He slowed down outside a large, detached house which was built of a light-coloured stone. The top part of the windows were made of stained glass, and Daisy caught many images of blue butterflies painted on the glass.
She opened the passenger window and stuck her head out to stare at the building. “Look at that house! It’s magnificent.” She craned her neck. “I can’t see the back garden from here, but I bet there’s a great view from there.”
“There is,” Jacob informed her. “You can see the whole bay from the rear garden.”
Daisy turned her head to look at him, her eyes full of wonder. “I’d love to see that. Do you think the owner would let me have a look? I’d explain about my marketing campaign and all that. Do you think they’d let me take some photos of the bay?”
“Oh, yes, he will.” Jacob stopped the van. “He’s a nice chap. And he’s got a dog who’s stolen the heart of a fair maiden.” He smiled right at her which made her heart flip over.
It took Daisy a moment to make sense of Jacob’s words. “You own this house?”
“I do. My great-great-grandfather built it. And my great-great-grandma designed it, and it was her idea to put the butterflies in the stained glass. She loved those creatures and planted lots of holly bushes to attract them.”
Daisy shook her head incredulously. “If I lived in this house, I would never leave it. I’d get everything delivered. If anyone wanted to meet me, they’d have to do it here.” She turned her face back to the house. “Do you think the kind owner will let me go inside?”
“Yes, he will. But later. He’s got work to do now.” He began to drive away from the house.
Daisy kept her eyes fixed on the house as they drove away. She heard Jacob chuckling and looked over at him. “What?”
“You’re almost hanging out of the door. You will see the house later, I promise. Every nook and cranny. And if you play your cards right, I’ll let you watch the sunset from the swinging bench at the back of the house. It’s breathtaking.”
“You’ve got a swinging bench?”
“Yes. Don’t go crazy, but I’ve got a patio too. And flowers in tubs. And two apple trees.”
Daisy started laughing. “You’re making fun of me. I’m not used to seeing so much space around a property. Not unless they come with a million-pound price tag.” Her eyes narrowed. “You’re not going to tell me you’re a millionaire, are you?”
Jacob laughed. “No. I wouldn’t be driving this old van if I were. The house was passed to me by my dad. When my ancestors helped to set up this town, they made sure they got an ideal spot to build the family house on.” He nodded at the road in front. “The church was built first, then the hotel. Residents’ houses came after that.”
A terrible thought came to Daisy. What if her marketing campaign was hugely successful? What if people came to the town in their thousands? What if property developers wanted to build homes here? That would destroy the very nature of this picturesque town. Well, she wouldn’t let that happen. She wasn’t sure how she’d stop anyone building hundreds of houses here, but she’d have a go. There’d be something on the internet about that; about people who’d halted huge organisations from going ahead with their evil plans.
She pressed her lips together in determination and suddenly became aware of Jacob talking to her. She asked, “Pardon? Did you say something?”
“I was telling you that we’ve arrived at the hotel. You’ve got a funny expression on your face. Is something wrong?”
“Just my imagination getting the better of me. Do you ever imagine something awful was going to happen, and then before you know it, you’re having a full-blown imaginary argument with someone you’ve never met?”
“Erm, no.” Jacob’s forehead creased. “All my arguments are real, and with people I know. Who are you having an imaginary argument with?”
“It doesn’t matter.” She didn’t want to let him know she was thinking about property moguls invading the town. If he knew that was a possibility, she was sure he’d drive her straight to the train station and tell her to clear off and leave this town alone.
Jacob gave her a look as if to say he didn’t believe her. He released his seat belt. “Are you coming inside with me? You can meet Liza. She’s the manager. We went to school together. She’s great. Very efficient.”
“Oh?” Jacob’s words brought out a peculiar emotion in Daisy. One she wasn’t used to. Jealously? That was a ridiculous thing to be feeling. Why was she jealous of a woman she’d never met?
Jacob got out of the van and looked towards the hotel with a big smile on his face. Malcolm bounded over the driver’s seat, jumped out of the open door and stared at the hotel too.
