There was butter, honey, a glass jar of muesli, and some marmalade on the table and a toaster on a side table. Cass added a plate of bacon and another of scrambled egg. As well as heating the plates they were to eat off, Cass found the electric hot plates so things would stay hot. This was definitely a ‘we have guests’ breakfast.
She was slightly worried in case it looked as if she had tried too hard and so went back to the kitchen for the tea. She would make coffee to order with the fancy machine.
Both men were filling their plates with eggs and bacon when she went back in. ‘There are all sorts of other things in the kitchen if you want them. Marmite, peanut butter …’ she said.
‘We’re fine,’ said Ranulph. ‘This is the most amazing spread.’ And then came the smile that made Cass go weak at the knees.
I have to get over this, she told herself firmly as she took her place at the table. There was really no point in developing a crush on someone on the island when she was leaving Scotland at the end of the summer.
Eleanor arrived halfway through the meal. There were covered dishes and bowls in her basket. ‘I’ll just unload this lot and come and join you. Do you need more coffee? No, I see you have plenty. Cass, you’ve done an amazing job.’
Cass was aware she was sensitive, quick to feelpatronised, even when she wasn’t being, but Eleanor’s praise seemed genuine.
‘Thank you,’ she said, pleased.
‘So, Ran, we don’t usually see you this early in the morning?’ said Eleanor and then glanced at Cass, looking flustered.
‘I had some of Howard’s mail,’ said Ranulph. ‘I thought I ought to bring it straight over in case he’s been waiting for it.’
‘I think you have been waiting for something, haven’t you, dar—Howard,’ said Eleanor.
Cass smiled at her reassuringly, but Eleanor didn’t see. She was fiddling with the things on the table. She was obviously embarrassed.
‘There’s a seat here,’ said Cass. ‘What can I pass you? Toast? The amazing Greek yoghurt I found in the fridge?’
‘Oh. Just toast, please,’ said Eleanor.
She and Cass exchanged smiles and then Cass noticed Howard smiling too.
He’s obviously relieved I’m not giving Eleanor the evil eye, thought Cass. But it’s interesting that he cares about my feelings. He never did before.
‘So, Cass,’ said Ranulph. ‘Tell me a bit about yourself? Is it OK to ask “What do you do?” these days?’
Cass laughed. ‘I think it depends on what youdodo. I don’t do anything special, but if you’re a rocket scientist, you’d long to be asked, wouldn’t you? Imagine having to keep silent at a wedding when everyone else at the table are car salesmen or whatever?’
Ranulph joined in the laughter. ‘But how do you tellwhich people it’s OK to ask, and those who won’t want to say?’
Howard interrupted. ‘Cass is far too modest. Her half-siblings are all very successful, but she’s the only one who can take a decent photograph.’
Cass was taken aback. ‘How do you know? The only camera I ever use is my phone.’
He smiled fondly. ‘Do you remember when you used to come and stay with me when you were little?’
Cass nodded. While her father was often working in some far-flung place, searching for rare birds’ nests so he could photograph them, during the summer she would join him. She loved it. She only had to share him with a camera. And often, when he’d taken his picture, he would hand her the camera (provided it wasn’t too heavy) and get her to line up the shot, focus, check the lighting, and press the button.
‘You took good photographs when you were quite small.’
‘Dad!’ Cass said, secretly thrilled and openly worried. ‘I’m delighted that you think I can take a decent photograph but I couldn’t do what you do. And cameras aren’t the same as the one you used back then. Really, I prefer—’
He interrupted her. ‘That’s true you can’t do what I do yet, but I think you could.’
Cass felt herself go red. She was embarrassed by his praise and felt guilty because she didn’t love photography as he did.
Howard went on. ‘Do you remember that time I took you with me to Dominica?’
‘Dominica?’ said Ranulph. ‘In the East Caribbean?’
‘That’s right,’ said Howard. ‘Do you know it?’
