She said - Hi Tivoli,
I haven’t been in as planned, as I’m suffering with an inner ear infection which is making me extremely dizzy! I didn’t want you to think I’d forgotten about our chat.
I’m conscious time is ticking away though, as I already said, I’m gutted at the prospect of losing you, you’re great at your job and an awesome person too!
So I’ll take a leaf out of your book and be blunt! I’m curious to know, is there anything I can do to change your mind, are you leaving due to the role you’ve been offered, or the package?
We can chat as soon as I’m back, but just wanted to get a head start 

I said - I am flattered by your kind words. I wouldn't have jumped ship as I wasn't looking, but a recruiter approached me and said he had a CAD role in Bedford, was I interested?
Rather cheekily I replied "Only if it's xyz company" and unfortunately for you, that is exactly who it is - Senior Civil Engineering CAD Technician - so mostly I will be sorting out roads and drainage on housing developments, and I do love a bit of road design. My dad was a civil engineer and my drawing career began in his office so it feels like a beautifully complete career arc if I work there until I retire, which is less than four years away now. It's lovely to think how chuffed my dad would be.

We emailed to and fro and I agreed to work all the days until I leave, and in exchange for any holidays I haven't taken she will "gift" me the wonderful office chair. Probably she is quids in on this deal, but life is life and money is money and I'm glad I can tell the difference.

I was particularly proud of “I’ll take a leaf out of your book and be blunt!” I think I may have given her an important lesson in how to be real with people