Great, Daisy thought unreasonably, even Malcolm can’t wait to see Liza. She shook her head at herself as she got out of the van. She was being silly. She took her mind off her foolish thoughts and looked at her surroundings. There were many holly bushes dotted around the edges of the manicured lawn in front of her, and Daisy caught the blue flashes of butterflies as they flittered about. The sight of the creatures lifted her heart.
But her heart fell all the way down to her toes as soon as she entered the hotel and saw Jacob hugging a beautiful woman.
Chapter 8
JACOB
JACOB EXTRACTED HIMSELF from Liza’s perfumed hug. He joked, “Keep your hands to yourself, woman. I’m not a piece of meat to be manhandled.”
Liza let out a laugh. “I can’t help it. You’re my hero, Jacob Smythe, and you’ve come to my rescue once again. Come here.” She pulled him into another embrace, squeezed him and released him.
Jacob asked, “Why do you need rescuing? I thought I was only here to fix the wobbly bannister.”
“That is true,” Liza informed him. “But I’d like you to deal with three blocked toilets, please.” Her blue eyes twinkled with mischief he knew well. “You might as well deal with them now that you’re here don’t you think? You wouldn’t want me to phone a plumber, would you? A plumber who’s not from these parts? No, you wouldn’t like that at all. What would your great-great-grandfather think if I had to do that?”
Jacob laughed. “Don’t you use my ancestors against me. You know I’ll do anything you ask me to do.”
“Really?” Liza raised one eyebrow and smiled slowly. “Anything?”
Jacob wagged a finger at her. “Now stop that. You know your flirting ways never work on me. You know our one date was a complete disaster, so you can cross me off your list of suitors.”
Liza gave him a gentle push. “I’m only kidding. I pity the woman who thinks you’re a catch. No one will ever tie you down, I know that.” Her gaze went to something behind him, and she frowned. She called out, “I’ll be with you in a minute.”
Jacob looked over his shoulder to see who Liza was talking to. It was Daisy. She had her arms folded and was giving Liza a dark look for some reason. Jacob said to Liza, “This is Daisy Clarke. She’s coming with me everywhere today.”
“Is she?” Liza asked. “Why? Has Roberta finally run out of patience with you and got a hitman, sorry, hitwoman to take you out? I don’t blame her. You could try the patience of a saint with your stubborn ways.”
“I’m not stubborn, I just know my own mind.” Jacob turned fully around to face Daisy. She was still glowering at Liza. What was wrong with her? And why was she so quiet? “Daisy, do you want to tell Liza why you’re here?”
Daisy looked as if she’d prefer to stare silently at Liza, but then her expression changed and she gave Liza a small smile which didn’t reach her eyes. She said coldly, “Hello, I’m working with Roberta Wainwright on a marketing project.”
Liza said, “Oh, yes! I know all about your project. Roberta was up here last night to tell me and the staff all about it.” She let out a warm laugh. “You’ve got your work cut out, and I wish you all the luck in the world. Roberta told us to help you in any way we can. And I’d be delighted to do that. Would you like a tour of the hotel?”
Daisy’s tone was still chilly as she replied, “I wouldn’t want to take you away from Jacob.”
Liza gave Jacob a dismissive wave. “I’ve seen enough of him today. He’s got work to do. I’d rather talk to you. Come with me and I’ll tell you about the rich history of this hotel. There are hidden rooms and secret pathways to the beach. We even have a few ghosts, according to some people anyway.” She moved forward and linked her hand through Daisy’s arm. “Ask me as many questions as you like. Feel free to take lots of photos too. You can even get my ugly mug in them! I don’t mind. I’ve applied my war paint this morning.”
Daisy’s smile turned less chilly. “You’re not ugly. You’ve got lovely skin. And your make-up is perfect. I can hardly tell you’re wearing any.”
“Oh, I am! And don’t get me started on how many products I use to get my hair to behave itself.” She lowered her voice a fraction. “Or how strong my undergarments are. Thank goodness for elastic, that’s all I can say.”
