‘Very well, actually. It’s an exciting new beginning for the charity. We’ll have larger premises, with easier access, but our rent will remain the same.’
‘I’m not sure that’s sensible on Henry’s part. I’m sure the estate needs the money.’ Ava thought about her conversation with Henry and his need to sell the land that had housed the Lodge.
Dismissing Ava’s concerns, Mary continued, ‘Funny how you never questioned why you had mates’ rates when you thought Lady Bramlington hated you.’
‘My mum always said it was a PR thing, good for the Bramlington image to have a charity housed on the estate and that they’d never dare put the rent up for fear of the trouble she’d cause.’
‘I guess that makes sense now. She really could have caused trouble if she’d gone to the papers. It would have been quite the scandal, especially back then,’ Flo put in.
Ava looked at Mary. ‘And you knew my mum. Her decision to stay would have been based on what was best for the charity. It was always her priority.’
‘That’s true.’
‘And what about the late Lord Bramlington? Did he know about . . . you know . . . what happened?’ Flo leaned in, her eyes flicking between Ava and Mary.
‘When I’d got over the shock, Lady Bramlington said when Mum refused to see them after Dad’s death, she told him she was racked with grief and seeing them brought back too many memories, which was kind of true. That and guilt. She said she wondered if he knew, but if he did he never mentioned it to her. Better to live in denial than have your fears confirmed, I guess.’
Flo sat back. ‘Better to live knowing than die wondering, I say.’
Ava couldn’t help but feel Flo’s comment was directed at her.
Mary picked up her taco. ‘Have you been on Facebook or something today, Flo? You’re a meme a minute.’
‘Ha, when the puppies let me.’ Flo giggled before offering to get a round of drinks.
As she made her way to the bar brandishing the money Ava insisted she should take as a thank you for puppy sitting, Mary finished her mouthful and looked at Ava.
‘The move is going well. You should come and see when you’re ready. And Henry’s got all sorts of ideas for opening up the house and bringing people into the village. I think he’d like to show you. Oh and he’s got the best idea for the last night of the festival.’
‘You called him Henry.’ Ava felt a pang of jealousy at the familiarity.
‘Well, I couldn’t carry on calling him Lord Whateverington when we’re talking business and I’m seeing him most days, could I? Besides, he’s all right, you know. I think he genuinely wants to help the village and the charity.’
Ava knew Henry’s intentions were genuine. He was a good person. A person who she still very much had feelings for. But how could she disrespect her parents’ wishes and follow her heart, knowing what she knew now? Her dad had died driving her away from the estate. And her mum had told her many times to stay away from the grounds and the Bramlingtons.If only she’d listened, her life would be less complicated. Whenever she let herself think about the prospect of being with Henry she remembered the accident. Previously buried in her subconscious, it now haunted her.
‘Gino said he’ll be over once the rush dies down and sent these.’ Flo took her seat, put the three drinks down on the table and sipped hers. ‘Ooo that’s good!’
‘What are they?’ Ava looked at the pink blush liquid, complete with ice and a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.
‘Pamela I think he said. Three parts grapefruit soda and one part tequila. Funny name for a drink, but ever so refreshing.’
Ava took a sip. ‘Blimey, that is good.’
When the mariachi band began to play, she jumped. Goodness knows where Gino had found them, but they were very good, encouraging people to join in and even have a dance. While Mary proved to have a natural ability for it, Ava found, despite her best efforts, her own dancing was less impressive.
By the time Gino joined them they were taking a break, rosy-cheeked and on their third round of drinks. Ava shuffled her seat along to ensure the only place he could add a chair was next to Mary.
‘So ladies, how is your night? Did you enjoy the food?’
‘Mary said it was a triumph.’ Ava grinned.
Gino’s cheeks flushed. ‘Thank you. I’ll give your compliments to Chef.’
‘Didn’t you create this menu?’ Ava asked, knowing that he had but wanting to make the point to Mary.
‘You know I did. I was working on it when I came to see my girl, Luna.’
‘Oh, yes. Sorry, I forgot.’
