AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘I’m sure there’s a lot more to it than that.’
Jago grinned, deprecatingly. ‘Well, maybe. I’d be happy to show you sometime.’
‘I’d like that.’ He watched, fascinated, as a blush stole over her features. She handed his phone back hurriedly and said, all in a rush, ‘I love the little robins and the stars. They’d make great Christmas presents.’
‘So did Dave at the Art School. He’s offered me a table at the Christmas Craft Fayre.’
‘It all sounds very promising. It must be very satisfying having a talent like yours. To create something with your hands.’ The blush deepened and she picked up her wine and drank deeply.
‘It is but I’ve let things slide a little lately.’
‘Moving house takes a lot of time and energy.’ Honor’s voice was warm and sympathetic.
‘I’m hoping the Fayre will give me the motivation I need. And then, after Christmas, I aim to go back to making my large panels. I looked at a space in the School which I could use.’ The more Jago said it, the more excited he got. His mojo was finally returning. He scrolled through his phone and showed Honor the glass panels on exhibition at the gallery in Islington. He was trying not to show off but something deep inside him was desperate to impress her. ‘The technique for these is the same as the one used to make stained-glass windows, like in the church here. An ancient craft using lead to fix the glass pieces in place.’
‘Oh my goodness, they’re stunning!’ Honor’s eyes went wide. ‘Why did you stop making them?’
‘Oh, various reasons.’ He paused, not wanting to share the crisis in confidence he’d suffered after his father had died. He’d used the excuse of his kit being in storage to avoid working but really it was his nerve which had failed. Nothing about what he did had importance after his father’s death. Settling for a practical answer, he said, ‘The most pressing being space. I need a big space to make this stuff. I’ve a workstation at home in the attic for the small items but need a bit of elbow room for the stained-glass proper. My kit takes up a lot of room too.’
‘I can imagine. And the School can provide that?’
He nodded. ‘It’s perfect. I’m hoping to get it all organised in the new year.’
‘A new year. A new start,’ she said, brightly.
He gazed at her. At her shining optimism. ‘You don’t know how true those words are.’
She frowned and he could see she wanted to ask more but, luckily, their food arrived and for a few moments they concentrated on passing each other the salt and vinegar, sorting out cutlery and eating.
‘It’s a big move,’ she said, spearing a chip with enthusiasm. ‘You’ve not just moved house, but you’ve moved area and lifestyle too. I’m sure you must have been busy. No regrets though?’
Jago contemplated her smooth skin and sparkling blue eyes. ‘None so far.’ He cut into his pie, enjoying how the rich gravy oozed out. ‘This is delicious. Just what I needed. I hadn’t realised I’d got so cold.’
‘December’s like that here. The temperature isn’t low but it’s the damp. It has a way of seeping into the bones. Catches you unawares.’
‘Are you local?’
‘Born and bred is the saying. No. I’m not local. I’m another blow-in. I’m from Worcester. My family have been coming to this area for holidays for as long as I can remember. One of the wonderful things about teaching is it’s a portable skill. Once I’d trained and got some experience under my belt, I began looking for posts in Devon and Dorset. I’ve been here about ten years now.’
‘And you’d never go back to the Midlands?’
‘I don’t think so. Think I’m here to stay. The place has a way of getting under your skin. Teaching in a small community can have its tensions, but it’s amazingly rewarding too. I get to know families really well as I teach brothers and sisters, their cousins too.’ She pulled a face. ‘Although I’m beginning to think I’ve been here for a little too long now, I had an ex-pupil bring in her baby today. That was a shock.’
‘I can imagine. She must be a young mum though.’
‘Yes. Very.’
‘My own had me when she was only nineteen. Mum and Dad were childhood sweethearts. Began going out at school and got married at twenty.’
‘Oh, that’s lovely. Family’s so important. Are you close to them?’
Jago hesitated. He didn’t want to bring the mood down by explaining about his father. ‘To my mother, yes. What about you?’
She nodded vigorously. ‘Oh yes. They still live in Worcester so it’s not too far to drive to see them and they make every excuse to come down to visit, especially in the summer. I have a sister too, and she has family of her own now. Another baby due soon.’
‘My sister drives me insane sometimes but I’m very fond of her.’ He raised his glass again. ‘To sisters!’
Honor raised hers to meet it. ‘To sisters,’ she said with a grin.
