Page 71 of Not So Very Sensible

“You came.”

Ellie nodded. “As requested.”

“Well, what do you think of the place?”

“It’s beautiful, and perfect for alfresco gatherings like this.”

“It’s what sold me on the place. Can I get you a glass of champagne? Wine? Orange juice?”

“Um, orange juice would be fine. Thank you.” Who was this woman? Why was she acting nice when she’d been so rude before? Why was Ellie here?

Perhaps some of her questions appeared on her face, because Francine smiled again. “I expect you must be wondering why I asked you to come.”

“It was to check on the garden lighting placement, right?”

“Well, yes. That. And something else.”

Judging from the way she eyed her, that something else wasn’t something good.

“Can I interest you in some truffle-dusted croquettes? The truffles are organic and locally sourced, you know.”

“I’ll try one, thanks.” Hey, if Francine was about to drop a bomb on her, then she might as well make the most of it. And while she wasn’t the world’s biggest fan of truffles, she might as well try something that wasn’t part of her usual culinary repertoire.

Francine snapped her fingers, and a server appeared, so Ellie collected a napkin and a croquette and tasted it. Hmm. It was okay, but nothing to write home about.

“Delicious, aren’t they?” Francine said.

“Very nice, thank you. So, I don’t want to keep you, especially with all your guests. May I ask about the lights and what you were thinking you wanted? I have to say that what you already have here seems adequate for this kind of garden. Would you like me to take some photos? That way Nicola will know a little bit more about what to expect.”

“Oh, certainly you can take photos. I’m sure you’ll find things very interesting.”

Good to see someone with so much confidence. “Okay, then. Well, I’ll let you get back to your guests and do that.”

“Oh, before you do, I believe we have a mutual acquaintance.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“I understand that you were in the Blue Mountains recently.”

“Yes.” How would Francine know this? Had Nicola said something?

“At the murder mystery weekend?”

“That’s right.”

“I believe you got to know Ethan Ferris.”

Her chest tightened. So this was why Francine had insisted Ellie come tonight. Oh, she hoped that Francine wasn’t going to spring an awful surprise on her. “You must forgive me. How do you know this?”

“Oh, my husband told me.”

“Pardon my ignorance, but how do you know Ethan?”

Francine laughed. “Oh, I’ve known Ethan all my life.”

The wheels in Ellie’s mind turned more quickly. Francine. Her husband. Was his name Wayne? He must’ve said something. Was that why Ethan had behaved like that with Ellie one minute, and then the next gotten himself engaged to his longtime girlfriend?

The croquette sat heavy in her stomach. “Is he here?” Because if he was, she was about to not be.