‘Really? And that’s why he has all of those late nights?’
‘Yes. It’s fascinating really, you should—’
‘And you think he’s genuinely got feelings for me?’
Ava giggled. ‘He literally told you he wants to be with you on a banner attached to an aeroplane above the village. It seemed pretty genuine to me.’
‘I don’t know if that scares me more or less.’ Mary leaned across and took a piece of toast from Ava’s plate and bit into it. ‘Astronomy!’ She swallowed. ‘There’s obviously a lot I don’t know about him.’
‘But there’s plenty you do know. Like what a good friend he is, and how much he cares about those he loves. Maybe that’s what you’re finding a bit scary.’
‘Maybe I just can’t do this.’
Ava leaned across the table and held Mary’s hand. ‘You’re only worried because you know Gino’s special. If he weren’t, you’d already be planning your exit. But you’re not. You’re questioning if and how you can make this work.’ Releasing Mary’s hand, Ava smiled.
‘I’m questioning how I won’t stuff this up.’
‘It’s the same thing. Normally you stuff things up on purpose. This time I think you’re scared you might do it out of habit when you don’t want to. But Mary you can’t worry about past habits or the future. Now is what’s important. And the two of you, you’ll find your way. I know you will.’
Mary looked at Ava, with tears in her eyes. ‘Bugger me, Ava Flynn, when did you get so wise?’
‘Ha, I’m not sure I’m that wise. Look how things have turned out for Henry and me.’
‘Henry! Oh, my goodness!’ Mary stood up, causing both dogs to go on full alert. She checked her phone and when she saw the screen, grimaced. ‘I’ve got to go. Thank you for the chat and the toast.’ Mary made towards the door.
‘What is it? Where have you got to go?’
‘There are things . . . things I was meant to do for today and I haven’t.’ Wiggling her feet into her boots, Mary hurriedly tied the laces, despite Blossom’s best efforts to stop her.
‘Things for what? Is it the festival? Is there something I’ve missed? I checked everything last night. It’s Sunday so things are starting a little later—’
‘For the festival, yes. But nothing for you to worry about. I can’t explain now but will you meet me in the charity shop at six?’
‘At the shop? Why? I thought we’d be celebrating the end of the festival and heading to the pub by then.’ Ava didn’t want to hang around the shop unnecessarily. After the lead-up to the festival, the nerves of it getting underway, and the constant sense of fear that something might go wrong since it started, she was longing for a relaxing evening with her friends.
‘We will celebrate, I promise, but I have to meet you at the shop first.’
‘OK. But I’ll see you about, today, won’t I?’
‘I’m on duty for a bit this afternoon, so if I miss you, make sure you meet me at six.’
Ava went to speak, but Mary was already heading out the back door. She looked at the dogs and lifted her hands. Both Myrtle and Blossom seemed as surprised by Mary’s swift exit as Ava.
Chapter Forty-One
Moving back the cotton sheet, Henry slipped on his lounge pants, stood and stretched, wondering if he’d time for a run. Pleased he had rejected Mrs Jenkins’ appeals for him to stay at the festival into the evening and learn how to jive (who knew she had it in her?) he’d woken early with a clear head. Checking his watch, he swallowed. Less than twelve hours to go until the big event.
The first day of the festival had been a success. Dapplebury had come alive with a family-friendly atmosphere he hoped would entice visitors to return for the second day and beyond. Seeing the transformation gave him hope for the future of the village and his plans for the estate. Of course, he was also pleased for Ava; she’d put so much into it and managed to get everyone on board in a way he doubted he, or anyone else, ever could. Even the weather had held, the sunshine eventually putting in an appearance and adding to the festival spirit.
Hearing a noise at the door, Henry turned to see Granger pushing it open with his nose and wandering in with his zebra print turtle nestled in his soft jowls. While he hadn’t won the golden oldies category at the dog show, Granger had taken the defeat in his stride and seemed more than happy with his runner-up prize. And while one of his puppies had won its category and the Lily Flynn Cup, as best in show, Granger had barely noticed, too busy sniffing around the food stands. As Granger padded across the room, his tail wagging, Henry greeted him with a smile and a rub behind the ears.
Looking out of the window, Henry could see an array of vans already pulling up outside. Tables, chairs, floral displays and more were being unloaded in readiness for the evening’s festivities. Hosting a charity shop ball at Dapplebury House had seemed like a good idea, but the nearer it drew, the more hewished he’d told Ava. Despite what Mary had advised, it didn’t seem right that the guest of honour was the only one in the village who didn’t know.
Thinking of Mary, Henry smiled at the memory of Gino’s declaration. He felt genuinely pleased for them both and not because it allayed any fears he had of Gino having feelings for Ava or vice versa. Mary had already set him straight on that matter. It was, honestly good to see two people looking so happy.
Feeling nerves building in the pit of his stomach as he watched the events outside, he hoped Mary had done as she said and organised Ava’s outfit for the ball. While he had a nagging fear Gino’s declaration may have distracted her, he reminded himself she wouldn’t have left it until the last minute. She had, after all, known about the plan for the ball from its inception, and been the one to suggest that surprising Ava was a good idea. In theory, it seemed like a way to replace memories linked to Dapplebury House from the past with new, positive ones. Henry wondered if, in reality, it would turn out to be a mistake. Ava had determined not to go anywhere near the place — not even in the grounds, since hearing about their parents. Getting her there, in front of the village, was going to be a task.A task made even harder if she has nothing to wear.Henry smiled at the thought and then shook his head. He really did need to get out for a run and to concentrate on ensuring everything was ready.
The grounds looked beautiful in the early morning light. Henry could already feel the warmth of the day building and welcomed the dappled shade from the leafy canopy of the trees. Long sunny days, mixed with occasional rain, had transformed the woods into a lush landscape. While the bluebells had died off, new plants were growing in abundance, their lime green, shiny shoots heralding their arrival. The smells were rich, from the damp earthy tones of the undergrowth to the heady scent of the honeysuckle and foxgloves. Henry was pleased to see theinsects were prospering, albeit that he was sure he’d swallowed more than one fly. Bees and butterflies danced between flowers, while black armoured beetles burrowed into rotten wood. A brief stop to see the progress at the pond revealed evidence of toadlets. He hadn’t spotted any deer; they would no doubt be sticking to the long grasses with their young, but there was evidence of the herd. A fox, brazen enough to be out after dawn, stood momentarily in his path, staring at Granger, before flitting into the cover of the undergrowth. Henry wanted to share it all with Ava and longed to be in the woods with her, the two of them as it had always been.
