Jasper had had a wake-up call when seeing for himself just how run down The Laurels had been. Not to mention how lapse the estate business had been run. Now things were a whole lot different. Jasper, together with Adira, had whipped it all into shape, and a few months down the road were slowly beginning to see the fruits of their labour. He was proud of what they were achieving. He was proud of Adira; she had been a driving force behind him, always there to support and offer advice. As a trained barrister, she had easily tackled all the legalities in setting up the business, and she had creative flair, choosing the colours, fabrics and materials not only for the huts, but for The Laurels too. Together they had totally re-vamped the old, country house. Nobody was more grateful than Fletcher, who couldn’t imagine life without them living there with him. ‘It’s just like the old days,’ he’d say, reminiscing when The Laurels had played host to many a family occasion, bursting with love and laughter.
Now that The Laurels and the estate were in shape, Jasper and Adira could concentrate on the next big event – their wedding. At first, they had both thought of waiting till the following summer, but Jasper was starting to reconsider. He was a businessman with a close eye on the money. Looking at the accounts today told him the summer months counted, every single week of them. Having a wedding smack bang in the middle of this peak season could be financial suicide. The wedding would take up too much precious time, what with all the planning and preparation, plus accommodating all their guests with the shepherds huts, it would cost them thousands, literally. No, without wanting to appear too mercenary, he’d have to talk to Adira and persuade her to postpone. The last thing he wanted was all the hard work they’d both poured into the business to be in vain.
*
Adira was browsing through wedding magazines when Fletcher came into the kitchen. Smiling to himself he watched her engrossed, scanning each page closely, looking for inspiration.
‘Found what you want yet, lass?’ he asked cheerfully.
‘Oh, hi Fletcher, sorry didn’t see you there. No, not really, there’s far too much choice.’ That was an understatement. It had been easier deciphering points of law as a barrister than deciding what dress, venue, guests, food, music, flowers and… theme? She looked again at the centre pages blazed with the headline, ‘Theme or not to theme?’ What was that about? Adira laughed out loud at the pictures depicting some people’s weddings – a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party where all the guests were dressed in Alice in Wonderland characters; one couple had opted for a ‘Great Gatsby’ wedding, dressed in gangster pinstriped suits and 1920’s flapper dresses; another had gone for a WWII theme, which she found rather engaging, as the bride had worn her great-grandmother’s wedding gown and the groom his great-grandfather’s army uniform.
This had made Adira think about her relatives. Having researched her family history, she’d learnt that her great-great-grandmother was in fact buried in the churchyard at Lilacwell. It had transpired that when she’d stumbled upon Lilacwell, she had actually found the very roots of her family. For Adira this wasn’t just a coincidence, it was pure fate. In her heart she knew she was meant to be here, in this special village.
‘Well, you’re going to have to make your mind up, lass,’ said Fletcher, interrupting her thoughts. At this point Jasper joined them.
‘It’s no good, Jasper, I just can’t decide on anything,’ she said in frustration. Jasper closed the magazine and hugged her.
‘Don’t worry.’ He kissed her hard on the mouth. ‘We’ll sit down and make plans tonight. Promise. I’ve gotta go.’
She frowned. ‘Where are you going?’
‘I’m going to look at a business unit.’
‘Where?’ said Fletcher and Adira simultaneously.
‘Renovated farm buildings by Keepers Woods.’
Fletcher raised a brow. ‘Oh, you mean Dickie Jenkins’ farm?’
‘You know it?’ asked Jasper.
‘Aye, I do that.’
An idea came to Jasper. ‘Why don’t you both come with me?’
‘Good idea!’ Fletcher claimed, glad to be included. Adira was just glad to take her mind off the wedding.
The three of them set off in the Land Rover, Jasper filling them in on the way with what he’d heard.
‘It’s a little complex of artisan shops by the river. It was previously a stable yard.’
‘I remember them, old Dickie loved his horses,’ said Fletcher, then added, ‘So how come he’s selling up?’
‘His son’s moved abroad and his grandson, Max, owns the forge there.’
‘A forge?’ Adira asked.
‘Yes, apparently there’s a forge, a carpentry studio, a pottery shop, florist and cafe.’
‘How sweet! What’s the place called?’ she replied. Jasper’s mouth twitched slightly, knowing full well what her reaction would be.
‘The Cobbled Courtyard.’
‘Oh, how lovely!’ Her face lit up with enthusiasm.
‘So you’re thinking of buying the complex off old Dickie?’ Fletcher was looking thoughtful.
‘Yes, but keeping the status quo, renting the units to the same people, at the same cost.’
