'It's okay, Tom. I understand. Believe me.' She smiled at him as she eased her hand free. 'We all do and say things we realise immediately afterwards, we shouldn't have. I've done it myself tonight.'
'Oh?'
Mia ignored his inquiring stare and resumed walking towards Sunbeam Cottage. 'You're still getting over your gran's passing, and I'm so confused about everything I'm not even sure who I am these days.' She laughed. 'One minute I'm behaving like a sixteen-year-old, the next I see myself as some sort of super-sleuth, intent on unravelling the mystery of Mattie and her past. I'm not very good at either role. I'm yet to have a teenage tantrum – although I have come pretty close. And Mattie is still an enigma. Oh.' She instinctively placed her hand on his arm and he stopped in his tracks. 'But I may make some headway on that front tomorrow. Someone phoned this morning because his grandad's just died and he's discovered letters from Mattie to his grandad. Isn't that wonderful? I'll be speaking to him first thing in the morning. Oh God! Sorry. I didn't mean it's wonderful that his grandad has died.'
Tom smiled. 'I knew what you meant, don't worry. And before you say it, there's no need to apologise about my gran again either.'
Mia grinned. 'I was just about to.'
He grinned back. 'I know you were. I know you better than you may think.'
Mia quickly turned away and headed towards the dunes. 'Anyway. There's me going on about myself and Mattie and completely forgetting that you wanted to talk to me about something. What was it, Tom?'
He fell into step beside her but didn't respond until she looked at him again.
'Tom?'
He let out a meaningful sigh. 'It's not my place, I know, but I wanted to have a word with you about Jet.'
'Jet?' Mia came to an abrupt halt. 'A word about Jet? Why? Has he said something to you?'
He shook his head. 'No, no. Not in precise terms. It's simply that I know him so well. I know the way his mind works. I know the way he works.' He took a deep breath. 'Forgive me, Mia, but you're vulnerable at the moment. You're heartbroken and probably lonely. You miss Garrick and probably long to be held in someone's arms. Anyone's arms. Please don't let those arms be Jet's.'
'What?'
'I know. Don't be mad at me. I'm only saying this because I care about you so much. I couldn't bear to see you hurt again. Please just hear me out. Jet is hard-working, determined, ruthless even. He always gets what he wants, no matter what he has to do to get it. He wanted Little Pond Farm and he made sure he got it. He needed money. He got it. If he sees a woman he wants, he'll get her. He wants you, Mia, but it may not be for the reasons you think. Oh, I'm sure he's attracted to you. Who wouldn't be? You're a lovely young woman. We both know I've fallen in love with you myself. But you're also new to the village. And Jet likes that. He's a good friend where men are concerned, although he'll happily steal a man's girlfriend and not think twice. All's fair in love and war as far as Jet's concerned. But he's not a good friend where women are concerned, Mia. He's just like his father.'
'Tom! Sorry. But I think you've said enough. It may be true that I don't really know him, but Jet has been nothing but kind, caring and friendly to me. Nothing. Okay, he has been flirting with me. But he's been the perfect gentleman, most of the time.'
Tom smirked. 'Oh, I'm sure he has. Jet has the patience of a saint when it comes to getting what he wants. But there's nothing saintly in his intentions, I assure you. You do know how 'friendly' he was with Mattie, don't you? You do know she gave him money to buy the farm. And I know you've been wondering who is named in Mattie's codicil. I believe Jet thinks it's him. Time will tell, of course. What I'm saying, Mia, is be careful. Jet's feelings for you may not be what you think they are.'
Mia stared at Tom in disbelief. And then the fortune-teller's words came back like a knife in her heart. "I also see someone who you think you can trust. You can't. Beware! Feelings may not be genuine." Had she meant Jet? Was he the one who'd left the toy frog, the dead flowers and the warning card? Was that why he'd said no to her tonight? Because he didn't really fancy her at all? Was he simply leading her on as part of some sort of plan?
'I'm so sorry, Mia,' Tom continued. 'I know this probably wasn't what you wanted to hear. But I had to tell you. I had to stop you getting hurt again. I've got your best interests at heart although you may not think so at the moment. I'm here for you, Mia. I always will be. Just like I was there for you that day at Rainbow's End. The day Jet made sure he wasn't. I love you, Mia. You know that.'
