Chapter 14
14
Jesse and I watched as Dermot the surveyor walked towards us, clipboard in one hand, bright-yellow hard hat on his head.
‘Oh God, I feel sick,’ I whispered.
‘Let’s just see what he says first.’ Jesse put an arm around my shoulder, gave a quick squeeze and then dropped his hands back to his sides. Which was probably for the best.
‘Do you want the good news or the bad news?’
‘The good. If there is any,’ I replied.
‘The good news is that the house doesn’t need to be torn down.’
That wasn’t even something I’d considered so I didn’t especially see this as news. Obviously, it was good. Extremely good considering the bloody thing wasn’t insured. Otherwise I might have been happy to take the money and run.
‘And the bad news?’
‘Although the house is technically safe, it’s pretty obvious that it isn’t liveable. When the tree came through the roof, it also took out the water tank in the attic so there’s no chance of a heating system working for a bit, plus, from what I can see, the bedroom that took the biggest hit was the one room that appeared to be in the best state of repair before the storm. I assume you’ve been living elsewhere while the renovations are being done?’
‘No. I’ve not long bought the place and I’ve been living here.’ I looked up at the house. ‘Briefly.’
‘Oh. I see. Is there somewhere you can stay while the roof is being repaired at least?’
‘Yes.’ Jesse answered before I had a chance.
‘Good. Good,’ Dermot continued, tapping at his clipboard. ‘There’s a few things I need to go through.’ He looked up at the sky, which, in contrast to yesterday’s blue, today was a heavy pewter grey and was now beginning to deposit large, fat droplets of rain. ‘Shall we meet up at Julie’s and discuss it? Things are always better over a cuppa.’
The only way I could imagine making this better was to pour gin in the teapot, but that approach had been what landed me in this predicament in the first place. And there was, as Dermot had said, some good news. It was the bad news I was more concerned about.
Jesse and I headed back to the pick-up and drove past my pancaked car.
‘Have you heard from the insurance company yet?’
‘The money should supposedly be in my bank this week apparently. They can’t say when exactly.’
‘That’s good though. Car shopping next on the list, then?’
I let out a heartfelt sigh. ‘Yes. I suppose so.’
‘The enthusiasm is rolling off you in waves.’
‘Yes.’ I gave a small laugh that was half air and little humour. ‘Sorry. Yes, it’s definitely next on the list. I’ll start looking when we get back.’
He glanced over as he drove down the driveway to the house, even more rutted since the heavy crane had been brought in.
‘I’m not rushing you. Just making conversation.’
‘No. I know. Sorry.’
‘Nothing to apologise for. You’ve got a lot on your plate. Talking of good news, I had a chat with the sheep farmer Joe had ordered those sheep from. He’s agreed to cancel the deal in good faith, bearing in mind the circumstances.’
‘He has?’
‘If that’s what you want.’
‘Definitely. Chickens are my limit at the moment, I think!’ I said with a relieved laugh. Pat and his wife had offered to see to the hens when they came up with Maisie to see Honey until I was back home so that was one worry off of my mind.
‘That’s fair enough. Baby steps. You can always reassess the sheep situation when you get more settled.’
‘You say that like it’s a certainty, which is interesting bearing in mind the state of things right now.’
‘It’ll all work out. You’ll see.’
We rode the rest of the way in a comfortable silence until Jesse pulled into a space outside his sister’s café behind the surveyor’s car. Now that the heavens had well and truly opened, we made a mad dash to the door.
Inside was warm and cosy with the fuggy, comforting scent of baking floating on the air. Julie waved as she saw us come in then turned and continued prepping the order she was working on.
‘Just an excuse to pop in here, I reckon,’ Jesse said as we sat down at a table for four, opposite Dermot.
‘How did you know?’ he said with a smile. ‘Spent hours doing that rain dance last night.’ He grinned. He had a boyish-looking face but the smattering of grey at his temples suggested he was older than he first appeared. I knew from the fact that Jesse had chosen him he was experienced and someone to be trusted.