Jacob shook his head. “I don’t want to hear about your undergarments, Liza.”
Liza’s eyes crinkled up in amusement. “Have I embarrassed you, Jacob? Most men would love to hear about my undergarments.” She turned to Daisy and continued, “Let me tell you about my one terrible date with Jacob. We were nine at the time and had agreed to have a picnic on the beach together.” She nodded in Jacob’s direction. “That man over there wouldn’t share his sandwiches! I shared all of mine, but he refused to part with his.”
“Did he?” Daisy’s smile grew into the one Jacob was beginning to love. She tutted at him. “Fancy not sharing your sandwiches.”
“They were banana and jam,” Jacob defended himself. “They were my favourite when I was nine. I offered my crisps to you, Liza.”
“Only because they had sand in them. And the same goes for that bottle of pop you gave me.” She cast him a mock look of disgust. “Daisy, he dropped that bottle on the sand before he gave it to me. I took a big swig and got a mouthful of sand. And he laughed.”
“You did?” Daisy asked him.
Jacob chuckled at the memory. “I did. Sorry, Liza, but you looked so funny when you spat it out and then stormed off home.”
Liza joined in with his laughter. “I was fuming. I was used to boys treating me with respect, even at that young age. I should have known better with you, Jacob. You didn’t give a hoot what people thought about you, and you still don’t.”
Jacob’s glance went to Daisy. He did care what she thought about him. And he wanted her to think only good things about him.
He caught Liza giving him a puzzled look. Then she turned to Daisy and said, “He’s changed for the better since he was nine, thankfully. Let me show you around the hotel, and I’ll tell you about the improved Jacob and the good work he does around town. He’s still a stubborn mule, but we put up with him.” She looked over at Jacob. “Why are you still here? Three toilets need unblocking. Rooms three, seven and eight.”
“Do I want to know why three toilets are blocked at the same time?” Jacob asked.
Liza grinned. “No, you don’t. Off you go. I want to talk privately with Daisy. Don’t forget the bannister too. Oh, and the door to the library is sticking again. Have a look at that. If you do a good job, I’ll give you another hug.” She winked at him before leading Daisy away.
Malcolm looked up at Jacob, and then turned around and trotted after the women. Jacob didn’t blame him. Unblocking toilets was not Jacob’s favourite thing to do.
Jacob quickly got to work. The toilets were unblocked in no time. The bannister was made secure, and the library door sorted out.
By the time he’d returned to the reception area, he saw Liza and Daisy walking towards him. They were deep in conversation and looked thick as thieves. They abruptly stopped talking when they saw him. Daisy’s cheeks turned red. She looked so cute when she did that.
Jacob said, “Should my ears be burning? Have you been talking about me?”
“Yes, we have. But we’ve only said good things,” Liza advised him.
Daisy said to Liza, “Thank you for showing me around. You’ve got a lovely hotel.”
“Don’t forget what I said about special rates for your internet followers,” Liza said. “I’ll give them a discount on afternoon teas and on the rooms.” There was a flicker of worry in her eyes which Jacob had never seen in all the years he’d known Liza. And he’d known her since she was four years old.
Liza continued, “We could do with a boost in trade. We manage in the summer months, like everyone else. But, you know, things can get awfully quiet in the winter.”
Jacob gave Liza a closer look. Was the hotel struggling? He’d have to speak to Liza privately about that at some point. Not that she was likely to open up to him about such matters; she was a stubborn individual.
Daisy said to Liza, “If everyone else loves this hotel as much as me, I’m sure you’ll soon be booked up all year round. I’ve been in touch with some companies who do themed breaks. Could I put your hotel forward as a possible venue?”
Liza’s eyes glistened and she beamed at Daisy. “I would love that. That’s so generous of you. You must come back and tell me more. We’ll have afternoon tea. We don’t have to drink tea, though. We could have gin. Or vodka. I’m not fussy.”
Daisy started laughing. “I like the sound of that. I’ll come back soon and show you those companies and what they do. I won’t contact them until you’ve had a good look at them all.”
