Chapter Ten #2
Riddled with curiosity over why Will had been up there, Ellie called Marcus, ostensibly to discuss her draft diary entries and the initial photos, but in truth desperately seeking answers.
‘So,’ Ellie essayed as the conversation drew to a close. ‘That Peaches place, Marcus. The one up the private driveway? Do you know who lives there? You said something about someone called Devonshire?’
‘Rick Devonshire manages the estate. He lives in that big house on the cliffs. You know the one? Opposite Anna Seymour’s place?’
‘Yes, of course. Harbourwatch.’
‘That’s it. Anyway, his family are extensive landowners. The cottage is one of theirs. I know from when I acquired the fields here, as it’s my boundary. It’s been renovated recently, and I think there are decorators in just now.’
Ellie hesitated. How blatant would it sound to ask who lived there?
‘It’s a beautiful location,’ she continued. ‘I took a walk down the coast path when I came up to take photos and came across it. I take it someone’s living there?’
Marcus shrugged. ‘I’ve seen the odd car go past but never met who’s staying there, if anyone is.’
Recalling the smoke spiralling from the chimney, Ellie knew for a fact someone was, but was it Will, or had he simply been up there looking for… something? She’d have to do some more cautious digging, but one thing was certain: Ellie wouldn’t be taking a walk along that path again any time soon.
Ellie’s heightened senses soon calmed after the unanticipated encounter, but the dull ache that had lately settled beneath her breast showed no sign of abating.
There were a few changes afoot, however, in the short term.
Anna and Oliver returned from London, and Hamish’s parents – who were frustrated on their son’s behalf by the lack of progress in his condition – had arranged for him to be transferred to a private rehab facility in Exeter.
It was further for Nicki to travel but felt like a positive step towards recovery.
Furthermore, keen to spend some time with their grandsons and give Nicki a break too, they’d booked them all into a smart hotel for the following weekend, just walking distance from where Hamish was.
On the Friday morning after they left, Ellie rummaged through an overstuffed drawer searching for her new favourite beaded earrings – a find from the little beach cafe – but as she pulled out the card on which they were fixed, it caught on something further back in the drawer.
The little velvet box.
Ellie cradled it in her hands. She hadn’t looked inside since bringing it back with her, and her throat tightened as she eyed it.
‘It’s not like you don’t remember what’s in there,’ Ellie murmured.
She went to open it, but her fingers froze on the zip at a tap on the bedroom door, and she shoved the box back into the drawer, beaming at Anna as she came in.
‘I wondered if you fancied joining us for dinner tonight. With both Nicki and Bella away this weekend…’ Anna’s voice trailed off. ‘Sorry. That sounds like I think you’re at a loose end. You could have all sorts of plans.’
Ellie had to laugh at Anna’s contrite expression. ‘I could have, but I don’t.’
‘Then please come! We’ll aim to eat around eight – it’s always a bit hit and miss with the twins – but we’ll be having a drink by seven.
It’s just us and our friends, Kate and Dev.
’ Anna cocked her head at the sound of a baby’s plaintive wail.
‘At least, that’s the plan unless Bertie and Emma decide to join us. ’
Scooting down to the Spar, Ellie selected a bottle of red and picked up a small bunch of flowers at the little florist which had recently opened next to the book shop.
The tantalising scent of onion and herbs hung in the air as Ellie made her way downstairs just before seven.
There was no one in the kitchen, so she placed her offering on the island before walking over to the bay window that housed the large, scrubbed pine table, laid up for dinner for five.
Darkness had long swept through the cove, and lights could be seen glowing from several windows at Harbourwatch, perched on the opposite cliff.
‘Sorry!’ Anna came scurrying into the kitchen, refastening her apron and hurrying over to inspect a pan on the stove.
‘I hope this is drinkable.’ Ellie joined her, pointing at the bottle and handing the flowers to Anna. ‘I tend to buy wine by how much I like the label.’
‘So do I. Oliver’s the expert. Thank you for these – they’re beautiful.’ She buried her nose in the fragrant blooms, then popped them in a vase of water.
Ellie looked over at the charming sitting area, where a fire glowed brightly in the log burner, the wall sconces dimmed low and casting a warm light over the scene. ‘Where’s Oliver?’
‘Dougal was fussing, so he took him for a quick walk up the lane. He should be— ah, here he is.’
The door swung open and Oliver came in, rolling up Dougal’s lead as the dog scampered across to Anna for a fuss before joining Heathcliff on the rug in front of the hearth.
‘Can you make dinner stretch again, Anna?’ Oliver walked over to drop a kiss on his wife’s cheek. ‘I picked up a stray when I was out.’
Ellie was on high alert, which at least gave her a moment’s preparation as the last person she wanted to walk through the door… walked through the door.