‘Very good, madam,’ he smiled and gave her a surreptitious wink, before taking her details.
After washing, sprucing up her hair and changing into the trusty little black dress she was thankful she’d packed, Adira walked back into the hotel with confidence. Giving her name to a waiter, he showed her into the restaurant. As a single diner, Adira had discreetly been given a table in the corner, behind a pillar. She was glad to be out of the way of other diners. It didn’t stop her from hearing them though.
‘OMG, I can’t believe what she was wearing!’ said one high-pitched voice, instantly catching her attention.
‘I know, unbelievable. What was she thinking?’ drawled another, promptly followed by a low chuckle. ‘God knows what she’s going to bring to Mauritius, probably halter-necks, capri pants and a whole range of maxi dresses.’
This was met with splutters of laughter.
‘Soooolast season,’ cooed another.
‘Oh yah,’ someone agreed, ‘very yesterday,’ then quickly added in hushed tones, ‘Shush, she’s coming.’
What was wrong with halter-necks? Adira wondered.Shehad a halter-neck top. What a bunch, Adira thought, but couldn’t help eavesdropping further.
‘Hi, Melissa darling! You look divine. How’s Jamie?’
The sound of air kissing, ‘M’wow, m’wow,’ came next.
‘He’s busy training for tomorrow’s match,’ was the smug reply. ‘He’s been made captain.’
‘Lovely. Well done him.’ The flat response sounded anything like a congratulations.
Alderley Edge was clearly full of WAGs, as well as the wealthy. Not Adira’s kind at all, but still, after visiting the Wizard’s Well tomorrow, she’d be out of here.
The next day, after having gone on a pleasant walk to discover the cave with an old man’s face carved into its rock, Adira was left feeling somewhat deflated. Somehow, she had expected more, but no, that’s essentially what the Wizard’s Well was: a rock, which had the image of a face carved into it. She was beginning to have second thoughts about the whole travelling thing. Had she made a hasty decision to repent at leisure? She had a whole year stretched out in front of her. Then, mentally shaking herself, she got back into her camper van. Ignoring the map this time, she decided to just drive off and land where the mood took her. Less planning (look where that had got her) and more spontaneity. Onwards and upwards!
It was early evening and the sun had been shining through the windscreen all day, making the van hot. Adira was getting tired and decided now was the time to stop. She desperately needed to cool down. Having only stopped once on the motorway, she was more than ready for a cold drink and something to eat. She had turned off the motorway at a junction in Lancashire a while ago and was now driving through stunning countryside. Winding the window down fully, she heard wood pigeons cooing through the trees as they rustled slightly in the refreshing breeze. A faint smell of wild garlic floated in the air.
Adira slowed down to really appreciate her surroundings, it was so therapeutic – something she desperately needed after the fairly disastrous start to her adventure. The sound of running water caught her attention and she pulled into the roadside and turned off the engine. What she wouldn’t do to sink her hot, swollen feet into a cool stream, or splash her dry, tired face. The urge became too great. There and then, she decided to find somewhere nearby to park up for the night and sleep under the stars in this beautiful place she had stumbled upon. The only sign she had noticed, whilst driving through the country lanes, told her she was in the Forest of Bowland. Adira consulted the map Edie had given her. Squinting, she found her destination and learned it was a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.It certainly is, she agreed.There must be a campsite nearby, she thought.
She turned the key to start up the engine, but nothing happened. Oh hell, please don’t say Sheila was packing up on her! Another twist and the camper van spluttered and shot forward into life, making Adira jump. With a huge sigh of relief, she carefully drove along the road, looking for a place to stop. She saw a dirt track that veered off to the left and followed it. It led to a stone post, with a wide-open entrance, almost inviting her into the lush, green field beyond. There was no sign marked private land. Then she heard that wonderful sound of running water again, enticing her. Without another thought, Adira drove onto the field and parked along the edge, by the stream canopied by a cluster of trees. It seemed a nice, quiet spot. The clear, fresh water bubbled, intoxicating her. Glancing around, she saw no one, not a soul. All was still and peaceful; ideal for taking a dip and revitalising her sticky body.
Chapter 7
Jasper’s spirits had been raised slightly, having spent the day with Fletcher. The initial shock of seeing him had sunk in, but spending time with his uncle told him that although his body was aging, his mind certainly wasn’t. His conversation was as entertaining as always, peppered with humour and fascinating tales from the past. It made Jasper smile the way Fletcher exaggerated and spun a yarn, maximising his storytelling. He’d never lost the talent of keeping people interested. Little wonder Jasper had loved staying with him as a child.
Fletcher had taken the opportunity to be completely open with Jasper. Whilst not mentioning his own physical ailments, he did spell out his wishes on the event of his death. It was no secret that Jasper was the sole inheritor. However, Fletcher had been at pains to stress that The Laurels was to remain in the family.
‘It’s part of who we are, Jasper. It’s in the blood. Do you understand?’
It had been the first time Jasper had seen his uncle so earnest, so adamant to emphasise the point. Jasper was slightly offended. Did he think he would sell The Laurels the moment he inherited it? Then again, it did make him consider what exactly would happen. Could he see himself living at The Laurels, deep in the countryside? It was a far cry from Dubai and the career he had built up. A very successful career, which had made him good money. Whilst he stood to gain a lot from inheriting the family estate, it also meant giving up a lot to sustain it. The enormity of the future had begun to weigh heavy on him, giving him mixed, confused feelings. Deep down, Jasper couldn’t even contemplate losing Fletcher.
‘This place needs attention, Jasper. You can see for yourself. But there’s only so much I can do.’ They were sat outside on the patio in the sunshine and Fletcher was in good spirits. The warmth of the sun soothed his aching bones and the pre-dinner drinks he had poured them were having a desired mellowing effect. Plus, having Jasper there had given him a huge lift. His nephew was just the tonic he needed.
‘I’d like to take a good look at the place, see what needs doing.’
‘You do that.’ Fletcher threw back his drink, then looked him solemnly in the eye. ‘It’s time to pass on the baton.’
Jasper swallowed, then tried to make light of the conversation. ‘There’s life in the old boy yet,’ he raised his glass to salute him.
Fletcher barked out a laugh.
‘Let’s have another drink,’ he replied with a wink.
After dinner, Jasper decided to make a start. He was going to survey the house and land and make notes on any immediate repairs that needed doing. Fletcher had mentioned his inspection of the fields and woodland at the back of The Laurels. Apparently there was a fallen tree and a broken gate. There could be more damage that he’d missed, given the amount of land on the estate.
Jasper set off with a notebook and pen and headed for the fields. He noticed something in the distance, a blue vehicle parked by the stream. Stopping in his tracks, he watched carefully. He couldn’t see anybody about. Who had trespassed on their land? Maybe there was a group of people. Squatters even? He needed to suss out who was there before approaching them, so he walked into the woods for cover. Making his way through the trees, he strained to see it was a camper van. A trendy Volkswagen, one that probably a group of students were holidaying in.
