Pippa gasped. ‘Take that back.’
‘Only if you stop giving lectures on clock-based ghost theory.’
‘Fine. Be boring. But when we find something– because Iknowthere’s something in this house– you’ll owe me an apology.’
‘I look forward to it,’ Theo said dryly, rinsing his plate. ‘You do know it’s in the small print of your stay that you aren’t allowed to touch the clocks, right?’
‘Who’s going to know?’
‘Pippa!’
‘Anyway, even if the clocks stopped for the most mundane reason, like old springs or a lack of winding, it’s still weird that no one’s started them again.’
‘They probably did and then got tired of keeping track of all fifty clocks. If you want to get all misty-eyed about poetic clock death, be my guest. Just don’t expect me to write a thesis on it.’
‘I wouldn’t trust your romantic instincts anyway,’ she said, sauntering over to the table. ‘You probably thinkThe Time Traveler’s Wifeis an instruction manual.’
‘And judging by the fact that only yesterday you were a runaway bride, I’m not sure your romantic instincts are anything to?—’
‘Okay!’ she cut in sharply. ‘Low blow, doctor.’
Theo gave a small, smug smile but didn’t press further. He lifted his mug, took a sip, and stared into the middle distance like he was considering his next move in a chess game.
Pippa tilted her head. ‘So. What’s next for Theo Blake?’
He hesitated for a moment, then said, ‘Actually, something a bit different and something I’m very excited about. I’ve just signed a contract with the International Horological Foundation. Starting next month, I’ll be travelling the world, running workshops and mentoring young clockmakers and designers to inspire them to make this industry more modern and accessible.’ He paused, his eyes brightening as he spoke. ‘It’s… well, it’s exactly the sort of thing I’ve always wanted to do. Teach. Travel. Our craft gets dismissed as old-fashioned and stuffy, but it’s anything but. I want to show people the beauty and precision behind it all. It would be good to get something on the TV– the clockmaker’s equivalent ofThe Great British Bake Off.’ He stopped, thinking for a second. ‘Maybe I’ll call it…Ticked Off? No, wait…Watch This Space.’
His enthusiasm was infectious and Pippa found herself smiling before she could stop it. ‘So, basically, you’re going to be some kind of horological rock star.’
He laughed softly. ‘Exactly that.’
She watched him for a moment, taking in the way his whole face lit up when he talked about it. It struck her then how rare it was to see someone who genuinely loved what they did, not for the recognition or the cleverness of it, but for the pure joy of it, and before she knew it, that warmth in her chest had turned into something dangerously close to admiration.
‘I’m sure if anyone can make horology sexy it’s you.’ She knew people would be mesmerised by his knowledge, his passion, and, well… the fact he was rather easy on the eye didn’t exactly hurt either.
He arched a brow, that teasing smile returning. ‘Are you saying I’m sexy?’
Pippa blinked, realising what she’d just said. ‘Let’s not get carried away. I’m saying thatclocksare sexy.’
A small smile passed between them.
‘It will be a strain on your family, if you’re going to be travelling so much, won’t it?’
‘Life’s always a bit of a strain,’ he said, and the spark that had lit his face moments ago seemed to fade. ‘You’d better get a move on if you’re after breakfast before the conference begins. Time’s ticking, as they say.’ He looked at her for a moment before adding, ‘I hope you packed more than just a wedding dress to wear?’
‘Now that is the question, Doctor Blake.’ She gave a small laugh. ‘Honestly, I have no idea what’s in my suitcase.’ The moment she’d finished her bath last night she’d collapsed into bed, without even checking what Rose had managed to throw in for her.
* * *
Back upstairs and unzipping the suitcase, she found herself smiling. ‘Oh, Rose, you beautiful control freak.’ If there was ever a time to be grateful for a best friend who thought four steps ahead, it was now.
Nestled neatly on top was a pair of Rose’s trusty high-waisted jeans, already broken in and soft in all the right places. Underneath were a couple of summer tops, a couple of blouses and one gloriously oversized navy jumper. There was even a handful of toiletries, makeup, underwear, socks, a bra and a pair of PJs. To her surprise, she discovered a thick pair of fluffy socks with puffins on them, and a note that looked like it had been quickly scribbled on the back of an envelope:
These were a present from Great Aunt Maureen. I’ve never worn them, but when on Puffin Island! Sorry about the PJs. They’re not very sexy, but I thought you’d be after comfort.
P.S. Please stay out of trouble and don’t shag anyone on the rebound unless it’s really, really necessary. Love you, R x
Pippa laughed out loud. The puffin socks were already her favourite thing, and as for the last bit, well, that was the very last thing on her mind. Or at least it had been… right up until the image of Theo appeared at the front of her thoughts, completely uninvited. She shoved it away at once.
