‘Good,’ said her dad.
‘It was all right. Okay,’ her mum agreed.
They glanced at each other, instantly sparking Evie’s curiosity. What were they not saying?
Through the French windows she could see Smoke sniffing around the walled garden, chasing a robin, exploring.
‘How was Tim?’ she asked.
Her mother peered at her feet. Her father clasped his hands together. ‘He – ah … It was a good job you weren’t there, actually.’
Why did her father look so uncomfortable? Her curiosity was definitely piqued now. ‘Oh. Why?’
Her parents exchanged another look.
Then her dad blurted, ‘He turned up with another woman in tow! Would you believe it? We were quite shocked.’
‘Were you?’ Evie did her best to suppress a smile and glanced at Jake. A warm, smug feeling of I told you so spread through her.
‘Yes. So were his parents. They knew nothing about it until he rolled up at the door with her. He said it was a recent thing but …’
When he didn’t go on, Evie prompted, ‘But?’
‘Well, it seemed to me they knew each other very well.’ He cleared his throat. ‘Anna, her name is.’
‘Oh, yes. She’s the woman he cheated on me with,’ said Evie, pleased that the memory didn’t sting any more. ‘Are they back together, then?’
‘Very much so, apparently. I’d say he’s moved on from his engagement to you, anyway. That ship has sailed.’
‘Yes.’ It had sailed six months ago, she wanted to say, but bit her tongue.
‘So,’ said her dad, looking at Jake, ‘you two. Is there something you want to tell us?’
Hot colour rushed to her cheeks. ‘Oh, no!’ Evie said quickly. ‘No, I told you – we’re just friends.’
Her dad nodded and reached into his inside pocket. ‘In that case, you’ll be interested to read this.’
He handed her a folded sheet of paper. A chill slid through Evie as she unfolded it. They wouldn’t – would they? Not with Jake here, surely.
‘I had a flick through my contacts and found a few names for you.’
‘Names?’
‘Of young men with good connections. From suitable families, you know.’
Evie put the sheet down and met her father’s gaze square on. ‘No. I don’t know.’
‘Oh, Evie, don’t be facetious. We’re trying to help you make a good match. Find a man who will support you when your silly shop fails.’
Jake sat up taller. He didn’t say anything, but she sensed the tension in him, and a muscle flickered in his jaw.
Evie took a deep breath. ‘Actually, my shop is doing really well. Things have turned around in the last few weeks. I’ve worked hard to—’
‘It’s no good putting it off, Evelyn,’ her father cut in. ‘You need to think about your future.’
‘I have thought about my future, and it doesn’t involve marrying someone my parents have picked out for me,’ she said, through gritted teeth.
She reached for the end of her ponytail and darted a sidelong glance at Jake. Although she had changed her views on marriage now, he hoped that one day she might meet a man who loved her as Jake had loved his wife, with the same unfailing loyalty and devotion.
Her father’s cheeks reddened. Anger pulsed from him. ‘Well, then, you need to rethink your career, girl. Playing around with bits of fabric isn’t going to keep a roof over your head. You had the best education money could buy, but it’s been wasted!’
Was that really what they thought? She flinched. Her fingers had wound her hair so tight that it tugged at her scalp. She released it. ‘I – I—’
‘Take the list, darling, and at least have a look at it,’ her mother said.
Her cheeks burned. What must Jake be thinking? She should never have agreed to let him come here with her. ‘I don’t need a list, Mum. This isn’t the eighteenth century.’
‘We’re trying to help you but you’re just being difficult!’ said her father.
Evie stiffened. Why did conversations with her parents always descend into an argument? No matter what she did or said, it was never right, never good enough. Would they always look at her like this, with exasperation and fury?
Jake sat forward and opened his mouth to speak, but she held up her hand. This was a battle she had to fight herself. ‘I’m not being difficult,’ she said quickly. ‘You’re always telling me I’m not good enough, but please listen to me: I don’t want the same things as you. Society connections don’t interest me. Neither does the type of career you have in mind. Having a big salary and working in the City – that isn’t what I want.’
She half expected her father to interrupt but for once he didn’t. Perhaps he and her mother were caught off guard by her sudden show of assertiveness.
She tried to keep her voice as steady as possible. ‘I love sewing,’ she said. ‘My business is starting to become successful, and I’m – I’m happy! Really happy running my shop and living in a place where people accept me for who I am. If that isn’t good enough for you, then – then hard luck!’
Her father shook his head, and sighed. ‘Why is it always like this with you? Your sister was never so difficult. She never argued with us or defied us like this—’
‘Stop!’ said Evie. Her parents stared at her, shocked. ‘Stop comparing me to Zara. You refuse to talk about her most of the time, you’ve made her a taboo subject, yet you compare me to her and always find me wanting. Well, that’s enough. It’s not what she would have wanted, and it’s not – not helpful.’ She paused to catch her breath. Then added more quietly, ‘I am not Zara, and I never will be. I’m me. Evie. And – and I’d really like you to accept me as I am.’
She felt an unexpected rush of relief to have finally given voice to what she’d been feeling for so long. Silence bounced around the room. Even Jake looked startled.
