What was it about her and purple? She seemed to be going through a phase and it was her favourite colour at the moment.
What was Raff’s favourite colour?
Possibly blue. He’d been wearing a lot of blue today.
‘Penny for them,’ said Granny Viv.
‘What. Oh sorry. I was miles away. Have you been to Claybrooke Country House Hotel?’
‘I have. It’s very posh. The gardens are gorgeous. Especially the rose gardens. Although not in February, I suppose. Why? Is that where you’re going tonight? Oh now you must tell me the person you’re seeing. They’ve definitely got good taste if that’s where they’re taking you? Is it someone I know? Because I can’t think of anyone who…’ Her eyes lit up and she straightened her back. ‘It’s him, isn’t it? It’s the handsome Raff Gale. You’re having dinner with Raff Gale! I knew it was Fate. Oh, darling. How delightful. Is he staying at Claybrooke Country House Hotel? Because he must be staying somewhere and it won’t be at Old Farm. It’s not ready for habitation just yet. If he is staying at Claybrooke, and that’s where you’re having dinner, all I can say is, I hope you’ve brought some decent – or possibly indecent and definitely sexy underwear with you.’
‘Gran! I don’t need underwear. I mean, I will obviously be wearing underwear but he won’t be seeing it. We won’t be having anything other than dinner. And wine. And probably coffee. But that’s it. Sex is definitelynoton the menu tonight.’
‘So it is him! I’m almost envious. I liked him the moment we met. Although I thought he was either shy or was hiding something. He’s not married, is he? I did ask and I’m sure he said he was single.’
‘His wife died a long time ago.’
‘Oh that’s a shame. Although good for you. And you said you want a dog! I’d much rather have Raff to keep me warm and clearly so would you.’
‘This is not what you seem to think. It’s just two people having dinner together. And for your information, I do want a dog. That’s why we’re having dinner. He’s going to help me find one. He has several that need homes and I’ve already seen their profiles. We’ll be discussing them in more detail this evening.’
‘Whatever you say darling.’ Granny Viv was smiling.
‘It’s true. Oh what’s the point. You’ll believe what you want to no matter what I say.’
The first clap of thunder crashed overhead a few minutes later and the rain began five minutes after that but fortunately for Kate and Rufus, it had stopped briefly, an hour or so later. They had just returned from their walk when the rain started again. This time it was heavier.
And it didn’t stop. Millicent was drenched when she arrived at seven and she had been beneath a large umbrella. Kate advised her to take a hot shower to warm herself up and to change into one of Granny Viv’s dresses while Kate tumble dried her clothes.
By seven-forty-five, it might have been better if Raff had come in an Ark to pick Kate up. He had texted her to say that he understood about her gran but he would suggest he should come to the door or she’d be soaked to the skin.
She texted back and told him that the cat was out of the bag and he could park in the drive.
Twelve
‘Oh darling!’ Granny Viv said, getting all teary eyed when Kate came downstairs at precisely seven-fifty-five. ‘You look stunning.’
‘Absolutely beautiful,’ agreed Millie.
Even Rufus barked appreciatively. At least that’s what Kate decided he had done.
The doorbell startled them.
‘He’s early. That’s a good sign,’ said Millie.
‘He’s keen,’ said Granny Viv. ‘I knew he would be. It’s Fate.’
‘It’s not,’ said Kate heading to the door. ‘And it might not be him. I thought he’d wait in the car.’
‘No man with good manners would do that,’ Granny Viv called after her. ‘Invite him in for a drink.’
‘No,’ Kate called back before taking a deep breath and opening the front door.
‘I thought you’d … Oh wow.’ She scanned him from head to toe as he stood in the portico still holding a large, golf umbrella, his mouth open slightly and his brows raised as he stared at her in silent appreciation. ‘You look good.’
He was wearing a dark blue suit and a crisp white shirt with a dark blue and white silk, wavy striped, tie beneath the same open overcoat he’d worn earlier.
‘So do you,’ he finally said, sounding like he was chewing gravel. His eyes ran up and down the length of her body several times as if he couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing.
