Lilly had had a few glasses of champagne for Dutch courage, leaving her rather light-headed and cheerful. She’d looked through the crowded orangery to catch a glimpse of Fletcher, but there was no sign of him. Lilly went onto the lawn and weaved through the dancing couples, but still there was no Fletcher. She’d decided to head back indoors and ventured into the drawing room where he often sat, but he wasn’t there either. Out in the hall, one or two people chatted by the staircase; then she did see him, looking faintly dishevelled and rosy-cheeked, coming down the stairs. He was straightening his tie and smoothing back his hair. She was just about to call him when she then saw Alice follow him at a distance. The guilt oozing from her face and the uncomfortable demeanour had left Lilly in no doubt as to what had been going on.
Fletcher and Alice?
A whoosh of shock had jolted through her. Lilly was transfixed, monitoring their every move. She’d watched in despair and anguish as they’d danced on the lawn to ‘Moonlight Serenade’, gazing into each other’s eyes. At that moment, she knew Fletcher would never be hers and slowly the tears had started to fall.
A warm pair of arms had embraced her.
‘He doesn’t deserve you,’ Ruby had hushed as she’d hugged her sister protectively.
Lilly was still gazing into space, contemplating Fletcher’s announcement.
‘Well, what do you say?’ he asked, face full of excitement.
‘I… I… Sorry, what?’ she asked faintly.
‘A summer ball! Here at The Laurels, what do you think?’
‘Oh! Yes… but, why?’
‘Because it’s what this place is short of, Lilly!’ he exclaimed. ‘It’ll give us all a lift.’ Then, pointing his finger at her, he added, ‘It’ll give you a boost and I think you deserve it.’ He looked into her eyes with such sincerity it melted her.
Could this be the summer ball she had wanted all those years ago?
Chapter 42
Jasper sat back in his seat as the plane thundered down the runway and gradually lifted into the sky. He took a deep breath – at last, he was on his way home. His final journey back. He’d spoken to Adira last night and her excited tone had lifted his spirits. Evidently, she was as eager to see him as he was her. After the debacle with Zara, Jasper was determined to have honest communication with Adira. He cursed himself for not being as open as he should have been before he’d left for Dubai. If it hadn’t been for his uncle’s counsel, encouraging him to contact Adira, things could have ended so differently. The idea of her travelling in that camper van meeting new people in different places, never giving him a second thought, churned his stomach. But that wasn’t the case, he reminded himself. Adira was safe in Lilacwell with Fletcher, waiting for him.
A warm glow flowed through him. It also made him realise the changes he would have to make at The Laurels. For a start, he’d need a decent bedroom. Whilst he loved his room in the eaves, it desperately needed a revamp. It was small. It most definitely required a king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom, plus double glazing in the windows. He’d thought of knocking through to the empty room next door to give him the space. He also fully intended to rip out the kitchen, which must be at least fifty years old, and replace it with more stylish units, whilst still retaining the country-house look. He’d seek Adira’s advice, she’d know exactly what to choose.
Then there was the estate to think about. Colin, the manager, had certainly stepped up to the plate, constantly keeping him up to date. Jasper wanted to get as much of the land back in working order as possible. The orchards needed looking at, clearing any dead trees and repairing the barns where the picked fruit was stored. He had plans to grow fresh crops and plant more vegetables. The fields by the river were where he would set up the glamping site. He thought shepherds’ huts would be compact and easy to maintain and he’d partition off an area for campers to bring their own tents, caravans or camper vans. Already, he had earmarked the nearest outbuildings for utility blocks.
Jasper aimed to capitalise on the area of outstanding natural beauty they lived in and saw it as an ideal holiday location. He envisaged the prospective holiday brochure, showcasing the stunning scenery, photographs of the twee shepherds’ huts, local attractions, pictures of the village and the Inn. He wanted to utilise The Laurels, really turn it into a brand. It was a magnificent country house and whilst he didn’t want public intrusion, certain areas could accommodate events. Jasper visualised the orangery decked with bunting and farmhouse tables laden with home-made cakes. Visitors could sit on the lawns and enjoy afternoon teas. In winter, he’d considered opening the library and drawing room for sherry and mince pies and have the local choir sing Christmas carols, or hosting murder mystery nights and involving the local amateur dramatic society, maybe arranging painting weekends for artists? He’d need to get Colin to start advertising for staff, because they were certainly going to need them. But first things first – he wanted his home in shipshape condition for his family.
Adira had just finished her afternoon appointments at The Bath House and was making her way back to the camper van. All day, she’d been looking at her watch and thinking of Jasper travelling back. A nervous, excited tingling fizzled inside her. She was heading for The Laurels later, to be there when he arrived home. She smiled imagining how Fletcher must be at fever pitch.
By eight thirty that evening, Fletcher was pacing up and down the hall like a caged tiger. He was on high alert, listening for any sound of Jasper’s taxi pulling up to the house. The back door slammed shut, making his head turn sharply. Adira came through to join him.
‘Hi, not long now,’ she smiled up at him.
‘Aye.’ He looked at the grandfather clock in the hall.
‘Fancy a drink?’ she asked, thinking it might calm him down a little.
‘Good idea!’ He strode into the drawing room. ‘What will you have, lass?’ he called over his shoulder.
‘A stiff gin and tonic please,’ she laughed, also feeling the need to steady her nerves.
They’d soon sunk their first drink when the sound of a car made them stop and stare at each other.
‘He’s back.’ Fletcher put down his glass and paced back into the hall. Adira quickly followed him. Fletcher had already opened the front door. ‘Jasper!’ he bellowed, his arms outstretched.
There he was, wheeling a case, with a rucksack on his back, wearing a huge grin. He embraced his uncle, then looked directly at her. Their eyes locked.
Fletcher moved to go back up the front steps, clearing Adira’s way as she stepped into Jasper’s arms. She buried her face into his chest, breathing in that reassuring, familiar scent of him.
‘Welcome home,’ she whispered huskily.
‘Come here,’ he said, tipping her chin up to kiss her. His lips were soft and inviting.
