Chapter Twenty-Five
The One Where the Tide is High
Kate remained in a muddle of delighted confusion the following morning. It was a long time since she’d enjoyed a man’s company in a way that left her keen for more.
With a late start pending, she headed down the hill, intent on calling in at Westerleigh on her way, but as she neared the end of the lane, she spotted a familiar figure.
‘Hey, Matt!’ Kate waved. ‘No Gemma today?’
He waited for her to reach him. ‘No, I’ve left her battling with some lyrics. I’m on my way to Anna’s to sort out a birthday cake for Gem.’
Kate fell into step beside him.
‘Oh, when’s her birthday?’
‘Next month. I’ve never seen a grown adult so excited.’ He paused, then added, ‘Except Gemma at Christmas.’
Kate laughed, then raised the envelope she held. ‘I’m just dropping off more fayre leaflets for the B&B.’
‘How’s it going?’ Matt held open the gate for Kate to walk through.
She huffed a breath. ‘Hard to say, to be honest. But – as my old boss used to tell me – it is what it is!’
‘Que sera, sera?’ Matt essayed as they filed down the side of Westerleigh Cottage.
‘Yep. A bit like that. I’ve had to learn to roll with the punches since I took it on.’
It was obvious the usual proceedings were in place at Westerleigh, with the locals around the table in the window, Oliver making himself a coffee at the machine and Anna preparing a meal at the island.
‘Morning!’ Anna called, putting aside her rolling pin and wiping floury hands on her apron as Matt went over to drop a kiss on her cheek, then walked up to Oliver and pretended to do the same, only to have his brother-in-law swat him away before clapping him affectionately on the back.
‘Just the person,’ Oliver said. ‘Got time for a caffeine fix?’
Anna rolled her eyes at Kate, who had come to join her at the island.
‘Shall I pop these in the dining room?’ She held up the envelope, but Anna shook her head.
‘I’ve only one room in use at the moment, so I’m sending them out to my mailing list. Can you put them on the desk in the study?’
Kate did as she was bid, but as she placed the envelope on the old-fashioned blotter, she noticed the photos propped up against one of the drawers in the antique wooden desk – one of Meg and the other of the handsome man.
Picking up the latter, she studied it in more detail. It was from the tea caddy that Anna had been looking through a few months ago, and Kate was more certain than ever this was a younger Ryther.
There was nothing on the back in this instance, but his resemblance to Dev was marked, and Kate suspected Ryther had been a similar age when it was taken. It had the look of a photo that had been held many a time, judging by its condition.
Placing it back on the desk, Kate returned to the main room, accompanied once again by the memory of those precious hours with Dev after their meal and the feelings they incited.
‘Are you okay?’ Anna’s concern was evident as she fetched up beside her.
‘It’s nothing.’ You wish. ‘Although I think I need to have words with you and Nicki.’ Anna just laughed, and Kate shook her head. ‘I’ll go and catch up with everyone.’
She could see Matt and Oliver, each clutching a cup of coffee as they stood, deep in discussion, at the railings overlooking the gardens and the water, which was as smooth as glass this morning.
‘Morning, everyone,’ Kate chimed as she took a seat beside Phoenix. ‘How are we?’
‘Well now.’ Mrs Lovelace eyed her in her usual beady fashion before a warm smile broke over her wizened features. ‘Don’t you look a proper maid jus’ now? Be you going on another of they dates?’
Kate blinked and Nicki winked at her across the table. ‘Word soon gets around.’
‘About what?’ Kate looked around at the avidly curious faces, for once more interested in her than how full their cups were.
‘You and young Mr Devonshire, back along,’ Mrs Clegg added, slapping Old Patrick’s hand as it crept towards the half-eaten shortbread on her plate.
Kate sent Nicki an imploring look.
Nicki spoke gently to the lady at her side. ‘Kate and Dev are both working hard on the fayre, as you know. They were simply… having a meal, weren’t you?’