Then his lips curved into a proud smile. He turned to address her parents. ‘Evie’s right,’ he said softly.
‘I beg your pardon?’ said her father.
‘In your eyes Evie’s sister is perfect, isn’t she?’ Jake went on. His tone wasn’t confrontational, but sympathetic. ‘She’s so perfect, she’s almost … unreal.’
Evie stared at him. Where was he going with this?
Her parents’ faces became flushed. It was clear they were upset, but Jake continued, ‘But you know something? She wasn’t really perfect. She was human too. She had flaws and failings just like the rest of us.’
‘How dare you talk about our daughter like this? You never even knew her—’
‘How dare I? Because I’ve done it myself.’
A look of deep sorrow made his eyes glaze with pain. And this cut through Evie.
He said gently, ‘I’m as guilty as you are of putting a loved one on a pedestal.’
Her parents’ eyes widened, and they glanced at each other, unsure how to react to this. Their anger seemed to have been punctured by this huge admission.
‘I loved my wife more than life itself. I loved her long after she’d gone. No one could measure up to her – my memory of her. But now I see how distorted that memory was. How inaccurate. Idealised. And it’s only now I’ve realised this that I can finally let go of her. Believe that I might one day love again. Love someone else.’
He turned to Evie. ‘Maria wasn’t as cheerful and extrovert as you. She didn’t have your talent for sewing, for making beautiful things out of scraps of fabric, for finding the good in everything life threw at her or the people around her. She didn’t have your work ethic, or your determination to succeed and your generosity with everyone you meet.’
A stunned silence swept through the room.
He told her parents quietly, ‘So, instead of dwelling on what you’ve lost, why not open your eyes and appreciate what you have?’
Outside, Smoke barked. Then Evie heard the patter of paws on gravel, and his face appeared at the window. But no one else noticed. Her parents were loo
king uncertainly at each other.
Finally, her father spoke. ‘We do accept her as she is,’ he said weakly, and without conviction.
Evie frowned. ‘All you do is criticise me.’
‘Have you ever supported her?’ asked Jake.
‘We paid for the best schools, we arranged a job for her. We tried to introduce her to a young man with good prospects.’
‘But did you ever give her emotional support?’ They stared at each other. ‘Did you ever support her in what she wants to do, in establishing her business? Have you noticed how hard she works, how much time and effort she’s invested in trying to make her shop successful? Have you noticed how talented she is? Sewing is her passion, yet you’ve never shown any interest in it. In fact, from what I can see, you belittle it.’
His barrage of questions was met with an awkward silence.
Her father cleared his throat. Her mother shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
‘I think we should go,’ Evie said quietly. ‘I’ll get Smoke.’
No one responded, so she stood up.
Jake and Evie drove back in silence. She didn’t like to leave relations with her parents so hostile, but until everyone had calmed down and had time to digest what had been said, she decided it was the best form of damage limitation.
She glanced at Jake. His brow was furrowed in concentration as he steered smoothly into a roundabout.
It’s only now that I’ve realised this that I can finally let go of her. Believe that I might one day love again.
His admission had been so unexpected that she was still trying to absorb it, but it could only be a good thing that he’d finally come to terms with his grief. She imagined it wouldn’t be long before he met someone. Evie tried to picture him with another woman, but it hurt too much so she bundled that thought away hurriedly.
‘Thank you,’ she said, finally breaking the silence.
‘What for?’
‘Saying what you did.’ Standing up for her.
‘I just said what I think.’ He shot her a worried look. ‘I hope I haven’t destroyed your relationship with them.’
‘I’ll talk to them. To be honest, it felt good to bring those things out into the open.’
‘Well, I hope they’ll think about it.’
She paused. ‘I’m glad you feel you can move on. I’m sure it’s what Maria would have wanted for you.’
He didn’t respond. His expression remained unreadable. They pulled off the main road and towards Willowbrook village.
‘I – ah – I hope your interview goes well,’ she said.
‘Interview? Oh. Yes. Thanks.’
She reached for her ponytail and wound it around her fingers, wishing things weren’t so strained between them. Jake looked preoccupied. He clearly had other things on his mind.
‘Will you let me know if you get the job?’
He nodded. A deep frown sliced through his brow.
‘Dr Hartwood.’ She smiled. ‘It has a nice ring to it.’
‘Where should I drop you? At home?’
Her smile instantly vanished. He couldn’t wait to be rid of her. She swallowed back the hurt of rejection. ‘Actually, I need to collect some fabric from the shop.’
He parked outside the Button Hole.
‘Right,’ said Evie.
‘Right.’
‘Thanks for the lift. And – and everything.’ She reached for the door, desperate to escape the stifling atmosphere, yet not wanting to leave him.
‘We’ll come with you,’ he said, getting out. He opened the back door. ‘Come on, Smoke.’
She was surprised. She thought the dog had already run around a lot in her parents’ garden, but what did she know?
‘I hear your classes are all booked up for the term,’ said Jake, as she opened the shop. He bent to clip Smoke’s lead on.
‘Who told you?’
‘Natasha.’
