Chapter 20
TWENTY
Breakfast is a full spread, similar to what Florence made us when we visited.
I stare at my plate of bacon, eggs, baked beans, sausages, tomatoes, and toast and wonder if I’ll be able to eat it all.
But apart from the pasta we had yesterday, I haven’t eaten much recently, so I find it relatively easy to finish.
It’s also a good excuse not to talk to the man sitting opposite.
My feelings toward him are becoming more and more complicated.
I feel just as confused as I did when we were married, only this time I feel sorry for him rather than angry.
Back then, I blamed his weak character for running away all the time, and I often thought I might be the cause of his unhappiness, but I don’t think either of those things are true now.
“When we were married, was I the reason you used to leave all the time?” I blurt out.
He looks at me, anguished. “No. It was never about you.”
“Because you never told me what was going on. I’ve racked my brain for years, analysing everything I said and did to possibly cause you to leave.”
His expression is completely heartbroken. “You didn’t do anything. It was all me.”
“Then why didn’t you explain why you behaved that way?”
“Because I didn’t want you to worry any more than you already did.”
“What was so serious that you couldn’t tell your wife?”
He looks away. “I didn’t want you to suffer for my past actions.”
“Well, we’re not married anymore, and I’ve already suffered. Can you tell me now?”
He looks back at me. “I don’t want to drag you into it.”
“But I was already dragged into it! And I still am—trying to process what the hell happened.”
“I… I can’t.”
I’m about to push him further when there’s a knock on the door.
Jarvis jumps up, obviously glad for the distraction.
I can’t see the door from where I’m sitting, but he soon returns with a woman in her mid-sixties.
“This is Ginny, the housekeeper,” he explains.
“Oh, hi. Thank you so much for setting everything up for our arrival. It was very much appreciated.”
“Anything for dear Florence’s family. As Lee might have told you, we were in England when you were here on your honeymoon. I wish we’d be around to meet you while Florence was alive.”
“Well, it’s lovely to meet you now, even if it is a bit late.”
“What do you think you’ll do with the castle? For purely selfish reasons, I hope you hang onto it, but I understand that it isn’t a very practical option with you living on the other side of the world.”
“True. And since Jarvis and I are no longer married, I don’t feel I can claim a right to the property anyway,” I explain.
Ginny waves a dismissive hand. “Nonsense. Florence knew you’d broken up, so that should prove she didn’t care.”
“Your husband didn’t seem to know we weren’t together anymore,” I point out. “And you only made up one room for us.”
She rolls her eyes. “I did tell Lee. He probably just forgot.” She looks at Jarvis. “And as for the room, I meant to set up another, but—”
“I’m sure it was all a misunderstanding,” Jarvis cuts in. “We’ve made ourselves at home, so there’s no need to worry further.”
“I still don’t feel right about taking half the castle,” I say.
Ginny pats me on the shoulder. “Florence was a good judge of character, and she heard continual glowing reports about you from Jarvis, so she told me she couldn’t think of two better suited people to inherit her fortune.”
“Continual glowing reports?” I raise an eyebrow at Jarvis.
He looks away. “I may or may not have occasionally checked your social media so I could pass on how you were doing to Florence.”
“Occasionally?”
Ginny chuckles. “Florence read me a few of the emails, and it sounds like you were thriving at that gallery back home. Oh, and I was jealous of that trip you went on to Fiji last year. It sounded lovely.”
I shake my head at Jarvis. “You even knew about my trip to Fiji? The other day, you made it sound like you didn’t know when I’d last been away. And I only posted Fiji in Stories on Instagram. I never saw your account as one of the viewers.”
“From what I understand, if someone has their account set to private, you won’t see if they look at your stories,” Ginny helpfully provides.
“Is that so?”
Jarvis laughs awkwardly. “I just wanted to have something to talk to Florence about when she asked after you. It’s not like I was stalking you for my own benefit.”
So you say, I think.
“Anyway, I was just dropping by to see if you needed anything.”
