There was a brief pause before Abbas replied.
‘Did you not think of this before signing the contract?’ His tone was neutral, not accusing.
‘To my shame, no.’ Jasper looked downwards in guilt. ‘My uncle always gave the impression he was coping. I realise now I should have been more diligent towards his care.’
This must have resonated with Abbas as he nodded in agreement. ‘Yes, family is important Jasper.’ He looked directly at him, making his guilt soar.
‘It is, which is why I want to put things right, as soon as possible,’ he replied forcefully.
Again, Abbas gave a wise nod. ‘Then you must do so. Together we will make all the necessary arrangements.’
Relief surged through Jasper. A weight had lifted from his shoulders knowing he had Abbas’s approval. ‘Thank you, Abbas.’ Jasper stood and they shook hands.
‘I’ve read your report,’ Abbas called as Jasper was leaving. He stopped and turned. ‘Good work, Jasper, I’m impressed.’
‘Thank you,’ he smiled.
Walking back to the office, Jasper pondered over Zara’s phone call. So much for there being a potential problem. That uneasy sensation edged further into him. On his return, he found Zara hovering over his desk. She hastily picked up his cup and saucer and smiled sweetly. Jasper eyed her suspiciously. Had she been touching his mobile phone? He moved swiftly to retrieve it and put it in his jacket pocket.
Zara pretended to look occupied, whilst inside she was cursing herself for nearly getting caught. Still, it had proved worthwhile.
Chapter 28
Storm clouds gathered threateningly over Lilacwell, breaking the glorious spell of sunshine. Adira looked gloomily out of the kitchen window of The Laurels. She didn’t really fancy driving in this weather, but she worried that if she didn’t leave today, she’d simply find excuse after excuse to stay. That said, shedidhave a bona fide reason for being in Lilacwell. Grace Conway. Despite all Adira’s emotional turmoil, Lilacwell could well be the place where her ancestors had lived. She could have a genuine connection to the place, regardless of what was currently happening in her life.
Glancing at the clock, she worked out the time in Dubai, late afternoon by now. Two words, that’s all she’d got from Jasper: ‘back safely’. Well, what more did she need to know? she thought rationally. He told her he’d let her know he was back safely and that’s precisely what he’d done, her head told her; but her heart wanted to hear far more.
Don’t be ridiculous, you’ve taken a year out to enjoy travelling, she reminded herself, making a mental note to get out the map and start plotting her next move when she got back to the camper van. But first, she had to say her goodbyes. She poked her head round the drawing room door, where Fletcher and Lilly sat drinking tea.
‘I’m just going to the Inn to say goodbye to everyone there.’
‘Oh.’ Fletcher’s face fell. Lilly looked away. Neither of them were making this easy for her.
The pub was jostling with customers when Adira entered. Cassie waved to her from behind the bar.
‘So, this is it then, you’re off,’ she gave a half sad smile. Cassie had been gutted when Adira had told her she was leaving. They’d bonded and become such good friends. It hurt to see her go.
‘Yep, time to go.’ Adira swallowed the lump in her throat. She was so going to miss this place. It astonished her just how much at home she felt in this quaint, little village, and how well she had seamlessly fit in. The locals had welcomed her with open arms, almost to the point of not wanting to let go.
‘Well, if ever you need a job, there’s always one here.’
‘Oh, thanks, Cass.’
‘I mean it, The Bath House wouldn’t have got up and running so swiftly without you. You’ve been a huge help. Thanks.’
That lump was almost choking Adira, she was speechless. A tear spilled down her cheek. What was the matter with her? She’d never been so emotional ever in her life.
‘Oh, come here!’ Cassie rushed from behind the bar to give her a big hug. ‘You will be coming back though, won’t you?’ she looked warily at Adira. Even though the inn had hired another massage therapist, always knowing Adira wasn’t a permanent fixture, Cassie had dearly hoped she’d change her mind and stay.
‘I… I think so.’ She gave a wobbly smile.
‘You definitely must, Adira,’ Cassie replied in a no-nonsense tone.
Next stop was Fletcher and Lilly. Adira took a deep breath and braced herself. They were still in the drawing room when she approached them.
‘Right, I’ll be going shortly, so it’s time to say goodbye.’
‘For now, only for now,’ Fletcher told her.
