Ava looked at the woman before her, registering the sad expression in her eyes and the sincerity in her tone.
‘Henry loves you. He always has. I should never have come between the two of you. I put my feelings for Lily and my concerns for her, over my own son’s happiness. I have to live with that, but it’s not too late for both of you.’
Ava’s pulse quickened. Thoughts rushed through her mind: her mum’s determination that she stay away from the Bramlingtons, her dad driving too fast; her fear in that moment as she clung to Raspberry Rabbit, crying, screaming for him to stop.But he wouldn’t, he just drove on faster, more erratic.
‘Lily, Connor, my husband and I, we lived our lives. We made our mistakes and we have no right to stand in your way.’
‘But—’
‘He’s here to stay, Ava. He had the chance to sell the estate and not return.’
‘What?’
‘Like his father, he thinks I don’t know, but of course I do. My husband was a proud man but a financial fool. He made bad investments, squandered and borrowed money from the wrong people. He wouldn’t accept help, from me or anyone else, even though he was running the estate into financial ruin; typically of his generation, he was too proud to admit any of it to his wife. I wanted to give Henry the chance to walk away from the obligation of his title and his father’s debts. I love Dapplebury House, but I love my son more.
‘The man, Dermot Dixon.’
Ava nodded, acknowledging she knew the name. ‘I had him contact Henry in Los Angeles, offering him a deal to sell — Dapplebury House, the grounds, the estate. I even got him to apply pressure once he was back. But by then, it was too late . . .’
‘Too late, why?’
‘Henry had rediscovered the things he loved and left behind. The grounds were so much a part of him when he was growing up. You know how passionate he was, and still is about the land. But that’s not the reason he’s staying. His deal with Mr Dixon, moving the charity, the ball tonight, it’s all about you, Ava. You’re the reason he’s staying. If you feel for him, as he does for you, don’t let anything stand in your way.’
Ava felt a swell of emotion, unsure whether to cry or embrace Lady Bramlington.
‘Thank you. Thank you for telling me. I know all of this can’t have been easy for you.’ Ava stood, suddenly not knowing what to do first. She had to get dressed. She had an idea, something she wanted to do, and her plan meant she needed to go to the charity shop before going to the ball.
Lady Bramlington stood. ‘I’ll leave you, but I hope to see you later.’
‘Of course. Wait.’ Ava hugged her, unsure if that was something she should do.
Lady Bramlington stood back, looking as if that might be the first hug she’d received in years and was unsure what to do in response. When she smiled, Ava felt relieved.
‘You’re so much like your parents.’
Ava wasn’t sure if that was intended as a compliment but as Lady Bramlington was still smiling, she decided to take it as one. They walked to the door, Ava’s heart pounding even faster than when she had let her in.
‘Wait! Before you go. Do you know Mary? Is she at Dapplebury House?’
‘Yes, I know Mary.’
Ava had no idea what was implied in Lady Bramlington’s tone but was sure her friend had made an impact.
‘Please, can you give her something for me?’
Ava ran back to the living room and scribbled a note, folding it before handing it over.
Lady Bramlington cocked her head. ‘Of course.’
Ava shut the door and exhaled.And now you’ve got Lady Bramlington delivering notes!She shook her head; she really needed to read up on etiquette.
Letting the dogs out of the kitchen, Ava squealed and jumped up and down with them before running upstairs. The excited dogs followed. It was almost seven o’clock and she still had so much to do.
Chapter Forty-Four
Henry twisted his cuff links, before checking his watch, again. Most of the village seemed to have assembled outside Dapplebury House as canapés and drinks were served on the front lawn overlooking the pleasure grounds. It was mid-summer and the evening air was warm. The bright blue sky provided the perfect backdrop for the stunning view. He chatted with as many people as possible. All but a few complimented him on his plans for the future of Dapplebury House. Of course there were a few dissenters, those who weren’t keen on encouraging tourists into the village, but Henry had expected that.
As the time to move through to the marbled grand hall approached, Henry began to lose hope that Ava would come. Searching the crowd for what felt like the hundredth time, he saw his mother talking to Mary and Gino — a sight he neither expected nor trusted. Walking over to them, he couldn’t help but notice a change in their stance as they spotted him. He smiled in greeting.
