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‘It’s my pleasure to be able to hand out the awards in absence of Mayor Greening, who could not be here this evening.’ Behind him was a collection of trophies and plaques.
After a few awards had been given, David pulled out the next gold envelope. ‘And the winner of best painting goes to.’ He retrieved the announcement card. ‘Holly Loveland.’
Holly felt tears threaten.
Mitch rubbed her arm. ‘Well done.’
She stood and smiled down at him, feeling a rush of adrenaline which chased the tears away. Those on her table stood and clapped as she went up to collect the silver cup.
David passed her the microphone.
‘I’d like to thank the judges. I’m thrilled that you like the artwork I created. I’d also like to thank my friend and neighbour, Mitchell Booth, for submitting my entry. The painting is actually of his farm and as we know, farming is an integral part of our local economy. So, let’s hear it for Somerset farmers.’ Nodding at Mitch, she held up the trophy as those present applauded.
Mitch gave her a kiss on the cheek as she returned to her seat, which sent a few shivers down her body. After a talk by the Arts Council Representative, a small band played and Holly was pleased that Nina was monopolised by an eager admirer.Maybe I misread her signals,Holly thought. She had known Nina for years and she had always been sociable. Holly danced to upbeat tunes with a couple of the other artists, while Mitch chatted away to the others on their table. She caught him glancing at her now and again and smiled.
‘And now we are going to slow it down,’ the band leader said as the instruments played the soft tones of a ballad.
Mitch appeared at her side. ‘Dance?’
‘Sure,’ she said. The wine had been flowing and she felt a little more confident.
Mitch held out his hands. Holly’s palms felt hot, not wishing him to feel anything sweaty, she placed her hands on his shoulders. Smiling into her eyes he put his hands around her waist and they swayed to the music. As the love song developed, she laid her head on Mitch’s chest and he squeezed her tight. There was no denying it, she wanted him. She felt it inside – deep inside.
In the market square,Mitch opened the taxi door for Holly. Closing it after she was seated, he walked around the car to the other side, noticing Nina a few feet away, propped up against a building chatting to David Bunning. He was surprised how his hackles had gone up earlier as he had watched David chatting to Holly. Nina turned and waved at Mitch and blew him a kiss. He had discovered through chatting with her, that she was chairing the rural business committee he had been roped into when submitting the painting. He nodded at Nina and got into the back of the taxi next to Holly.
Holly leaned forward. ‘Eversley, please. Lovelands Nursery.’
Mitch looked sideways.
Holly smiled. ‘Thanks so much for tonight and for the caravan. It’s really becoming a home for me.’
‘I’m glad you like it.’
Holly looked back to him. ‘So am I. Which is lucky, because I think I’ll be there for an awfully long time.’
‘How far are you down your to-do list?’
‘I’m still deciding on a builder. I could use the contractor recommended by the insurance company but they’re from out of town. I do like to support local people.’ Holly turned away from him. ‘Ethan recommended someone to me.’
Great,he thought. He had forgotten all about Ethan. Forgotten that she was with another guy. He could feel the warmth of Holly next to him and was aware of her every movement. He had to lose this longing he had for her, otherwise it was going to ruin their friendship and their future business plans. A joint business venture would be great for them both and the village. It would bring more trade to the area. Neither did he like the idea of stealing a girl off another guy – even if that other guy was a flash git.
The taxi swerved around a bend and Holly placed a hand on Mitch’s leg, he assumed this was to steady herself but he reacted to it immediately. He swallowed hard.
Holly smiled. ‘How’s your Uncle?’
‘Brighter this week. I even pushed him down to the cows. It’s surprising how lucid he becomes, as soon as he sees the herd. The farm has been everything to him.’
‘Does he know about your plans for the farmers’ market?’
‘I haven’t mentioned it. I don’t talk much about the future. Not with him being ill. It seems cruel as he hasn’t got long.’ He knew that was not the only reason he had not told Sid. Mitch knew he’d go mad. The very mention of the name Loveland and Sidney went into his shell – not talking for days. It had been that way for as long as he could remember.
When Holly made no comment, he glanced sideways, noticing she had her eyes shut. She looked serenely peaceful as she clutched her winners’ cup to her body. The rest of the journey was made in silence until they drew up at the caravan.
Holly had already opened her eyes. ‘Do you want to come in for a drink?’
Mitch nodded, even though he knew he would have to take the long walk home via the lane, because his shoes were not made for the grassy slopes. He paid the driver and followed her into the caravan.
Mitch was amazed every time he came in at how homely and beautiful Holly had made it. He had imagined it going to the breakers. Maybe Holly could turn the caravan into a holiday let when she was back in her cottage.
