‘I don’t. I’m here mending something. That’s all.’
The words came out with such force that all the fish plunged from sight.
‘Not that it’s any of your business, but at this very moment another relationship is inconceivable.’
Christabel studied her for a few moments.
‘That’s such a relief,’ she finally cooed. ‘I wouldn’t have wanted you to get hurt, Jules. We women need to stick together. And now that little matter is sorted, I’ll go and retrieve my daughter, wherever she may be.’
Jules watched her go and raked her hands through her hair. That woman really was a piece of work.
SEVENTEEN
‘Everything okay?’ Lance asked, strolling in a while later, cool box in hand.
‘Fine, except Christabel came for Tasha and she didn’t want to go.’
‘But she was meant to be staying for supper and then I was going to run her back later.’
‘Change of plan apparently. Erin’s pretty fed up, too.’
He shook his head in obvious frustration.
‘My clients work in Bembridge and picked up some crab for me. It’s one of Tasha’s favourites.’
‘That’s kind.’
‘She’s fragile. Needs some TLC. Rita does her bit, but to be honest, Alastair isn’t always there for her as much as he should be. I don’t suppose you’d like to join us, would you? I know you might have other plans, and you might not even like crab, but I can rustle something else up to go with the salad if you’d rather.’
‘I do like crab actually, but…’
She had a sudden feeling of panic.
‘Your mother’s waiting for you.’
‘No. She’s having supper with Jo. I’m just not very good company.’
‘I totally understand,’ he said, ‘and I didn’t mean to pressure you. When Sarah died people were so kind and they kept inviting us around for meals, but sometimes it just felt too much. I remember that feeling of wanting to sit at home without having to make polite conversation or make the effort to look as if I hadn’t splintered into a thousand pieces. Take the crab home with you and eat it in peace.’
Erin slunk in through the doorway and went to stand next to her father.
‘Sorry, honey,’ he said, ‘Jules told me what happened.’
‘She’s a witch, Dad,’ Erin said as he put his arm around her. ‘Tasha was so upset, and her mum wouldn’t even wait to take the crab for her to eat.’
‘I’ve offered it to Jules. She’s going to take it home with her, so it won’t be wasted.’
Jules looked at Erin’s crestfallen face.
‘No, I’ll stay.’ She glanced at Lance. ‘If the offer still stands and you don’t mind my grumpiness.’
‘Dad can be grumpy with the best of them,’ Erin chipped in.
She glanced at Lance.
‘The offer might not still stand then.’
‘It does,’ he said with an unmistakably thankful smile.
