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Rosie winced, imagining the relentless sun on Jackson’s florid skin. ‘A lot of visitors find the heat quite draining.’
‘Well, I almost fried.’ When he grinned, dimples appeared in his cheeks and he looked like a cheeky little boy, in spite of his unruly thatch of grey hair. His grin disappeared as he walked round from behind his desk and took hold of Rosie’s hand. ‘But now is not the time for levity. If there’s anything I can do to help while you’re here, please don’t hesitate to contact me.’
‘Thank you. You’ve been very kind,’ said Rosie, getting to her feet and smoothing down her lemon linen dress that was far too thin for the Devon climate.
‘Not at all. I’m keen to help in any way that I can. Just give me a call.’ He fished in the pocket of his suit jacket hanging on a wooden coat rack and handed over a business card. Then he stared into Rosie’s eyes so intently, she began to feel uncomfortable. ‘Your mother was very dear to me, Rosie.’
‘Thank you, that’s very kind.’ Rosie looked away and swung her bag onto her shoulder. ‘I’d better leave you to get on with your work.’
‘Of course.’ Jackson strode to the door and opened it wide. ‘I hope to see you again soon.’
The receptionist didn’t glance up from her computer when Rosie walked past her and out into the fresh air. Jackson had been nothing but kind from the moment she’d entered his office, but Rosie felt smothered and couldn’t wait to escape.
Some fresh sea air would clear her head. Rosie started wandering down to the quay and soon spotted a group of people sitting at a table outside Becker’s Bakery. She winced when she recognised Belinda and Liam: the two of them together was not only an unlikely pairing, it was also a worrying combination. Liam had read the letter from Epping’s solicitor so knew all about the house’s ownership, and Belinda would love to be in the loop so she could tell the world and his wife. It was too late to veer into a side street without it being totally obvious so Rosie kept on walking, with her head held high.
The two of them, sitting next to a man she recognised from school, glanced up from their coffees and pastries and watched while she approached. It was very much like walking into a party while the in-crowd viewed you with curious disdain, thought Rosie, as Belinda folded her arms across her ample bosom. But there was nothing for it but to brave out the next few minutes.
