Chapter 36
‘Close your eyes.’ Megan held the picture of Treweham Hall behind her back. Tobias did as he was told. ‘Ready?’
‘Ready.’ He opened them and looked at the painting with wonder.
‘Megan, it’s fantastic!’ He genuinely sounded astonished, much to her relief.
‘Really?’
‘Absolutely.’ He took it to examine more closely. ‘You really ought to do more of these.’
‘I’ve been thinking of advertising, you know, to take commissions,’ she tentatively replied.
‘You definitely should. Are you sure I don’t owe you anything?’
‘Of course I’m sure. You sorted my plastering out, so we’re quits.’
‘Well,’ he put the picture down and put his arms round her, ‘in that case, let me treat you.’ A cheeky smile played round his lips.
‘Hmm, that sounds interesting,’ she played along.
‘I’ve booked a box at Royal Ascot. Would you join me? Seamus and his wife, Tatum, will be there, too. I’d like you to meet her. I’ve also booked a room for the night in a nearby country inn.’ Megan hesitated. They both knew what he was implying. Tobias looked intensely at her. This was a turning point, and they knew it.
‘Of course, I’d love to.’ Was that relief in his eyes? Megan knew exactly what she was agreeing to. Not only was she being introduced to his close friends as a couple, but they would be spending the night together. A seed of anticipation had been planted inside her, together with a feeling of foreboding. There would be no turning back and if it all went wrong this time, she couldn’t run away. Treweham was her home now.
‘Do you want to see the cottage now it’s finished?’ They were standing in Ted’s lounge. Megan hadn’t seen the upstairs yet.
‘Sure.’
Together they went up the creaky stairs. Tobias had put in a new spindle banister, along with a new oatmeal carpet. The bathroom had been retiled white, and the old white suite matched perfectly. The bedrooms had been redecorated and the cast-iron fireplaces restored.
‘I don’t know how you do it,’ said Megan in awe. ‘It’s fabulous.’ Tobias had kept it simple, charming and totally in keeping. ‘What’s your next project?’
‘The tearoom and gift shop in Treweham Hall.’ Tobias had told Megan about Aunt Celia’s suggestions and she had agreed it was a good idea. He had contacted the Historic Houses Association and sought advice from them.
‘How did your mother take the news of Treweham Hall being opened to the public?’
‘She’ll live with it. At the moment all she can think about is her cruise.’
‘Ah, I see,’ laughed Megan, picturing Beatrice and Aunt Celia sipping cocktails on a sun-kissed deck.
‘Yes, can’t come soon enough. They’re driving Sebastian mad.’
‘So you’ve very conveniently managed to stay clear, tucked away in this cottage?’
‘Yes, I have,’ he openly admitted, making Megan laugh.
Then it suddenly dawned on her. ‘As the job’s finished now, will I be losing my next-door neighbour?’
He kissed her on the lips. ‘You don’t get rid of me that easily,’ he replied, tapping her nose.
