‘Absolutely. Loads of old friends came to see us and enough new ones to make doing a few more workshops definitely worthwhile.’
‘How did the wall hangings go down?’
‘Brilliantly! Everyone loved them! And lots of people want workshops to learn how to make them. Which will work well as they are comparatively quick.’ She put down her fork. ‘They didn’t actually sell, of course, but hey!’
Jago laughed. ‘Tell me when you’ve nearly finished – I have a surprise for you.’
‘A nice one?’
‘I think so.’
‘Well, I don’t think I can eat much more. I’m too tired.’
‘Pudding? Sticky toffee? Bought the best brand.’
‘Not now and I was brought up to believe that sugar at bedtime made me hyperactive.’
Jago laughed again. ‘Maybe I should force-feed you some …’
‘I’m sure that’s not required,’ said Helena primly, looking up at him, no longer caring if he could tell exactly how much in love with him she was.
He went over to the kitchen timer. ‘I’ve set it for ten minutes. When it rings you’re to come upstairs. Tell me when you’re on the landing.’
‘Supposing I fall asleep while I’m waiting?’
‘The timer will wake you and if it doesn’t I’ll come down and pour cold water on you! There’s a crossword there I haven’t been able to finish. Do that to keep yourself awake.’
Helena felt she might have nodded off for a few moments but as Jago had predicted, the timer woke her. She got up to turn it off and then, as instructed, went up the stairs.
‘I’m here!’
Jago appeared. ‘Now shut your eyes, I’m going to guide you.’
He put his hands on her shoulders. ‘Now, about three paces forward – now to the left …’
She went where she was directed and was suddenly hit by warm, moist air smelling of lavender.
‘You can open your eyes now!’
She was in the bathroom, but where before there’d just been a shower in the corner and not much else, now there was a bath full of hot, scented water and around the bath and on every surface were candles. There was no other light.
‘Oh my God! This is so beautiful!’ she said.
‘It took me all weekend to put the bath in but I was determined to do it for you.’
‘But I thought you had a big job you had to finish.’
‘I have and I will finish it soon, but this took priority. Do you like it?’
‘I absolutely love it, but I feel guilty that you took time away from your work to do this for me.’
‘As they say in the adverts, you’re worth it.’
She put her arms round his neck and pulled down his head so she could kiss him. ‘Thank you so, so much. You are so kind!’
‘Let me add to my kindness and help you get your clothes off so you can get in,’ said Jago.
‘Only if I can help you with yours.’
