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Chapter 24
Holly stood outside, watching the development of the land. The landscape of the nursery was gradually changing as sheds for the farmers to sell their goods from were built. Luckily planning permission had been rushed through. Holly had hired a carpenter to assist Joe with the erection of the larger sheds. The contractor was making headway in clearing the nursery ruins of the materials to be discarded and ensuring the remaining stone walls were safe, although it seemed to be happening a lot slower than Holly would wish. She had not seen Mitch for a few days. He had been making arrangements for Sid’s funeral and was tied up with quarantining a sick cow. So Holly was surprised to see a text come through from him.
Are you free today? I need help searching through Sid’s papers and have something you may like to have. I could do with the company x.
Holly’s heart gave a quick flip. Flushing hot, she stared at the phone.Stop reading stuff into it,she told herself.He might just be after his dog back.Holly sent a quick text to let him know she was on her way. Walking back to the caravan, Trixy trotted in front of her. She realised she had become part of her life now and Holly wished she could stay.
‘Come on, girl. We’d better get you back.’
Holly arrived at the farmhouse with Trixy at heel. After greeting her, Mitch gestured for Holly to follow him and led her through the house as his little dog jumped up against his legs. Holly could see they were heading for the lounge and her heart pounded against her chest.
‘I’ve made space for you to store your paintings in Sidney’s lounge.’
‘Oh, really?’ She followed him into the room.
‘It’s quite dark this end, so the sun won’t damage them.’ Mitch pointed up the room. ‘There’s a conservatory, full of Sid’s plants. They keep the sun from this end.’
‘They’re amazing.’ Holly said, looking at a tall rubber plant with shiny leaves.
Mitch rubbed the back of his neck. ‘I was going to ask you about that. I’m never going to be able to manage them. Magda used to look after them but she’s already got a new job.’
Holly smiled. ‘I can keep an eye on them if you like?’
‘Or sell them at your place, if it’s too much? But I’ll see if there are any my mum wants to take back with her after the funeral.’
Holly thought she was doing a good job, acting as if it was the first time she had ever seen the room. ‘It’s like visiting an old stately home.’
‘Not quite stately, but certainly like stepping back in time.’
‘Well, I think it’s beautiful.’
Trixy ran over to a worn chair, sniffed the seat, then jumped onto it, laying her head on her paws.
‘It’s as if she knows he’s gone,’ Mitch said as he walked over and ruffled the fur on Trixy’s head.
Holly studied the fireplace. It had a grey and red marble surround, and a jet-black hearth. She avoided looking up at the painting, but soon found herself staring at it.
Mitch shifted his weight and cleared his throat.
Holly turned to him.
‘She’s so much like you. In fact, it could be you.’
Holly looked back to the fireplace and stared at the portrait.
‘Can you see the likeness? It’s your grandmother.’
Holly nodded and swallowed.
‘She’s beautiful,’ he said in a low voice.
Holly felt the heat rise up to her face.
Mitch walked up behind her and put his hand on her shoulder. ‘And I wondered if, when you’ve rebuilt your cottage, you might like it. Seeing as you’ve lost all your ancestors’ furniture and family photographs.’
Holly’s eyes filled with tears. ‘Are you sure?’ She walked towards the painting and put her hand to her throat.
‘Sorry, Holly. I’ve caught you off guard. I should have warned you. I forget you’ve no blood family left. I’m insensitive.’
