‘Celia, please.’
She shifted in her chair, ‘Lovely boy, but it’s time he faced his own mother and told her.’
‘Why? If you sussed it out, maybe she has.’
‘I’m more worldly wise than your mother is. She ought to know. Good job he’s the spare and not the heir.’ Tobias couldn’t stop his lips from twitching. ‘Talking of which, isn’t it time you started producing?’
‘I’m on the case,’ he replied drily.
*
That afternoon, after leaving an excited mother and aunt to talk about their Caribbean cruise, Tobias set off to old Ted’s cottage. Parking outside, he started to unload his belongings for the next few weeks. He noticed Megan’s curtains twitch and smiled to himself. She’d make a terrible secret agent, he laughed, remembering also her hiding behind a tree to spy on him horse riding.
Once he’d packed everything into the spare bedroom, he set about his itinerary armed with his notebook and pen. First he’d rip out the kitchen and replace it with distressed wooden units and a Belfast sink. He decided to keep the pantry; it made excellent storage space and added a quaint touch. The floor tiles needed replacing. French doors instead of the solid wood back door would create light and a sense of space. He unlocked it and stepped outside into the garden. It was lush and colourful, just needed cutting back a little and some pretty garden furniture.
He peered over the garden fence into Megan’s garden. He could see her at the kitchen window. She waved and he beckoned her outside.
‘All moved in?’ She was wearing a red linen dress with a scooped neckline. His eyes homed in on her birthmark again.
‘Yes, thanks. Any chance of a cup of tea?’
‘I’ll pop round with one.’ She scurried back inside. Entering Ted’s kitchen, Megan was surprised at the smell of damp. ‘It’s only been empty a few weeks, but it feels like for ever.’ She handed him a mug of tea.
‘I know, these old stone cottages are quite cold. Once I’ve got the wood burner and heating installed it’ll be a lot better.’
‘Sounds like you’re going to be busy,’ said Megan, blowing on her tea.
‘I am, but I’ll not rip out the heart and soul of the place. Apart from a new kitchen and bathroom, everything else will be restored like for like. Ted said to keep some of his furniture.’
The old bureau and the half-moon table in the lounge suited the cottage. Megan was touched that Tobias wasn’t obliterating Ted’s presence. This may no longer be his home, but it must contain many happy memories in the nooks and crannies.
‘I must go and visit Ted, take Zac.’
‘He’d appreciate that, Megan.’
‘Well, I’d better let you get on.’
‘Thanks for the tea.’ He kissed her on the cheek, then whispered in her ear, ‘What time’s dinner?’
Megan laughed. ‘Would you like to come for dinner, Tobias?’
‘Oh, how thoughtful, Megan, I’d love to.’
*
Having spent the rest of the afternoon ripping out the old kitchen units and throwing them in the skip, Tobias decided he’d had enough. He often enjoyed getting stuck into a manual job. Not only did it keep him fit, it released his pent-up energy and stress. Going over the estate accounts again had filled him with utter dread. For once, he had seriously contemplated losing the Hall. The thought crippled him. Coming to Ted’s was a break. Covered in sweat and dust, he swept away the rest of the debris into bin liners before taking a much-needed shower. He was looking forward to spending the evening with Megan in her cosy kitchen, rather than enduring a dinner with his mother and aunt banging on about their holiday. That said, Celia had definitely come up trumps with her suggestion of opening up the Hall to the public.
After showering, he towel-dried his hair, put on a clean white shirt and faded denims, which hugged his muscular legs, and set off next door. As he was walking down the pathway he heard a voice. Nick Fletcher was here. Slowing to a stop, he stood to listen.
‘I’d like to visit Ted. If you’re thinking of going, I could come with you.’
Tobias’ hand curled into a fist.
‘I was thinking of taking Zac,’ replied Megan.
‘Yes, he’d love that. So when should we—’
‘Evening,’ Tobias interrupted. He glared at Nick, who jumped slightly.
