‘Good. That should generate a lot of interest.’
‘OK, see you later. You’re going to love it.’ And with that, off Cassie went, leaving Adira shaking her head in amusement.
Entering the drawing room, she was again taken with the grandeur of The Laurels. How it must have looked in its heyday, she thought. Now, the mahogany wooden floor needed a polish, the Persian rug a good vacuum, the pictures and tables dusting and all the cut glass and decanters on the drinks cabinet washing. Her head turned towards the huge chandelier which sparkled in the sunlight. That would need dusting too, but she didn’t fancy climbing a ladder to do it. Certain jobs would have to be done professionally. The second- and top-floor windows required a cherry picker to clean them, plus all the cracked panes had to be replaced. There were also the broken roof tiles to sort out. She’d have to speak to Jasper and get it all organised.
Adira could hear him speaking on the phone next door in the library. Judging from the sound of him, he was certainly putting the estate manager through his paces. Moments later, he passed by the doorway.
‘Jasper!’ she called.
He turned back and leant on the door frame. He was looking more relaxed than she had ever seen him, in grey jogging pants and a white T-shirt. His hands were in his pockets. He waited for her to speak.
‘Can I have a word please?’
‘Sure.’
‘We need to hire a cherry picker to clean all the windows, plus get the cracked panes replaced, as well as the broken roof tiles.’
He nodded. ‘I’ll speak to Colin, get him to sort it. Fancy a coffee? I was just about to make one.’
‘Lovely, thanks.’
‘I’ll bring them through.’ Then he added, ‘In fact, I’m going to order a decent coffee machine. This house is sadly lacking one.’
Adira laughed. It also made her wonder just how long Jasper intended to stay.
Minutes later, he entered the drawing room carrying two hot cups and tipped his head towards the chesterfield sofa. ‘Come on, break time.’
Adira was glad of a sit-down. It was tiring work, constantly on your feet cleaning. She’d not exerted herself in this way for some time, having worked behind a desk for so long.
‘Ah, thanks.’ She blew on the steaming coffee and took a sip.
‘So when do you start work at the Inn?’ Jasper’s brown eyes closely weighed her up.
‘Soon. The new spa room’s ready. I’m going to take a look at it this afternoon.’ She then turned her head to face him. ‘I still intend to finish cleaning The Laurels.’
‘Good,’ he nodded.
‘When are you going back to Dubai?’ she asked.
‘To be honest, I’m not sure.’ He sighed. ‘There’s a lot to sort out here first.’
‘Fletcher will be pleased,’ she smiled.
Their eyes met and a short silence followed. It was interrupted by his phone ringing in the library.
He rolled his eyes. ‘Better get that.’
Adira watched him leave. She heard him next door and to her shame remained still to eavesdrop the conversation. Who was Zara? Just a colleague, or a woman waiting for him in Dubai? She couldn’t explain it, but something inside made her ill at ease.
‘It’s amazing, Cassie!’ Adira’s eyes darted round the treatment room. It had been painted a subtle hessian colour, matching the cream in the floor tiles. Framed prints of Victorian bathhouses and spas filled the walls, highlighted by spotlights in the ceiling, whilst candles in wrought-iron holders dotted the shelves. Copper planters holding lush, green foliage added a lovely natural touch. A sea breeze aroma filled the air and the sound of the tide lapping against sand could be gently heard in the background. The massage bed stood in the centre of the room, covered in white towels.
‘Thanks.’ Cassie gave a wide smile, obviously pleased with the end result. ‘So how many hours would you like to work?’
‘Pencil me in for two days a week.’
‘OK. I’ll advertise for a part-time therapist today. Hopefully the vacancy will be filled soon after the hog roast.’
‘Everything set for that?’ asked Adira, interested to know.