‘Hello all!’ Julie rushed up to us. ‘How’s things? Are you here to look at Fliss’ house then, Dermot?’
‘Hi, Jules. Yep, that’s right. Bit of a state, eh?’
She placed a hand on my shoulder and gave a little squeeze as her brother had done earlier. ‘Luckily, Fliss wasn’t hurt though. That’s the important thing.’
Yes, that’s the important thing…
Jesse shot me a look as if reading my mind.
I offered up the expected smile and stayed silent.
‘Now, what can I get you?’
We placed our order and Dermot proceeded to show us his full findings and lay out his thoughts. As he continued, my brain came off the rails and began a three-word chant, making it difficult to concentrate.
So much money!
So much money!
So much money!
Money, which was dwindling. Yes, I’d made a killing on the London flat, but it couldn’t sustain me forever and as Dermot’s list grew, including things that should have already been done before I’d bought the house and had clearly either been skimped on or missed entirely, the potential bill was rolling out in my head like a cartoon till roll. As my eyes glazed over, I felt the lightest touch of a hand, just above my knee. Hesitant but there. I looked across and met Jesse’s questioning eyes. My smile was automatic and the weight of his hand increased.
I unballed the fists I hadn’t even realised I’d made and laid them flat on the table. My hands were bereft of jewellery and I realised that they had been ever since that fateful meeting with Jesse in the DIY shop. I’d taken off the rings I’d bought myself over the years and headed out to buy wood, practically brained Jesse in the process and that was the last time they’d been on. Once I’d noticed every little thing about my appearance, because those in the circles I’d mixed in would be noticing every little thing too. But here nobody seemed to care. Or at least I didn’t feel as scrutinised amongst these relative strangers as I had amongst my friends and colleagues.
‘So, that’s the main rub of it,’ Dermot concluded.
I nodded because that seemed like the right thing to do, but my head was swimming with numbers.
‘Thanks for coming out so quickly, Dermot,’ Jesse replied, his fingers tightening just enough on my leg to kick away the panic. ‘We really appreciate it.’
‘Not a problem,’ he replied and drained the last of his cappuccino before wiping away the foamy moustache it had left him with. ‘It was good to see you again, Jesse, and to meet you, Felicity. Although of course I wish it hadn’t been under such dramatic circumstances, but with this man on the case, you don’t have to worry.’
A faint blush touched Jesse’s cheekbones as he dipped his head and fished in his pocket with his free hand for his wallet.
‘I’m getting this,’ I said.
He turned to argue, then, seeing my face, thought better of it. He was learning.
‘Right, I’ll leave you to it. I’ll send over the full report later today. Tomorrow at the latest so you can get it in to the insurers.’
‘That’s great, thank you so much,’ I said, brightly, standing and holding out my hand for Dermot to shake, which he took, puzzlement now creasing his face, the cogs whirring.
‘It’s not insured, is it?’
‘Nope,’ Jesse replied as he too shook the man’s hand.
‘Can I ask a question?’
‘Yes.’
‘How come you’re smiling?’
‘Well, it’s either this or full hysteria, so right now, I’m going to keep trying to pull this off for as long as I can.’
‘That makes sense. And I wish you all the best with it. I’m sure I’ll see you again before too long but if there’s anything I can do in the meantime, don’t hesitate to shout.’
‘Thanks, mate. Appreciated,’ Jesse replied.
Dermot gave a final wave and dashed to his car in the still biblical rain.
* * *
‘How are you feeling?’ Jesse asked as we retook our seats for a moment.
‘A little shell-shocked, I think, but I’ll get over it.’
‘You will.’
‘Thanks. I mean… for…’ I shrugged one shoulder.
Highly articulate, Felicity.
‘You’re welcome to stay at my place for as long as it takes.’
