With a shaking hand, he rang the inn and prayed Cassie was there to take his call.
Dusk was edging in on the quiet, calm evening as Cassie walked through the field. Still in shock by Jasper’s call, she tapped on the camper van’s door. Adira answered, with red, swollen eyes.
‘You look like death warmed up,’ Cassie said, half smiling.
‘Thanks, I’ve had better greetings.’ She stood aside to let her in.
Cassie entered then turned, suddenly looking serious.
‘Sit down, Adira, I’ve something to tell you.’ She then outlined everything that Jasper had told her about how his warped, unhinged PA had behaved.
Afterwards, they both sat still, muted, taking in just what had gone on. Adira’s mind was on overdrive. Instantly, her barrister’s intellect was assessing the facts, cross-examining what she had learnt. Could Jasper be lying?But why would he?her astute brain reasoned. Why would he choose to return to Lilacwell if he was in a relationship in Dubai? Could he have slept with this lunatic, simply because he could?Again, why?Her rationale kicked in. If Jasper used people for sex, he would have tried harder with her. Of course Jasper was telling the truth. It was the most plausible, reasonable conclusion which reflected his character.
True to his word, Jasper did ring later in the evening. He outlined what Zara had done to his phone and how she had lied to her about him being out with a girlfriend, not to mention entering his apartment. Adira was naturally still shocked, but Jasper pointed out that Zara was well off the scene now. Not even her father could save her from the disciplinary procedure she was due to face.
‘If anything, this has made me more determined than ever to leave Dubai,’ he told her. ‘And what about you? Are you pleased to be back in Lilacwell so soon?’ She could hear the amusement in his voice and it warmed her, now that she knew full-heartedly where she stood in Jasper’s eyes, she felt reassured.
‘Yes. I got as far as Edinburgh, before being dragged back,’ she laughed. There was a slight pause.
‘I’ve missed you.’
‘I’ve missed you too.’ Then remembering what Fletcher had told her she asked, ‘Jasper, what have you sent me?’
‘Ah, it’s a surprise.’
‘Hmm, am I likely to get it, if psycho Zara’s supposed to have sent it?’
‘Don’t worry, you’ll get it.’ He smirked to himself. Too right she would. ‘Goodnight, Adira, speak soon.’
‘Goodnight.’
She drifted off into a blissful, heavenly sleep and dreamt of being held in warm, solid arms, gazing into chocolate brown eyes and being thoroughly kissed.
Chapter 38
Fletcher couldn’t sleep. Tossing and turning, he heard the grandfather clock in the hall strike one. His mind was wide awake. Pulling back the duvet, he swung his legs onto the floor and pushed his feet into his slippers. He took his dressing gown from the hook on the door and put it on. He’d make himself a cup of Horlicks, that may put him to sleep. Usually, the whisky he drank after dinner would help him nod off, but as he was cutting back on alcohol, he now remained clear-headed when he went to bed. He wasn’t sure if this was a good thing or not, because a clear head meant sharper memories. Sharp, vivid images of scenes from the past which haunted him.
Fletcher slowly made his way down the creaky stairs. The hall was lit with moonshine beaming in through the large window overlooking the front garden, its silvery streaks giving it a magical feel. Fletcher went into the kitchen to put the kettle on. As he waited for it to boil, his eyes gravitated to the key rack, where bunches of keys hung carelessly, mainly house, car and outbuilding keys. All except one, which hung separately on its own, tied up with red ribbon. An antique bronze skeleton key with a long, elegant neck, it had a fancy loop at the head where the ribbon threaded through.
Fletcher clenched his jaw. He promised himself he wouldn’t do this anymore, but he couldn’t stop moving towards it. His shaky hand lifted up the key, unhooking the ribbon, fingers closing around the cold metal. He shut his eyes tight for a moment. Then, not even bothering to make his drink, he went back up the stairs, along the landing and stopped at the bedroom door opposite his.
The lock was a touch stiff as Fletcher turned the key and edged his way in. The room was in total darkness and a slight smell of dampness hung in the air. He felt for the lamp switch on the table nearby and soon the room was filled with soft light.
Fletcher took a good look round. Everything was the same, just as it had been the last time he had been there. Nothing touched, nothing changed; the cast-iron bed perfectly made, the French-polished dressing table with mottled mirrors, the marble fireplace with silver candlesticks and the wardrobe, where a beautiful lemon silk gown draped elegantly on the door. Alice’s dress. He pictured her in it, dancing with him on the lawn to ‘Moonlight Serenade’. Then he turned to the bed, where his most revered memory had taken place. Here Alice had become his, the two of them as one. If Jasper was his, this is where he had been conceived.
In his heart, he knew Jasper was his son, always had. He suspected Alice thought so too, but he loved her enough to obey her wishes. Alice had chosen to stay with Rufus. He had to accept it. It seemed a ridiculous request at the time to ask for her dress, but it was important to Fletcher to make that night sacred and retain every detail, every memory.
He walked to the wardrobe and touched the silk, now faded and dusty. Fletcher’s eyes filled. How different it could have been.
Chapter 39
The days passed pleasantly for Adira and having finally had contact with Jasper made all the difference. As was usual for her now, working at The Bath House kept her busy and most evenings a message or a phone call was made to and from Dubai. Together they had established a routine and it was only a matter of days before Jasper was due to come home. Fletcher too seemed a lot happier, knowing all was well between them.
It still amazed Adira how seamlessly she had slipped into her new lifestyle at Lilacwell. Life here was almost unbelievable compared to the rat race in London which she’d endured for years until a few short months ago. The relationships she had made also warmed her heart. Adira felt like she had always known Fletcher, Lilly and Cassie, and the staff at the Inn were friendly, accepting her as if she was a local. The affinity she had with Lilacwell was real. She once joked with Cassie that she must have lived there in a former life.
Adira noticed that Ruby had booked another appointment with her. Hopefully that meant the last Indian head massage must have helped with her headaches. She was just preparing the room for her when there was a quick knock at the door before Lisa came into the room.
‘Hi, Lisa.’
