That knowledge did nothing to make his day any easier, and neither had the watchful gaze of his late father’s personal assistant, who insisted on accompanying him as he visited Dapplebury’s tenants. Henry always knew he would inherit his father’s title and the estate, but Mrs Jenkins, who had assumed the role of his PA, came as a surprise. A well-presented woman in her late fifties, she possessed a stealth-like ability to move around Dapplebury House in silence, unnerving Henry with her frequently unexpected appearance at his side.
Leaving All Critters Great and Small to last on the list had been intentional. Ava filled his thoughts on many occasions over the previous weeks. He had frequently taken his run at sunrise in the hope she would be on the path towards the lake, but she’d not appeared. Granger stayed around Dapplebury House, not taking off into the grounds, and so Henry resigned himself to the knowledge she and Myrtle had stayed away.
Knowing he was going to see her imminently caused nerves to twist in his already knotted stomach. He wished he could have spoken to her privately before this day. But with so much to organise, to understand and take on, the time had slipped by. He had wanted to forewarn her that to save Dapplebury, the village would be facing difficult times ahead, when he had seen her at the lake, but the importance of the conversation and the opportunity had disappeared with Ted’s arrival.
Aware that dismissing Mrs Jenkins before they visited everyone on the detailed list she’d produced would cause questions he wasn’t prepared to answer, Henry found himself heading into the charity shop, his PA at his side.
Recognising Flo, he offered a smile.
‘Ted’s nephew, my Aunt Fanny!’
Seemingly unaware that her opening expression caused the customers in the shop to turn and Mrs Jenkins to recoil, Flo continued, ‘Look at you, all cleaned up and looking every bit as handsome as your father. You know you could have told me. I’m the soul of discretion!’ Flo tapped the side of her nose with her finger.
Sure that wasn’t true, Henry couldn’t help but laugh. ‘Thank you.’ He liked Flo and felt he owed her an explanation. ‘I’m sorry about before.’
‘No problem’ — Flo winked — ‘I’ve seen that programmeUndercover Boss. I know how it works.’
Henry walked to the counter, a quizzical expression on his face as he looked at Flo.
‘You know when those in high places go undercover to assess those who are at grassroots. Was I being filmed? Did I do OK? Thank goodness I asked if you were a Gift Aider!’
Mrs Jenkins coughed, raising her eyebrows above the rim of her glasses.
Deciding it was best not to explain, Henry returned his attention to Flo. ‘No, no. I had just been away for so long I thought I should check out the village. But today I’m here on official business.’
‘Yes, of course, I should have known. I was sorry to hear about Lord Bramlington — we all were. He was a good ’un, and he’ll be sorely missed. We prayed for him at Sunday service when we heard.’
Henry swallowed. ‘Thank you, my mother and I appreciate everyone’s kindness.’ He had said the words so many times they felt as if they were on repeat.
‘And how is Lady Jayne, I mean, Lady Bramlington? You could tell love had grown from fondness with those two. If only the same could have been said for Charles and Di.’
Henry had no idea what Flo was alluding to but imagined she was a woman who could spend hours conversationally meandering through a maze of tangents.
‘She is greatly saddened, of course, but taking comfort from the tributes she has received.’
Flo went to speak, but Henry continued, ‘Is Miss Flynn here, today?’ Instantly he wished he hadn’t added today as it made it seem he’d noticed her absence before.
‘She’s—’ Flo stopped and motioned for Henry to move aside while she served a customer who was purchasing a card.
Left in suspense, Henry glanced at Mrs Jenkins, who was checking her watch. Seizing the opportunity, Henry smiled. ‘It’s got late. If you’d like to go, please do. I’m sure you have places to be.’ He had no idea what places; Mrs Jenkins was a closed book to him, beyond her work as a PA.
‘No, I’ll—’
‘Really. It’s fine. Take the car. I’ll walk back. It’s been a long day, and I’d like the air.’And a moment to breathe without the scrutiny of a PA, the driver she insisted they used for official estate business, and half the village.
‘If you’re sure, Your Lord—’
‘Of course, and please, call me Henry.’
‘Yes, Your Lordship.’
Henry sighed, and moved back to the counter as the customer — card in hand — followed Mrs Jenkins through the door.
Flo looked at Henry. ‘She’s out the back, getting through some of the stock mountain.’ Flo smiled before waving her hand towards the back-room door. ‘Go on. You know the way.’
As Henry walked towards the door, his head felt light at the prospect of seeing Ava.
‘Oh, and Your Lordship.’
