‘We could stop for lunch at the Inn at Lilacwell?’ she suggested.
‘Oh, that would be lovely,’ chirped Lilly.
‘Our treat,’ said Pat, then seeing Fletcher about to object continued, ‘No I insist, it’s the least we can do.’
Off they went, chatting all the way down the gravel driveway.
Jasper and Adira turned and smiled at each other.
‘That went well,’ said Jasper, putting an arm round her waist, pulling her into him.
‘Yes, they do seem to get along. I don’t think I’ve seen my mum so chilled,’ she replied. She looked out of the hall window into the distance at the snow-capped hills and frosted greenery. Lilacwell had been the perfect place for a Christmas wedding and it had certainly worked its magic on her family.
‘I’ll just make a quick call to Colin. Put Cassie out of her misery.’ Jasper reached for his mobile.
‘She’ll be on pins,’ laughed Adira.
‘To be fair, I did tell Rory to contact me before we went away.’
‘Ah yes, Dubai,’ she beamed. ‘Bring on the sunshine.’
‘Well, it’ll be a damn sight warmer than here,’ he grinned.
‘Yes, but it won’t be home.’ Adira once again took in the stunning winter scenery outside. Jasper was touched to hear his new wife call Lilacwell ‘home’.
Chapter 34
Cassie was beside herself with joy. As per Jasper’s instructions, Colin had indeed contacted Rory. Together they had arranged a meeting to begin the procedure of the sale of the barn.
No matter how many times Rory had cautioned Cassie to ‘calm down’, she was simply unable to do so. That said, he too couldn’t wipe the wide smile off his face. And why should he? His ultimate ambition of living an eco, self-sufficient lifestyle looked like it was actually going to happen. Rory could hardly believe it. All those years of working at Goldgate Chambers, day in, day out, had finally paid off. Big time. His commitment and dedication to his career as a barrister, which he’d studied so hard for, had enabled him to save a substantial amount of money. All those nights spent cooped up in his apartment, instead of painting the town red, had saved him even more. Living virtually like a hermit had proved fruitful. That and the profit made from selling his flat had given him a healthy budget. Cassie’s contribution wasn’t on the same scale, being considerably smaller, but was valued all the same. Rory was at pains not to make her feel in anyway inadequate. They were a team, on a joint venture and he intended to open joint accounts. From now on they were in it together. Even he, whirlwind that he was, conceded how quickly the events of his life were unravelling. Yet despite this, he knew it was all right. Never, at any stage, had he ever doubted his actions. If anyone had told him a year ago just how things were going to pan out, he wouldn’t have believed them. Although it would certainly have cheered him up, especially on those lonely nights when his head had been buried in law books.
In his quieter moments, all sorts of scenarios crossed his mind. What if he’d never met Cassie? What if he hadn’t gone to the summer ball at The Laurels? He shuddered at the thought. It was inconceivable to imagine life without her now.
Cassie too, had had similar thoughts. That ‘niggle’ which had taken root in her psyche, had well and truly been pulled free. Now that they had openly discussed marriage, her mind was at rest. Although they had talked about eloping, it had been in a half joking kind of way. Not that she didn’t believe they wouldn’t marry, but perhaps running away to exchange vows imminently was a touch hasty. Rory was absolutely right, they would have a lot on with renovating the barn and setting up a smallholding. Still, Cassie really did like the idea of eloping in secret. It just seemed so… romantic, so… adventurous! The main thing for her, though, was that her future was secure with him. For all her spontaneity, her take-a-leap-of-faith attitude, Cassie did need that rock-solid, cast-iron security. And with Rory she had that.
So, together, in their own inimitable way, they had each found exactly what they had been searching for. Whilst living a more simplistic life hadn’t been at the top of Cassie’s bucket list, she had started to embrace it. Rory’s lips twitched when he saw her impatiently unwrap a parcel of books delivered in the post. Cassie held each one up, Home Grown, Organic all the Way and The Smallholder’s Aid.
‘Look, what do you think?’ she’d asked with glee, face lit with excitement.
‘Brilliant. Just what we need,’ he’d replied with a thumbs up. He only hoped that the novelty didn’t wear off, once they were up to their eyes in muck with no luxuries.
‘You must remember,’ Cassie continued, ‘that I’m a farmer’s daughter, after all. It’s in the blood. Just you wait, I’ll take to the eco way of life like a duck to water.’
Rory laughed. How he loved this gutsy, cute pixie girl of his. He’d never come across anybody like her before.
They were due to meet Colin that afternoon. Rory hoped Jasper wouldn’t be about, being a tad embarrassed at Cassie contacting Adira the day after their wedding. Still, it had paid off and now that they knew the barn was going to be their future home, they could start to make definite future plans.
Cassie had given in her notice and only had one month to work. As soon as all the paperwork was signed and the monies transferred, Rory was ready to contact a reputable architect he had been researching, who was well known for improving a building’s eco credentials. Once the detailed plans had been drafted for the barn, they would need submitting to the council for approval. Only when (and if) approval had been given, could they then start the building work. He would also have to organise a professional ecological assessment to determine if any of the proposed building work would interfere with the local nature. So much to think about! Rory’s head was spinning. It was equally exciting and daunting at the same time, but as he sensibly counselled, they had to take each day at a time.
To Rory’s relief, Colin was alone in the estate office when he and Cassie entered. All the documents were neatly spread out on the desk, ready for their signatures. Cassie couldn’t sign quick enough, as she sat down and grabbed a nearby pen. Again, Rory had to stifle a laugh. She was such an open book; what you saw was what you got. There were no airs or graces, no hidden agenda. If only more people were like that he thought, comparing her to the backstabbing, social climbing barristers he’d worked with in London. He was well out of it.
‘And now your turn, Rory,’ said Colin, holding out a pen for him. Rory took it and wrote his name along the dotted lines. There, he’d done it. He had officially signed away his old life and welcomed in the new one. He looked into Cassie’s eyes and smiled. She smiled back. They both knew it was a pivotal moment. They were well and truly committed now, there was no going back.
Just then Jasper and Adira came through the door.
‘Hi!’ Adira beamed at them. She glanced down at the signed paperwork. ‘So does this mean we are officially neighbours?’ she teased.
Jasper held out his hand to shake Rory’s. ‘Well done,’ he nodded, then turned to Cassie. ‘Happy?’ he smiled.
