Sarah could feel his fingers squeezing her hand tightly, but she wouldn’t complain. It would do no good. She had no doubt that he would have a go at her for something she’d said that evening. But he’d been just as bad with his loose lips.
Still, she wouldn’t ever say that.
CHAPTER NINE
Juliette woke the next morning. The smell of bacon wafted into the room from downstairs as she heard it sizzling in the pan. Not wanting to move for fear of the hangover from hell rearing its ugly head, she snuggled down into the pillow for a few minutes. But then, unable to resist the sun shining in through the window and the breakfast aroma, she threw back the duvet and stood up. Her head wasn’t too bad – yet.
She padded to the window to take in the view, still amazed that all the land behind them belonged to her and Danny. There were more fields in the distance and a further forest on the periphery before rolling hills behind it. The colours of the flora and fauna almost took her breath away. She wondered if it would feel as magical in the dreary winter months when it was raining and damp. Having said that, she couldn’t wait for thefirst fall of snow. Oh, to run through the garden leaving footprints behind.
She opened a window and breathed in the air. There was nothing to hear except birdsong, an exceptionally loud blackbird full of the joys of the day.
To her right, she could just about see where they had been barbecuing the night before. She thought back to the strange evening. It had been fun and excruciating at the same time. Something she was hoping Danny wouldn’t want to repeat too often. Of course she wanted to settle in and make new friends, but she didn’t want anyone to be too close so that they made a nuisance of themselves. Coming from London, it would be quite a culture shock.
Making her way downstairs, she tiptoed into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around Danny as he put the finishing touches to the plates. They were both piled high with an English breakfast, coffee and juice set out on the patio. The doors were thrown open to let in the garden.
‘Isn’t this divine?’ she said, giving him another squeeze before moving to grab the plates to take outside.
‘It is!’ Danny’s eyes were shining. ‘I haven’t felt so relaxed in a good while.’
They went into the garden and ate their breakfast as they chatted about the night before.
‘Don’t you think it was weird how Richard put Sarahdown at every opportunity?’ Danny asked, tucking into a sausage.
Juliette’s shoulders sagged. ‘You noticed too? I thought it was because he was trying to make a good impression at first, but it did get a bit much.’
‘At one time, I thought you were going to say something.’ Danny laughed. ‘You should have seen your face.’
‘He was so rude! “Fetch another bottle of wine. Get me some more beer. Bring out the salad dressing.” I had to stop myself from saying please, to make a point.’
‘And yet when we explained about Emily, he was almost attentive, reaching across the table for her hand. I wonder why they don’t have children. I asked Sarah but she said they weren’t planning any at the moment.’
‘Perhaps he’s too old.’
‘Yes, I’d love to know how that happened. They…’ She paused to find the right words. ‘I don’t know. They just don’t seem to fit very well. They sure are an odd couple.’
‘And yet you invited them round next weekend.’
Juliette grimaced. ‘Sorry, I’d forgotten that.’
‘Well, I don’t mind once in a while, but I don’t want to live in their pockets.’
‘Me neither. Sarah seems nice though. Quiet, inoffensive.’
‘That’s when she could get a word in edgeways.’ Danny took a sip of his coffee before continuing. ‘Richard did love to talk about his work.’
‘He’s a creative. It’s good to see someone so enthused.’
‘I suppose. Although he wouldn’t let us see inside his studio. I was hoping to get a look after he’d talked about it so much.’
‘Maybe he’ll show you at the next barbecue.’ Juliette snorted.
‘Which means I’ll never see it, hopefully.’
They sat in companionable silence, listening to the birds and looking over the garden. It was so peaceful Juliette almost didn’t want to ruin it. But she wanted to run something past Danny.
‘I was thinking of a memorial for Emily. A corner of the garden perhaps, maybe a bench where we can go and sit to remember her.’
Danny leaned over to squeeze her hand. ‘I think that’s a great idea,’ he said.
