‘There, it’s so you, Clara. It was made for you.’
Even though Clara couldn’t see her reflection, she felt the silk and admired it.
‘It’s beautiful. Oh, Tom, thank you again.’
Tom and Clara stood gazing at each other. Her pulse raced as she looked into his eyes. She wondered if it was too soon to admit to him that she was falling in love. She felt so safe around him. Instead, she settled on a kiss and that electrifying spark she got from him shot right through her once again.
‘You truly are amazing, Tom.’
‘Thank you, you’re not so bad yourself,’ said Tom, squeezing her at the waist playfully.
‘You must let me spoil you too. Now that you’ve got me this, I have to do something in return.’
‘Good grief, not at all. I bought it for you because I want you to have it and not because I want something in return.’
‘I know, but I feel guilty. I’ll have to think of some way to pay you back.’
‘Now, if you do that, then I won’t treat you to anything again,’ said Tom, pretending to tell her off.
‘Okay, I tell you what... I’m doing my annual strawberries and cream afternoon at the rectory soon. I do hope you’ll come along. It’s £10 a ticket and all the money raised will go to the church fund. There’s a raffle too. I’ll buy your ticket and then it’s also an excuse to see you.’
‘Now that sounds like an offer I can’t refuse. When is it? I’ll put it in my diary.’
‘The first of July. Not too far away.’
Tom’s face turned pale. That was a date he would never forget and he had hoped he could stay home that day to reflect. Yet, despite his reticence, he managed a smile and agreed to be there.
‘Brilliant. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.’
As he said it, he really meant it. Perhaps it would do him good to get out that day. As Pat always told him, ‘You don’t want to be home alone with only your intrusive thoughts for company, especially not on special dates.’
Yes, it was important that he did something to mark the day, and mark the day he would.
ChapterTwelve
Since Clara had the benefit of free entry to the Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum as a member of university staff, she thought a visit with Tom might be a nice way to spend the afternoon. Sitting down by the river at the café after a walk around the garden was one of her favourite things to do. It also meant that she was also only a stone’s throw away from Eleanora who was on the other side of the bridge.
Tom waved across from the entrance of the garden as Clara crossed the road at Magdalen College. Then they walked quietly along the gravel path towards the fountain and headed for the Lower Garden with its herbaceous border and rock garden. As their arms swung side by side, Tom was tempted to try and hold Clara’s hand, but refrained in case Clara felt uncomfortable. He knew she was more open about them being seen together, but she seemed a little more reserved this afternoon and he worried that it was something he had said or done. Had she somehow found out about his past?
When Clara wasn’t her usual ebullient self as she admired the colourful peonies and asters, he sensed that something was definitely wrong.
‘Are you okay? You seem preoccupied.’
‘I’m fine. Just busy at work and I should probably be indoors preparing stuff. Not out here enjoying myself. But sometimes you just need to escape and have a walk outdoors with some good old fresh air.’
‘Being out in nature does everyone the world of good. You know, if something’s bothering you, I don’t mind if you share it with me. A problem shared is a problem halved and all that.’
‘No, not at all. It’s not a problem. Just some work stuff that I’ve got on my mind. Sorry, I’ll try to be better company.’
Clara didn’t want to admit that she was still wondering whether she would apply for the job in Cambridge. It wouldn’t be long before the opening date for applications but after the initial excitement of being recommended by Lowri had worn off, Clara had started thinking she might be best to leave things as they were.
‘Please don’t think I’m complaining about the company. Your company is always appreciated. I only want to make sure you’re okay, that’s all. Would you like one of my dad jokes to cheer you up?’
‘Oh no, not one of those. Anything but that.’ She laughed. ‘No, seriously, I promise, I’m fine. As I said, a little stressed over something, but absolutely fine.’
She decided not to share her dilemma with Tom since she didn’t know what she was doing herself at this stage and was veering towards not bothering to apply.
‘We can’t have our gorgeous Clara stressed. You know what? Let’s go to the walled garden. I have an idea that will make you completely unwind.’
