‘Oh! It’s just, I’m with friends; but I could be somewhere for around nine if that’s not too late.’ Rose drew on all her courage to continue. ‘Where – I mean, if that works, where shall we meet?’
Morgan’s eyes widened, as did her smile, and she gave Rose the thumbs-up.
‘Are you far from the Francis; shall I come to you?’
‘I’m in The Boater, near Laura Place.’
‘I know it; I’ll be there at nine.’ He ended the call.
Rose stared at the phone, then dropped back in her seat. What could he possibly have to say that was this urgent? At a loss, Rose observed, as casually as she could, ‘Did James go for more drinks?’
Morgan narrowed her gaze. ‘Just tell me! What was that all about?’
‘I haven’t the faintest idea.’
‘Hmm… I’m guessing it started with “Hi, this is Aiden”, and I know it ended with you arranging to meet him here tonight…’ Morgan threw Rose a shrewd look. ‘What was in the middle?’
‘I have no idea why he wants to meet. I mean it.’
‘Rose Wallace, you are blushing!’
‘That’s hardly uncommon for me.’
‘You’ve got to realise by now he might like you.’
‘He might…’ And you so want it to be so, her heart whispered. ‘It’s probably just something to do with…’ But for the life of her, Rose couldn’t imagine what it could have to do with.
Morgan shook her head. ‘I’m so going to enjoy telling you I told you so.’
Rose sighed as James returned with fresh drinks. ‘James, you’ve got yourself quite a handful, you know!’
He nodded as he placed the glasses on the table and sat down. ‘Indeed. And you’ve got a lot to answer for, because it’s all your fault!’
Rose grinned, the fluttering of her insides provoked by Aiden’s call settling slightly. ‘Hey, I didn’t force you into anything.’
‘Yeah, right. You just invite your direction-impaired friend five thousand miles from home, come up with a plan which prevents you from meeting her, and then conveniently forget to charge your mobile. I call it a conspiracy.’
Morgan rolled her eyes. ‘Har har. You guys are so funny.’
Rose smiled at James. ‘We are, aren’t we?
‘Yep.’ Picking up one of the ribbons, James started to roll it up. ‘Mr Darcy thinks so, too.’
Morgan met Rose’s eye from under her lashes; she knew it was one battle won and, if Rose wasn’t mistaken, she was pretty confident she was going to win the one relating to her friend as well.
* * *
Morgan insisted on their staying with Rose until nine, saying she didn’t want to leave her alone, so Rose found herself walking out onto Argyle Street with them just as Aiden came down the road.
He looked… she didn’t quite know how to describe it; uncertain? A little distracted? Greeting them all quickly, he fell into step with her as they followed James and Morgan across the road; then, to her surprise, he said in an urgent voice, ‘Look, I’m sorry to commandeer you so unexpectedly; but the truth is, at Chawton I didn’t get a chance to explain…’
‘Woman, I’m going to start carrying around a set of your keys everywhere I go.’ James was laughing as he and Morgan tried to dig through Morgan’s bag but Rose was trying to drown them both out. What did Aiden want to tell her that was so important? Why was he even here in Bath again?
‘Fine with me. I’m liberated and all, but keys escape me.’ Morgan turned around in a circle, her arms outstretched. ‘Oh, Lord, I love Bath, have I said? I can’t wait to start flat hunting.’
‘You’re coming to live in Bath?’ Aiden asked in surprise and then, after Morgan’s situation had been explained, added, ‘I’m jealous. I’ve always loved it here.’ Then he turned to James. ‘Your place is nice.’
‘Do you want it? I’ve decided to sell.’
‘What? Why?’ Three pairs of surprised eyes turned to James, and he shrugged.
‘It wasn’t my choice – living up that end of town or on the second floor. I want somewhere with outdoor space; if not a garden flat, at least a balcony of some sort.’
‘Awww. You’re so cute. You’re thinking about Mr Darcy.’
There was silence for a moment, then Morgan was attacked by a fit of the giggles.
James shook his head. ‘Probably a thought you should keep to yourself when out in public, if I’m to salvage anything like a reputation.’ He sighed. ‘I’m not sure what is the most unsettling: the idea of moving home to suit a stray kitten or to accommodate a fictional character.’
