‘But that was to be the first, of several,’ said Lucy, who had risen from her seat and stood over Oliver, looking down at him like an avenging angel.
‘It was,’ he said, addressing her directly, ‘but not now. There won’t be any more public meetings. I’m only required to have one now. I’m sorry.’
Augi watched as Lucy shook her head, and stepped away, her chair falling back onto the wooden deck with a clatter. She continued walking on into the house. Jen rose as if to follow her, but Sam held her hand firmly and shook his head. Augi couldn’t help but think Sam was right. Lucy wasn’t the sort of person to want anyone making a fuss of her, or seeing her when she was down.
‘I’m sorry, Kate,’ said Oliver. ‘I shouldn’t have accepted your invitation.’
‘Well, that’s one thing you’ve got right! How could you Oliver? When you know how much it means to all of us, especially Lucy. It’s bound to have a negative impact on her business and all the other businesses in our village. Not to mention changing its character.’
Augi heard Lucy make a sobbing sound — she must have stayed within earshot — before they heard the sound of retreating footsteps.
Kate closed her eyes and shook her head.
‘I should go to her,’ said Oliver, standing up.
Augi half-expected Kate to give Oliver his marching orders but instead she opened her eyes slowly and Augi saw she’d under-estimated Kate. While Kate might prefer Oliver to disappear off the face of the earth, she clearly understood the extent of her daughter’s feelings for this man, and knew they weren’t about to disappear.
‘Yes you should,’ said Kate. ‘You owe her a proper explanation. She’ll be in the Drawing Room. At the front of the house.’
Augi glanced across at Dan who looked as if he were about to launch himself at Oliver. Augi couldn’t blame him. Kate laid a restraining hand on Dan’s arm as they all watched Oliver follow Lucy into the house.
‘It’s where she always goes when she needs comfort,’ Kate said with a sigh. She glanced at Augi with a weary smile. ‘It was my husband’s favourite place, where he wrote,’ she added by way of explanation.
‘I’m sorry, Kate, my intention wasn’t to…’ Augi shrugged as she trailed off. It hadn’t been her intention to upset anyone, but she’d known it would.
‘Of course you didn’t. And you did the right thing. It certainly didn’t look as if Oliver was about to come clean. So we’re in your debt.’
Augi frowned. ‘I wonder why he didn’t say anything.’
‘Maybe he would have,’ said Jen, sitting back down beside Sam. He put his arm around her and she nestled against him, as if it was where she belonged. ‘Given time.’
‘Are you kidding me?’ exploded Dan. He was still standing. He pointed inside. ‘That bastard?—’
‘Daniel!’ rebuked Kate.
‘—was taking us all for a ride,’ Dan continued. ‘Why would he tell us? He doesn’t care about us, about MacLeod’s Cove, about Lucy, about anything other than himself.’
Augi studied his face. He was indignant, angry but controlled. She liked how he was protective of Lucy. And she couldn’t help but agree with his summation of the situation.
‘I think you’re right,’ said Augi. ‘From what I’ve found out about him, at Lucy’s request…’ She looked around, wanting everyone to know she wasn’t in the habit of looking into people’s backgrounds unless there was good reason. ‘I know that ambition must have been instilled in him from an early age. It’s hard to make an abrupt change after so many years following one path.’
Dan made a dismissive sound. ‘That man won’t change.’
After they heard Oliver’s car drive away, Augi was dimly aware of Kate’s friends — Megan and Ryan — and Jen and Sam quietly talking as they finished off their drinks and took some dirty crockery into the kitchen. No doubt Jen had gone to find Lucy while the others slipped off home. In the end only Kate, Dan and Augi were left at the table.
‘I’m sorry, Augi,’ Kate said looking at Augi’s Greek dessert. ‘We never got round to trying your lovely dessert. I think the party is over sooner than I imagined.’
‘Because of me,’ said Augi. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘You haven’t anything to be sorry about,’ said Dan with a smile which could only be described as tender. Their gazes tangled for a moment.
‘Daniel,’ said Kate rising with a knowing smile, ‘why don’t you show Augi the phosphorescence on the beach we saw last night. It should be stunning in a little while.’
Dan rose. ‘Sure. It’s quite a sight.’
‘I…’ Augi was about to make an automatic excuse to return home, but was stopped by Dan’s expression. How long was it since anyone had looked at her like that? How long since she’d let down her guard with someone?
And there was a part of her that very much wanted that connection now.
