Chapter 32
THIRTY-TWO
Sunday dinner with her father and Louisa would’ve been perfect if it hadn’t been for Nate not being there.
And not just because Lark was missing him, or wanted to see him.
But his absence was definitely felt, not least because of the numerous reminders of him from her dad and Louisa, who both held him in high esteem.
Though she’d felt uncomfortable, she’d done her best to hide it, not wanting to spoil her dad’s time with her and Louisa.
Luckily, the meal had been as excellent as Lark had promised them it would be, and she’d done what she could to manage questions about Nate’s whereabouts and what reasons he could possibly have to avoid such a delicious meal.
Lark had tried to steer the conversation towards the heritage centre and the new exhibitions Louisa had planned.
She’d mentioned how her father had found a relative of Betty’s apparently living there in Micklewick Bay, which had sent Louisa into raptures, saying how she had access to local records and would check them first thing tomorrow.
Despite being keen to use the topic as a distraction, Lark had been genuinely keen to discuss it.
And of course it had been heartwarming to see her dad looking so happy in Louisa’s company.
There was definitely a romance blossoming there and she expected it wouldn’t be long before he was back in Micklewick Bay.
But by the end of the meal, with the topic of conversation turning back to Nate and his whereabouts once more, Lark was beginning to feel exhausted. It wasn’t her style at all to try to manipulate a conversation or dodge questions. She much preferred to be honest and open.
By the time they left the Jolly, her head was spinning with it all.
‘Let me know when you get back, okay, Dad?’ Lark watched as he threw his overnight bag into the boot of his four-wheel drive.
‘’Course, sweetheart.’
They were in the private car park for locals not far from Seashell Cottage and her dad’s brief visit had come to an end. The blue skies of yesterday had been replaced with dark, brooding clouds, the occasional snowflake floating down lazily.
She threw her arms around him, squeezing him tight. Her hug was returned with equal enthusiasm. ‘It’s been great having you here.’ Her voice was muffled by his jacket.
‘It’s been great to be here. I’m just sorry I waited so long before I paid you a decent visit.’
‘That’s okay, you weren’t ready.’
Silas released her from his embrace and stepped back, keeping his hands resting on her shoulders. Lark was thrilled to see the change in him from when he’d first arrived last Thursday. Even the lines around his eyes seem to have filled out.
‘I would say it’s been great to see you, but that would be a fib since I’ve hardly seen you at all. You seem to have developed an interest in local history and, in particular, the heritage centre. I’m beginning to think there must be a new attraction there.’ She flashed him a mischievous grin.
Silas took her teasing in good spirits and laughed. ‘I’m sorry, I hope you don’t feel I’ve abandoned you.’ His smile faltered briefly.
‘Don’t be daft! I’m thirty-four years old, nearly thirty-five, I’m hardly a baby. It’s been great to see you getting along so well with Louisa, she seems a genuinely lovely person and it’s obvious you’re well suited.’
Her reassurances made him smile. ‘You’re right, Louisa is a genuinely lovely person.
In fact, I was going to ask you something – and I’ll totally understand if you’d rather not – it’s just I was wondering about Christmas, and how you’d feel about Louisa joining us for the day?
She’s got no close relatives nearby and has actually gone into work the last few Christmases since her husband died, which seems rather sad. ’
‘It does.’ The thought of anyone going into work on Christmas Day because they had no one to spend the day with nearly undid her. Lark didn’t need to think twice. ‘And I’d be thrilled if Louisa joined us, the more the merrier.’
His face broke out into a smile. ‘Thank you, sweetheart. Am I okay to do the inviting, or would you like to?’
‘I’ll leave that entirely up to you.’ Snowflakes started swirling around them. Lark raised her eyes to the sky to see the clouds had darkened. ‘Looks like we’re in for another covering. Might be a good idea to make a move before it gets too bad.’
‘You’re right. But before I go, I’d just like to say that whatever it is that’s going on with you and Nate, you will try to sort it out, won’t you?
Don’t think I haven’t noticed you’ve been out of sorts today as well as him.
’ He pinned her with a knowing look. ‘He’s a decent lad with a good heart, and he cares for you.
And what’s more, I think you care for him. ’
Lark didn’t know how to answer that.
‘Bye, sweetheart.’ Her dad kissed her brow and went to climb into his car.
‘Bye, Dad.’
As she watched him drive away, his words hit their target. Her throat tightened and her eyes blurred with tears.
What had she done?
She turned to walk back home, tears streaming down her cheeks.
It was too late. Too much had been said. And it was all her fault.