‘But you’ve never been happy there, have you?’ Rose met James’s gaze, and he smiled ruefully.
‘I suppose it was okay for a while, but I’m ready to move on now; find something that suits me better. Think I’ll talk to someone in the morning about getting a valuation.’
‘We have a busy day tomorrow, too.’ Morgan smiled widely. ‘I can’t wait.’
Aiden looked sceptical. ‘Not more dressing up in costume?’
Morgan shook her head. ‘Sadly, no – not tomorrow, but the next day – yes.’
‘Be careful, Ade; you’ll get roped in this time.’
Aiden merely smiled faintly, but Rose was feeling decidedly uncomfortable, recalling the blank expression on the doctor’s face when he’d seen her dressed up during the promenade.
‘Well, there’s another dance class Friday afternoon but not everyone gets dressed up for that.’
‘And there’s the ball that evening which should be amazing. Come with us to the ball, James!’ Morgan turned a pleading face up to him. ‘We need men. We need dancing partners. Shame to let all our finery go to waste by having to resort to dancing with each other.’
James laughed and shook his head. ‘It’s not exactly my scene.’
‘You were laughing the entire time I was telling you about the dance class on Sunday.’
‘Yeah, well, there’s laughing because it’s great, and laughing because it’s a bit ridiculous.’
Two offended faces stared at him, and he held up his hands. ‘Sorry. No offence meant. I know you love it; I know everyone who attends thinks it’s fantastic and they have a great time, and I don’t mean to knock that, I promise. It’s just not… me.’
‘But it could be.’
Aiden was grinning and James sent him a sour look. ‘It’s okay for you. You’re not being coerced.’
‘Please, James?’
‘I don’t have a costume; you said on Sunday it was compulsory.’
Morgan had sensed weakness. ‘It is, but we know someone with spares, don’t we, Rose?’
Rose nodded. ‘Rita of Pemberley Dreams is here this year, and she’s still got some costumes for sale.’ She threw James an impish look. ‘She specialises in gents’ clothing, and I’m sure she’ll have something fetching in your colour.’
‘Give her a call, see what she has!’ Morgan turned excitedly to Rose and, more to wind up James than to make the call, she reached for her mobile and handed it to her.
‘As your boss, Rose, I am ordering you not to make that call.’ James tried to sound firm, but Rose couldn’t take him seriously.
‘How terribly authoritarian.’ She went to search her contacts, but then the screen went blank. ‘Oh!’ With a sigh, she looked up. ‘Well, I would have made the call…’
To Rose’s chagrin, James and Morgan exchanged a look before saying in unison, ‘But you forgot to charge your mobile.’
‘Can I borrow your phone, James?’
‘Certainly not. Not to phone people with spare costumes so that other people can be forced against their will into wearing them… in public.’
Rose smiled at him, then shrugged. ‘Okay, you win.’
‘It’s freezing out here!’ Morgan shivered as they arrived outside her building.
‘It’s pretty mild for September, and you are well wrapped up for someone who’s only had to walk about five yards.’
Morgan peered out a
t them from between her scarf and hat, her gaze drifting from James to Rose. Then she gasped. ‘Tomorrow will be the one week anniversary of when we met in person.’ She grabbed Rose and hugged her around the middle. ‘Happy Weekiversary!’
‘Oh goodness.’ Rose patted her awkwardly on the back. ‘Well, at least you’re not cranky when you’re a bit tipsy.’
Morgan pulled away, tears in her eyes. ‘How could I be cranky? I love you. You’re my best friend in the whole world.’ She turned around and grabbed James’s arm, pulling him into a three-way hug with Rose. ‘Wait!’ Morgan pulled them both closer to Aiden and swept him into the hug as well. ‘I remember now. You were there, too. I met all of you for the first time a week ago tomorrow.’
Despite Morgan’s small frame, she was surprisingly strong, resulting in them all being rather crushed together. To Rose’s relief, James didn’t seem to mind and Aiden appeared to be taking it all in his stride. ‘Quite a milestone. Another round?’
