‘Oh.’ Adira was stunned.
‘Yes,’ sighed Ruby, ‘the silly man hankered after his brother’s wife when he could have had Lilly.’
Not knowing what to say, Adira stared at her in shock.
Walking home later that afternoon, Adira was still pondering over Ruby’s words. Did Jasper know that his uncle had always loved Alice? If love was the right word, which she supposed it must be. Why else had Fletcher not settled with anyone? She debated whether or not to say anything to Jasper, it was a sensitive issue after all. Maybe it was common knowledge amongst the family but something that was never discussed. The proverbial elephant in the room? She couldn’t help but feel such sadness for Fletcher, and Lilly too. It was all such a tragic shame. Adira agreed with Ruby, her sister would have been ideal for Fletcher.
Chapter 40
Jasper had started his packing. It hadn’t taken him long to fold his clothes into cases. His books, CDs and set of golf clubs he’d bought in Dubai were boxed up and ready to be shipped back to England. The apartment had come fully furnished and he was going to leave the water cooler he had installed.
He was on the balcony, his favourite spot, overlooking the beach. It was strange to think this time next week his views would be very different. He’d miss watching the sea glint with bright sunlight and the flat, golden sand stretching out for miles. He’d miss the constant cloudless blue sky and the warm, balmy nights; the sweet smell of perfumes in the souks and the hustle and bustle of the markets; yoga on the beach, horse riding, golfing on the lush courses and dining out in the stillness of the night under pink skies. But it wasn’t home. He didn’t belong. Dubai had served its purpose and he would always think fondly of it. But now, he thought of Lilacwell and The Laurels and all those loved ones waiting for him. It touched the soul – something Dubai could never do.
Tomorrow would be his last working day. He hoped there wasn’t going to be too much of a fuss made, preferring to simply slip away quietly. Jasper had already received lots of emails from clients and colleagues giving thanks and sending their best wishes. It was reassuring to know he’d made such a good impression. Abbas had spoken to him that morning and praised him for all his hard work. He had also given him a glowing reference and apologised for Zara’s behaviour.
‘It’s not your fault,’ Jasper had responded.
‘Zara is a member of this company and, as such, I feel responsible for her actions,’ Abbas had solemnly replied. Jasper had nodded. The least said about Zara, the better. He was just looking forward to getting on that plane and never looking back. He’d booked his own flight, no longer having a PA to do it for him. He was due to land in Manchester early evening in two days. Jasper didn’t want to spend any more time than necessary in Dubai, he was just eager to get back home and see Fletcher and, of course, Adira.
Once again, he reflected on how strong his feelings were for her. It truly was a first. Never before had a woman got under his skin the way Adira had. Jasper, being the pragmatic, logical type, tried to analyse why she had had such a profound effect on him. Looks-wise, it was clear why the attraction had sparked, but he’d encountered several beauties in the past, who had blatantly showed interest in him. There was far more to it. Adira was intelligent, having gained a law degree at Oxford, but again, he had come across many an intellectual woman in the workplace. Adira had compassion too. She had shown a real kindness to Fletcher and Lilly. He recalled how she had helped other villagers as well with her herbal knowledge and had travelled all the way back from Edinburgh to help Cassie out at The Bath House. He smiled ironically at how he had originally been suspicious of her and questioned her motives for befriending Fletcher. She had practically turned The Laurels around, without taking a penny from his uncle. But the one underlying factor for his affinity towards Adira stood out for Jasper; Fletcher had given her his stamp of approval.
As if on cue, his phone rang. It was his uncle.
‘All set?’
‘Yep. Ready to go.’ A surge of excitement shot through Jasper at hearing his own words.
‘You definitely think you’re doing the right thing?’ asked Fletcher a little warily. He hated to think he’d pushed Jasper into anything.
‘Absolutely,’ replied Jasper resolutely, ‘it’s time to come home.’
A lump rose in Fletcher’s throat. For a moment, he couldn’t speak. He coughed.
‘I’ll… I’ll be here waiting. Safe trip, Jasper.’
‘Thanks. See you soon, Fletcher.’
Jasper collected all the framed photographs dotted about his apartment (including the one of Fletcher which Zara had moved) ready to pack up. He examined the picture of his parents. Only once had they come out to visit him. His mother had embraced Dubai and all its attractions, whilst his father had taken a more reserved attitude, refusing to be impressed by any of it. Jasper had half wished he hadn’t bothered to come, noticing how he had dampened the whole holiday.
As expected, his mother had been delighted to hear of him coming home. She’d been surprised, knowing he had signed another two-year contract. When he had explained why, because of Fletcher’s health, a short silence had followed. ‘I see,’ had been the delayed reply, causing Jasper to frown. What did she expect? His mother, more than anyone, ought to understand his predicament. From the moment he’d been born, it was understood he was the sole heir of The Laurels and its estate, so why should she sound so stilted? Did she resent him coming back for Fletcher and not her or his father? This had prompted his next question.
‘How’s Dad?’
‘Oh, you know, same old,’ she’d batted back neutrally. There’d been no suggestion to talk to him from either of them.
He could just imagine how his father would smother her joy once learning of his return. He doubted he’d be there welcoming him home with open arms – the absolute antithesis to Fletcher. No wonder they had little contact with each other; they were miles apart, in every sense.
‘I’ll let you go, darling. Take care,’ she’d said, interrupting his thoughts.
‘You too, Mum, bye.’
Jasper looked at the photograph of Fletcher, his face creased with laughter, smiling widely into the camera. How buoyant he looked, so full of love and life. Was he doing the right thing? his uncle had asked. Too damn right he was.
Chapter 41
‘Oh, it’s beautiful!’ gasped Adira, holding up the necklace. The parcel Jasper sent had arrived that morning and Fletcher had taken it to the Inn for her to open. She’d been having a coffee at the bar with Cassie when in he’d walked with a grin on his face. He, more than anyone, wanted to know what was inside.
‘It certainly is,’ agreed Cassie, admiring the deep blue and aquamarine glass gems. ‘Put it on. Here, let me fasten it for you.’
