He then departed, to make himself still more interesting, in the midst of a heavy rain
Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility
Wishing she’d stopped to check her hair in the hall mirror, Anna opened the door wider. ‘Come in. If you want to, that is.’
‘I do want to.’ Alex removed his coat, and Anna tried not to ogle the jeans hugging his hips and the close-fitting shirt emphasising his lean frame. She hung the coat on the stand and led the way down the hallway into the kitchen, turning around to find Alex immediately behind her.
‘Oh!’
‘You just said that.’ The corner of his mouth twitched. ‘Am I such a surprise?’
‘Yes. I mean, no, not now, because I know you’re here. But you were.’ Did that make any sense? ‘I thought you said you had to be back in London today.’
Alex followed her into the kitchen, and she threw another log onto the wood burner before turning to face him.
‘I do. Heading off now, but was passing so thought I’d call in.’
Anna shifted uneasily under his steady look. Thank heavens she’d washed her hair that morning, though she wished she’d put on clothing a little more becoming than stretchy leggings and a well-worn shirt. She suddenly noticed the chipped varnish on her toes and stuffed her feet into her slippers. Alex, however, had turned to look around the room rather than at her.
‘Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?’ Anna gestured towards the Aga. ‘The water’s not far off boiling.’
‘Shame to waste it then.’ He walked over to the table in front of the window. ‘Stunning views, even in this weather.’
‘I know.’ Anna came to stand beside him, hardly able to believe he was here at Westerleigh Cottage. Her teenage self would have been quivering. ‘I can’t believe I live here, even after several months.’
‘I can’t believe it either, Bambi.’ Alex turned to face her. He was so close, and he still smelt delicious. Did he have any idea how much she wanted to run her hands through his thick, blond hair?
The sudden opening of the boot room door made her start, and tearing her gaze from Alex’s, she took a step back and peered around him.
‘Hey, Anna. We wondered if you—’ Nicki fetched up short when she realised Anna had company. ‘Oh, hi, Alex. How’s life in the big city?’
‘Invigorating. How’s life in the small town?’
Nicki raised her chin. ‘Quiet. Suits us perfectly.’
He smiled faintly, then sauntered over to sit on the sofa, and Anna hurried over to Nicki.
‘What’s he doing here?’ she hissed as Anna joined her by the door. ‘I didn’t see him come up the lane!’
‘I’m not entirely sure.’ Anna bit her lip. ‘I think he was just passing.’
Nicki smirked. ‘Really? It’s hard to “just pass” when you live on a no-through lane.’
Anna’s discomfort must have been visible, because Nicki patted her on the arm. ‘Take no notice of me. I popped round to see if you wanted to join us. We’re holed up inside playing games with the boys. We’d planned a picnic, but the ground’s so wet from yesterday, we’re going to have it inside instead.’
‘Oh, I – er…’ She glanced over her shoulder. Alex’s attention was with one of her magazines. ‘Can I come round in a bit?’
‘Of course. Come when you’re ready.’
Anna closed the door on Nicki’s retreating back and looked over at Alex.
‘So. Tea or coffee?’
He looked up with a smile, then tossed the magazine aside and got to his feet. ‘Tea, please.’
His smile had been able to do strange things to her years ago, but it had never been directed at her back then. The full impact was impressive, and Anna turned away. Time to focus on things like tea and water and how to put them together… though how to make a drinkable pot with her insides careering around like a drunk on a bouncy castle she didn’t know.
‘So, er, how do you know Nicki and Hamish?’
They had taken seats at the kitchen table with their mugs of tea and a plate of cupcakes, freshly baked by Anna that morning.
‘Most people in Polkerran know each other.’
‘Yes, so I’m beginning to find out.’
‘I think she used to come to the manor to do mother’s hair back when she first moved here – before she took up with the fisherman, that is.’
Anna sipped her tea. Alex’s tone was a little derogatory, but she put it down to the fact he’d grown up in a manor house on a large estate. She supposed it would give you a superior view of things.
