‘Yes,’ chipped in Cassie. ‘Be true to the building.’
‘Exactly,’ said David smiling. He warmed to these two and admired their spirit. He imagined them appearing on his website, arms wrapped round each other, wearing matching wellies and wide smiles in front of the newly renovated barn he had designed. Yes, this could prove very lucrative indeed. He couldn’t resist broaching the subject that had piqued his curiosity in the first place. ‘I followed your story on the news about how you defended the activists,’ he said looking at Rory.
‘Well, it seemed the most natural thing to do, seeing as I am one myself,’ Rory coolly replied, caught a little off guard. Cassie discreetly observed Rory’s body language, which had subtly changed from being open to closed. He sat up from being casually leant back and crossed his arms. David noticed the sudden change in his demeanour too and was quick to rectify any awkwardness.
‘Yes, I applaud what you did there, Rory. Not many in your position would have done the same.’
‘My position?’ said Rory, staring him in the eye.
‘Being a top barrister,’ David replied. ‘They could do with someone like you around here.’
‘Why’s that?’ asked Cassie.
‘Fracking. There’s a real threat that fracking could take place in these parts and it’s creating quite a stir.’ Rory’s head tilted to one side. That tingling sensation began to ignite, like it always did when he sensed a cause in the making. ‘A petition’s been started, there’s talk of rallies, too.’
‘How do you know this?’ questioned Rory, wondering why this architect knew so much about it.
‘One of my clients lives in a nearby village.’
‘I see.’ Rory’s eyes narrowed, as though a plan was hatching. He for one, was against fracking. It was dangerous and downright disruptive to the planet.
‘Yes, a man of your experience and expertise could prove very useful.’
Cassie’s head turned for Rory’s reaction.
‘But I’m no longer a barrister,’ he stated.
‘Oh, I wouldn’t throw the towel in completely,’ warned David gently, giving Rory food for thought.
Chapter 38
Fletcher missed Jasper and Adira terribly. Even though he knew it was only a matter of days before they returned, the place just wasn’t the same without them. The Laurels, although still decoratively dressed, seemed lifeless and empty. It was incredible to think that this time last year he’d been used to living alone, with no one to share his home, and it was equally amazing how soon one became accustomed to things. Now he knew, without any doubt, he could no longer go back to living solo in this great house. But then, he’d never have to, a tender voice inside his head reminded him. Jasper would be home soon and everything would be back to normal.
‘Tea, Fletcher?’ asked Lilly. She’d just finished ironing and was ready for their mid-morning break. Fletcher had been staring out of the French doors, debating whether to potter in the kitchen garden, before his mind had absently turned to Jasper.
‘Aye, lass. Let’s go mad and have a slice of that cake, too.’ He pointed to Lilly’s Victoria sandwich, sitting temptingly on a plate.
‘Now, what would Jasper and Adira say to you having cake?’ she teased. She had made it for their return.
‘Well, Jasper and Adira aren’t here, are they?’ Fletcher chuckled. ‘Go on, lass. Just a slither of a slice,’ he coaxed.
‘Oh, go on then. But I’ll have to take the rest home and bake a fresh one. We can’t be leaving any evidence, can we?’ She giggled, enjoying their subterfuge.
They took the tea and cake into the drawing room and settled by the fire. Fletcher took great pleasure in these moments with Lilly. It was easy to take such times for granted, being caught up with everyday life. But it was times like today, when he’d been missing Jasper, that prompted him to reflect. Lilly had been a life-long companion and a true friend to him. She’d simply always been there, in good times and bad; his strength and steer. He didn’t kid himself that she didn’t know deep down that his heart had been broken by Alice, but that hadn’t deterred her genuine feelings for him. And he had genuine feelings for her too. Lilly was kind, loyal, funny, mischievous and he thoroughly enjoyed her company. Had he ever taken off his rose-tinted glasses where Alice was concerned, he might have seen sense and proposed to Lilly years ago. Occasionally, in the cold light of day, he contemplated this and a sadness swept over him. Then the ‘what if?’ game started to play away in his mind. What if he had proposed? He pictured the spectacular wedding they would have had at The Laurels, a grand affair, with everyone they knew celebrating in style. Then what if they’d had children? He imagined lots of little ones running around the place, alongside Jasper. They’d no doubt have grandchildren by now, too. It didn’t do to be maudlin, he told himself and put the past back in its box, shut and bolted. What happened, had happened, and there was nothing he could do about it now. Except to make it up to her, to them, in any way he could. Which is why he wanted to give her the gift he’d bought her on holiday.
He knew the brooch had caught Lilly’s eye at the Gem Rock Museum they’d all visited. It had a large amethyst jewel in the centre, surrounded by small peridot stones, set in silver casing. It was exquisite and extremely expensive, hence Lilly’s dreamy look when seeing it sparkle in the glass cabinet. Unbeknown to her, Fletcher had spotted her admiring the brooch and had discreetly bought it. He’d been waiting for the right time to give it her. Now, he thought, was the right time, when they were alone. He got up and went to the bureau where he had been keeping it, out of sight.
‘What are you doing?’ Lilly asked.
‘You’ll see,’ he said over his shoulder as he rummaged to find the small blue box. There it was. He took it and walked towards Lilly.
‘What’s that?’ she said, squinting towards his hand.
‘Open it, Lilly. It’s for you,’ he said gently, putting the box on her lap. She carefully lifted off the lid and gasped.
‘Oh, Fletcher,’ she whispered, staring at the jewels that glittered before her. She looked up at him. ‘How did you know?’
‘I notice more than you think, lass,’ he replied with a shrewd grin.
