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After a short silence he turned to her. ‘Now I’ve settled at the farm. I’m going to implement changes. Parts of the business model I introduced in Essex increased the income stream.’
‘Sounds interesting.’
‘I intend to open new lines of business. After I left agricultural college, I shook things up back home. The whole organic thing was big back then, but organic farming is a nightmare.’
‘I used to buy organic,’ Holly said. ‘But now, I just buy locally produced food. Most of that tastes really good anyway.’
‘Exactly.Local tasty foodis slapped across our branding.’
Holly smiled at him.
He was momentarily put off his thoughts. He leaned down and picked up his tea, taking a gulp. ‘I was thinking of trialling a farm shop,’ he said resting his mug on the arm of the bench. ‘If that’s a success, I’ll introduce a small box scheme.’ The food delivery service he introduced in Booth Essex had earned him respect both within the family and the community. Indeed, it had led to him becoming a director of the family business. His mother had taken over the day to day running of the box scheme in recent months.
‘A farmers’ market is a great idea. We have to trudge to Wells for our fresh supplies. Those in the village without cars have to get the bus for non-supermarket veg.’
‘The thing is, Booth Farm isn’t as accessible as your land. And there are all sorts of hoops to jump through to add retail to our land. So I was thinking …’
‘You’re after my property?’ Holly put her tea down on the floor and it tipped over, running into the grass. Sitting up, she folded her arms.
‘No. Trust me, this Booth is not after buying Loveland property.’
‘So that’s what you understand the arguments were all about?’ Holly placed her hands on her lap. Her eyes taking on a childlike expression. ‘Is the property dispute the reason Sid hates me?’
Mitch paused. He knew there was more to it than that. But decided to steer clear of family gossip. ‘I don’t think he actually hates you. But yes, I guess so. But I don’t want to buy your land, I only want to rent a spot.’
Holly bit her lip.
He realised he needed to sell the idea to her. ‘I see it as a mutually beneficial project. I don’t expect you to make any decisions now, not with everything you have going on. It’s just something to mull over.’ The last thing he wanted was for her to make a decision and then change her mind later down the line. Although, being honest with himself, he had questioned his motives, since he spent a lot of his days wracking his brain for any excuse to spend time with her.
‘I’m not sure I want to give up control of any of my property, even if it is a short-term tenancy.’
Watching Holly scowl, Mitch was reminded of her from his childhood days, when they used to chat over the boundary wall. He couldn’t help it, he wanted to get to know her more. To spend time with her – to get close to her. ‘Could we come to some sort of business partnership agreement? You hold the market on your land. I supply my produce and source in goods from neighbouring farms. We split the profits?’
Holly’s face widened into a huge grin. ‘Oh my goodness. Yes, that sounds amazing.’ Holly stood up. ‘As well as the area we’ve cleared to sell the stock, we’re setting up a café shed, for teas and coffees.’ She gestured around her land. ‘This would fit perfectly.’ She put her hands to her cheeks, which flushed pink.
Mitch watched an animated Holly, sketch on her paper.
Two hours later, not only had Holly completed her list of things to do but they had a plan to move the farmers’ market forward, including the layout and location. They ate together outside the caravan, sitting at a table and chairs that Mitch had help Holly carry over from the old barn. Holly made him a Ploughman’s, with thick ham and tasty cheese from nearby Cheddar.
‘Your list of things to do is huge.’ Mitch took a sip from a bottle of beer. ‘If there’s anything I can do?’
‘The most pressing things, I have to do alone, I’m afraid. Like sort out a divorce solicitor.’
‘Do you not have a family solicitor?’
‘Yes, but I’m not sure divorce is his thing. There’s a solicitor’s office above a shop owned by a friend of mine. Apparently, she’s a hot-shot when it comes to divorce.’
‘It’s not five yet, maybe you should call her?’
Holly put down her knife and fork and wiped her hands on a sheet of kitchen paper. ‘You’re right, I do need to book that now. Hang on.’
Mitch watched her walk up the short steps into the caravan.He chased a pickled onion around his plate with his fork, then gave up. Picking it up, he popped it into his mouth.
‘That’s sorted then. Two o’clock Monday morning.’ Holly stood in the doorway.
‘That was quick.’
‘I just caught her before she left. Her name is Jill Dawkins. That’s one job done off the list.’ Holly walked down the short steps and picked up the plates.
Mitch smiled.If only every teatime could be like this,he thought as heglanced at the time on his phone, knowing he should get back. Trixy was probably playing Magda havoc, while she would be getting Sid’s supper ready.
‘Thanks so much for tea. I’m feeling positive about the farmers’ market,’ Mitch said as he stood up. ‘And with your insurance being agreed And now a hot-shot solicitor helping you out – I’m sure you’ll be back on your feet in no time. I’ll have to be off now, but good luck tomorrow. If you need anything – just call.’
Holly smiled. She hesitated and then gave him the lightest peck on the cheek. He felt a rush inside, but resisted the urge to pull her close. It was much more than the farmers’ market exciting him. As he reached his farmland, he looked back over his shoulder, feeling a sadness. Why did Holly have to find someone else so soon, before he could get to know her again?
