‘What the hell are you doing?’ Henry looked in Ava’s direction, taking in the sight of Granger attempting to be a lapdog, and making a large seat for one look like a very small seat for two in the process.
Ava giggled from under the dog. ‘He’s keeping me company. I hope you don’t mind.’
Looking at Henry with doleful eyes, Granger clambered to the floor and sat on Ava’s feet.
Ava stroked his head. ‘I thought I could hide behind him if anyone came in.’
Henry couldn’t help but laugh. ‘Why would you need to do that?’
Ava cocked an eyebrow. ‘Let’s just say when I heard a noise at the door, I was about ready to . . .’ Henry saw Ava’s eyes move to the bed and her cheeks coloured. ‘I was about ready to leap in your wardrobe. The fact it was your wayward dog and not Mrs Jenkins or Lady Bramlington was a big relief.’
‘Ha, well they’ll both have to get used to you being here.’
‘Wh-what?’
Henry walked to the other side of the room.What did you say that for?‘Would you like a drink? I’ve tried to make myself as self-sufficient up here as possible. It’s my sanctuary from . . . well from everything else.’
‘A mini fridge? You have a mini fridge in your . . . Would you call this a bedroom or a suite?’ Ava looked at him, her eyebrows raised.
‘Technically it’s a suite if you count the lounge and reading room next door, but this is my bedroom.’
Ava turned to where Henry had gestured. ‘There’s a door! I didn’t see it hidden amongst the panelling. I could have waited through there.’
‘I know, I wanted to keep you close.’ Henry spoke the words matter-of-factly. No matter what, he was determined that his mother wouldn’t treat her as she had in the past. He’d promised Ava that when he saw her at the lake, and he intended to honour that promise. Besides, the other rooms had their original décor and furnishings, and he wanted Ava to see the place that reflected more of him, his tastes and belongings. It felt morefitting. Seeing that she was trying to take it all in, he felt the need to explain.
‘I didn’t alter this room with money from the estate. The furniture and gym equipment are my own. I got them after the sale of my place in Los Angeles.’
‘You don’t need to explain to me.’ Ava shifted in her seat.
But Henry wanted to explain. He wanted her to know; he wished he could tell her why it was so important that she knew he wasn’t squandering the estate’s money, but knew he couldn’t. ‘Sorry.’ Henry pushed his hand through his still-wet hair. ‘Did you want a drink?’
‘Here?’
‘Well, we could go for a walk in the grounds and I could show you my plans, but with your ankle, I thought . . . And in my office Mrs Jenkins—’
‘Then, yes, please, a drink here would be great.’
As Henry went to fetch them both a drink, he felt Ava watching him.
‘What did you do, while you were in LA? You’ve never mentioned it?’
Henry fetched them both a sparkling water and pulled a chair up next to Ava. Granger moved, looking between the bed and Henry, before slumping down on the rug.
‘Do you promise not to laugh?’
‘Yes.’ Ava smiled.
‘I was a wellbeing coach, a personal trainer, and I studied hypnotherapy.’
‘Oh blimey, you’re not going to hypnotise me, are you?’ Ava giggled.
‘No. I knew you’d laugh.’ Henry leaned back in his chair.
‘Henry, really, I’m not laughing. Health and happiness are hugely important. Along with success, they’re the holy trinity of the twenty-first century. I think it’s great.’
‘They’re all subjective. People have to realise their own needs and potential to be productive — in whatever way that means for them, but I can help with that. It’s an amazing thing to guide someone on their journey.’
Ava screwed up her nose. ‘You’re not going to get crystals out and start chanting are you?’