Liza pulled Daisy into a hug. Jacob smiled at the shocked expression on Daisy’s face, but she stayed in Liza’s hug until she was released.
Liza blinked quickly before looking his way. “Don’t think you’re getting a hug, not after you’ve been messing about with toilets. Don’t forget to send me your bill.” She gave him a pointed look. “And charge me a proper amount. I know what other people charge, and your prices are far too low.”
“I’ll decide what I charge,” Jacob told her. “Is there anything else?”
“Not for now. You may leave.” Liza shot him a wink. “Thanks, Jacob. You know I love you.”
“Yeah, when you need something doing.” He grinned back at her. “Hang on, where’s my dog?”
The smile fell from Liza’s face. “Oh, sorry. I couldn’t stop him. He ran off again to you know where. I’ll fetch him.”
Jacob’s heart suddenly felt too heavy for his chest. “No, I’ll get him.” He gave Liza a nod goodbye and then headed outside.
Daisy followed him and asked, “Where has Malcolm gone?”
Jacob nodded in the direction of a building along a narrow road to the right. “He’s gone over there. I’ll go and get him. Let yourself into the van. I won’t be long.”
Daisy looked towards where Jacob had his attention. Her voice was gentle as she said, “I’ll come with you if that’s okay?”
Jacob was about to say no, but one look at the concern on Daisy’s face made him say, “Yes, you can come with me. I’d appreciate that. Thanks.”
Chapter 9
DAISY
DAISY WAITED FOR JACOB to put his toolbox in his van, then she walked at his side along the short road which led to St Agatha’s Church. The beauty of the church didn’t escape her, but Daisy knew this wasn’t the moment to make a comment about it. She could feel a sadness coming from Jacob; it was a heavy sadness and her shoulders felt burdened as if she were sharing Jacob’s melancholy.
Jacob didn’t speak as they left the road and walked along the path to the church. He didn’t enter the church but walked around the side of the lovely building and towards the graveyard at the rear.
He came to a stop at the first line of stone headstones. Daisy saw the dates on them and noticed how these people had lived and died in Holly Blue Bay hundreds of years ago. Some of the engravings had faded, and more than one headstone was listing to the side as if slightly drunk.
“Follow me,” Jacob said quietly. “I know where Malcolm will be.” He stepped along the grass
path which ran down the line of headstones.
Daisy followed him and kept sneaking a glance at the names on the headstones. The same family names kept appearing, which confirmed families stayed in this town for generations. It didn’t surprise her that much. She would have loved to have grown up in such a beautiful place, but would the lure of a big city have made her leave at some point?
Jacob came to a stop at a new headstone. The writing was clear, and the stone was standing as straight as a soldier on parade. Daisy’s heart sank when she read the names on the headstone.
Jacob stood with his hands clasped lightly in front of him. He said sadly, “Mum went first, and Dad tried to carry on, but he never got over her death.” He nodded at Malcolm who was lying on the grass at the side of the grave, his shaggy head resting on his paws. Jacob continued, “Dad bought Malcolm as a puppy after Mum died. He loved that dog, and Malcolm loved him. When dad passed on, Malcolm was heartbroken and would spend hours lying right where he is now, no matter the weather.”
Daisy’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at Malcolm.
Jacob turned his grief-filled eyes to Daisy and said, “He doesn’t come here as often now, but there’s the odd day when he goes missing. I always know where to find him. He could be here for hours yet.” He let out a dry laugh. “This could ruin your plans for the day, I’m afraid. You can’t shift him when he’s in this mood. And there’s no way I can lift him. I tried it once and put my back out for weeks.”
“We don’t need to move him,” Daisy replied softly. “But I would like to comfort him.” She walked over to Malcolm and settled on her knees at his side. Malcolm didn’t even glance at her. Daisy gently stroked the fur on his head and muttered soothing noises. Tears rolled freely from her eyes, but she didn’t care. Sometimes, you just had to let the tears out.
A Fresh Start In Holly Blue Bay Page 5