‘I had hoped to ask you out for another meal but I couldn’tmiss the way our local vet was looking at you at the farm last night.’ Lettie opened her mouth unsure what to say to his comment. ‘And I also saw the way you looked at him, so imagine that you two are quite close.’ He indicated the breakfast. ‘This might not be very exciting but at least this way I get to share a meal with you.’ He gave her a cheeky wink. ‘And breakfast at that.’
Lettie laughed, relieved Joe was keeping things light between them. ‘This is very welcome, as are you.’ She ate more and then, determined to change the subject away from her and Brodie, admitted her error in thinking the seaweed collecting would be easier. ‘My expectations were a little ambitious.’
‘You’ve done well.’ He forked another load onto the growing heap, then stopped to look at her. ‘I admire your determination. What you’re doing is very impressive.’
Baffled, Lettie laughed. ‘I can assure you there’s nothing impressive about me or what I do. I’m just trying my best to hang in there right now.’ She thought of the near disaster the previous evening.
‘Anyway, what are you doing down here at this time of day?’
‘I stopped at the café at the top of the slipway to buy a coffee and bacon roll and while I was waiting for them got chatting to one of the lads who is with those guys.’ He indicated the men who had been amused by her efforts earlier. ‘He was saying how there was a young woman doing the collecting by herself without any machinery and—’ he stopped shovelling and smiled at her ‘—I instinctively knew it would be you, so had to come down and see for myself.’
‘And you were thoughtful enough to bring me food and something warm to drink, unlike that lot who just found what I was doing amusing.’
Joe looked over at them now busily working the machinery before one drove off a tractor with a full load behind him, passing asecond returning with an empty trailer. ‘They’re as impressed with you as I am.’
Lettie laughed loudly. ‘I doubt that very much.’
‘It’s true,’ he said with little certainty.
She was a bit full after her scrambled eggs not long before, but gratefully finished her food and drink then went to take the fork from him. ‘Your turn to eat now, although yours is probably cold,’ she added guiltily.
‘It’s fine. I’m always eating cold food.’ He cocked his head in the direction of the seaweed. ‘Anyway I’m almost finished. This will only take a couple more minutes, and then you can sit with me while I eat mine. Deal?’
A deal too good to miss, she decided. ‘Yes, and one I’m happy to accept without argument.’
Unable to sit on the damp sand, the pair of them leant against the trailer as Joe wiped his hands on one of the wipes Lettie had brought to clean her hands. ‘You’re very organised.’ He smiled.
‘Not really. If I was I’d have planned better than to simply bring something to clean my hands.’
‘It’s fine. You’ve done it now and that’s all that matters. Would you like me to come and help spread it onto your field for you?’
She shook her head, not wishing to take up any more of his day. ‘No, that’s fine, but thanks for offering.’
Once he had eaten, he looked at her. ‘So what is the story with you and the vet?’
He didn’t sound as if he was digging only curious, but still the question made her feel awkward and Lettie knew she was going to have to admit she had feelings for Brodie. ‘We have become close,’ she said aware that it was an understatement. ‘It’s been nice.’ Lettie wasn’t sure what to say really and, preferring to keep her private life to herself, didn’t want to divulge much more than that. ‘He’s very busy with his practice and I’ve only got a few months to prove myworth to my father where the farm is concerned so neither of us have much free time.’
‘I can imagine.’ Something seemed to occur to him. ‘I’m glad you’re enjoying your time back on the island, Lettie.’ His eyes twinkled mischievously. ‘If I’m honest I’d rather you were spending your free time with me, but Brodie seems like a good bloke and I’m happy you’re both getting on well.’ He stood. ‘Right, I’d better get a move on. Let me take your cup and paper bag to the bin on my way off the beach.’ He indicated her trailer full of seaweed. ‘And don’t forget, if you change your mind about needing help spreading that lot just give me a call.’
‘Thanks again, Joe,’ she said grateful to him for his kindness. ‘I’m very grateful for your help and—’ she laughed ‘—for that delicious and unexpected breakfast.’
‘It was my pleasure, Lettie. Hopefully I’ll see you again soon.’
She waited for him to take their rubbish from the cabin and then, after giving her a quick wave, he ran along the sand towards the slipway and off the beach. She checked her watch and realised it was almost nine thirty, time to get back to the farm and get on with the rest of her day.
39
BRODIE
Brodie drove up the long driveway to Hollyhock Farm, slowing when he spotted Lettie in one of the fields. There was someone else with her. It looked like one of the workers. As he pulled his Land Rover over to the side onto the grass verge he realised it was her uncle. Brodie was relieved to see he was helping her make lighter work of the heavy job. He opened the door and let Derek jump out. ‘Come along, let’s go and offer Lettie some help.’
They were spreading the seaweed Lettie must have collected that morning but neither of them hadn’t noticed him yet. He let Derek go to her, hoping it would be less of a fright to see the dog than if he called out to her. He saw her still, then slam the fork into the ground and open her arms to greet Derek.
‘He found you then.’ Brodie quickened his pace and joined them. ‘Hello, Mr Torel.’
‘Ah, you’re the vet, aren’t you?’ Brodie nodded. ‘My niece has been telling me all about the fire last night and how you rescued my brother’s animals and I wanted to add my thanks to hers. It was a brave thing to do and we’re all very grateful.’ He smiled. ‘Have you come to help us?’
‘I have.’
