Ava swallowed, her mouth felt dry; she wished she’d brought a drink over from the pub. The sun moved from behind a cloud, making her feel hot and exposed on the cobbles of the villagesquare. Her body trembled and she attempted to breathe her nerves away as she felt all eyes upon her.
There was a moment of silence and then . . . and then she heard herself doing it. She was speaking like the head of the charity. There was authority in her tone and knowledge in her words. She spoke about the fantastic work her mum had done, and the launch of their new website that included newspaper archives of previous rescues. She remembered to read the web address slowly and clearly and to reiterate there would be a blog that would appeal to children and adults alike who were interested in wildlife care and conservation. She was on fire and not in her cheeks this time. She fed off the ripples of approval from the crowd and made all the points she wanted to make. Finally she announced the big news that Critters’ Lodge, the long-term home of the charity’s rescue centre, would be moving to Dapplebury House, enabling easier access, and with the support of Lord Bramlington and all those who donated money and time to the charity, future expansion. The crowd clapped, and Ava smiled. She had no idea how, but she had delivered every word she had wanted to say.
The presenter, who had made appropriate comments as Ava spoke, turned to Henry.
‘And I believe this is just one of the big changes we can expect at Dapplebury House?’
Henry looked at Ava, his smile genuine as he acknowledged with a single look how good her speech had been.
‘Yes, Dapplebury House has long been set apart from the village and the rest of the estate. My father and those who came before him were well-respected figureheads of the Bramlington Estate. But times have changed. As I settle into my role I don’t want to be a figurehead for the community, but a part of it.’
Ava wondered who had swooned more as Henry spoke, the presenter or Glinda Jenkins. While they fixated on his title, Avacouldn’t help but focus on his intent.He means it; he’s going to stay!
Ava looked at him. Dressed in tapered denim jeans, leather trainers, a fitted white T-shirt and cropped navy jacket; he was pulling off smart casual every bit as well as Ryan Gosling; a man Mary had once described as the king of smart casual. Gone was the dark suit and family crest cufflinks. He had the hint of stubble across his chin, and his hair was slightly ruffled. He looked relaxed and happy as he spoke — comfortable as he mentioned his title and, with Granger by his side, at home in his surroundings.
‘The west wing of Dapplebury House will be opening to the public. It’s my intention that all should be able to enjoy the history and beauty of what has been the ancestral home of the Bramlingtons for over three centuries. In addition to the public area, which will, of course, be kept apart from All Critters Great and Small — the animals need peace to recuperate, and that remains a priority—’
Henry met Ava’s gaze, and she smiled.
‘In addition to these changes, I intend to open a wellbeing and hypnotherapy centre at Dapplebury House. Plans remain at an early stage, but I hope to provide a sanctuary for those who need time to reset and . . .’
Henry kept talking, but Ava’s mind slipped to Ted’s words of earlier; the grounds of Dapplebury House had been a sanctuary for her and Henry. Was it wrong for her to feel jealous that others would be encroaching on what had always been their space? She put her hand to her chest, trying to rid herself of the ache she could feel growing there. She needed to smile. This was a good thing; a positive thing for Henry. He was making his life his own, pursuing his interests, taking the hand he’d been dealt and turning it to his advantage. She should be pleased for him; a part of her knew she should admire him for that. It wassomething she hadn’t achieved with her mum’s charity. Ava was pulled back to the moment as the presenter laughed.
‘Goodness changes afoot indeed. When you’re up and running, you’ll have to invite me along to show me what those healing hands are capable of.’
Ava couldn’t help herself and interjected, ‘Thank you. I’ll have our animal rescue officer contact you. I’m sure she’d love to show you the wonderful work she carries out too.’ As she glanced at Henry, Ava became aware of her cheeks turning pink. She’d no right to interfere if this woman wanted to flirt with him, but instinct had kicked in.
With the interview drawing to a close, photographs were taken for the local paper. The radio presenter called Henry to one side, insisting on giving him her number. Ava’s eyes boggled at the woman’s cheek. She stroked Granger, pretending to be nonchalant while straining to hear what was being said. Hearing Henry thank her, and direct her to his PA, Mrs Jenkins, made Ava want to jump up and put her arms around him. Instead, she gave Granger an extra rub around the ears and a kiss on the head. When she stood, her gaze met Henry’s deep green eyes.
Ava tried to contain her smile. ‘Thank you for joining me for the interview, and for all you’re doing for the village. We really do appreciate it.’ She wished her voice was less tight and she could form a sentence that made her sound less like a public service announcement.
Henry took hold of her arm and moved her to one side as the school choir took their place, centre stage in the square. Dave, the DJ announced them, adjusted their microphones and stood back while their teacher attempted to get them focused and ready.
‘I’d love for you to come and see the changes at Dapplebury House.’
Ava tried not to think how it felt to have his hand on her arm and his breath brush her cheek as he spoke. ‘I know I should. I’ve promised Mary I’ll do it soon.’
‘That’s not what I meant, though of course you should come and see how the move is going too. But I meant the changes I’ve made in preparation for the opening and the wellbeing centre.’
As the choir began their enthusiastic rendition of OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars”, Ava welcomed the opportunity to change the subject. She knew she’d have to be careful regarding what she said about the changes Henry was making. It all made complete sense for him. But for her it felt like the end of an era — when the grounds were theirs and theirs alone.
‘Wow! We used to squeak our way through hymns when I was at school. This is much more upbeat, isn’t it?’ Ava looked at the children all singing their hearts out, most looking as though their parents had cleaned their uniform and preened their hair for the occasion, others making up with enthusiasm what they lacked in fitting uniform.
Henry smiled and nodded. She could see the disappointment in his eyes at her not responding but she wasn’t sure how without pouring out much more than was appropriate in the middle of the festival. Instead, she looked at her watch. ‘I’m really sorry. I’ve got to go. I promised Flo I’d look in on Knit and Natter in the village hall, and the dog show starts soon. It’s in honour of my mum. It’s a big deal.’
‘Perhaps I should come, maybe enter Granger?’
‘I think it’s probably more of a children’s thing.’ Ava felt bad the minute the words left her mouth. The competition was open to all, and Henry was trying to be supportive.
‘OK, well we’ll get going then—’
‘Why don’t you come and give out prizes? If you want to.’ Ava looked at Henry and felt as well as saw his smile, before remembering that she’d no idea what prizes Flo was providing.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Discovering that Flo, the ladies and one gentleman of Knit and Natter were knitting blankets for the rescue centre was heart-warming. Ava thanked them all for their kindness, relieved the festival hadn’t coincided with their previous charity knit, titled nudi-knits for breast cancer awareness. Their table at the festival would have required an eighteen rating if their guffawing descriptions were anything to go by. Listening to Flo and her friend Doris discussing the problems they’d had getting their nipples straight, Ava was grateful she had agreed to meet Henry at the arena on the village green.
Stopping by the charity shop to check all was going well and that the cake table had been replenished, Ava was amazed to see many of the rails looking half empty.
