The Cottage of New Beginnings

by Suzanne Snow

  She spun around to look again at the painting of a young couple above the fireplace. The man was in uniform, his stare straight ahead, while the woman gazed up at him adoringly. Annie had to look again before she realised that they were holding hands.

  ‘Are they your grandparents?’

  ‘Yes. The picture was a wedding gift, painted just after they were married. How can you tell?’

  It was a good excuse to glance at him and compare, and after a few seconds he laughed, bending down to kiss her quickly.

  Annie smiled, batting his hand away from her face. ‘Family likeness. But you’re darker than your grandfather and I’d say you’re taller. You have his eyes.’

  They stared at the portrait together as Annie imagined what life would have been like for Jon’s grandparents in this place, so many years ago. ‘Why did your grandfather choose to live in Thorndale?’ She glanced sideways at Jon. ‘Was he born here?’

  Jon shook his head with a grin. ‘He was a romantic, or so my more pragmatic grandmother liked to tell me. Pretty unusual for a Leeds city boy. He’d always lived in town, and he had a dream of buying a farm and living off the land. His father’s business was in steel and my grandfather trained to become a barrister. He fell in love with the estate when it came up for sale and gave up the law to buy it.’

  ‘Definitely a romantic,’ Annie said dryly, even though she couldn’t help liking the story.

  ‘Yep. He rescued the estate before it was completely broken up, and by restoring it he helped to bring some of the life back to the village, even when farming was still in a depression. He only ever employed local people, and he knew he had a lot to learn before he could expect to see real progress. I never met him. He died on holiday, six years before I was born.’

  ‘I’m sorry.’ She reached for Jon’s hand and wound his fingers between her own. She was beginning to understand how much his family had inspired him and what he was continuing to achieve in the place his grandfather had chosen.

  ‘Thanks. I guess I inherited his desire to farm and he always said, right up until he died, that he still had lots to learn. I feel that way too. I don’t really use this room when I’m here alone, we keep it for when we have guests. There’s a smaller sitting room and I use the library as a study. I’m in there or the kitchen most of the time when I’m in the house.’

  Annie jumped as Jon’s pager beeped, and he scrolled through the message with one hand while reaching for his phone with the other, replying at once. He looked up and she was already smiling as she read the regret in his eyes.

  ‘Sorry,’ he said ruefully. ‘We had a standby earlier, but this is a new one. Teenage boy trapped in rocks and it’s a full team callout. Gotta run.’

  ‘Absolutely.’ Annie followed him as they swiftly returned to the hall. ‘I really ought to be doing some work anyway.’

  At the front door Jon kissed her briefly, pressing a set of keys into her hand and lifting his head to look at her questioningly, his voice low. ‘You could work here if you like, make use of the Wi-Fi. I’m sorry I can’t say when I’ll be back and I don’t mean to sound as though I’m assuming you can just hang around for me, but could we continue this later?’

  ‘Can’t, sorry, I’m meeting Kirstie.’ Annie shook her head with a grin. ‘Go on, go.’

  He laughed as Annie returned the keys, quickly locking up and sprinting to his car and then he was gone, leaving her watching on the drive. She began the walk back home, anticipating a couple of hours of work before she’d go out again.

  Chapter Seventeen

  ‘I usually try not to take much notice of gossip but you and Jon Beresford seeing one another is proving hard to ignore. I bet the village is captivated – they’ve been wanting to marry him off for ages.’

  Annie groaned, hiding her face in her hands from Kirstie’s all too inquisitive gaze as Kirstie smirked, nudging her gently.

  ‘Is it true, then? Anything you’d like to share?’

  They were in town, edging through a growing crowd as they made their way to the main square to find their seats for a live music set, part of the two-week Arts Festival that had grown over the years to encompass theatre, poetry, music, comedy, books and art. Annie had never been before and she loved the atmosphere, somewhat similar to but much smaller than her beloved Edinburgh festival. Kirstie knew a couple of the musicians taking part and had managed to secure tickets at the last minute.