As she stared at him, hurt, confusion and heartache collided in her heart and mind, and something else the fortune-teller said came back to her. "I see love that's black and white and surprising too."
Love that's black and white and surprising too. Tom always wore black and white. His first declaration of love had definitely been surprising. His continued love and loyalty was equally so. Had the woman meant Tom?
She'd also said, "I see happiness and joy beyond your wildest dreams. Choose love wisely. Love may not be where you are looking for it. You could so easily make a mistake. And Autumn will bring many changes and many opportunities."
Was Tom the wise choice? Was this an opportunity? Would he be the one to bring her happiness and joy beyond her wildest dreams?
'Mia? Are you okay? Have I overstepped the bounds of our friendship? Have I said too much?'
Mia gave him a wan smile. 'I'm fine, Tom. And no. I suppose I should be grateful to you. I was just thinking about that damn fortune-teller again.'
'Oh? Why? What else did she say?'
He looked genuinely concerned. Whether all that stuff he'd said about Jet was true or not, he clearly thought he should tell her. That meant he cared. Really cared. Wasn't he always around when she needed him?
And was he suggesting that Jet knew she would go to Rainbow's End even though Jet hadn't been the one who mentioned it? Had Jet effectively, set a trap by not being there himself for the first time, ever? Had she misjudged him so badly?
She seemed to be making a complete and utter mess of everything lately. But then, hadn't she always picked the wrong man? All her ex-boyfriends had been wrong, in one way or another. Even Garrick, as it turned out. Perhaps for once, she should listen to her head and not her heart. And hadn't the fortune-teller been right about everything else so far?
Damn the bloody woman.
She smiled again, albeit a little sadly.
'Come in and have a glass of wine, Tom and I'll tell you all about it.'
Chapter Two
Mia had a lot to think about. But the following morning, all she could think about was Jet. Was he really that much of a bastard? Tom was supposed to be his friend and yet he hadn't been very friendly towards Jet last night.
And could she really have got it so wrong about Jet? Surely if he wanted harm to come to her he wouldn't have thrown himself in front of the whirling, metal blades of that harvester, risking his own life to save hers. Or would he? He'd said there were signs on those chains but she hadn't seen any. Had he removed them on purpose?
Now she was being completely ridiculous. He hadn't known she was going to his farm that day. She was seeing drama where there wasn't any; declaring guilt without evidence. And that was because of what Tom had said.
But if Jet did like her, did care about her, why had he walked away last night? Surely they could've talked about it? That would've been the kind, friendly thing to do. He knew she was upset. He knew she might not be behaving in her own best interests. Couldn't he have been … more considerate? More understanding? Less grumpy and annoyed?
Oh God. She lowered her head onto the kitchen table and banged it against the wood, albeit gently.
'Are you impersonating a woodpecker?' Ella asked, coming in from the hall. 'Or are you trying to knock some sense into yourself? Because that's something you definitely need to do.'
Mia lifted her head and met Ella's grin. 'Why? Because I asked Jet to have sex with me?'
Ella raised her brows. 'No. I'd forgotten t
hat, momentarily.' She grabbed a mug from the cupboard. 'I was referring to the doe-eyed looks you and the vicar were giving one another when Justin and I came home. Dear God, Mia. I know Alexia said she's dated every single man in this village but it's not a competition, you know.'
Mia glowered at her. 'What's that supposed to mean? And I hate to have to remind you, but Alexia hadn't managed to date Tom. She said she wanted to but Freda told her not to.'
'Silly me.' Ella threw her a sarcastic look and poured herself some coffee, topping up Mia's mug which sat empty on the table. 'All I'm saying is, we've only been here five months and you've dated Bear, Garrick, although he doesn't really count because he doesn't live here but even so. Sorry. I shouldn't have brought up my stupid git of a brother.'
'Don't worry. I can hear his name without bursting into tears.'
'Yeah. But I can't,' Ella joked. 'I still can't believe he buggered off back over the border with little Miss Scotland.'
'Ella! That's not nice. Little Miss Scotland is the mother of your soon to be niece or nephew.'
