HELEN
He looked more relaxed than ever. His afternoon on his own with Nancy must’ve gone well. ‘I’m not that strange, am I? You only spoke to me yesterday.’
‘But it feels like ages since I’ve seen you.’
Rocky ran up and gave him a bunt.
‘It was excellent. The boys waited on me hand and foot. They made an extra special effort this year, now Angus isn’t around to organise them.’
‘Good. I’m glad. You deserve to be spoilt.’
‘Thank you. Did Nancy appreciate your meal?’
‘I think so. She’s still alive and kicking, anyway.’
‘Including the meringue?’
He laughed. ‘Honestly? It was beyond hope, as you correctly diagnosed. I ended up at M&S. She didn’t seem to mind, though. It’s the thought that counts.’
Helen laughed. They were back to normal, and it felt good. She wasn’t sure what had changed his mind about avoiding her, but she was glad he had. ‘It’s quite spring-like today. Shall we do a longer route?’
‘Good idea. I haven’t got anything else planned for today.’
They carried on past the Grange and along the cliffs towards Smuggler’s Cove.
Nigel looked thoughtful as they got to the high point of the cliff. He stood still for a minute and looked out to sea. ‘As it was just the two of us, we had a very interesting conversation.’
Helen stood by his side and focused on a tanker in the distance as it slowly headed out to the ocean. ‘Oh yes?’
‘I told her about discovering Dad in flagrante delicto.’
‘And?’
‘She already knew what he was up to and she’d worked out I must’ve caught him as well.’
‘So why hasn’t she said anything before?’
‘Because I’ve been very good at avoiding being on my own with her for the last thirty years.’
‘I’m glad you’ve finally told her.’
‘It’s one less thing to worry about.’
‘Does she know that I know?’
‘Yeah.’
‘That’s going to be awkward next time I see her.’
‘I wouldn’t worry. I’m pretty sure she’d already worked out that I’d confided in you. She wasn’t shocked when I confirmed it yesterday.’
‘So she knows that I know and you know, and everyone else seems to know.’
Nigel laughed. ‘If you say so. Anyway, I am relieved it’s all out in the open.’
‘No more secrets.’
He scuffed the grass with one of his trainers. ‘No more secrets.’
Why didn’t that sound convincing?
‘Anyway.’ He started walking again. ‘I’m under strict instructions to invite you to lunch on Sunday. I’m hoping you can come, because she’ll blame me if you don’t.’
‘I’d be very honoured.’
‘Good. I take it that’s a yes then.’
‘Yes.’
‘And Rocky’s invited too. I suspect Mum’s going to spoil him with the best bits of the chicken like she used to do with Basil.’
‘He’s not going to object to that.’
‘And she’s under strict instructions not to try any matchmaking.’
Helen smiled. ‘We’ll see how that works out.’