  ‘No,’ she told Kirstie firmly but a big smile on her face belied the tiny word. She laughed, warmth stealing through her as she thought of seeing Jon earlier and their hurried parting. She hoped the rescue had gone well and wondered if he was home yet. ‘It’s seriously early days.’

  ‘Or just serious? That’s a very silly grin you’ve got plastered on your face, Ms Armstrong.’

  They were squeezing between other people to take their seats on the third row. The band was already tuning up and Annie had tried to feign interest in the flyers constantly being stuffed into their hands as they’d wandered around, grabbing coffee to take away.

  Kirstie nudged her again, and Annie knew she wasn’t going to take no for an answer, raising her voice over the noise of the band. ‘Not serious, no. I’ve only known him for a few weeks. Neither of us are looking to be committed to anything else, so it’s just a few casual dates and we’ll see how it goes.’ Annie’s gaze was troubled then as she looked at Kirstie. ‘Meeting someone like Jon was the last thing I expected, to be honest. After everything with Iain, I really wasn’t looking for anyone and then, well, he was just there.’ She paused, a glow lighting her eyes. ‘And he’s lovely. I do like him.’

  ‘What’s not to like?’ Kirstie told her with a grin. ‘He’s hot, Annie, I’ll give you that. But be careful, okay?’

  Alarmed, Annie’s eyes flew to Kirstie’s, the flyers dropping to the floor and the coffee cup in her hand tilted, spilling some on the cobbles beneath her feet. ‘What do you mean?’

  Kirstie was waving at someone on the stage in front of them and her smile was sympathetic when she returned her gaze to Annie’s. ‘I’m sorry, that sounded pretty interfering and judgemental. It’s just after everything you’ve been through, I’d hate for you to get hurt again.’

  ‘But what do you know about him? Come on, Kirst, you can’t not say now.’

  Kirstie sighed. ‘I haven’t been around the whole time he’s been back, Annie, but I heard a rumour about an ex-girlfriend, someone he was serious about and that maybe she’s still on the scene. I’m sorry, I don’t know the details and it was none of my business anyway. Most people like him, Annie. It’s hard not to. But he’s not easy to get close to, however friendly he seems.’

  Annie’s stomach lurched into a spiral of anxiety at Kirstie’s words, reminding her again of the comments she’d overhead at Sarah’s party. She tried to bring her mind back to what she knew for herself of Jon and drive away the doubts clouding her thoughts. ‘You’re not serious! That doesn’t mean anything. We’ve no idea of the circumstances or context. I know he keeps his personal life private and that’s fair enough, given that people seem to like making it their business to speculate about him.’

  ‘Hey, sorry, okay?’ Kirstie reached across to squeeze Annie’s hand. ‘I’m sorry. Truly. Just, you know, look after you.’

  Annie nodded, trying not to feel chilled by Kirstie’s warning. Whatever had gone before in his life, Annie had seen and understood the intensity in his eyes, knowing it was reflected in her own whenever she and Jon looked at one another. She couldn’t measure what she’d learned of him against a man who had a reputation for being difficult to capture. ‘I will,’ she said quietly. ‘I appreciate your concern, really I do. But I feel as though I know him already, Kirstie, however unlikely that seems.’

  Kirstie nodded sympathetically as the band were introduced and Annie fell silent as music followed and the crowd roared encouragement. Annie sensed Kirstie looking at her from time to time and she smiled, not wanting anything to spoil their renewed f
riendship, understanding that her friend’s warning was born out of care.

  The musicians were very good, and when it was over Annie wished she had enjoyed it more, but Kirstie’s words had planted in her mind a seed of doubt she wanted to forget. They managed to find a table in a busy little Italian trattoria for supper and Jon wasn’t mentioned again. When they eventually parted, they shared a hug. Annie was inside her car, about to start the engine when her phone beeped and she opened WhatsApp, smiling the moment she saw Jon’s name, despite Kirstie’s concern.

  If you fancy abandoning your car outside the barn again on Saturday, you might get it washed this time. You coming?