'Yeah. And I've got to travel a million miles whenever I want to see the little brat … and my niece or nephew.' She grinned. 'Anyway, what was I saying? Oh yeah. In five months you've dated Bear and Garrick. You've tried to seduce poor, defenceless Jet.' She fluttered her eyelashes. 'And yes, I know you told me all that stuff Tom said, but I'm not sure I believe it. I think the vicar may be telling porkies. He's crazy about you and he knows you fancy Jet. What better way to remove his competition than to make you think the man is a would-be murderer? So anyway, Bear, Garrick, almost Jet, and now, unless I'm very much mistaken, you'll soon be arm in arm with a man of the cloth. Tell me I'm wrong. Please, please, tell me I'm wrong.' She got down on her knees and clasped her hands together in a prayer-like fashion.
Mia pushed her over. 'You're wrong. But would it be so bad if I did decide to date Tom? He's handsome, kind and thoughtful. He saved my life. He loves me. I could do worse.'
Ella grabbed the hand Mia offered and pulled herself to her feet, grinning. 'No. It wouldn't be bad, exactly. I just think you need to take a bit of time before you go rushing headlong into yet another relationship. Don't glower at me, miss. There's rebound, which is fair enough, but you seem to be bouncing from man to man faster than a tennis ball at Wimbledon. What's the rush? Take some time for you. Take a breather from lurve and smell the roses. Real roses, not romantic, metaphorical ones. Is that what I mean? God, I need coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. What time does Lori get home? She'll back me up.'
'You think I'm behaving like a tart? Is that what you're saying?'
'No. I'm saying that you're so confused, so mixed up that you're dashing around like a headless chicken trying to jump in the nearest pot without realising that all that will do is get you cooked. Slow down. Decide how you really feel. I know you're missing Garrick but don't jump into the nearest arms in the hope that they'll make you feel better.'
Mia sighed. 'Okay. I promise I won't rush into dating Tom. And Mum's flight landed at nine, as scheduled. I checked. Allowing for baggage reclaim and all that stuff, she should be home by noon. Oh. That's probably her calling now.'
Mia raced into the living room, grabbed the phone, putting it on handsfree and speaker at the same time, and immediately headed back towards the kitchen. 'Hi! I can't wait to see you. I'm so excited. I've got so much to tell you. How was your trip?'
'Oh. Gosh. I'm rather excited too. I assume I'm speaking with Mia.'
'Hold on. You're not my mum! Who is this?' Mia glared at the phone but all it showed on the caller display was 'international'. She glanced towards Ella sitting at the kitchen table, who shook her head and pulled a face, puffing out her cheeks, sticking her hands in her armpits and flapping her elbows.
'Your mum? Good heavens, no.' The man laughed and the sound made Mia smile, in spite of her surprise. 'I'm Gill,' the man said, at the same time as Ella.
'What was that?' Mia mouthed at Ella.
'A fish,' she said, loud enough for the caller to hear. 'You know, as in fish gill. I was trying to tell you it's the guy from yesterday.'
Mia rolled her eyes and Gill laughed down the phone.
'Fish gill. I've been called worse things,' he said.
'I bet you have,' Ella replied. 'I can think of a few myself.'
Gill laughed again. 'I do apologise for calling at just after nine on a Sunday. I telephoned yesterday and left a message, but I'm leaving here today and heading home via Paris where I'm dropping in on a friend, so I thought it best if I phoned again. I wondered if there might be a possibility of calling in on you on the way. I'm driving, you see, and Little Pondale isn't too far from the Channel tunnel. I live in Cambridge, so it is sort of on the way, with a slight detour. I'd relish the opportunity of discussing this in person. If it isn't an inconvenience, of course. You did receive my message yesterday, didn't you?'
'Yes. I was going to call you later. There's no need to apologise. We're early risers. Generally.' She grinned at Ella.
'So, Mia? What do you say? May I call on you? It'll be early evening tomorrow, I should think. I'll leave Paris after lunch. But if that's not convenient I can find somewhere local to stay and call on you on Tuesday morning. Either way, I shall stay somewhere overnight, I expect.'
'Either is fine. We don't have any plans, as such. I don't know anywhere local to stay, though. This village is about fifteen miles from the nearest town and that's not large. I suppose you could stay here. We've got a spare room.'
Ella shook her head and waved her arms in the air, mouthing 'No.'
Mia smiled. 'If you don't mind staying in a cottage with three women, that is.'
