‘Shame you’ve no WD40,’ Fletcher gave a wry smile.
Tarquin threw his head back in high-pitched laughter. ‘Oh Fletcher, you are a card!’
After circling his feet, Fletcher did the same with his hands. After a few clicks from his wrist, eventually the movement eased. Then Tarquin took the footstool away and sat on the chair next to Fletcher.
‘I want you to raise each leg and touch your kneecaps with your hands, like this.’ Tarquin demonstrated the exercise.
Fletcher tried his best, bringing him out in a slight sweat.
‘Now relax,’ instructed Tarquin, ‘don’t want to overdo it on your first day, do we?’
‘When I was your age, I’d be up with the lark, making hay until dusk. I had muscles on top of muscles. Now look at me.’
‘I’m sure you’ve still got it in you, Fletch,’ Tarquin winked.
Now it was Fletcher’s turn to laugh out loud.
And so the session continued, with fun and good humour. Fletcher took a fond liking to the young lad who showed a real sense of care and compassion, and more importantly, laughed at all his jokes. In turn, Tarquin knew that to play along with the old boy meant he was more likely to cooperate. He’d been warned how stubborn Mr Hendricks might be, so had been determined to give a good impression. He’d been trying to come across as a friend, offering a helping hand, rather than a medical figure forcing a strict regime. And it had worked, judging by the light-hearted banter coming from the drawing room. Lilly smiled to herself as she passed through the hall.
It was quite late in the evening by the time Adira reached Lilacwell. She had tried to enter Fletcher’s field again by the same entrance as last time, but the gate had been repaired and stood solid and bolted, denying access. Colin had sorted it out, she thought with a smile. Then, deciding not to disturb Fletcher so late, she rang Cassie and arranged to park up at the Inn. Cassie had told her to go round the rear of the pub where there was plenty of space. She also promised her a free meal, which Adira was looking forward to, despite being so tired from the drive.
As she entered via the kitchen, the staff looked pleased to see her and Adira couldn’t deny the joy she felt at seeing the familiar faces once again.
Cassie was in the reception area when Adira passed through.
‘Oh, Adira, come on through. Take a seat and I’ll get you a drink. A large white wine?’
‘Sounds good.’ Adira followed her into the bar and sat down at a small table by the window. The Inn was fairly busy with locals and late diners.
Cassie sat down opposite her. ‘There you go.’ She placed a cool, refreshing glass of wine in front of her.
‘I’m so ready for this.’ Adira took a long sip and closed her eyes.
‘I’ll bet. How was the traffic?’
‘Not bad, just glad to unwind though.’
‘Well, just tell me what you want to eat and I’ll get it.’
‘Thanks.’
‘And,’ continued Cassie with a grin, ‘after you’ve eaten, I’ve booked a room for you. So you can have a long, relaxing bath and a good night’s sleep, on the house.’
‘Oh Cassie! That’d be bliss.’ Adira closed her eyes again. Oh the luxury!
After a tasty steak and ale pie and another large wine, Adira made her way up to her room. She gasped at its grandeur. The walls were painted a pale duck-egg blue and a large sash window overlooked the river and surrounding hills. Various paintings hung round the room, from local historic houses to rural scenes. There was an antique dressing table at the side of the bed, while a floor-to-ceiling bookcase filled with old, collectable books stood in the corner of the room. The whole space smacked of style and class. It was country living at its finest.
Then Adira opened the en-suite door. It was cream marbled tiled throughout, with a Victorian roll-top bath. Again, the small sash window overlooked the river. She opened it to hear the water flowing and started to run a bath. Even the toiletries whispered elegance, Adira thought, pouring Molton Brown’s lime and eucalyptus under the taps.
Adira sank into the deep, scented bubbles and sighed contently. How she’d missed the luxury of a bath. It calmed her whole body, soothing the aching muscles in her neck and shoulders.
After a good soak, she slipped in between the Egyptian cotton sheets of the king-size bed and stretched out, revelling in the sumptuousness. However comfy the camper van was, it was pretty restricting and tonight she was savouring the splendour of the country house, thinking how fortunate the family who once lived here had been. She didn’t set her alarm, intending to sleep without any interruptions.
The following afternoon saw Adira working non-stop. Cassie was right, The Bath House had been fully booked. Adira enjoyed chatting with the clients and also catching up with all the staff. By the end of the day, after she had finished her last massage, she decided to call at The Laurels.
Lilly was delighted when opening the door to her. ‘Adira! You’re back!’
On hearing Lilly’s voice, Fletcher shot out of his chair and shuffled to the hall.