As quickly as Morgan had started the group hug, she pulled away from it. ‘No! No more drinks.’
James laughed as they all extricated themselves. ‘No. Definitely no more for you. On the bright side, tomorrow is your Weekiversary and you can celebrate it all over again.’
Morgan started to clap her hands, then looked at Rose and stopped. ‘Ha, you’re right; I do clap my hands – maybe it’s an American thing. But I still don’t see the big deal if you did it once on impulse. Really, how bad could it have—’
Rose nearly pushed Morgan at James, simultaneously throwing a slightly panicked look in Aiden’s direction. He was staring right at her, smiling faintly, and she turned hastily to the others.
‘Thanks for the drink, James.’ Her voice sounded somewhat strangled. ‘Morgan, send me a text when you’re ready in the morning?’
‘Good night, guys.’ Morgan launched herself at Rose, and then Aiden in turn.
‘Night. James – you’ll make sure she’s – uh—’ Rose hesitated, suddenly unsure of the situation, but James met her eye and nodded.
‘Don’t worry; I’ll see she’s settled here before I rush back to cuddle up with Mr Darcy.’
Morgan opened her mouth to respond then stopped and looked at James suspiciously. ‘You’re doing it on purpose now.’
James winked at her, and Rose laughed as James turned to shake Aiden’s hand.
‘You’ll see Rose to her door, Ade?’
‘Of course.’
Chapter Forty-Two
The door soon closed behind them, and Rose welcomed the cool evening breeze brushing her cheeks.
‘Back to the pub or walk?’ Aiden gestured along the street.
‘Oh, walk, please.’
Why was it so hard to feel at ease? As they set off, Rose tried to recapture a moment from the other reality, when she had felt freer to express herself, and Aiden had seemed to believe in not wasting opportunities. Ask him, urged the voice in her head. Ask him how come he’s back in town, what it is he didn’t say? She was about to do it, but suddenly she wondered if it was the false confidence of a couple of glasses of wine inside her, making her think it was a good idea. She groaned inwardly.
‘Are you okay?’ Aiden had come to a halt and was looking at her in some concern.
‘Sorry?’
‘You made a funny sound.’
Feeling warmth steal into her cheeks, Rose shook her head. ‘I did not.’
Aiden narrowed his gaze. ‘Yes. You did. I may be a historian and rather mired in the past, but there’s nothing wrong with my hearing in the present, and I can tell you – with complete conviction – you did in fact groan.’
‘Yes, well, if we’re talking facts, I happen to know for a fact that history is…’ She paused, thinking. ‘Not quite as solid as you might think.’ Rose nodded to affirm her statement, but Aiden just shook his head.
‘Come on, let’s cut through the park.’ He gestured along Henrietta Street and Rose fell into step beside him.
They walked in silence for a while, and Rose could sense her heart thumping wildly in her chest as she strove to embrace her new approach. They had almost dated in the other reality; they were – possibly – about to start down that path right now, but she wasn’t sure she had it in her to make the first move… just in case she had read the signs wrong. The mortification if she had would be unbearable. Rose sighed.
‘What’s the matter?’
‘Nothing. I mean, why should there be anything wrong?’
‘You sighed.’
‘I did not!’
‘Are you always in this much denial?’
‘No!’
Aiden grunted, then stood aside so that Rose could precede him through the gateway into Henrietta Park, but suddenly, he placed a hand on her arm, and she stopped, a nearby lamp post bathing them in light.
‘Your necklace.’ He reached out to touch the cross nestled against Rose’s throat and she held her breath, certain he would feel her pulse pounding where his hand rested. He raised his eyes to meet hers. ‘This reminds me – we had an interesting find yesterday.’
‘In Winchester?’ Thankfully, his hand dropped to his side and they turned to continue their walk, allowing Rose to draw her breath. ‘Was it not just repair work then?’
‘In principle, yes, but that doesn’t mean you won’t unearth something you hadn’t planned on finding. It’s one of the many reasons I love my job. Always expect the unexpected.’
Rose frowned, a hand raised to the necklace. ‘But how does this remind you?’