'Mind?' He laughed. 'That's without doubt the best offer I've had for a long time. But I don't want to be a nuisance.'
'You're not. I'm dying to hear anything you can tell me about my great-aunt. I never met her and believe it or not, no one seems to know much about her.'
'Oh. I hadn't realised that. That you never met her, I mean. Her letters contain quite a lot about you.'
'They do? Wow. But I shouldn't be surprised. She seemed to know everything about me and yet I know nothing of her. But it's not just me. It's almost as if she didn't want anyone to know of her existence. Who she really was, that is. Although we think she may have worked in the Intelligence Service, as bizarre as that my sound.'
'That's not at all bizarre. She did. So did my grandfather. That's how they met.'
'Really? That's really how they met?'
'Yes. But I'll explain all that when we meet. I'm looking forward to it, Mia.'
'So am I, Gill.'
Ella piped up. 'Oh, so am I. You have no idea how much.'
Gill laughed again. 'Why do I get the feeling that you mean the exact opposite of what you've just said? I'm definitely looking forward to meeting you … Ella, wasn't it?'
'Yes,' Mia said. 'Ella's my best friend and she's lovely really. She just has a bit of a wicked streak. You'll have to get used to it, I'm afraid.'
'A woman with a wicked streak,' he repeated. 'It sounds as if I'm in for a treat. Until tomorrow then, ladies. Enjoy your Sunday. Goodbye.'
'I'll give him a treat all right,' Ella said, the minute he rang off. 'Bloody moron.'
'Oh, I don't know. He sounded rather nice.'
Ella rolled her eyes. 'Bloody Nora, Mia. I swear if you decide you've got a crush on him tomorrow, I'm taking you up to Frog's Hollow and I'm drowning you in that pond. Even if it is on a Monday.'
Chapter Three
Franklin's car pulled onto the drive of Sunbeam Cottage shortly after noon and Mia was out the front door and down the drive before Lori had stepped out.
'Mum! You're home,' she shrieked, hugging Lori as if they hadn't seen each other for a year instead of merely one month.
Lori was equally excited. 'Mia, darling! Oh, I've missed you. Let me look at you.' She eased Mia away from her a little. 'Have you lost weight? Have you been eating properly? Who's been doing the cook
ing since …?'
'Since Garrick left?' Mia smiled. 'It's okay, Mum. You can say his name.'
'But not in front of me,' Ella joked, coming down the drive to join them. 'I'm more upset he's gone than Mia is. But it's only because neither of us can cook and we've been living on beans on toast, frozen pizza and ding-dinners for the last two weeks.' She winked. 'Although I've had a few meals in the pub without Mia knowing.'
'Hello, Ella. Ding-dinners?' Lori queried, smiling.
'Microwavable ready meals,' Ella replied. 'It's lovely to see you again.'
'You've been eating in the pub?' Mia asked Ella. 'I didn't know that.'
'I told you that you should've come with me.'
'It's good to be back, isn't it, Franklin?' Lori laughed, and Franklin grinned.
'Sorry,' Mia said, giving Lori another hug. 'Um. Are you staying here? Or at Franklin's?'
Lori smiled at Franklin and then at Mia. 'I'm going to stay here for a couple of nights, darling. Just until I'm sure you're really as okay with everything as you say you are. Don't give me that look. I'm your mother. I worry. Sue me.' She pulled Mia close again and kissed her face, her cheeks and her hair. 'I really have missed you so much. Let's get inside and catch up.'
'I'll bring the bags, honey,' Franklin said, with a genuine smile. 'Then if it's fine by y'all, I'll get along to see Jet.'
'Of course, sweetheart,' Lori said, glancing over her shoulder as she walked arm in arm with Mia towards the front door of Sunbeam Cottage. 'And take as long as you like. We've got a lot of catching up to do, haven't we darling?' She kissed the side of Mia's head.
'Absolutely.'
'I'll leave you to it,' Ella said.
'You don't have to,' Mia told her.
'I know. But it'll be good for you both to spend some alone time together, if you see what I mean. And besides, I can spend the entire afternoon with Justin without worrying about getting back. Oh. Not that it's been a burden or anything.' She grinned.
The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane-Part Four: Trick or treat Page 2