He eyed the kitchen now, and Anna smiled. ‘It’s a lovely room, isn’t it? Did you ever come here before?’ She knew he’d not visited during her own stays with Aunt Meg, but he’d been in the village all his life until he left for London as a young man.
‘Only as far as the hall.’ He looked around appreciatively. ‘Needs some updating, but it’s the view that will sell it.’ He waved at the windows. ‘Can’t be beaten here in Polkerran.’
Anna frowned. ‘It’s not for sale.’
‘No, I know. I spoke figuratively.’ He gestured towards the window again. ‘Not even Harbourwatch commands such a view, for all its size.’ He glanced at Anna. ‘How’s it going, working for the History Man?’
‘Great. Do you know him well?’
‘In passing. Mother’s been trying to court his company ever since he arrived – without much success, I might add.’
‘The house has been beautifully renovated. Do you know who owns it?’
‘Rick Devonshire, grew up in the cove. Bought it, did it up, never lived in it.’ Alex drained his cup and glanced at his watch. ‘I’d better go.’
He shrugged into his coat as Anna opened the door, but as he made to go past her, he stopped. He was so close, they were almost touching as he studied her intently before glancing at her lips. Anna caught her breath, then released it in a rush when he smiled.
‘Thanks for giving me some shelter on this miserable day. And enjoy the—’ he faked a yawn ‘—board games next door.’
‘It’ll be fun. They’re good company. I’m glad Nicki came round.’
‘And I’m glad—’ Alex lowered his voice and leaned towards her ‘—that you came back to Polkerran.’ Before she could realise his intention, he kissed her firmly on her lips, and then he’d gone, disappearing into the rain, and Anna closed the door and sank back against it, heart pounding in her chest.
She’d been so wrapped up in him, she’d forgotten to ask so many things: all those questions about the B&B; and she still had no details over timing, dress code, and so on for the dinner party; and by far the most important of all, why oh why had he kissed her?
‘Your turn!’
Reluctantly, Anna took the console from Nicki’s youngest, Jason. ‘But I’m so bad at this!’
‘There has to be someone who comes last,’ said Liam sagely, the eldest at six, as Anna stepped in front of the screen.
‘Make this the last round, boys,’ Nicki called from the kitchen. ‘Time we had our picnic.’
Jason whooped and high-fived his brother.
Their father got to his feet with a guffaw. ‘It’s okay, Nic. It’s Anna’s turn. She’ll be ready in about three seconds.’
Anna rolled her eyes at Hamish and promptly delivered exactly what he’d predicted.
‘Right, boys, time to help with the blanket.’
Everyone set to with their tasks, and Anna went to help Nicki carry the plates through, placing them on the blanket they’d laid in the small sitting room, while Hamish fixed them all a drink.
Looking around as the boys munched happily, the open fire giving out a lovely glow over the scene, Anna took a sip from her glass. Despite Alex’s words, there had been no mention of board games – not that she’d have minded. She was definitely better at Trivial Pursuit than Dragon Quest!
They passed an entertaining hour enjoying the meal, and Anna leaned against the sofa, contributing to the interactions now and again but mainly a contented observer of Nicki’s family life.
Anna’s offer of help with clearing up was refused, so she sipped on her refreshed glass as the boys were persuaded to do their bit in collecting up the paper plates and serviettes. She smiled to herself as Liam, casting a peep towards Hamish – who was busy adding a log to the burner – shovelled the remaining sausage roll into his mouth.
Anna got to her feet and joined Nicki in the kitchen, dodging the boys as they shot back into the sitting room, begging their dad for a new round on the PlayStation.
‘At least let me help with the washing-up.’
Nicki grinned and tossed her a tea towel as Hamish resumed the game-playing with the boys.
‘Have you known Alex long?’
Anna picked up a tumbler, smiling wryly. ‘I’m not sure.’
Nicki raised a brow as she rinsed a glass under the tap. ‘Intriguing.’