‘Do you remember me telling you about what was going on in the cathedral?’ Rose nodded. ‘The rainwater which came in leaked through a window – one you’re probably familiar with – the one paying tribute to Jane Austen? The water found its way down the stonework and pooled there – behind and below a wall-mounted memorial.’
‘The plaque erected by her nephew?’
‘Precisely.’ Aiden shrugged. ‘It happens; yesterday, they were ready to remove it from the wall so they could treat the area needing attention – it’s why I had to dash over to be on-site. And there it was – something lodged in a cavity behind the plaque.’
Rose’s mouth had gone completely dry. ‘Something?’
‘Yes, a small box containing, of all things, a necklace. Pretty similar to this.’ He gestured at Rose’s. ‘Though, of course, it’s clearly much older.’
Her mind in turmoil, Rose stared at him. Could it be…?
‘The cathedral’s archivist did some research this morning.’ He glanced at her and their steps slowed to a halt in the middle of the park. ‘I expect you know some of it already, being such a fan. Charles Austen bought topaz crosses for his sisters. This third one is also topaz, clearly made by the same hand and in the same fashion, and of similar age, for all he can tell at this stage. What he can’t tell, and I can’t begin to suppose, is why someone chose to conceal it behind a memorial stone to the author.’
Rose couldn’t suppose either, even though she was pretty certain she knew exactly what this cross looked like and whose it was. ‘Is there… I mean, was it definitely placed there some time ago? It couldn’t have been put there more recently?’ She had no idea what she was suggesting, but having seen this necklace not so long ago, it was hard to imagine it existing anywhere but here and now.
‘Everything points to it having been placed in the cavity before the memorial was placed on the wall. That was in the 1870s, so one has to assume it’s been there, undisturbed, since then, if not longer.’
‘And… so what now? What will happen to this… find?’
‘It will be kept in the cathedral’s archives. There’s no proof of its origin beyond the circumstantial similarities in the design I mentioned and it being where it was. Everything suggests it once belonged to someone in the Austen family, but if so, they chose to place it in the cathedral, as if they meant for it to be kept there. So that’s what will happen.’ He smiled faintly. ‘All ancient buildings and monuments have histories to tell,
and myth and legend concealed within them over the centuries. It’s probably the most exciting thing that’s happened in the north aisle since 1850!’
‘1850?’ Rose frowned. ‘Was there another find?’
‘No – no, nothing like that. As you can imagine it’s all a bit vague being so long ago, but apparently, persons unknown – they never caught the culprits – entered the cathedral in the middle of the night and were seen sometime later in the north aisle. What they were up to was never discovered, and they scarpered as soon as they realised they’d been rumbled. There was an abandoned lamp at the scene and some tools, but no noticeable damage.’
The date meant nothing to Rose, but trying to make sense of what he’d just told her – if anything sensible could be reasoned – was beyond her when she stood in such close proximity to Aiden. Inhaling his aftershave and watching his eyes glow with enthusiasm over his subject was enough of a distraction. She would need to think carefully about all he’d said, but she wasn’t going to waste the last few moments of this precious evening on trying to unravel the impossible.
Aiden waved a hand. ‘Shall we walk on?’
‘Yes, of course.’
They strolled in silence for a moment, and Rose tried to look at Aiden discreetly, but his face was all in shadow; why wasn’t he telling her what he’d wanted to meet about?
‘Hi, Rose.’
Oh no! Now she’d been caught staring at him!
‘I – er – hi!’ Great. What a conversationalist!
‘You remember the dig I did in Bath.’ It was a statement, not a question, and he’d looked away again, so Rose felt justified in not saying anything, though her insides lurched uncomfortably, and she felt the familiar warmth filling her cheeks as they reached the gate back out into the street.
Aiden had stopped and turned to stare across the park, talking almost as though to himself. ‘I wouldn’t have said anything in front of the others. Up until then, I had no idea you remembered, but from your reaction to your friend’s clapping…’
Rose drew in a quick breath. ‘They had to redo the take; I was mortified. One of the more embarrassing moments of my life come back to haunt me in epic style.’ She glared defiantly at Aiden when he turned to look at her. ‘In my defence, I was a lot younger then.’
The Particular Charm of Miss Jane Austen Page 29