‘Ah, Fallon, hello. Goodness, are you okay?’
I sighed.
‘Yes, I’m fine, just got a few things on my mind.’
Kind, understanding Constance didn’t probe for details, but instead pointed to the menu, written on a small blackboard near the bar.
‘Maybe some lunch will sort you out. I’m trying to decide between the ham hock and the bean and mushroom pie.’
I studied the board for a moment.
‘Yes, I’ll have the bean and mushroom pie, it sounds delicious.’
‘Good. I’ll get some drinks when I order too. I’m going to have half a pint of the local bitter, same for you?’
I shook my head.
‘No, thanks, I’m not a beer drinker. I’ll just have a lime cordial and soda.’
Our drinks and food were soon before us, and we tucked in hungrily. Constance told me all about the book she was writing, which sounded fascinating.
‘Belize is a wonderful country,’ she told me. ‘But the caves we’re investigating are difficult to get to, so we had to set up a temporary camp and labs right next to the site so that we could stay there for weeks at a time. We made some real progress into working out what rituals the caves were used for, hence the book. It’s an under-researched place and we’re desperate to go back again, but that takes money, of course. Hopefully, the book will get a bit of attention and we might get some funding.’
‘Let me know when it’s being published,’ I said, forking up some delicious, buttery mashed potato that lay in a thick coat across the top of the pie. ‘I’ll gladly help you throw a launch party and try to whip up some press interest.’
Constance beamed at me.
‘Jolly good of you. Not sure many archaeologists get launch parties thrown by glamorous London companies like yours. Will you mind us all turning up in muddy boots and holey sweaters?’
I laughed.
‘Wear what you like, it’ll be your party. We can talk about it nearer the time, but you can be sure it won’t be something that feels wrong for the occasion, or where anyone feels out of place. It’ll be fun.’
‘I don’t doubt that…but Fallon, publishers of this sort of thing don’t have the money for more than a pint down the pub.’
‘Please, it would be my pleasure. Anyway, you can consider it a quid pro quo for the advice you’re going to give me.’
‘Ha. Don’t know what my advice is worth, but I’ll take you up on that. Alexander, is it?’
I pulled a face.
‘Is it that obvious?’
‘I’m usually a dolt when it comes to this sort of thing, but even I noticed that you fancy the pants off each other. So, what’s the problem?’
Heat rose in my cheeks.
‘I’m not sure thereisa problem, that’s what.’
‘Marvellous, we can think about what we’re having for pud, instead.’
I laughed.
‘Okay, fair enough. He…er, I…that is,wekissed this morning…’
I trailed off. The pink in my cheeks was rapidly turning purple, and I wished I could turn the fire down. I am not used to these sorts of conversations, and whenever they arose with Mum, I did my best to end them as quickly as possible. But Constance couldn’t have been more different, and I desperately wanted to talk over my feelings with someone. She finished chewing her mouthful and waved her fork at me.
‘Excellent. Tell me more. If you want to. Always happy to talk about dogs, if you prefer.’