‘Not really. You know I used to come here for the summer when I was a child? Alex and his gang of teens were always around. I hung out with the younger local girls. It’s how I met Phee.’ Anna placed the glass in the cupboard and picked up another. ‘So I’ve known of him for years, but he barely knew of my existence.’
Nicki threw her a puzzled look. ‘So how come he called on you? I assumed he knew you through your aunt Meg.’
‘We bumped into each other a couple of times this weekend, got talking. I had the impression he was bored stuck in the house by the weather yesterday and simply wanted to get out. Do you know him well, Nicki?’
To Anna’s surprise, Nicki pulled a face. ‘Not really. Nor do I wish to.’
‘Why?’
‘Oh, don’t mind me.’ She glanced towards the sitting room and lowered her voice. ‘When I first came to Polkerran, and he came home for a visit, we’d sometimes be at the same social event. I used to see him when I went up to the manor to do his mother’s hair, too.’
‘I get the impression you don’t approve of him.’
‘He’s alright.’ Nicki dried her hands and turned to face Anna. ‘Just be careful with your heart, Anna. He’s got such charisma. It’s hard not to fall under his spell.’
‘Did you fall under his spell?’
Nicki didn’t answer for a moment; then, she glanced towards the sitting room again, where the noise indicated quite a battle going on. ‘For a while. I think every female of a certain age in Polkerran Point has been bitten by the Alex bug at one time or another.’ She turned around and leaned against the sink. ‘Hamish doesn’t know, and I’d rather he didn’t.’
‘Of course.’
‘Alex is a player, bit of a ladies’ man. That’s all I’m saying. Watch yourself, and—’
‘Nic!’ A shout came from the other room, and Nicki smiled. ‘Take no notice of me. I’m an old married woman. Alex can be a lot of fun.’ She squeezed Anna’s arm gently as she passed. ‘I’m coming. Is it my turn again?’
The skies had cleared when Anna woke on the Monday, and she saw to Heathcliff’s needs before treating herself to a full English. It didn’t hurt to practise, after all.
She ate it at the table, her eyes staring fixedly at Harbourwatch, but her thoughts on Alex. Why had he kissed her? She felt agitated but unable to put a finger on the reason. Then, she shook her head as she placed her knife and fork neatly on the plate and got to her feet. Time she found something to do instead of dwelling on such a trivial thing. She had a strong urge to go to work, even though it was still a holiday. Oliver would think her mad.
An hour later, Anna pulled into the car park adjacent to the cemetery and picked up a posy of spring flowers from the garden at Westerleigh. It was a chilly day, with a brisk breeze, and she wrapped a thick scarf around her neck in an attempt to keep her hair from blowing all over the place. Head down against the wind, she hurried over to the low stone wall and fetched up in front of the recently erected headstone.
‘They’ve done your stone, Aunt Meg!’ Anna whispered as she leaned forward to read it. She would have to ask Mrs Lovelace if she knew who had arranged for it. It was brief, giving her name, dates of birth and death, and then the words ‘Selfless Love’.
The graveyard was well-tended, and Aunt Meg’s own spot already sported some colour from the miniature spring bulbs, which must have been planted in the winter. Comforted, Anna filled the stone vase with water from the tap and chatted away as she arranged the flowers, knowing it was foolish but feeling the need to talk.
When she’d finished, she stepped back, tucking her hands into her pockets. Then she shuddered as she became aware of the cold wind again, and with a final pat of Aunt Meg’s headstone, she hurried back to the car.
What should she do now? The rest of the day stretched before her, empty now Alex had left town. She paused at the exit to the car park, then turned the car to the left and drove down to Fowey, stopping by the community centre, which currently hosted a large antiques fair. She browsed the stalls, bending down to read the price ticket on a small table before becoming aware of someone beside her.
‘Oh, hello.’
Oliver didn’t answer, merely gestured towards the table. ‘It’s reproduction.’