“No, we’re fine, but thank you for checking,” Jarvis says.
“Oh, I was thinking perhaps if you were interested, we could hold an afternoon tea on Sunday in Florence’s honour. There are quite a few locals who would like to pay their respects.”
“That’s a lovely idea,” I say before realising that Jarvis should probably be answering.
Jarvis nods. “I agree. Let’s do that.”
“It will be nice to feel useful again, even just for a short while. Florence stipulated in her will that I continue looking after the castle until you decide what to do with the place, but I’ve had nothing to keep me busy apart from a little dusting for several weeks.”
Jarvis smiles. “We’d be very grateful for your assistance. And if you like, you can have your pick of any of Florence’s belongings as an additional thanks from us.”
Ginny smiles widely. “That’s very kind of you. There’s actually a lovely tea set in the kitchen that reminds me of the cuppa I enjoyed with Florence once a week. I don’t think it’s worth much, but it holds sentimental value.”
“Either way, you’re welcome to take it.”
“Thank you. I’ll put out the word in the village this afternoon about Sunday, and I’ll buy a few things to serve. I’m thinking tea, scones, and biscuits. Does that sound okay?”
“It sounds perfect.” Jarvis goes over to his wallet sitting on the kitchen counter and pulls out some cash. “Please use this and let me know if you need more.”
“Oh, you don’t need to pay. Florence looked after me well. This would be my way of paying tribute to her kindness.”
“But you’re helping us too. Please take it.”
Ginny reluctantly accepts the money. “I appreciate it. Oh, and make sure I show you where on the castle grounds we scattered Florence’s ashes. We put up a memorial plaque on her favourite tree in the south corner.”
“Ah, yes, please—we’d definitely be interested to see that while we’re here,” Jarvis says.
“Depending on when I get back, I’ll show you this afternoon or on the weekend.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
I’m just wondering if I should offer to go with Ginny to the village to buy groceries when my phone rings. It’s coming through my messaging app, and when I look at the screen, I see it’s Frankie wanting to do a video call.
Jesus.
I quickly look up at Jarvis and Ginny. “I’m just going to take this.”
I hurry out of the room and click the Answer key. Frankie’s smiley face is staring back at me.
“Uh, hey,” I say. “What’s up?”
“How’s your business trip going?”
“Oh, um, it’s fine.” Didn’t he get the message I needed some space from him?
He frowns. “Is that sun behind you? Where are you?”
Oops. I had conveniently forgotten to tell him I was leaving the country.
“I’m… uh, I’m in Edinburgh.”
His eyes bulge. “As in Scotland?”
I nod.
“Why didn’t you tell me your trip was overseas?” He looks as if he’s examining the background behind me. “Are you staying in a hotel?”
“It’s actually a castle,” I say lamely.
“What kind of business trip requires you to travel to a castle in Edinburgh?”
“It’s a wealthy client,” I fib. “You know what those eccentric millionaires are like. They want to feel like they can order you around like a minion, or in this case, fly to the other side of the world to be at their beck and call.”
“What kind of client is this? Is it a man? He doesn’t have any nefarious intentions, does he?”
“No, no. Nothing like that.” God. If only he knew I’d shared a bed with my ex-husband last night. How did I get myself into this mess?
“Well, be careful, regardless. And call me if things get out of hand. I’ll fly over and accompany you home.”
“That’s not necessary, but thank you. I’ll be returning mid next week, and we’ll catch up after that.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Oh, and I found this amazing sashimi restaurant in Shell Beach I think you’d love. Should I make a reservation?”
“Uh, maybe just hold off until I’m back in the country.”
I feel like a terrible person. It’s not like I owe Frankie anything, but I’m not exactly being honest with him.
I can’t think about him while I’m in Scotland with Jarvis though, so it’s probably best I wrap things up. “I have to go, but I’ll be in touch as soon as I’m home.”
“No problem. I miss you!”
He waves at the screen, and I half-heartedly wave back.
“Bye.”
I can’t bring myself to say I miss him too.
Because I’m not sure I do.