‘Oh no!’ I said, finding my voice again. ‘I couldn’t possibly do that.’
‘Why not?’
‘I… I just couldn’t. Dermot has confirmed it’s not going to fall down around my ears now so I can move back in now.’
‘In where?’ Jesse asked. ‘The one room that was partly habitable is now the worst of them all!’
‘Yes, thank you for pointing that out.’
He pinched the bridge of his nose. ‘Sorry. It just doesn’t seem like the best idea. You’re going to be cold. There’s no heating or running water at the moment, for a start.’
Bugger. I’d forgotten that.
‘Look,’ Jesse said, ‘how about a compromise?’
‘Go on.’
‘As the tree took out your water tank and the boiler is nearly as old as the house, it could be a good opportunity to replace it with a combi. It doesn’t need a tank so that’s one less thing to think about replacing and it’ll be more efficient. How about you stay until that’s done at least?’
I fiddled with the salt cellar as I thought about it. Annoyingly, he did make some excellent points.
‘If it’s taking you that long to think of an excuse to say no, why don’t we just agree on that for now?’
I looked up at him with a flash of irritation but all it did was make him laugh. ‘That’s settled, then,’ he said as his sister walked over to the table, a piece of paper in her hand. ‘You all right, Jules?’
‘Umm, yeah. I think so. This just came.’ She handed him the paper to read. As he did so, a wide smile broke on his face.
‘Nominated for Best Small Business in the County award?’ He stood and swept his sibling up in a huge hug. ‘That’s fantastic!’ Jesse stood back, having now placed his sister back on the floor. ‘How come you don’t look more pleased? This,’ he waved the paper, ‘is great!’
‘It is! I know. And I’m thrilled. Just a bit shocked, I guess.’
‘And?’
‘And what?’
‘I know you, remember. There’s something else.’
‘What is it?’ I asked, pulling out a chair at our table. She plopped down into it and looked at Jesse, who’d now retaken his own seat, then me.
‘These awards. They’re quite fancy.’
‘Good excuse for a new dress.’ I grinned.
‘That’s the thing. That’s not really me. I don’t do fancy. What would I do with a pricey dress? I’d probably only wear it that once. And then there’s my hair?—’
‘Which is beautiful.’ It was the truth. Thick and dark like her brother’s but, unlike his short crop, Julie’s tumbled down her back in soft waves, although most of the time, she kept it pulled back in a low ponytail.
‘I’m not sure I can go. It’s too much expense for one night. I might not even win anyway!’
‘Of course you’re going to win. And you have to go!’ Jesse frowned.
‘I don’t have to do anything, thank you,’ she snipped back.
‘It would be a shame not to go, Jules,’ I said, the familiar term coming naturally as I stepped in as mediator, ‘and I think I’ve got a plan.’
The siblings both looked at me, expectant. Hope showed in Jesse’s eyes, nerves in his sister’s.
‘As you were kind enough to lend me some clothes when the sky fell in, how about I return the favour? I’ve got plenty of outfits that would be perfect for that type of event and you’d absolutely rock them.’
‘Oh no, I couldn’t. If you wear Armani to clear out a shed, I dread to think how much your dresses cost!’ She was half laughing but it was clear she meant the comment.
‘The money is already spent, Jules, and right now they’re just hanging there looking unloved. I’d love it if you’d take one to wear. There are shoes too if you’d like. You could come and choose something or I can bring a few over to you that I think would suit you so you can try them on without freezing your arse off as there’s no heat at my place.’
‘Are you sure you don’t mind?’ Jules asked, some of the earlier tension beginning to melt away.
‘Not at all. I’d be thrilled at the opportunity to help.’
‘I don’t suppose you could give me any make-up tips while you were at it, could you?’ Her hand went to her face. ‘I only ever wear a tinted moisturiser, maybe mascara if I’m feeling fancy.’
I grinned. ‘I can do better than that. You’ll be red-carpet ready by the time we’re done.’
