‘Absolutely not.’ She’d put her arms round his neck and kissed him. ‘I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.’
Chapter 46
The sun had decided to put in a guest appearance for the summer ball, as The Laurels team of staff had worked tirelessly throughout the day. The marquee was looking magnificent, draped with ivy. Inside were trestle tables covered with cream linen cloths and vases of bright flowers from the gardens. The orangery dazzled in the sunshine with its sparkling windows and fresh painted white frame. A bar area had been assembled at the back and new comfortable seating had been installed. Bunting swooped across tree branches covering the immaculate cut grassed lawns.
It was now early evening and the guests would start appearing any minute. All the residents of Lilacwell had been invited, but never being one to miss a business opportunity, Jasper had also sold tickets to people outside Lilacwell. His aim was to have the place full and showcase The Laurels off to as many as possible. He’d had flyers printed to hand out with the new logo on, advertising The Laurels as an ideal venue for all occasions, even business conferences. He’d also created Instagram and Facebook accounts to bring in guests from further afield who might be tempted by photos capturing the natural beauty of the place.
The Laurels Hideaway was completely finished now and was looking very professional with all the signposts leading its campers to the glamping site. Sheila was still parked proudly by the river.
A small jazz band gathered together under a gazebo in the far corner of the lawn and began to strike up the music. Jasper stood by the French doors in the drawing room looking devilishly handsome in his black dinner suit. He sipped a whisky whilst assessing the scene outside. Everything ought to go as planned. He’d meticulously gone over the arrangements with the staff that afternoon. They’d all been schooled, given exact instructions with attention to detail. He expected the best from them. A lot was hinging on the summer ball. It was The Laurels first event and it had to be a roaring success.
He turned at hearing Adira enter the room. His gaze took in her slim figure, beautifully complemented by the silk, lemon dress. It fitted her perfectly and the re-style suited her down to the ground. Instead of putting her hair up in a fancy, elaborate style, she had opted to have it free to cascade past her shoulders and it looked stunning.
‘All set?’ she grinned. Looping her arm through his and kissing his cheek.
‘As much as we’ll ever be,’ he replied with a smile. ‘You look amazing, by the way.’
‘Hmm, you don’t look so bad either,’ she teased, admiring his broad shoulders in the black dinner jacket. His pristine white shirt contrasted well with his tanned skin. Adira caught the faint aroma of his bergamot aftershave as he lowered his mouth on hers, quickening her pulse. Their kiss was interrupted by a loud cough.
‘Don’t mind me,’ said Fletcher as he entered the room. He too was looking very suave in his dinner suit. His hair was neatly combed in a side parting.
‘Fletcher, you look wonderful.’ Adira was truly impressed. It wasn’t hard to imagine what a heart-throb he would have made in his younger days. He was looking more energised than she had ever seen him.
Just then, in came Lilly.
‘Ah, here she is!’ announced Fletcher, his face beaming. ‘And how lovely she looks.’
Lilly did indeed look lovely in her silver-grey, velvet gown. It had a sweetheart neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves. Her hair was done up into a pleat and diamond drop earrings delicately glinted.
‘Lilly!’ exclaimed Adira, rushing over to hug her.
‘Will I do?’ Her eyes twinkled mischievously – she was certainly back to her old self again.
‘I’ll say. You look fantastic,’ she gushed.
‘The best The Laurels has ever seen,’ Fletcher proclaimed, then pointed to his chair. ‘Sit down, Lilly, don’t overdo it, lass.’
‘Oh for goodness sake, Fletcher. I’ve only just got here,’ Lilly laughed, totally loving the attention he gave her. There was still no sign of Fletcher easing up on his attentiveness.
Jasper smiled. It was good to see the old boy enjoying himself. Then he discreetly checked his inside jacket pocket for the small box which he’d placed in there.
The music was in full force now and it was time to greet the visitors. Jasper opened the French doors and led them all outside. The staff were doing a sterling job circulating with the cocktails.
Adira saw Cassie looking very elegant in a bronze off-the-shoulder gown and waved. She looked towards the front gates, eagerly awaiting her family’s arrival. Edie and her parents had been introduced to Jasper and Fletcher that afternoon and had been totally impressed with the place, not to mention Fletcher, who had had them all entertained with his bonhomie. They were staying at the Inn, which had met Cleo’s high standards, much to the relief of her husband. Edie had also been blown away with the country charm it oozed.
Cleo had been astonished. Whilst she’d had grave reservations about Adira quitting her career to go off travelling, she had, under her husband’s strict instructions, tried to remain neutral. Say nothing. But upon entering Lilacwell, Cleo had been charmed by this quaint, little village tucked away in the Forest of Bowland. She had been even more impressed by The Laurels and its surrounding estate. Her estimations had grown further when meeting Jasper, a fine young man with prospects and impeccable manners, and as for his uncle, well, he couldn’t be more welcoming. Cleo could now see first-hand how well her daughter was thought of and how well she fitted in. It was all so promising, but, most important, Adira washappy.
Tonight, as Cleo approached her daughter, she saw that she radiated utter joy, which Cleo had never seen before. Her girl had found herself; without any help or interference.
A smile hovered over Cleo’s lips.Good for Adira, she thought. That tiny baby which they had very nearly lost, had well and truly made it. Tears stung her eyes.
‘You OK, Mum?’ Adira asked with concern.
‘Yes of course.’ Cleo quickly wiped her eyes and coughed. Then she turned to face her. ‘Well done, love, I’m so pleased for you,’ her voice cracked.
Adira blinked, not accustomed to seeing such emotion from her. ‘Thanks, Mum,’ she smiled, then kissed her cheek.
Pat looked on with a great sense of relief. At last, the women in his life were united, in every way. He too was touched at how well things had turned out for his daughter.
