain.

  Belle was going to the ball.

  Chapter 33

  When Isabelle pulled up at the nursing home in Wilmington the next day, her legs were shaking. She hadn’t told anyone where she was going and she probably should have called first, instead of arriving unannounced. With a steadying breath she climbed out of the car and made her way inside. She introduced herself to the receptionist and explained who she was looking for. She smiled at a group of residents who gave her curious glances as walked past and continued down the corridor until she found what she thought was the right room. She knocked.

  ‘Come in.’

  Isabelle poked her head around the partially open door. Inside was a private, light-filled room that overlooked the immaculate gardens. A woman sat in a recliner, doing the crossword in the newspaper. She was well dressed and her silver hair was elegantly styled. A strand of pearls hung around her neck. She was younger than Isabelle had expected. Or else very good for her age.

  The woman lay down her paper, took off her glasses and placed them on the small table beside her.

  ‘Good afternoon.’ Pale blue eyes danced with questions.

  ‘Are you Hilary Gleeson?’ Isabelle asked.

  ‘I am.’ Her voice was as steady as her gaze. ‘And you are?’

  ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be so rude.’ Isabelle held out her hand. ‘I’m Isabelle Cassidy.’

  Hilary’s eyes twinkled. She covered Isabelle’s hand with her own. ‘Well, it’s about time.’ She indicated another chair. ‘Please, sit.’

  Isabelle did as she was told. ‘I’m one of the Peppercorn families.’

  ‘Of course. You’re living in my old house. I’ve heard all about you from Matt.’

  Isabelle raised her eyebrows.

  ‘Nothing gets past me, dear. I’m still part of the Stony Creek grapevine. I hear you and Matt Robertson have been seeing quite a bit of each other. I’m glad. He’s such a lovely young man.’

  Isabelle blushed. ‘He is lovely,’ she agreed.

  Hilary sat forward in her seat. ‘I’m cross that Matt didn’t bring you out to meet me, but now that you’re here, tell me, how’s it all going?’

  ‘Well, really well. Everyone is lovely. My kids have settled in better than I expected too.’ She smiled. ‘Without the Peppercorn Project and your house …’ A lump formed in Isabelle’s throat and unexpected tears filled her eyes. She brushed them away. ‘Without your generosity, I don’t know where we’d be.’

  ‘I’m glad I could help,’ Hilary said, with a smile. ‘I loved Rachel and Joe’s idea of helping out families who were doing it tough.’

  ‘My husband died of a heart attack in January,’ Isabelle blurted out.

  ‘Oh you poor, sweet girl.’ Hilary placed her hand on Isabelle’s arm. ‘Would you like to tell me about it?’

  Strangely, Isabelle did, and for the next half an hour she found herself telling Hilary her life story, ending with her arrival in Stony Creek, her burgeoning feelings for Matt and the upcoming ball. When she’d finished, she blew her nose on another tissue Hilary handed her.

  ‘I’m so sorry. I haven’t cried like this in a long time,’ Isabelle said.

  ‘You must have needed it.’ Hilary dabbed at the corner of her own eyes. ‘Crying is good for you.’

  Isabelle sighed. ‘I know, but I don’t usually lose it and blubber all over a total stranger.’

  ‘Rubbish, you’re not a stranger to me.’

  Isabelle smiled. ‘Thank you. That means so much.’

  As Hilary shifted position in her chair, Isabelle sensed there was about to be a shift in the direction of the conversation. ‘Has anyone told you about my first husband?’

  Isabelle nodded. ‘Edith Patterson told me he died, but she didn’t tell me the details.’

  ‘He died not long after we’d arrived in Australia. We didn’t have any children, but like you, I lost the love of my life too soon and wondered if I’d ever be able to survive.’

  Isabelle sniffed as the tears threatened again.

  ‘I’ll bet you’re wondering if there’s such a thing as love a second time around,’ Hilary said.

  ‘Dan was my soul mate. I can’t imagine loving anyone else that way again.’

  ‘That’s understandable, but don’t be closed off to the idea. I happen to believe we can have more than one soul mate. I was blessed, Isabelle, blessed. I met a lovely man not long after my first husband died and we were married for nearly sixty years. He passed away not long ago. We had a wonderful marriage. If you ask me if there’s such a thing as falling in love again, I’ll tell you yes, there is.’

  ‘I’m worried about my kids though,’ Isabelle said.

