‘Is there anything wrong?’
‘No, not at all. In fact, come on, let’s go for a coffee. I want to run something by you.’
Together they ordered coffees at the bar and sat in a quiet alcove. Cassie ran the whole scenario past Lisa and waited for her answer. A slow smile spread across Lisa’s face.
‘Oh Cassie, that’s wonderful news,’ she gasped.
‘What about the timing?’ asked Cassie. ‘Might it be too much with a newborn?’
‘I don’t think so. After my maternity leave I was always coming back to work, part-time that is. So why not train and better myself?’ Then she added, ‘It will be more money, right?’
‘Of course,’ smiled Cassie, ‘considerably more actually.’ That earned her another big smile.
‘Yes,’ Lisa nodded her head decisively. ‘I’d like to be considered, when the time comes.’
Chapter 29
Fletcher rubbed his hands. Tonight was the stag do and Jasper had given permission for him to enjoy a couple of whiskies at the inn. It wasn’t just the drink he was looking forward to, it was the male bonhomie. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had such company, it had been so long. He opened his wardrobe and assessed what to wear. Fletcher had been a bit of a party animal in his day, forever entertaining; his midsummer balls had been notorious and he had always had a family party at Christmas. The Laurels had looked resplendent in those days, decorated to the brim, roaring log fires and carols merrily playing from the family’s old gramophone. His wardrobe reflected how sociable he’d been back then, from pristine black dinner suits with silk lapels, starched collared white shirts, a variety of jackets with matching pocket squares, multicoloured blazers and moleskin trousers, tweeds and waistcoats, brogues, boots, a vast selection of ties and hats, the list was endless. It was a collection accumulated and added to over a lifetime.
Fletcher was quite proud of his extensive wardrobe. He liked having an outfit for every occasion, and tonight he was determined to mark as an important one. It was Jasper’s stag do and he, as best man, had to look the part.
He scraped the coat hangers across the pole, deciding which britches to wear. He’d go for the Donegal tweeds, yes that should strike the right note, along with the matching waistcoat and cream shirt.
‘Ah, Fletcher there you are,’ said Lilly from the doorway. ‘Fancy a cup of tea?’
‘Not at the moment lass, I’m just deciding my outfit for tonight.’
Lilly smiled to herself, finding his obvious excitement for the evening out endearing. She too, had had a wonderful night on Adira’s hen do. Visions of them all swaying and singing along to the music in the restaurant gave her a much-needed boost after all this drama with Fletcher’s health, particularly seeing Ruby enjoying herself so much. In fact, ever since the Scottish holiday, Ruby had seemed on much better form all together. She suspected Alfred had a lot to do with it. He’d clearly kept in touch. There had been a letter posted through the door the other day, in a thick cream envelope with neat black handwriting addressed to Ruby. Lilly had been sure it was from Alfred, judging by the Cheshire cat smile her sister had given her. Yes, something was certainly floating Ruby’s boat. And long may it continue if this was the good mood it generated.
Lilly noticed the tweed trousers and waistcoat hanging on the side of the wardrobe.
‘Very nice choice,’ she said.
‘Aye, it’ll do.’
Lilly looked warily at him.
‘Just behave yourself tonight,’ she warned. ‘Don’t go overboard.’
Fletcher threw his head back and laughed.
‘We’ve got to give the lad a good send off!’
*
Adira was in The Cobbled Courtyard. She had gone to collect the wedding favours made by Max and Fitz. She stepped inside Crafty Carpentry’s studio and was greeted by the woody smell of pitch pine. Fitz had the doorstops ready in a crate by his workbench.
‘Hi Adira, come in.’ He took one out and passed it her.
‘Oh, Fitz!’ she exclaimed. The cute little campervan had been carved meticulously, totally capturing the Volkswagen shape and style. This was a nod to her own campervan she had nicknamed Sheila, as it was an Aussie import. It was thanks to Sheila that she had stumbled upon Lilacwell in the first place and so it only seemed right and proper to salute her. ‘They’re amazing.’ She shook her head in wonder at all the detail, from the tiny windscreen wipers to the clever registration number plate, ‘JH4AS’ incorporating hers and Jasper’s initials. ‘Thanks a lot. How much do I owe you?’
‘It’s OK, they’re on the house.’
‘No, really Fitz—’
‘Take them as my wedding gift,’ he smiled interrupting her.
‘Oh thanks, really. They’re absolutely brilliant.’
