She knocked on the dark shiny wood of the door, just above the brass name plaque reading the administrator's name. Immediately receiving a reply, she opened it.

"Ah Doctor Weatherill. What can I do for you?"

"Erm I was wondering if Gordon and I could have a word?"

"Yes, yes of course, do come in, sit down."

She entered, easing herself down in one of the three chairs in front of the mahogany desk, closely followed by Gordon who took the chair next to her.

"Matron's on her way." Gordon said, before falling silent, neither willing to relay the details of the previous few days.

Mr Middleditch slowly removed his glasses and folded them, gazing at them both steadily. "This sounds serious."

"Somewhat." Jill breathed through a nervous laugh. "You see there was an... incident, the other night."

"Ah yes. Matron told me about that."

Jill averted her gaze, blushing profusely. On the one hand she was glad she didn't have to recreate the scenario for Mr Middleditch's benefit, but on the other, she would have been able to reveal to him just what she wanted to. She was incredibly embarrassed at how she'd acted in front of Matron, she still couldn't quite look her in the eye.

"Such terrible business." He continued, laying his glasses gently onto the desk. The contact of the metal frame with the wood made no noise. "Have you any idea of the reason behind it?"

"None." Gordon replied, covering her hand with his own. He was about to say more when Matron stepped through the open doorway.

"You wanted to see me doctors?"

Both Jill and Gordon nodded, whilst Mr Middleditch spoke. "Do take a seat Matron."

She thanked him courtly. The only chair left was next to Gordon, which she moved, angling it so she could see Jill aswell as the other two. Gordon spoke first. "I'm afraid there have been some developments, regarding the, er, incident." Neither knew how to phrase the emotional turmoil they'd been put through, but the word was sufficient, all four occupants of the room knew what was being discussed.

"Am I right in saying this has something to do with today's paper?" Matron asked, placing the Elsinby Herald upon the desk.

"Yes."

"Matron?" Mr Middleditch questioned, his face a picture of confusion. Obviously he was one of the few members of the hospital who had been untouched by the current topic of gossip.

Wordlessly, Matron opened the paper and pointed to the section in question. Mr Middleditch picked up his glasses, unfolded them and returned them to his face. Whilst he did this with painstaking slowness, Gordon squeezed Jill's hand. They glanced at each other, flashing the other a smile of support.

"Well." Mr Middleditch finally spoke, once again removing his glasses. "This person certainly seems persistent." He sighed. "And you've no idea who could be behind this?"

"No." Gordon said whilst Jill shook her head.

"Is there anything you want me to do?"

"No, I don't think there is anything anyone could do." Jill replied, sighing. "We just thought you should both be kept informed. It is something that could affect the hospital."

"Yes of course, thank you. I do see a problem with gossip though."

"Indeed. Gordon and I discussed this and have decided to make an announcement at Friday's staff meeting. Hopefully we can explain everything and reduce some of the speculation."

Matron nodded. "A wise idea. It should prevent exaggeration and embellishment of the situation which gossip in this place tends to cause." She paused, gazing at them for a moment. "How are you both?"

"We're fine." Jill said quickly, but politely. "We just want to find out who's doing this, and why."

This seemed to appease Mr Middleditch, but Matron continued to gaze at them, an expression on her face showing she didn't believe her words. But thankfully, with her immense wisdom and tact, she remained silent.

Gordon squeezed Jill's hand, telling her he, too, knew she wasn't being entirely truthful. "We'd better be getting on." He spoke, rising from his seat. "Thank you for your time."

Jill echoed her thanks, and followed Gordon out the room, closing the door softly behind them.

"Meet after our ward rounds?" Gordon questioned softly. "I think a quiet night in front of the fire is in order."

Jill nodded and smiled. When times were tough, he always seemed to know exactly what she needed.