Page 51 of The Clockmaker's Cottage
Why hadn’t he mentioned it before? But then, why would he? It wasn’t as though his personal life was any of her business. They weren’t old friends. They weren’t anything, really. Just two people thrown together by circumstance and clocks and storms and unresolved history. He didn’t owe her explanations.
Still, she couldn’t stop herself wanting to know more.
She joined him, trying to act normal. ‘You heard the causeway’s closing?’
‘Yes, what’s your plan?’
‘Do you think we would be able to stay at the cottage for a little bit longer?’
‘I can drop an email.’
‘It would be a lifesaver, as it’s not as though I’ve got anywhere I need to be.’
Theo smiled. ‘Don’t worry,’ he said, still looking at her. ‘We’ll cope with being rained in. Somehow.’
‘Terrifying,’ she said.
‘Horrific,’ he agreed, but his eyes were laughing. ‘Imagine the two of us stuck inside the same cottage. Who could survive such chaos?’
She nudged him with her shoulder.
He grinned, properly this time, and warmth fizzed between them. ‘It’s probably no surprise but Doctor Miriam has announced the second day of the convention has been cancelled. She also won’t be attending tonight’s dinner at The Sea Glass Restaurant.’
‘Do you think it will be open? It may be a bit rocky on the water in a rainstorm.’
‘I don’t see why not, but we’d best shop for some supplies just in case, otherwise we’ll be surviving on one bottle of merlot and a packet of Kettle crisps that I’ve brought with me.’
‘Sounds just like our uni days.’ Pippa was secretly chuffed that they were going to spend more time together. ‘Do you think Sebastian’s left the island?’
‘I’ve not seen him, so it’s possible. No doubt he’s enjoying his fifteen minutes of fame wherever he is.’ Theo shook his head. ‘That man spoils everything.’
‘Don’t give him a thought. Whatever was bugging him will soon die down.’
‘I hope so.’
‘Let’s get to the shop. There’s the bakery, and I spotted a deli, Puffin Pantry, so we can grab a few bits from there.’
They turned towards the door, ready to head out, but it swung open before they reached it and rain spilled in, along with someone Pippa recognised instantly: the journalist Sebastian had slipped that note to.
The man held up his phone in front of Theo.
‘Doctor Blake,’ he said. ‘Mark Benson,The London Insider. Could I get your thoughts on the accusations made today during the Horace Vale interview? What do you think caused the feud between the Vale Brothers that led to the partnership breaking down?’
Theo straightened and held his hands up. ‘Not right now.’
‘It’ll only take a moment of your time.’ Mark stepped closer, his phone raised, recording. He asked the question again.
Pippa made a small, quiet noise of annoyance.
Theo stayed calm. ‘Like I’ve said, I’m not commenting on that.’
Mark didn’t budge. ‘You went to university with Sebastian Worthington-Frost. Do you think there’s any truth in what was said today?’
‘Excuse me.’ Theo took Pippa’s hand and guided her around the obnoxious reporter.
Mark Benson was still firing questions as they walked towards the door and out into the worsening weather. Theo didn’t let go of her, his grip steady and reassuring as they hurriedly walked down the path together until the muffled sound of Mark’s voice faded.
‘Jeez. I bet that will end up on the internet.’
