Page 109 of Moonlight Kisses at Willow Tree Hall

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‘Well, this is very nice,’ said Joan.

Nice was perhaps a bit of an understatement, thought Lily as she looked around. The Ivy was very pretty. Painted frescoes covered the ceiling and walls, which were also draped with garland chandeliers and neoclassical statues.

She watched Joan shuffle in her seat a little self-consciously. It was quite an ostentatious place to meet for dinner for someone who was more at home in a Barbour and wellies in their little country cottage from what Lily could remember.

Joan was wearing a peach-coloured jacket, along with a pretty silver brooch and a string of pearls. But her rough hands indicated a love of the garden. Lily wondered why on earth Jack had chosen such a place that appeared to make his parents feel so uncomfortable.

Peter Carter looked equally out of place, although he was nodding his head enthusiastically and saying, ‘Absolutely,’ in agreement with his wife.

He was wearing a battered blazer and a maroon tie from the village cricket team that he supported. He, too, had a warm smile and ruddy cheeks from a lifetime spent outside.

Lily knew that they weren’t rich, but Peter’s job had enabled them to be able to send Jack to his expensive boarding school.

‘I thought it would be a nice treat,’ said Jack, with a small frown as his mother continued to shuffle in her seat.

He had changed the instant that they had met his parents. Suddenly, it was as if his invisible barriers had been raised. He was cool, distant even. He had left Lily to make the small talk with his parents whilst he stayed mostly silent.

Thankfully, they all knew each other quite well and were able to chat about the village and neighbours.

They were meeting early for dinner at 5.30 p.m. as his parents had theatre reservations.

‘Which show are you going to see tonight?’ asked Lily.

Peter smiled. ‘I promised my wife, just after we were married, that I would take her to seeThe Sound of Music.’

‘It’s only taken him forty years to make good on his promise,’ said Joan, rolling her eyes.

‘Our anniversary isn’t until next month,’ said Peter. ‘I’ve still got thirty-five days left to defend my honour.’

‘It’s your ruby wedding anniversary next month?’ said Lily in surprise.

‘I know,’ said Peter, with a wink. ‘I don’t look old enough to have been married that long.’

Joan gave him a nudge with her elbow. ‘You old fool.’

‘No, I meant how wonderful,’ said Lily, smiling. ‘You should have a party.’

She glanced at Jack, who was resolutely mute as he checked his iPhone.

‘We don’t like to make a fuss,’ said Joan, quickly.

Lily noted that both of his parents kept looking at their son as if to engage him in conversation. But he had completely shut down.

So it was left to Lily to continue the light chatter.

‘Well, I’ve heard this production is amazing,’ she said in a bright tone. ‘And you can’t beat “Edelweiss”, can you?’

‘Absolutely,’ said Joan, giving her a warm and grateful smile.

They carried on chatting, with Jack remaining engrossed in his mobile screen until their dinner plates had been cleared away.

‘Excuse me,’ he said, quickly getting up. ‘I must make a phone call.’

As he left the table, the three of them sighed at the same time.

‘I’m sorry,’ said Lily, quickly. ‘I don’t know what’s got into him this afternoon. He’s been fine recently.’