Jules’ hesitant smile began to widen as she looked at her brother.
‘You shall go to the ball!’ he said, laughing and taking one of our hands in each of his. ‘And you’re going to win that bloody award!’ He leant over and kissed her on the cheek. ‘Well done, sis.’
Julie gave me a huge hug, wiped her slightly teary eyes and hurried back to the counter.
We both watched her go before Jesse turned back to me. ‘Thank you.’
I shook my head. ‘Not at all. It really is my pleasure.’
We both stood, Jesse tucked the cash I’d got out for the coffees under the condiments set, motioned to his sister about it, then took my hand and we pulled open the door, ready to sprint through the rain to the car.
‘Oh. My. God.’ The tones were loud, educated and unmistakable. ‘Felicity DeVere.’
‘Get in the bloody door, Minty. It’s pissing down out here.’
Jesse’s hand momentarily tightened around mine then dropped away. Araminta Montagu-Greer stepped in, followed by the owner of the male voice, who pushed the door closed behind him. A few people looked up. Jules glanced over and a coolness I’d never seen veiled her face.
‘Jesse.’
‘Magnus.’ The one word sounded like ice. Nothing at all like the usual warm tones I’d quickly been getting used to.
‘And who’s this?’ Magnus turned to me with interest. ‘I don’t believe we’ve been introduced.’
Minty took charge. As always. ‘Oh my God, Magnus, this is like, so bizarre. Felicity and I went to school together! And now we just happen to run into each other in some rando little coffee shop!’
Then she saw Jesse.
‘But, oh my, it looks like you landed on your feet after all that mess. Hello. I’m Araminta.’ She flashed a winning, and likely very expensive judging by its perfection, smile at Jesse and held out her hand. I curled my fingers into my palms, hiding the state of my own nails. The last manicure I’d had seemed so long ago and by the sounds of the work that needed to be done on the house, the next one wouldn’t be any time soon.
Jesse quickly took her hand. ‘Hello.’ He let it go just as quickly and I saw a flash of disappointment and confusion on Minty’s face. She had always been used to being the centre of attention at school and apparently not a lot had changed in the last twenty-five years.
‘So, what are you doing here?’ she asked, her eyes still soaking Jesse in despite his coolness. Araminta never had been one to give up on anything easily if she wanted it. If that something belonged to someone else, then so much the better.
‘I live here.’
Magnus gave me a confused look, then looked back at Minty. ‘You never told me someone you went to school with was here.’
‘I didn’t know, did I?’ she snapped back. ‘I thought you still lived in London,’ she continued, turning back to me.
‘I did. Until a short time ago.’
‘Well, I can see what drew you away.’
Magnus rolled his eyes and Jesse looked at his phone. I held my back rigid and refused the bait.
‘I’m just down visiting,’ she continued. ‘Magnus is my cousin. Another cousin of ours is getting married shortly so this is all just the preliminaries. You know how it is.’ She pulled a face, showing us all how bored she was by it, but Araminta Montagu-Greer had never done anything she didn’t want to and I highly doubted that she’d changed in that regard.
‘So how long have you two been together?’ Her eyes strayed once again to Jesse before returning to my face. ‘I have to say well done. Revenge is so sweet, isn’t it?’
‘We’re not together,’ I replied. From the corner of my eye, I saw Magnus throw Jesse a glance. ‘And I’m sorry, what revenge?’
‘Oh!’ She put her perfectly manicured and expertly tanned hand up to cover her plumped lips and gave a little giggle. ‘I thought you two… I mean, Adrian might be married to that heiress now, but he always did hate to be outdone. And believe me, you’ve certainly gone up a few leagues here.’
Mortified was an understatement.
‘Sorry about all that though. I hope you’re OK.’
‘Perfectly fine,’ I replied automatically.
‘Your family and marriage don’t seem to have a lot of luck, do they?’ She pulled a pouty face, which I guessed was supposed to be sympathetic but Araminta wouldn’t know empathy if it got up and slapped her across the face with a wet lobster.
