Jasper too was staring at his reflection, fiddling with his dicky bow. It seemed a touch bizarre to be going to these lengths, just to have another dinner at The Laurels. But, as Fletcher insisted, it was to give ‘a sense of occasion’ and he respected his gusto. Fletcher clearly approved of Adira, knowing this only cemented his already strong feelings for her. What troubled Jasper was how deepherfeelings were for him. Granted, she had shown them by responding the way she had to his advances and there was no denying her upset about his return to Dubai, but how would she be feeling in a month’s time? Would it be a case of out of sight, out of mind? They’d both be busy after all: he with his work, only having a month to wrap it all up, and she with her travels, exploring new-found places. He half envied her and once more admired her spirit.
Who else would admire her?a voice whispered inside him. People like Adira didn’t go unnoticed. Look how well she had stood out in Lilacwell.
A dark foreboding punched into his stomach. Was he about to lose something special?
No, common sense intervened. If it was right, if he and Adira were meant for something more, then a month apart wouldn’t make any difference. If anything, it should make them stronger, he persuaded himself. First, though, he needed to confirm with Adira that they were on the same page about there being a ‘them’.
There, he’d finally fixed his tie. Not bad, he thought, considering he was wearing his uncle’s clothes. Typical of Fletcher to have a wardrobe full of formal evening wear, but then again, he always did like to dress up for his parties. Jasper vaguely recollected his uncle’s descriptions of them, particularly the last midsummer ball. He recalled how Fletcher’s face would light up, his eyes shining, reminiscing all the details; what music was played – ragtime and quickstep to graceful waltzes – the colourful silk gowns which floated across the lawn, the dark velvet sky, dusted with pinpricked stars, the fragrance of fresh cut grass and limoncello candles, the tinkle of chat and laughter spilling out from the orangery… Yes, he’d painted a magical scene, one which a young boy could only imagine with awe.
Now, as an adult, Jasper had wondered why the parties had suddenly ceased. Before he’d been born, in fact. Why, when they’d all still been so young to enjoy them – Fletcher, his parents, Lilly and all the other guests?
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the bedroom door. It was Lilly.
‘Fletcher wants to know how the suit fits,’ she entered the room, smiling at Jasper. ‘What a dashing figure you cut.’
‘You don’t look so bad yourself, Lilly,’ he replied, turning to look at her. ‘Very nice,’ he added with a grin.
‘Oh stop,’ she waved him away, however pleased she was with the compliment. And well deserved it was too, with her silver hair in a neat French plait, coral layered dress and string of pearls.
‘Pre-dinner drinks!’ roared Fletcher from downstairs, making them both jump.
‘I’m surprised he hasn’t a dinner gong,’ said Jasper in a dry tone, which made Lilly giggle. He was pleased to see her enter into the spirit of things. Then he heard Fletcher welcome Adira, who must have come in through the kitchen door.
‘Ah Adira, what a picture you look,’ Fletcher crowed. Then added, somewhat clumsily, ‘Jasper! Get yourself down here!’
Jasper shook his head in disbelief. How many pre-dinner drinks had the old boy already had?
On entering the drawing room, Jasper’s eyes widened at the beautiful creature stood before him. Their eyes locked, and he was speechless. Her golden hair was piled in curls set to the top with waves cascading down – like a Greek goddess, he thought. She looked slim and curvy in a classy black dress which showcased her long, tanned legs. The strappy high-heeled sandals and thick, silver jewellery finished off the look strikingly.
‘Adira…’ he stumbled. She stared back, hardly moving.
‘Right,’ Fletcher slapped his hands together loudly, breaking the moment. ‘What’ll we have?’ He turned towards the drinks cabinet.
‘Just a small one for me please,’ said Lilly, following him.
‘You look stunning,’ Jasper whispered in Adira’s ear, having crossed the space dividing them so he could take her hands in his, unable to resist touching her.
‘So do you.’ Her eyes slowly looked him up and down, seductively, making his blood pump. For two pins, he’d pick her up and carry her delicious body all the way upstairs to his bedroom.
‘Sorry to interrupt,’ cut in Fletcher with a sly grin, ‘but would either of you two lovebirds like a drink?’
Jasper rolled his eyes and Adira laughed.
‘Yes, Fletcher, two stiff gin and tonics,’ Jasper said, then leaned into her and said sotto voce, ‘I think we’re going to need them.’ It was blatantly clear how his uncle so wished the pair to underpin their relationship before they separated for a month. In fairness to Fletcher, he just wanted to see them both happy, with cast-iron plans, rather than leaving things untied.
The dinner reminded Adira of the first time she had visited The Laurels, with easy banter batting back and forth, much to the delight of Lilly, who was thoroughly enjoying herself, pleased that her rack of lamb was going down a treat. Adira thought of what Ruby had told her about Lilly’s adoration for Fletcher, and she felt a rush of sympathy. Seeing how the old lady hung on Fletcher’s every word, she couldn’t help but wonder what might have been for Lilly.
Jasper caught her pensive expression and frowned. What was she thinking? He’d thought tonight was going extremely well, so much so that he didn’t want to think about leaving for the airport in the morning. Neither did Fletcher by the looks of it, as he proposed toast after toast, to ‘safe journeys,’ ‘welcome reunions’ and ‘happy-ever-afters,’ almost making Jasper choke on his champagne, such was his uncle’s subtlety. Adira had seemed to take it all in good humour, her cheeks rosy with a combination of alcohol and happiness.
By the end of the evening, however, Fletcher did show some discretion and after a pleasant, entertaining meal, bid them goodnight. Both he and Lilly, who was staying in one of the spare bedrooms, quietly made their way upstairs, leaving Jasper and Adira alone.
‘I’ll walk you back,’ he said, and for a charged moment they looked into each other’s eyes.
‘Thanks,’ she smiled.
Together they walked hand in hand in a comfortable silence under the pale moonlight. When they reached the camper van, he turned her towards him and kissed her gently. Adira held onto him, not wanting to let go. Finally he released her.
‘Let me know when you land safely,’ she choked, battling to keep her tears at bay.
