‘Yes… thank you,’ she replied breathlessly.
‘I’ll leave you to make the arrangements. Tomorrow evening suit you?’
‘Yes,’ she responded immediately, her heart thumping in her chest. This was it. This was the moment she had been waiting for.
‘Good.’ He gave her a tight smile and walked to his desk, gritting his teeth.
Just looking at Zara got his shackles up.
Zara was in seventh heaven, debating which restaurant to go to. She was thinking high class, of course, and preferably somewhere near to his apartment, because if all went to plan, she’d definitely be invited back for coffee. She imagined them sat in an intimate corner, staring into each other’s eyes as he finally let his guard down. Yes, that was it, because he was leaving his position, he could now show his true feelings for her. At last he had realised just what was under his very nose – a beautiful, classy, intelligent lady. She came from good stock, not like the other administrative staff here.Herfather was regarded very highly indeed within the company, Jasper appreciated that.
Her eyes then focused on the parcel placed on the edge of her desk. Jasper had gone to a meeting, so wouldn’t be back for a while. Enough time for her to open it up and see just what Adira Summers was supposed to be getting in the post.
Zara surreptitiously peered over her shoulder to check nobody was passing in the corridor and could see her through the open door. The coast was clear.
Without any delay and with great speed, she ripped open the package. Inside was a black, oblong box. She clicked it open and looked inside. A necklace made of, she examined it closely – glass? Zara pulled a face. How cheap. Not like the expensive gold or diamonds she wore. Then she unfolded the small white piece of paper and read the message, ‘Thinking of you, Jasper.’ The fact Jasper was sending this woman jewellery was far too much a personal gesture for Zara’s liking. Not to mention ‘thinking’ of her; which is why she threw the necklace in her bag, along with the crumpled wrapping paper. There was no way Adira Summers was gettinganythingfrom Jasper.
Chapter 32
Fletcher was in the garden making the most of the bright morning. He had inspected his vegetable patches, which were growing nicely due to the showers and sunshine, and now he was resting on the terrace with a pot of tea and the newspaper. How he missed the hustle and bustle of Jasper and Adira being about the place. Knowing this quiet spell wasn’t going to last forever gave him comfort though. But even the warmest of thoughts couldn’t take away the steady aching in his body. His whole frame throbbed in pain. Although he hated to admit it, his arthritis was definitely getting much worse. At one time, he’d brush it off, dismissing it with a couple of large whiskies that dulled the soreness, but nowadays a few stiff drinks didn’t quite do the trick. He’d tried the same turmeric capsules as Adira had suggested Lilly take, but his arthritis was far more advanced.
Fletcher had to face it, he needed medication. It was debilitating and frustrating in equal amounts. His brain was telling him one thing, whilst his body refused to cooperate. Instead of nipping up the stairs like he used to, now it took him forever to plod his way up, leaving him breathless. Every move seemed so much of a strain, a real effort. Fletcher struggled to get comfortable most of the time.
With a heavy heart, he’d been forced to accept defeat and had rung the doctor’s surgery. To his astonishment, he’d been greeted by a young, chirpy receptionist who couldn’t do enough for him. Within minutes, he had an appointment booked for the end of the week. Not bad at all, he’d thought with pleasant surprise, fully expecting to have to jump through hoops to get anywhere near the surgery.
He’d found that, in the evening when he allowed himself to drink, his body eased slightly. But lately he’d been drinking more heavily, such were his attempts to block out the discomfort. The hazy, contented state that came with being a little tipsy also brought back those memories from yesteryear. After the other night’s farewell dinner, his thoughts had turned more and more to the past.
Fletcher was sat right next to the honeysuckle growing along the stone wall. He’d once heard that the sense of smell was the most receptive trigger point to the memory, and as if on cue, its heady fragrance once more took him back to that glorious night of the midsummer ball…
As Fletcher and Alice had danced closely, he’d made her promise to leave Rufus.
‘You belong to me now, Alice,’ he’d whispered, kissing her ear.
‘But what will I tell Rufus?’ she’d hissed urgently, finally accepting where her true feelings lay.
‘Tell him the truth,’ Fletcher had replied firmly. The music had now stopped and the pair were the only ones left on the lawn.
Alice, suddenly conscious of their whereabouts, had moved from his embrace. ‘I’ll have to face him,’ she’d said, crestfallen. Her guilt weighed heavily, but so did her unhappiness. Alice had married the wrong brother. She knew it. Fletcher knew it. But did Rufus? It was doubtful, due to his apparent lack of intuition. And it was never more apparent as he chatted and laughed with a group of guests, oblivious to his wife and brother, who were walking up the sloped lawn having just shared a romantic, intimate dance. Indeed, nobody seemed remotely interested in them, too busy knocking back the cocktails and champagne which flowed freely.
A little later, the gathering had slowly dispersed, Fletcher bid farewell to his last guests. Alice and Rufus were due to stay the night, however Rufus had suddenly announced he was going to drive home.
‘You’ll be over the limit, Rufus.’ Alice had looked alarmed.
‘I’m fine, don’t fuss,’ he’d dismissed.
‘Don’t be a fool, man, you’re not safe to drive,’ Fletcher had harshly interrupted.
Rufus had turned to his brother and looked at him coolly. ‘I’ll thank you not to interfere.’
Fletcher’s eyes had swept to Alice. No way was he letting Rufus get behind a wheel with her in the car. She shook her head slightly, urging him not to create an argument. The last thing she wanted was a scene.
‘I’m stone-cold sober, Fletcher.’ Rufus was glaring at him, bright sparks of anger prickled his cheeks. He’d taken Alice’s hand and pulled her towards the door. Fletcher had fought hard not to punch him. He’d followed them to the hall, where Alice had turned and gave him another pleading look. Rufus had opened the front door with one hand and practically pushed Alice out with the other. Then he’d promptly turned on his heel to face Fletcher. ‘This is the last time Alice and I will set foot in this place.’ He spoke in a controlled, even voice.
‘Is that so?’ Fletcher had replied icily.
Rufus had given him one last look of contempt and slammed the door shut.
He’d meant every word. Hell would freeze over before Rufus came anywhere near The Laurels. For all his nonchalance and cheery behaviour in front of everyone, inside he was seething. He’d seen how his wife and brother had humiliated him by dancing so provocatively. Mostly, he was hurt by the look in Alice’s face as she’d rested blissfully in Fletcher’s arms. The betrayal cut deep. Rufus had always known Fletcher had secretly lusted after his wife. Hadn’t it been that way for eternity with his big brother? Forever wanting what he had? As children, Fletcher was the one perpetually in the limelight, constantly seeking attention wherever, whenever he could.Everybodyloved Fletcher, he went to great lengths to ensure it, with his extroverted, overbearing personality, forcing his bonhomie on all and sundry. Nobody had been more surprised than Rufus when Alice had accepted his proposal, but accept it she did. Alice washiswife and he intended to keep it that way, despite his brother’s meddling. This was the one time in his life he was prepared to stand up to Fletcher, and it would take more than a quick grope on the grass to end his marriage.