  ‘Of course you are, but ask yourself this: Does he care for them? Love them? Protect them?’

  Isabelle frowned. ‘Who?’

  ‘Matt, of course.’

  Isabelle’s breath caught. ‘But Matt and I are just—’

  ‘Don’t say you’re just friends,’ Hilary interrupted. ‘I saw it in your eyes and heard it in your voice when you spoke of him. You care for him very deeply, but you’re holding back.’

  ‘I—’

  ‘You’re scared. That’s natural. You don’t want to lose the memories of your first husband. I understand that.’

  Isabelle nodded. If anyone truly did understand, it was Hilary.

  ‘You’ll know when you’re ready, Isabelle. And Matt’s a good man. He won’t push you.’

  Isabelle swallowed. This was unfamiliar territory. Other than a conversation with Leah, she’d never opened up and spoken to anyone about moving on. She checked her watch, stunned to see it was almost five o’clock. ‘I’m so sorry, Hilary, I’ve been here much longer than I intended. I really should go. It’s getting late and I don’t really want to be driving back to Stony Creek at dusk.’ She stood and collected her handbag, slinging it across her shoulder. ‘Can I come back after Christmas to visit you?’

  ‘I’ll look forward to it, dear.’

  Hilary stood too. She was a head shorter than Isabelle and frail, but her grip was tight and Isabelle felt herself relax in her arms.

  ‘Next time bring Matt and the children with you.’

  *

  ‘Bet you’ll never guess who I met yesterday,’ Isabelle said before taking a sip of her drink.

  She and Matt were sitting in the beer garden at the pub, having lunch. Fletcher and Mietta were playing with friends and everyone else in town seemed to be rushing around with last-minute Christmas plans. It was the first time they’d seen each other face to face since Fletcher’s accident, and the last chance they’d have to catch up before Isabelle left for Geelong the next day.

  ‘Who?’

  ‘Hilary Gleeson.’

  ‘Really? Where did you meet her?’

  ‘Her nursing home.’

  Matt’s eyes widened. ‘You went there on your own?’

  Isabelle nodded. ‘Some of her mail got mixed up with mine and I decided to deliver it to her. Someone at the general store normally sorts it, but every now and then some of it finds its way to me instead. When it does I usually just pass it onto Rachel to forward to Hilary.’

&
nbsp; ‘I know,’ Matt said. ‘I’m often the one who plays postman and delivers it to her.’

  ‘So I heard.’

  He winced. ‘I can imagine what else you heard too. Was she cranky with me for not getting out to see her lately?’

  Isabelle smiled. ‘A little. Apparently you were supposed to bring me out to meet her.’

  Matt groaned. ‘I’m never going to hear the end of it. I promised her I would, but I just haven’t had the chance. The last time I saw her was not long after you moved here. She had dozens of questions about how you were settling in.’

  ‘She mentioned it’s been a while since you visited. I’m pretty sure she marks every one of your visits on her calendar. She told me you’re like a grandson.’

  ‘She’s a very special lady.’

  ‘Don’t I know it. I was there for nearly three hours, told her my entire life story, and used up an entire box of her tissues. I wish I’d met her sooner.’

  Matt smiled. ‘She’s easy to talk to isn’t she? And she doesn’t mind giving you her opinion.’

  Isabelle laughed softly. ‘You’re not wrong about that.’

  ‘I’m sure she’d love to see you again.’

  ‘It’s all arranged. I’m going to see her after Christmas. She wants to meet the kids.’ She didn’t say she’d promised Hilary she’d bring Matt with her too.

  ‘I wish you weren’t going back to Geelong for Christmas,’ Matt said.

  Warmth washed over her. ‘Me too, but I have to. It’s the right thing to do.’

  ‘Next year you have to stay here. Christmas in Stony Creek is really special.’

  Jane arrived at their table carrying two plates. ‘It certainly is a special time,’ she said. ‘You’re going to love it, Isabelle,’ she said as she placed their meals in front of them.’

  ‘Issie’s going back to Geelong for Christmas,’ Matt said.

  Jane’s face fell. ‘You won’t be here for carols?’

  Isabelle shook her head sadly. Leah had told Isabelle that a small group of men and women went door knocking, singing Christmas carols and delivering presents to the local children. Then on Christmas Eve, the entire town gathered on the oval for a picnic dinner followed by the arrival of Santa on the back of the fire truck and then Carols by Candlelight. Isabelle was bitterly disappointed she was missing out.