With Moira’s directions, it was a fairly easy drive to Winterbury Abbey, a magnificent Georgian estate nestled in the heart of the countryside. The grand house stood proudly against the backdrop of rolling fields and manicured gardens. A lake sprawled to the front with a large fountain in the centre, and grebes glided across the glittering water.
Sam took the girls to the reception to collect the clipboard and pen they needed for the egg trail, and they all set off towards a little woodland. Moira chatted about various things that caughther eye as she walked alongside Clara, who was listening, but was constantly distracted as Sam read out the clues to the girls. Honestly, he could read out the telephone directory in that voice, and she’d melt. No wonder he was such a popular teacher at school. He probably had them all mesmerised. She was sure she’d read a book at one point about a magician or a wizard who could control people with the amazing power of his voice – Sam was that wizard.
‘The café looked nice,’ Moira said as they made their way past a small fountain where there was another egg with a clue on it. ‘I noticed they had a basket of picnic blankets. We could get a takeaway and sit out on the grass. It’s such a nice day. I’m glad I put this dress on.’
‘It suits you.’ Clara smiled at the smartly tailored, powder-blue dress. ‘It goes with your eyes.’
‘That’s very kind of you to say so.’
‘I mean it. And your hair’s really well-cut too.’
‘Oh, my hairdresser will be happy to know that. I wasn’t sure about this feathery cut, but it’s growing on me. It took me long enough to get used to the colour. Obviously, it wasn’t always this white. I used to be blonde like Claire, but, well, that was a long time ago.’
‘I think you look great.’
Moira smiled at her. ‘You’re a lovely girl, thank you.’
‘I love the sound of a picnic.’ Clara shielded her eyes and looked around. ‘This is the perfect place for one.’
Once the girls had finished the egg hunt, they returned to the main building, where Sam accompanied them up to get their prizes.
‘Tasty,’ Moira said, eyeing the foil-wrapped chocolate eggs they ran back with. ‘But keep them until after lunch.’
The café was well stocked, and they piled up trays and took them out onto the grass. Relaxing out in the sun was so pleasant.And once they’d set up their picnic, Clara was happy to stay there just soaking up the heat. After Sam had eaten, he got up to chase after the girls and play croquet with them.
Moira chuckled as she sipped her iced coffee. ‘He’s such a great uncle.’
‘He is,’ Clara agreed.
‘So good with the kids.’ Moria cocked her head, watching him with a slight sadness in her eyes. ‘I don’t know where the time goes. I really don’t. Seems like yesterday that Claire and Sam were little. He’s always been a good lad, so down to earth and caring. Very like his dad.’
‘And you.’ Clara smiled at her. ‘You’re very like that yourself.’
‘Ah, bless you for saying so.’ She put her hand on Clara’s arm. ‘I feel sad sometimes that Sam’s had rotten luck in life. Not all of it, obviously, but some of the business with his ex was bad.’
‘Yes, it was.’
‘I’m glad he has a friend like you. It’s nice to see him so relaxed and happy. He’s clever at putting on a face and pretending everything is ok, but this time, it’s different. I can see it in his eyes.’
Clara’s heart skipped a beat. Was it her friendship that had caused the shift? She’d help him in a heartbeat if she thought he needed it, but it always seemed like him who was helping her. ‘He’s been a good friend to me. We look out for each other.’
Recently, it had become a lot more than that. Starting last night.
‘That’s so lovely.’ Moira squeezed Clara’s wrist. ‘I appreciate you being there for him. He needs a friend like you.’
‘And I need a friend like him.’ Clara swallowed down an unexpected wave of emotion.
‘Perfect.’ Moira smiled at her before choosing another sandwich.
The day went by too quickly, or it maybe just felt like that because Clara and Sam were leaving the day after. Clara didn’t want to say goodbye to Moira and the girls that evening. It felt too soon.
‘We’ll see you again in just a few weeks,’ Moira said. ‘When we come up to Scotland for the May half term. I know you’ll be working, but I’m looking forward to visiting Glenbriar. It sounds like a wonderful place, and if you were free at all, we’d love to see you.’
‘I’ll do everything I can to make sure I get to see you.’ Clara hugged her tight. ‘It’s been so lovely meeting you.’
‘And you, sweetheart. Take care.’ Moira moved on to hug Sam. ‘My lovely boy. I’ll miss you so much.’
Sam leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. ‘I’ll miss you too.’
