‘Are you going to be long in there?’ Ruby’s voice blasted through the bathroom door.
‘No dear, just a minute,’ Lilly appeased.
‘Good, because my bladder won’t hold out much longer.’
It’s not the only thing, thought Lilly, looking bleakly in the mirror.
Later that evening, after eating a full banquet, having drunk fine wines and danced (to Ruby’s absolute horror) many highland jigs, Fletcher was absolutely exhausted. He bid his good nights and made for bed. Deciding to have just the one nightcap, he poured himself a whisky. As he lay on his bed, contemplating his eventful day, it suddenly came to him who the man in the photograph reminded him of. Ronnie Taylor. He pictured his greased back hair, pencil moustache and rather smug expression. Aye, that was him.
His mobile phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. Picking it up from his bedside table he saw it was Jasper, as expected.
‘Hello there,’ he answered.
‘Hi, everything all right? How’s the hotel?’
‘It’s grand, it really is, Jasper. You want to see the place, it’s magnificent.’
‘And how’s the company?’ Fletcher could hear the humour in his voice.
‘Lilly’s an angel,’ he answered.
‘And Ruby?’
‘She’s lightening up,’ he chuckled, remembering her flushed cheeks at dinner as he plied her with wine. ‘Keep the battleaxe well oiled, that’s my strategy.’
Jasper laughed. ‘You do that. I’ll let you get some sleep.’
‘Night, Jasper.’
As he climbed under the bedcovers his chest tightened once again. He paused, then lay still for a moment. Soon his breathing became slow and steady, sending him into a comfortable sleep.
Chapter 22
Rory was speeding round the country lanes with the wind flowing past him. It felt totally exhilarating, giving him an undefinable sense of freedom, and in many ways he was free. For the first time ever, he had full control of his life. He’d made one of the most important decisions ever in leaving his career behind in London. Now he was at a crossroads, waiting to make the next move. He wasn’t daunted by the prospect, just liberated. At the back of his mind it still bothered him how Cassie would react to his plans, but for now he was simply pleased to be back in Lancashire. His parents had been shocked to hear his news, but very supportive nonetheless. If anything, they had been saddened to hear how unhappy their son was in London and, of course, they were delighted that he would be living back up north.
Rory had done his own research since speaking to Cassie and had a couple of viewings lined up. One was a farmhouse with a few acres of land, just two miles outside Lilacwell. The other was a large Victorian house, again with land, but was nudging further into Cumbria in the Lake District. Whilst this looked an idyllic setting, it was over a good hour’s drive from Lilacwell and therefore well outside Cassie’s radar. Rory hadn’t told her about these properties yet, wanting to run them past her in person once they’d seen the dreaded house she was keen on. He shuddered at the thought. Surely once Cassie saw the potential with his choices, she’d be persuaded to ditch the charmless monstrosity on the new housing estate? He prayed she would – their future happiness was hinging on it.
He notched the car up a gear on passing the sign for Lilacwell, putting his foot down on the accelerator, eager to see her. His car revved into action and bolted down the open lane. This was another thing he’d have to sacrifice, his sporty little number. Although fast and economical, it was totally impractical for the countryside. He’d have to trade it in for a Land Rover, which didn’t bother him; he knew it made sense and he’d had his fun with the Audi, but now it was time to move on.
He pulled onto the front of the Inn at Lilacwell and parked up. Grabbing his case, he made his way to the entrance and into reception. With a smile to himself, he remembered the last time he’d checked in with a jittery Cassie. How things had changed. When giving his name to the receptionist, she gave a cheery smile.
‘Ah, Rory, Cassie said to go straight up to her room.’
‘OK, thanks,’ he nodded and headed for the stairs. Reaching the eaves, he knocked on her door.
‘Come in!’ she called.
Rory opened it and his eyes widened, then a slow grin spread across his face. There stood Cassie, wearing a black, lacy negligee and a sexy smile. ‘Well hello,’ she said, raising an eyebrow, putting her hands on her hips. Rory dropped his case, strode over and grabbed hold of her.
‘Come here, you little minx.’
Giggling in delight, Cassie wrapped her arms round his neck as he lifted and carried her to the nearby bed. Frantically yanking off his clothes, Rory then eased himself on top of her gloriously seductive body. ‘You look amazing.’ His eyes burned with passion before kissing her with fervour.
It was a while later, lying in bed together, before Cassie managed to gasp, ‘Welcome back.’ Rory laughed while taking huge, deep breaths.
‘That’s the warmest welcome I’ve ever had.’
He pushed his hair away from his face and lay next to her. Cassie automatically snuggled into his warm body.
