Page 96 of A Change of Location
“Which Simon insists this is,” Liz said.
“The factory will expect me to return their lot, of course. Hannah drinks so much Milverston Gold, they need every apple in the Vale.” Turning to her, he said, “Let me have the key to your car. I walked here, and it’s plain that speed is essential.”
She dug around in her satchel for the fob and handed it to him. “Not too much speed.”
When he returned, she was waiting at the security gate with a young man and two bushel baskets.
“This is all?”
“Yes,” Hannah answered. “I came up with a workaround. We aren’t replacing all the bad apples. We need just enough to cover the ones Simon dislikes, and some to scatter on the ground. Logan’s going with you. He’ll text photos to Simon for approval.”
Logan pulled a bright red apple from his anorak. “At least I won’t miss my brekkie.” After taking a big, noisy bite, he laughed.
Hannah glared at him, not amused.
***
Martin’s mother was burying tulip bulbs at the base of the yew hedge when he brought her tiny spaniel back to Holly Cottage. The instant he unsnapped the lead from the collar, the pup raced to greet her.
“How did he perform?” she asked.
“He was attentive and responsive. I haven’t yet convinced him that nibbling the legs of his larger classmates is counterproductive to forming friendships. We’re registered for the next course. Susan offered to schedule a private session before it begins. She’d like to see you working him. Can I help with your digging?”
“And deprive me of this pleasure? No, thank you. Come, sit.”
“Not if you speak to me like I’m Ernie.”
She smiled. “Be a good boy, and I’ll give you a biscuit.”
“I’d rather have some of your motherly wisdom and advice,” he told her. “I’m in such a muddle.” Running his fingers through his hair, he added, “Actually, it’s far worse than that.”
“Romantic troubles?”
“Heaps of them.”
She reached out to grasp his arm. “Stop. You’re giving yourself hedgehog head. A sure sign something’s gone very wrong.”
“Many things. And I can’t think how to resolve them. I’ve got to leave Stanwell straightaway.” His hand raked his scalp more forcefully than before. “London. Latimer Global board meeting. The timing couldn’t be worse.”
“Stay.”
“You’re doing it again.”
“You’ll always be my pup—the most precious one. Darling, don’t let that company damage you the same way it did your father.”
“I haven’t. I won’t.” He stretched out his legs. “That’s not the only reason I’m going. The other is considerably more important. And urgent. If I explain, you can’t say a word about it. To anyone.”
“Very well.”
He breathed deeply, exhaled slowly, and plunged into his confession.
Chapter 29
After a fortnight of sidesaddle practice, Caroline Bryden and Meg the Welsh cob were about to have their joint performance captured for posterity. Lucas Daltrey, mounted on Martin’s Étoile, looked outrageously dashing in eighteenth-century riding attire.
As the couple guided the animals around the Home Park to relax them, Poppy turned to Hannah. “Isn’t she gorgeous?”
“Caroline? Always.”