‘We’d better go, Fliss. We’re going to be late.’ Jesse slid the phone back in his pocket and I met his eyes. There was nothing to be late for, but he knew. He knew what needed to happen.
‘Oh, that’s such a shame. We should meet up.’ Minty checked her Apple watch as she spoke and scrolled through a couple of messages before looking back at me. ‘I’m absolutely rammed this week but I’ll be down for longer for the wedding so we’ll have time then. Just give Magnus your details and I’ll call you. Ciao!’ She tilted her head at Jesse. ‘See you soon. I hope.’
Jesse gave a nod so brief, a sneeze would have been longer but Minty didn’t seem to take offence. She had him in her sights and not a lot else mattered when that was the case. The result was usually the same: Minty got her way.
Jesse held the door for me and we both hurried through the rain to the pick-up and dived in.
‘Everything all right?’ he asked as we pulled on our seatbelts.
‘Yes, thanks.’ I gave a dismissive wave and flashed a smile.
And it was. Yes, I was in the middle of a personal disaster but I was making friends and perhaps really starting a new life. Maybe that was what I’d needed all along. I’d just gone about it in a rather dramatic way. But it was all good. Until Araminta had walked back in and dragged the past with her.
‘Sorry if you were embarrassed. I had no idea she had relations down here.’
‘Takes a lot more than that to embarrass me.’
‘Good to know,’ I replied.
‘Do you know him?’ Jesse asked.
‘Who?’
‘Magnus Montagu-Peak.’
‘No. Do you?’
‘Yes. Unfortunately.’
‘Not friends, then.’
‘Definitely not friends.’
I waited for the explanation but Jesse didn’t offer one.
‘Does he live locally?’
‘Seen the big place on the hill about half a mile before you get into the village?’
‘Briefly, I think.’
‘That’s his. Well, his parents’ really, but they couldn’t be bothered running it any more so live in an apartment within it and Magnus runs the estate. Or rather gets people to run it for him. He couldn’t manage a business if his life depended on it. Obviously, he takes all the credit, naturally.’
‘Sounds like they share a lot of family traits,’ I said.
‘Yeah?’
‘Definitely.’
‘Is he married?’
Jesse looked round sharply and the look in his eyes pinned me to the seat.
‘Believe me, I’m not interested! I was just making conversation.’
‘It’s up to you if you’re interested. And no, he’s not.’
I rested my hand on Jesse’s forearm. His fingers had tightened on the steering wheel at my question. ‘I’m definitely not interested.’
I saw his Adam’s apple bob. ‘Like I said, not my business.’
‘But I’m saying it anyway.’
‘OK.’
Silence drifted around us and not an entirely comfortable one.
‘So he basically still lives at home with his mummy?’
Jesse’s laugh broke through the awkwardness. ‘Yes, I guess he does when you put it like that.’
‘Always a bonus for a prospective partner.’ I rolled my eyes and mimed waving a tiny banner. ‘Red flag.’
He laughed again and I basked in the sound, happy that the silence and the strangeness had dissipated.
‘I’m not sure it’s the same in the higher echelons of society? Although… sorry. That was probably out of line.’
‘No need to apologise. I’m far from there these days but I suppose, like most things, it depends on the person. Even if I’d not had either of my falls from grace, that wouldn’t have appealed to me. I mean, I’m sure they’re lovely but…’
Jesse shot me a look.
‘I’m trying to be polite.’
‘Let’s just say good old Magnus is a real chip off the block.’
‘Ahh.’
We pulled up on the drive and Jesse switched off the engine as the automatic gate closed behind us. The rain pattered on the roof and windows of the vehicle and the view quickly became distorted through the droplets running down the glass.
‘Any particular reason you two don’t like each other?’
‘His friends killed my wife then hired expensive barristers to try and get away with it.’