‘Cute cottages,’ Jude said, looking from The Dovecote to Peartree Cottage. ‘What’s this Caleb like?’
I shrugged. ‘Can’t make him out. He was a bit off with me when I arrived but then…’
* * *
‘You know what I’m going to ask…’ Jude said when I’d finished telling her about Caleb.
‘Am I attracted to him?’
‘Yes!’
I was about to declare a vehementnobut something stopped me.
‘I don’t know. Possibly. Probably. It’s too early to say. It was exciting thinking there might be some chemistry but, after he was so cool with me on Saturday, I’m thinking I imagined it. Not that it matters. I’m not in the headspace for a new relationship right now.’
‘Who said anything about a relationship?’ She gave me a playful nudge and I knew exactly what she was suggesting.
‘Definitely not a good idea when he’s my only neighbour, my vet, my farrier, and I see him most days.’
After Clemmie’s injury, I’d done some digging and the veterinary practice where Caleb worked had a great reputation so I’d registered with them for the farm animals and our pets.
Jude and I had reached the far end of the farm and, after I pointed out the site of the now removed dilapidated shed where we’d thankfully found Clemmie, we set off back.
Maddie was cycling towards the farmhouse as we walked past the forge. Jude shouted her name twice but got no acknowledgement. She had to have heard but, even if she hadn’t, she couldn’t have missed the dogs charging towards her. Maddie rested her bike against the fence and went inside, closely followed by Nova and Skye.
‘Probably had her earbuds in,’ I said to Jude. ‘Sorry.’
‘You don’t need to apologise or make excuses for her. I’m big enough and ugly enough to handle it if she’s off with me.’
I hoped she wouldn’t be. Jude had taken her godmother role very seriously and had played a key part in Maddie’s childhood, taking her on days out and even on holiday. As Maddie got older and felt the pull of friends and hobbies, the trips and holidays might have ceased but they’d still seen each other regularly and, after moving to Twyford and joining the team at Silvervale, Jude became Maddie’s riding instructor. If Maddie gave her anynonsense during her stay, Jude would call her out on it and perhaps that’s what she needed – somebody who wasn’t family to hold a mirror up to her.
Mam was in the kitchen making a quiche.
‘You’ve just missed Maddie,’ she said.
I gave Jude an apologetic shrug.
‘Honestly, Grace, don’t worry about it,’ she said. ‘When she comes down for tea, I’ll pin her to her chair and make her talk to me.’
I made Jude a mug of tea and washed some new potatoes while Mam put the quiche in the oven. I’d just finished preparing a salad when Maddie appeared dressed in her best jeans and a smart top with her make-up done and her hair styled.
‘Well, hello Ms Maddie Coates, don’t you look gorgeous this evening?’ Jude said, pulling Maddie into a hug before she had a chance to protest. ‘But you didn’t need to dress up for me.’
‘I didn’t. I’m going out. See you later.’
Mam spun round from the sink. ‘You’re not having tea?’
‘No.’
‘We’ve prepared a meal for four,’ Mam said. ‘Did you not think to mention it earlier?’
‘I didn’t know earlier.’
‘But you must have known before you started getting ready,’ I said, taking care to keep my voice frustration-free.
‘Yeah, but what difference would a few extra spuds and a bit of salad make? It’s hardly major food waste.’
‘That’s not the point.’
