Nearest Thing to Crazy Read Online Free PDF

the other. I must admit I’d always thought Rebecca was evil incarnate.’
    ‘Really?’ She smiled a rather knowing little smile and I couldn’t shake off a really uncanny feeling. Perhaps I’d had too much wine. ‘I think I might leave the van here, and walk back, if you don’t mind. I’m probably way over the limit. Maybe Dan’ll pop up later to get it for me.’
    ‘No problem.’
    As I walked back down the lane I resolved to do whatever I could to help my new friend. I couldn’t begin to imagine how scared she must be feeling, and she was putting on such a brave front.

    She picked me up. That was nice of her. I have to say when I opened the door I didn’t have a clue who she was. She seemed familiar but I suppose as I hadn’t talked to her much at Sally’s lunch then I had no cause to put a name to her face. I only really remembered the husband, Dan. Anyway, it was kind of her to stop for me. I suppose if you were to ask me to describe my first impressions, I’d call her typical of her type, if you know what I mean. Country housewife, a bit worn around the edges, cosy and comfortable. Not going to set the world alight, but nice. Nice with a capital N. My mother always used to say that you should never use the word nice. It’s a sort of shorthand, isn’t it, when you say, ‘They’re terribly nice.’? Like, God, they’re really dull and straight. But she was. Just Nice. Nondescript, but pleasant. Ordinary, without wishing to sound rude. Just goes to show, doesn’t it? One would never have guessed . . .
    But then, thinking about it, she did hint that she’d had problems. Depression, possibly even suicidal thoughts. I was a bit uncomfortable the way she disclosed all that. Seemed a bit early in our friendship, but then I wasn’t going to tell her to shut up or anything because you don’t know what people might do, do you? So I decided I’d just be sympathetic. I got the impression she needed a good ear and I felt I could easily provide it. I really did have the best of intentions towards her, I honestly did. Her husband, Dan, came up later to collect her van. He apologized for disturbing me, but I said I didn’t mind, was glad of the company. He had a quick glass of wine and said, ‘Don’t tell, or I’ll be in trouble.’ We gossiped about the locals, from memory. I found out who their closest friends were, useful stuff like that. I thought I might talk to her friends, to see if she was okay, just in case she really did need help.

CHAPTER
    2
    ‘I’m sorry. I hope you don’t mind about the coach. I don’t think it’s too far, though. You don’t get sick, do you? I know some people can’t stand them.’
    We were both giggling as we climbed up the narrow steps. It was a lovely day, with just the hint of a breeze. Ellie could have been dressed for a garden party in a lime-green linen dress, with an enormous straw hat perched on her head, the front brim held up from her face with a fresh Gertrude Jekyll rose. Once again she made me feel dowdy and ordinary but hopeful that her glamour might be contagious.
    ‘I’m loving it. What a laugh. I haven’t been on one in years. Oh my God, that’s not a loo, is it? You’d have to be pretty desperate – imagine if they did an emergency stop!’
    We found a couple of seats.
    ‘This is so nice of you to invite me. I’m beginning to feel human again.’
    ‘I’m pleased to hear it.’ I lowered my voice. ‘So everything okay? I mean, you’re all right . . .?’
    ‘Fine. All quiet, thanks. I’ve had perfect peace. Chance to get some writing done, healthy walks with Coco, and I’m beginning to feel really at home. I’ve been sleeping better than in months. So today I’m going to try not to think about any of that stuff.’
    ‘Good plan. I hope you won’t be bored. They’re a sweet bunch of people. Some of them have been quite famous in the garden world in their day.’
    Ellie scanned the heads of our fellow travellers. ‘I love all the