‘Yes,’ Kate said firmly. It didn’t matter what they called it. The evening had been enough for her to accept the supposed juvenile crush on the man was in danger of becoming much more.
‘Of course you were,’ Jean said smugly.
‘As it happens,’ Kate pressed on. ‘We need to discuss the performers. Patrick, are you okay with taking the opening slot, and can you let me know what you’ll be singing? It’s for the schedule on the day, which we want to put up on socials and on a board by the pergola.’
Old Patrick, who’d managed to successfully steal the remainder of Mrs Clegg’s shortbread and was busy munching on it, brushed crumbs from his mouth and mumbled, ‘Aye.’
As this was all she was likely to get right now, Kate gave up, letting the general chat wash over her as her gaze – despite a sound inner talking-to – drifted out of the window and over to Harbourwatch. From her seated position, she could only see the upper floors, rooftops and chimneys, but it didn’t stop her wondering what Dev was doing today.
A faint smile touched her lips.
‘He’s coming for dinner tonight.’ Anna spoke softly in Kate’s ear as she leaned over her to place some fresh cakes on the table. ‘Care to join us?’
Kate sent a frantic look around the table, and although Jean had, she was certain, just averted her gaze, amusement tugging at her mouth, Nicki was less subtle and gave yet another exaggerated wink.
‘Oh, I… no, sorry. I can’t.’ Flustered, Kate got up and followed Anna back to the island.
‘Can’t? Or won’t?’ Anna sent her a knowing look and Kate tried to suppress the frisson of anticipation.
She was saved from answering by the return of Matt and Oliver, the latter placing their cups in the dishwasher, the former tugging his phone from his pocket.
‘Everything all right?’ Anna asked, glancing over at her husband, who was likewise studying his phone screen.
‘Yes. We’ve finally secured the sale. Tremayne never clicked.’
‘That’s fantastic!’ Anna’s eyes shone with pride, and she hugged her brother. ‘Thank you for doing that.’
Matt sent Kate a sheepish look. ‘Not sure I’d be up for it again. Subterfuge isn’t my artifice of choice.’
‘Is this the alms-houses project?’ Kate had addressed Matt, but it was Oliver who answered as he joined them.
‘Yes. Thanks to Matt operating from his London address and having a different surname to Anna’s maiden name, it meant the deal could be done without the connection being discovered. Tremayne has been bragging about sealing the sale to a celebrity, but isn’t going to be too happy when he finds out the truth.’
Anna looked up from trimming the edge of the pie she was making. ‘Can he do anything about it?’
‘Not now. It’s a done deal. Signed, sealed and paid for.’ Matt held his hand out and Oliver shook it.
‘Matt’s playing a blinder today. He’s just put me in touch with someone who can help with the book research.’
It was true, Oliver did look far less stressed than he had of late, and Kate was pleased to see its effect on Anna, who reached up to kiss him.
‘Then we can celebrate this evening. Can you join us, Matt? You and Gemma?’
‘Would love to, it’s likely to be much more appetising than anything we’re likely to conjure up at home.’
‘Dev and Kate will be here,’ Anna added, ignoring Kate’s frantic gesturing.
‘Excellent.’ Matt turned to Oliver. ‘Was Bella any help?’
Oliver raised his phone. ‘She came straight back. Sounds hopeful. We’re talking on Monday.’
There was commotion over by the table as everyone began to gather their belongings and get to their feet, and with a swift look at his wife, Oliver scarpered back to his den.
Matt turned back to Anna. ‘I came to show you my latest results.’
‘Oh!’ Anna picked up the finished pie. ‘Let me just get this in.’
Matt sent Kate a slightly embarrassed look. ‘I’m trying to make up for lost years, doing an A level online.’
‘Good for you,’ Kate said, still too caught up in how she could wriggle out of the dinner invite and what she could wear when she changed her mind later.
As she said goodbye to Anna, already distracted by what Matt was showing her on his phone, and followed the locals out of the door, she refused to listen to the voice telling her she was only making things worse.
