‘It missed my mouth.’
Laughing, they made their way to the car. Ava looked at Mary.
‘Just so you know, if it had been blood I would have been OK with it thanks to my very handsome boyfriend and his powers of hypnosis.’
‘Really? Ava, that’s great. I’m so proud of you. You know what this means? I’ll be able to put you on the rota at the centre and—’
‘I’m not sure I’m ready for that just yet, but Henry says knowing the first incident that caused my phobia makes it easier to alter the association in my mind.’
Mary hugged Ava. ‘That’s great. I hope it works out for you.’
‘Me too.’
When they pulled up outside the land that once housed Critters’ Lodge, Ava was amazed by the change. She thought she would be sad to see houses built on it. But the development was considered, and with the first phase complete, and show homes opening, Dermot was keen to show them how things were progressing. He strode over to meet them.
‘Don’t worry. I am unarmed, not a hose in sight.’ The rotund man, beamed.
Mary stepped out and closed her car door, walking over with her hand outstretched. ‘Sorry, that was down to me.’
‘Don’t be silly. I’m teasing you.’ Dermot laughed as he shook her hand.
Henry closed Ava’s door as she stepped out of the car.
Noticing the road name, she put her hand to her mouth. ‘Lily Lane, is that . . . named after my mum?’ She looked between Dermot and Henry.
‘Take a look at the site map.’ Dermot directed their attention to the large sign erected at the front of the development.
On it, Connor Crescent, Critters Way and Flynn Road all featured. Ava felt a swell of emotion. ‘That’s a lovely dedication. They’ll be a permanent fixture of Dapplebury.’ She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and smiled.
‘Lady Bramlington’s family have connections to mine from way back. I wouldn’t have dared not follow her wishes,’ Dermot explained. ‘And she’s been strict with her ideas for the houses and gardens too. Dapplebury is a precious place and she, like Henry here, wants to see it kept that way.’
Ava took Henry’s hand and gave it a squeeze as they all set off to take a tour of the development.
After they had listened to Dermot speak passionately about the ecological and economic considerations in the houses, they moved on to the gardens. Bat boxes and hedgehog homes had been erected, and natural areas had been left or created with a mix of trees and pollinating plants to encourage insects and preserve nesting sites — something Mary had been promoting on their blog and Ava expounded in a recent visit to the local school.
When they said their goodbyes and got back in the car, Ava placed her hand on Henry’s leg. ‘It’s wonderful.’
‘As the land sale was necessary, I’m pleased it went to Dermot. I had no idea about his connections to my mother, but she has certainly managed to work her influence on him.’
Ava bit her lip. She knew Henry still had financial burdens to carry. He had spoken to her about the bank loan he’d managed to secure which would need repaying, the sum raised from the sale of the land and plans he had in place to help secure the future of Dapplebury House and the Bramlington estate. But he never mentioned how it had come to be in financial difficulty; out of respect for the late Lord Bramlington, neither had she.
Mary looked at her watch. ‘Well, I’d say I’m ready for a tasty Italian. How about you?’
Ava laughed. ‘Did you say “a” tasty Italian or “some” tasty Italian?’
‘I was planning on having both but the rest of you will have to settle for the fine cuisine.’
Having succeeded in putting on eight gourmet nights from around the world, including a popular tapas night and a hard to source Australian night, Gino had settled for Friday night being Italian Night at The Brown Dog. For him, there really had been one standout gourmet.
‘I’m up for that.’ Henry smiled. ‘Is Flo joining us?’
‘Once she shuts the shop. She’s taking her new role as co-manager very seriously. She’s enjoying it, and says she’s happy to come out of retirement in more ways than one but I didn’t like to ask her to explain — especially as I know she’s been visiting Ted.’
Mary giggled. ‘I hope I’m as full of life as Flo when I’m her age.’
* * *
The Brown Dog was warm and cosy with a fire in the hearth. Luna greeted them with a wagging tail. Gino came over from behind the bar, kissed Mary and greeted everyone, before encouraging them to take the table near the fire.
