Adira was glad of his approval, then as an afterthought asked, ‘Do you think Fletcher would mind?’
‘You kidding? He’d love it, the place full of people partying.’ Wrapping an arm round her body, he pulled her to him. He kissed her neck, then slowly moved upwards towards her mouth. Adira turned to meet his lips, warm and inviting, probing hers. Her hands ran across his broad shoulders then to his silky dark hair. That familiar fragrance of bergamot hit her, along with a wave of desire. Jasper deepened the kiss, moving further into her.
‘Jasper…’ she whimpered. Just then, Fletcher barged in. The two hastily separated, slightly out of breath.
‘I’ve been thinking,’ he announced, totally oblivious to what he’d walked in on, ‘about that there Cobbled… whatever.’
‘Courtyard,’ supplied Jasper.
‘Yes. Dickie’s buildings. I want you to put in the asking price.’
‘But why?’ asked Adira. ‘Surely nobody does that, do they?’
‘Round here, amongst good, honest farmers, yes, they do.’ He faced Adira with conviction.
‘Won’t he be expecting some negotiation?’ Jasper frowned.
‘Is he asking a fair price?’ Fletcher asked.
‘Yes, actually, I think he is,’ conceded Jasper.
‘Well then, don’t insult the man by offering less.’ Fletcher nodded his head firmly.
Jasper was inclined to agree. He knew how things operated in the country, where everyone knew each other. He understood why Fletcher wouldn’t want to offend a neighbour he’d always known.
‘OK then. I’ll offer the asking price.’
Fletcher stared at him expectantly. ‘Well go on then.’ He pointed to the phone on his desk.
‘What, now?’
‘Yes, yes, what are you waiting for?’ he answered impatiently, making Adira hide a smile.
‘You sure about this, Fletcher?’ Jasper asked, before moving off the sofa to pick up the phone.
‘Yes. Get on with it, man.’
After several minutes of conversation with the estate agents, Jasper put the receiver down. ‘They’ll get back to me as soon as possible,’ he confirmed.
‘Oh blow that. I’m ringing Dickie meself,’ Fletcher exclaimed in exasperation.
‘You can’t do that, Fletcher,’ laughed Adira.
‘Watch me,’ and with that strode over to the bookcase and pulled out an address book. Taking it, he put it down in front of Jasper sat at the desk. ‘Just read me the number of Jenkins’ farm. It’s in there somewhere.’ Somewhat bemused, Jasper dutifully did as he was told. After a few moments, Fletcher spoke. ‘That you, Dickie? It’s Fletcher here. About your old stables, we want them.’ There was a slight pause. ‘Aye, we’ll give you what you want.’ Another pause. ‘You’ll take ’em off the market then?’ swiftly followed by, ‘Good, good. Bye.’ Then down went the phone. He turned to face them both. ‘Right, they’re ours.’ Then strode out of the room with purpose, leaving Jasper and Adira speechless.
*
Honestly, thought Fletcher, if only everyone took the bull by the horns and got on with it like he did. Lilly, she was another, fussing and faffing about. Why she couldn’t just say yes to his suggestion of a holiday was beyond him. He made his way into the kitchen to find her ironing whilst humming along to the radio.
‘Would you like a coffee, Fletcher?’ she asked, looking up.
‘No thanks, Lilly. I’d like an answer though, about this ’ere river cruise.’
‘Oh, that again,’ she replied, her face slightly falling.
‘What is it lass? Why are you stalling?’ he asked.
‘I do want to go… it’s just…’