Of course she wasn’t. Dev had no idea she liked him.
Like that.
Did he?
The evening at Westerleigh passed without incident, if you ignored Kate’s jitters getting the best of her and her clumsiness coming to the fore, dropping not only her dinner fork but later her dessert spoon on the floor, spilling the dregs of her wine when she knocked over her glass and stumbling over her own feet in her hurry to help Anna in the kitchen.
‘Did you have to seat me opposite him?’ she’d hissed at her so-called friend as they made coffee.
Anna had merely sent her a secretive smile, but there was a distraction when Mrs Clegg phoned in a blind panic. She was outside the Spar but she couldn’t get her mobility scooter to start and how was she to get home without her sticks and carrying her late-night shopping?
Oliver didn’t need asking, heading out the door to walk down into the village to help. Once they’d raised a toast to Matt for doing the impossible, it was time for him and Gemma to leave to catch the high tide before it turned – Rivermills was only accessible by boat – and, ignoring Anna’s blatant satisfaction, Kate left with Dev on her heels, hoping she could at least manage it to where the lane from The Lookout met the one into the village without stepping on either her or Dev’s toes.
‘I’ll walk you back up the hill. It’s growing dark.’
Kate’s tummy quivered in anticipation, but before she could do anything so stupid as to ask him in for a nightcap, common sense prevailed.
‘There’s no need, but thank you.’ They’d already reached the aforementioned junction, and paused beside a lamppost just flickering into action. ‘I love these long, lighter evenings, don’t you?’
Dev faced towards where the sea entered the cove, and Kate covertly admired his profile, then swiftly moved her gaze to the water as his head turned.
‘When I’m here, I almost don’t care what season it is.’ Dev’s voice was low, throbbing with unexplained emotion, and Kate edged a little nearer.
‘Has the cove worked its magic, then? I’ve heard of so many people now who came here for all sorts of reasons and stayed.’ Kate huffed lightly. ‘Anna thinks I’m next in line.’
I’d stay for you , Dev , her mind whispered, but she shook the thought away.
Dev, however, swung around and leaned against the low stone wall bordering the lane. There was a gap in the run of water-facing cottages there, hence being able to view the sea beyond the cove’s protective arms of land. In an attempt not to get lost in Dev’s grey-blue gaze, Kate forced her own to drift aside, only to land upon the lighthouse on the stretch of rocks beyond the tidal beach.
‘I’ve been meaning to say, there are several family activity days coming up at the hotel over the summer holidays. I wondered if Theo might enjoy some of them? I’d be happy to go with him if they clash with your work…’ Kate’s gaze remained on the lighthouse, lost in the memories of their day out. Then, she added quickly, ‘But I know you love to do things with him as much as you can. I’m not trying to intrude or anything, I promise.’
There was no reply, and Kate’s shoulders stiffened in embarrassment. Had she let the freedom with which they’d chatted on their so-called date lead her into a familiarity Dev wasn’t up for in his present complicated circumstances?
‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have suggested it. I—’
‘No. I’m the one who should apologise. It’s not you or the lovely suggestion.’ Dev’s expression was harder to read as the light continued to fade from the evening, but Kate’s eyes hungrily devoured it as he shrugged.
‘I’m not used to… there seems to be no hidden agenda with you, and I…’
He sounded as though he was testing the words, only half believing them, and Kate held her tongue, hoping for more.
‘I like it… you… I mean, your company, Kate. Somehow, you help me feel differently about… things.’
‘Does it help if I say ditto? About the company,’ she added hastily.
Dev didn’t speak again for a moment, but then the edges of his mouth curved, and he gave a short nod.
‘Look, I’d best go. Stella’s looking after Theo and I promised I wouldn’t be late back.’
He headed along the lane towards the bridge, and Kate held back, watching his tall form disappear into the falling darkness before turning her steps for home, her mind a jumble of hopes and dreams.