‘Yes, they are. And I’ve been inundated with commissions for quilts too. They’re so much more fun to make than curtains. More profitable too.’
It was everything she’d hoped for. But now her heart longed for something else, something more. She missed Jake.
‘I’m glad,’ he said, and his eyes creased as he smiled.
She felt a rush of warmth. ‘Thanks.’
A car drove past.
She cleared her throat. ‘The fabric’s in the back room. I’ll just get it.’
Jake waited outside while she ducked in to get what she needed. He could hear her humming to herself, a sad lament – from the musical Oliver!? He wasn’t sure. It was slightly out of tune, but he found it impossibly endearing and smiled to himself.
She emerged clutching a bag of fabric, and while she locked the shop door he tried to muster the courage to say what he hadn’t been able to say in front of her parents.
‘That’s everything,’ she said. ‘Are you—?’
‘I love you, Evie.’
‘What?’ She blinked up at him.
He smiled. ‘I love you, Evie.’
Her mouth fell open. The bell of the shop door could still be heard jingling faintly inside, and Smoke gave two happy barks.
‘I love how you brighten my life and everyone else’s. I love how passionate you are about sewing and this village and your life. I love how generous you are with your time and advice and helping others. I love how determined you are to see the positive in everything and everyone. I love how you’re clumsy and creative and brave enough to stand up to me and tell me when I’m being an arse. You’ve taught me to live again and to laugh … and to love again.’
He stopped and held his breath, praying it wasn’t too late, hoping against hope that she could forgive him for having pushed her away and hurt her and been blind to what his heart had felt all along but his head had refused to accept.
He realised now that Evie could never replace Maria, but she didn’t need to. She was her own woman. Different. Unique. His Pollyanna.
‘Oh, Jake …’ she whispered, and her eyes shone.
‘I love you, Evie.’ He was surprised how easy the words were to say. How natural they felt. Overdue, even.
She smiled. Smoke barked again.
‘He’s agreeing,’ said Jake.
‘Is he?’
‘Yes. He loves you too. We both love you and miss you and –’ his voice broke ‘– and need you.’ He smiled ruefully. ‘My life has no colour without you in it, Evie Miller.’
She frowned. ‘But you love Maria,’ she said softly. ‘You said you’d always love her.’
‘I was wrong. I was scared to love again. I still am, truth be told. Hanging on to the grief and guilt seemed less terrifying than taking another chance on love. But you’ve helped me live again, Evie. You fell into my life and changed everything! Changed me.’ She had brought light where previously he’d seen only darkness, laughter where there had been silence, and warmth, energy, hope. ‘I need you.’
She beamed. ‘I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.’
‘I’m going to do everything I can to make you happy and keep you close – if you’ll let me, that is?’
Relief rushed through him as she stood on tiptoe, threw her arms around him and kissed him fiercely.
Across the street passers-by stopped and pointed and murmured to each other. Above their heads, a window opened and Marjorie from the bakery next door peered down at them, then grinned.
Jake shook his head. There really was no privacy in this village. But for once he didn’t mind. He bent his head and kissed Evie one more time for good measure.
The small crowd clapped and wolf-whistled.
‘Oh Jake,’ Evie smiled, ‘I love you too.’
Epilogue
Evie perched on the edge of the sofa, wishing she could relax. Smoke was curled up at her feet and Jake sat beside her. He reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She smiled her thanks.
‘This is a nice place you have here, Jake,’ said her father.
T
hey’d invited her parents to the Old Hall rather than Evie’s cottage simply because there was more room. The smell of something roasting in the oven drifted through from the kitchen, and next door in the dining room the table was laid, ready for the meal.
‘I love the furniture,’ said her mother, running a finger over the arm of her chair. The fabric was a modern print, but Evie had used it to re-cover a collection of mismatched antique chairs and sofas. With lots of rugs and cushions the effect was elegant and in keeping with the house’s history, but warm and inviting at the same time.
Jake nodded. ‘Evie chose the décor for this room. She has good taste, wouldn’t you agree?’
Evie blushed and her parents murmured assent.
Her father looked at her. ‘You made the curtains too?’
‘Actually, we had them made. I’m too busy now with quilt commissions and classes in the shop.’
He nodded. A short silence followed.
‘Did you know Jake has a new job?’ she said. ‘He’s working as a GP in the local doctor’s surgery.’
‘Oh, yes? Are you enjoying it?’
Jake’s eyes creased as he smiled. ‘Very much. I had forgotten how rewarding it is. Plus I’m not travelling now, which means I’m around a lot more.’
He and Evie shared a look. They treasured their quiet evenings together.
Jake got up. ‘I’ll just go and check on the food.’
He closed the door behind him, and Evie braced herself. She and her parents had spoken on the phone, but this was the first time they’d met face to face since that terrible confrontation at their house.
Her father cleared his throat. ‘I’m sorry we made you feel as if we loved Zara more. Her death hit us badly. But we shouldn’t have been so hard on you.’
His quiet remorse was so out of character and so unexpected it took Evie by surprise. ‘I know. It was a shock for all of us. I miss her too.’
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