‘Absolutely. Seeing your pretty face and reading what you’ve been doing on the news blog have kept me going.’
‘Oh Rory.’ She kissed him. ‘Thank God you came back to Lilacwell.’
‘Yes, and for Adira talking some sense into you,’ he replied pulling her into him.
Chapter 16
Fletcher was busy packing. His Highland fling wasn’t for another couple of weeks, but there was nothing like being prepared in his book. Truth be told he was starting to get rather excited about his little jaunt and wanted it to come earlier. Even the thought of having to tolerate Ruby didn’t deter him. She wasn’t a bad old stick, he told himself. Ruby always had Lilly’s interest at heart, ever the protective older sister, and if it made Lilly happy, then he was happy. In fact, Lilly’s happiness had become of paramount importance to him, now more than ever. None of them were getting any younger and he more than most wanted to make up for lost time. It was Ruby who had informed Fletcher of her sister’s devotion to him. Had he known deep down? Had he chosen to ignore it for all these years, whilst conveniently letting her housekeep The Laurels? Maybe his conscience had been pricked, but there was no denying his genuine fondness of a life-long friend he cared very much for. All he wanted was the best for Lilly, she truly deserved it.
He sat on the edge of the bed and peered into his open suitcase. Lots of jumpers, thick socks and thermals, he’d need them on the chilly Scottish glens. His silver hip flask and binoculars were already packed, as he hoped to spend some time exploring the wildlife whilst keeping warm with a hot toddy, and he rubbed his hands together remembering the whisky bar advertised on the hotel website. Hell, he was going to enjoy that. He’d even packed a kilt, which had been tucked at the back of his wardrobe for an age. He chuckled at the memory of its last outing, some relative’s wedding he’d attended years ago. Still, he thought, if you have the legs… as he recalled, he’d had many a compliment wearing that kilt.
There was a tap at the door. Lilly peeped her head round.
‘Packing already, Fletcher?’
‘Aye lass, thought I’d make a start.’
‘Oh Fletcher, I’ve not a clue what to take. All that grandeur, I’m not sure my clothes will cut muster.’
Fletcher eyed her thoughtfully. ‘What do you mean, Lilly?’
‘Well… the hotel looks so posh and I’m…’
‘What?’
‘Not posh.’
‘You’re grand, Lilly,’ Fletcher replied, folding his arms.
‘But I want to look the part and I’m not sure I will.’
He observed her anxious face, almost like a lost child, and swallowed. ‘Now just you listen here. Me and you are going shopping and I’m going to buy you—’
‘No, I couldn’t possibly,’ she cut in.
‘Oh yes, you can,’ he replied with force. ‘We are going shopping, getting you some new clobber.’
‘Really?’
‘Absolutely,’ he nodded. ‘I’ll have you looking the part all right.’
‘Oh, Fletcher.’ She sat next to him on the bed, almost tearful. Where would she be without this kind, gentle giant? He was her rock, her support. Since she was a little girl, she’d relied on Fletcher, the older boy who looked out for her, whether it be holding her hand walking into school, lifts as teenagers in his open-top motor, sorting any DIY needed in her cottage, sending his gardener to cut the grass, the list was endless. And now he was taking her on holiday, with Ruby, and buying her new clothes. She looked down at her slippers, unable to speak.
‘Just one thing though,’ he whispered furtively.
‘Yes?’ Lilly’s head shot up.
‘Not a word to your sister,’ he laughed, tapping his nose.
Lilly broke into a sheepish smile. ‘Not a word, I promise,’ she giggled.
Chapter 17
‘Oh, Gran, it’s beautiful!’ Adira’s eyes shone at the dress hung neatly on the door frame. As promised, Edie had had her wedding gown cleaned and was enjoying the effect it was having on her granddaughter. ‘Just look at the detail.’ She moved closer, inspecting the ivory lace and intricate pearl beading along the v-neckline. It was knee length with sewn-in petticoat netting – a true vintage tea dress and it fitted the bill perfectly. ‘It’s exactly what I was after.’ She turned to her gran, tears swelling.
‘Oh don’t,’ Edie waved her hands in front of her face, ‘or you’ll set me off!’ They both laughed and hugged each other. ‘Now come on Adira, let’s get it on you.’ Edie pulled back and took a good look at her. How proud she was of this gorgeous young woman. She couldn’t think of a better person to wear her beloved dress that she’d treasured for decades. ‘I’m sure it’ll bring you as much joy as it brought me.’ Adira beamed back.
‘It will. Right, let’s get this little number on.’ She reached up and unhooked the coat hanger, then took it upstairs. In Edie’s bedroom was a full-length mirror, and Adira couldn’t wait to see how the dress looked on her. Within minutes she’d carefully pulled the ivory lace over her body and gently pressed down the creases so the material lay smoothly on her frame. She gazed at her reflection. It was a perfect fit, as though it had indeed been tailored for her. ‘Gran!’ she called excitedly. Edie quickly sped up the stairs, eager to see.
