After a delicious meal of steak and ale pie, he ordered another drink and waited for Adira to arrive. She’d messaged him to say she’d be there later and he was looking forward to seeing her, and seeking her advice. He was ever mindful the court hearing would soon be upon him and he was increasingly desperate to pick her brains over it. Then he saw her enter the bar. He waved until she spotted him, weaving her way through the tables to sit opposite him.
‘Hi!’ she beamed.
Rory stood up to kiss her cheek. ‘Hello you. How’s tricks?’
‘Never better and you? Making quite a name for yourself I see,’ she grinned. He rolled his eyes.
‘I know. But it’s not about me, it’s about bringing attention to—’
‘I know, I know, the climate crisis,’ she softly interrupted, then sat back to examine him. ‘How’s the chambers taking it, you representing a bunch of activists?’
He shrugged. ‘Don’t care.’
‘Rory Molloy, the maverick,’ she chuckled.
‘Actually, I was going to ask a favour,’ he said, leaning forward. ‘Could I run a few points of law past you? See what you think?’
‘Yes, of course,’ Adira replied in surprise. ‘For a minute, I thought you were going to ask me to put in a good word for you.’
‘Sorry?’
‘With Cassie?’ she playfully raised her eyebrow.
‘Not sure her boyfriend would appreciate that,’ he said, just as he noticed Cassie herself approaching them.
‘What boyfriend?’ Adira asked, before they both turned to face her.
Chapter 8
The next day, as promised, Adira was studying Rory’s notes on the activists’ case. From what she saw, he’d covered just about everything. Not that she’d been expecting to see any holes in his defence. Rory was known for his attention to detail, which was why he was highly sought after. He really was a credit to Goldgate Chambers. Her only concern was how this case would leave him. She, more than most, knew how cut-throat that line of business could be, which was exactly why she had chosen to cut and run. Adira had never regretted it for a moment.
She was in the library, sat at Jasper’s desk, when in he came.
‘Ah, there you are.’ He sank into a nearby sofa.
‘I’m just looking at Rory’s defence. He thinks that court proceedings will be imminent.’
‘Right.’ He looked closely at her, then added, ‘Have you thought any more about the wedding?’
‘I’ve thought of little else,’ she said, turning to him. ‘Jasper, I’m thinking of applying for a licence, to hold ceremonies here, at The Laurels.’
He frowned in thought. ‘Where?’
‘In the orangery.’ She went to sit next to him, twisting her body to face his and tucking her legs beneath her. ‘Just think, it would be beautiful, all decorated with flowers and candles. It’s the perfect size for an intimate wedding like ours.’
‘I see,’ he nodded, liking the sound of it.
Hearing the interest in his tone, Adira continued with enthusiasm, ‘It would make a fantastic venue for the business, all guests staying on the glamping site.’
‘Yes, it would.’ Jasper’s mind was ticking over.
‘We could make a wedding package, really go to town.’
‘I like your thinking.’ He smiled, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, then added, ‘How soon could we get a licence?’
‘Not too long. I’ve already made some enquires.’ Jasper laughed. A girl after his own heart.
‘Go for it. I think it’s a fantastic idea.’
