Closing In. Sue Fortin

the house.

      ‘That’s not how we do things here.’ Carla turned to Izzy. ‘You should have told Miss Newman that you’re not allowed out here until after breakfast.’

      ‘Ellen. Izzy doesn’t have to call me Miss Newman.’ Ellen couldn’t hide the annoyance in her voice. All these rules for an eight-year-old. What sort of place was this, for goodness sake? She felt Izzy bury her head into her shoulder. Probably frightened of what could potentially turn into an argument. Ellen purposefully put a spring in her stride and started singing a nursery rhyme. She felt Izzy relax against her and was pleased when she joined in with the song.

      As they reached the patio, something made Ellen glance up to the first-floor window. Donovan was standing there looking down at them. ‘Oh, Izzy, there’s Daddy. Wave. Hello, Daddy!’ They both waved up at Donovan, who smiled broadly at his daughter and waved furiously back. Then, for a second, his gaze switched to Ellen and he smiled directly at her. Why it made her tummy give a little flutter, Ellen wasn’t sure. She distracted herself by putting Izzy down and, taking her hand, led her indoors.

      Sitting at the breakfast table with Izzy, Ellen was disappointed when Carla sat down opposite them.

      ‘I’d appreciate it if you stick to how things are done here, please,’ said Carla, fixing her gaze on Ellen. ‘It’s important Izzy keeps to a routine; that way when you leave there is minimum disruption for her. Your replacement can fit in easily.’

      ‘My replacement? When I leave?’ Ellen met Carla’s gaze with equal intensity. She wouldn’t let herself be bullied. Those days were long gone. She’d let that happen with Toby and had sworn never again. ‘I’m not planning on going anywhere soon.’

      ‘I’m sure Carla was thinking longterm.’ Donovan entered the kitchen. ‘Morning, ladies, and good morning, my beautiful princess.’ Izzy slipped down from her seat and ran to her father, who scooped her up into a big hug, kissing her on the nose.

      ‘Good morning, Donovan.’ Carla smiled warmly. Ellen couldn’t help but notice the change in demeanour of the PA. ‘I was merely pointing out to Miss Newman that nannies come and go, but it must always be Izzy’s best interest kept at heart, hence the routine we like to stick to.’

      ‘We were just having a bit of fun. It’s such a nice morning for this time of year, we thought we’d take advantage of it.’ Ellen defended herself.

      ‘Quite right too, nothing like a bit of spontaneity,’ Donovan replied cheerfully. Ellen revelled in his obvious approval of her actions but this feeling of triumph was soon diminished by his next sentence. ‘However, Carla does have a point. It’s best for Izzy if we stick to something of a routine.’

      ‘Of course,’ she said after a moment, and then immediately wanted to kick herself when she saw the disappointed look sweep over Izzy’s face.

      Breakfast passed without further confrontation and soon it was time to take Izzy to school.

      ‘Let’s do your coat up, Izzy,’ said Ellen, crouching down and fastening the zip. ‘It’s a bit windy out there today.’

      ‘Are you taking me to school?’

      ‘Yes, that’s right but Daddy’s coming as well. He needs to show me the way.’

      As Ellen stood up, Donovan came out from his study. ‘Are we all ready, then?

      ‘Yippee!’ cried Izzy. ‘Can we go in your car, Daddy?’

      ‘I don’t see any reason why not,’ replied Donovan, running his hand across his daughter’s head.

      The clipping of heels on the tiled floor signalled the arrival of Carla. ‘Did I hear you say you were going out, Donovan?’ she said, joining the group in the hallway.

      ‘That’s right. I thought I’d take the opportunity of driving Izzy to school.’

      ‘In that case,’ she turned to Ellen, ‘you won’t be needed. Why don’t you go and see if Mrs Holloway wants a hand in the kitchen?’

      ‘I don’t mean to be rude, Carla, but I’m employed as a nanny, not a domestic help. It does state that clearly in the contract from the agency,’ said Ellen. She didn’t mind helping out now and again, but she didn’t want it to be a foregone conclusion. ‘Anything I do is supposed to be related to Izzy.’

      Ellen watched Carla’s eyebrows rise so high, she thought for a moment they would disappear into her hairline. Fortunately, Donovan spoke first.

      ‘Ellen does have a point,’ he said. ‘Besides, I want her to come with me so she can learn the route before having to do the school run alone.’

      ‘As you wish, Donovan,’ replied Carla, her smile so obviously forced. The telephone ringing in the study was a timely interruption. ‘I’ll get that. Have a good day at school, Izzy.’ Carla clipped her way back down the hall to attend to the telephone.

      ‘Carla doesn’t like you,’ said Izzy.

      ‘Izzy!’ reprimanded Donovan. ‘That’s not true. Of course Carla likes Ellen.’

      ‘It is true,’ said Izzy, matter-of-factly, in the way only a child could. ‘You can tell by the way she screws her eyes up at Ellen and her mouth all scrunches up like she’s eaten Brussels sprouts. Like this.’

      Ellen couldn’t help laughing. That had to be the perfect impression of Carla. Glancing across at Donovan, she was met by serious-looking eyes. Oh dear, he clearly didn’t share her appreciation of the joke. Ellen fought to control herself but then Donovan’s face erupted into a huge grin. He shook his head and looked down at his daughter.

      ‘Izzy, sometimes it’s best to say things in your head rather than out loud. You could upset people. Remember, we‘ve had this discussion before?’ Izzy pouted slightly at the admonishment but then graciously nodded before homing in for a cuddle.

      Walking out to the car, Donovan leant in toward Ellen. ‘Sorry about that.’

      Ellen smiled at him. ‘That’s okay, really don’t worry.’ She opened the rear door of the Range Rover and lifted Izzy up into the seat. ‘Can you do your seat belt? My, you are a big girl.’ She closed the door and, turning round, was surprised to find Donovan standing right behind her. She could smell the freshness of his aftershave and the fabric softener on his clothes.

      ‘But I do worry. Please ignore Carla. As I said before …’

      ‘I know, she’s just a bit frosty. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before the thaw sets in,’ finished off Ellen, good-humouredly. She wanted to add that Izzy was probably right about Carla not liking her, but she kept the thought to herself. Ellen went to move around the back of the vehicle to sit alongside Izzy but Donovan blocked her way.

      ‘Sit in the front,’ he said. ‘You’ll get a better idea of where you’re going then.’ Reaching past her with his left hand, he opened the passenger door and, taking hold of her elbow, turned her in the direction of the front seat.

      The Range Rover was huge compared to Toby’s sporty TT. She hadn’t driven regularly for three years now; living in London she had forgone a car. Toby had his car, which she had only been allowed to drive when he was too drunk. Her role as designated driver was automatically assumed without question. Well, she had questioned it once. Toby made sure she never questioned it again.

      ‘Will I be using this car to drive Izzy to school?’ she asked.

      ‘If I said yes, would it worry you?’ he asked.

      Ellen looked across and could see him reining in a grin. ‘It wouldn’t worry me, but it might worry you.’

      Donovan let out a small laugh, which danced around the confined space of the vehicle. It was a warming feeling, one which she realised she hadn’t experienced for a long time.

      ‘In that case then,’ said Donovan, ‘you can use the Fiesta that’s parked in the garage.’