‘Is it?’ Anna smiled, feeling a little awkward. ‘I wasn’t bothered about its age. I liked the look of it.’ He had an uncanny knack for making her feel like a bit of an idiot.
She spotted a wooden box tucked under his arm and, catching the line of her gaze, he brought it out to show her. ‘Is that…?’ She looked up at him, but with the light behind him it was hard to read his expression. ‘Isn’t that a tea caddy?’
Oliver raised a brow. ‘No, it’s a large snuff box.’
‘Oh!’ Anna eyed it warily. ‘But—’
He smirked. ‘Yes, it’s a tea caddy. Sarcophagus in style, see?’ He held it out to her, and she took it from him.
The wood was polished and smooth, a real piece of living history, and Anna smiled. ‘Aunt Meg has one of these. Not that she kept tea in it or anything, but she was very attached to it.’
‘She showed it to me once. In the study?’
‘Yes.’ Anna smiled, thinking about the times she’d seen Aunt Meg polishing it. ‘I like it. I love old things.’
Oliver made a faint sound, then cleared his throat. ‘That’s… fortunate.’
‘Why?’ Anna handed the caddy back to him.
‘With the work you’re doing for me.’
‘Oh, yes, of course.’ Anna cast a longing glance at the small table. She couldn’t justify buying things she didn’t need. She turned away, only for her attention to be caught by an attractive young woman glaring at Oliver across the stalls.
‘Er, Oliver?’ He raised a brow. ‘Do you know that woman over there?’
His gaze followed Anna’s. ‘Yes.’
The woman turned on her heel and left, and Oliver shifted the tea caddy from one arm to the other.
‘She doesn’t look very happy to see you. Did you do anything to upset her?’
‘Isn’t that a rather personal question? She could be a scorned lover.’
Anna blushed. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘Don’t be. She isn’t. I’d best get along.’
‘But—’ Anna watched the back of the departing woman, and she became aware of Oliver shifting beside her.
Then, he sighed exaggeratedly. ‘If you really must know, she was your predecessor.’
‘Oh.’ Anna bit her lip. ‘Still, I am sorry. I shouldn’t have pried.’
Oliver shrugged. ‘She didn’t take too well to being sacked.’ He raised a hand as Anna went to speak. ‘She had a tendency to snoop through my papers. I found it inappropriate.’ He gestured around the hall. ‘If you need any advice, let me know.’
‘Thank you.’ Anna smiled at him. ‘Are you looking for anything in particular?’
‘A few pieces for set decoration.’
Anna’s eyes lit up. ‘How exciting!’
‘Is it?’
‘A new historic production? Why not?’ Anna gestured at the caddy. ‘Is that for it?’
Oliver shook his head. ‘This is mine.’ He glanced around the packed fair. ‘I’m off in search of a foot-warmer. See you later.’
Anna smiled faintly as he strolled away, then cast one last look at the table before moving on, heading for the exit until a lady hailed her from behind one of the tables. She didn’t think she knew the stallholder who’d beckoned her, but walked over anyway.
‘It is you! You used to visit old Meg Stratfield at the hospice!’
Anna smiled. ‘I remember you now. You were on duty the day I got a puncture. Helped me sort it out.’
‘I’m retired now.’ The lady gestured at the various items of bric-a-brac on her table. ‘Just indulging one of my interests.’
‘I wish I could have visited Aunt Meg more often, but it was such a long way.’
The lady smiled kindly. ‘She didn’t know. She didn’t know anyone for some time afore she passed.’
‘But she did have plenty of visitors, didn’t she? There was often a newspaper in the room or fresh flowers.’
The lady nodded. ‘Oh aye. Friends came from the village, some quite regular. And there was another man who came a few times.’ The lady frowned. ‘Mind you, she had days when she got quite agitated round him.’ She eyed Anna with sympathy. ‘Part of the symptoms, I’m afraid. She could get quite worked up with all of us at times.’
They exchanged a few more words before Anna excused herself. She felt bad enough about not being there for Aunt Meg in her final months without the reminder.
Time for some fresh air.