  He’d attached a copy of the poster for the family fun day at the fell rescue headquarters and Annie glanced through it, already knowing the events that were planned.

  I am. Making cake. Not for you. :) Might bring the car though. If you promise not to tow it away

  Elizabeth had asked if she would help at the bake off and Annie had been happy to agree. She grinned as she saw the laughing emojis following her reply.

  If I promise to wash it personally and not tow it away, do we have a date?

  At a car wash? Wow. That’s a first.

  Annie added an emoji crying with laughter.

  I won’t be washing cars all day. There’ll be time later if you’re free?

  Let’s see, shall we?

  He followed her reply with two more emojis, one fingers crossed, one blowing a kiss. The second was a first for them and Annie replayed their messages in her mind as she returned home, still smiling.

  Despite what Jon had said Annie didn’t take her car into the village first thing on Saturday. She knew there would be little room to park and she walked down in good time to help set up, carrying a tin of red velvet cupcakes for her bake off entry. There was a marquee propped across half the green, and the other half was scattered with chairs and a few wooden picnic tables, the barbeques far away from the cakes. A cone system for directing traffic in and out of the car wash was set up on the track outside the fell rescue’s headquarters and two all-terrain vehicles were parked outdoors, ready to show visitors what went into a rescue and how highly trained and dedicated the volunteer team was.

  A huge, clear tank, a red seat suspended above it, stood at the far end of the green, slowly filling with water, attached to a yellow plastic screen with a red target in the centre. She found Elizabeth in the marquee, safely stashed the cupcakes ready for later and was soon busy helping to hang colourful bunting and set out entries. Elizabeth told her they’d managed to secure the services of an award-winning local artisan baker to judge the competition, and lots more people were spilling into the marquee, keen to purchase their cakes in advance of the sale later.

  Annie saw the baker arrive, and he was immediately swept away by the small committee of organisers. Everyone else was chased out of the marquee so judging could commence, and she was happy to escape the warmth inside, strolling casually through the growing crowd to the fell rescue. Lots of people were milling around the entrance, children clambering inside the Land Rovers and trying on helmets that were too large, as visitors enthused over the range of specialist equipment and watched a film running on a loop on the whiteboard inside the barn, of the work of the association through the years. The car wash was also proving popular and she glanced sideways, spotting Jon, who was busy with two other members washing a very dirty four-by-four. He seemed to sense her looking and glanced up, catching her eye and she couldn’t resist going over. He was wearing a red fell rescue T-shirt and shorts, and she reached up to wipe away a blob of soap from his face, warm and roughened by stubble.

  ‘Thanks.’ He grinned, catching her fingers for a second, quickly swiping a blob of the same soap on the end of her nose with the sponge in his other hand.

  ‘Hey,’ she protested, laughing. ‘Don’t start a fight.’

  ‘Why not,’ he teased, smoothing the soap away with a gentle thumb that left her wanting more of his touch. ‘I’m the one with the buckets and sponge. You’re the one at a disadvantage.’

  His eyes slid down, taking in her denim shorts and green top and her pulse soared at the intimacy she read in his eyes. Another sponge sailed through the air, hitting him on the shoulder and leaving a soaking patch on his T-shirt. They both looked over, laughing, to see who had thrown it.

  ‘Get back to work,’ one of the other volunteers shouted across with a grin. ‘There’s a queue here and we haven’t got time to stand around watching you pair flirting.’

  ‘Where’s your car?’

  Annie stepped back, not wanting to hold him up or be soaked. ‘At home. Thought it might be in the way.’

  She heard Jon’s laugh at that, and she was still smiling as she crossed the green. The queue for the tea rooms snaked beyond the front door and the ice cream hut was absolutely packed, the weather for once obliging with warm sunshine. Children were splashing in the river and chefs from the pub were busy barbecuing, and yet more people were waiting their turn for food. Annie felt a thrill of real happiness and pleasure stealing through her as she strolled around, waving to Charlie when she saw him rushing down the high street. Sarah Holland emerged from her house, looking as stunning as ever in a floral mini skirt with ankle boots and a sleeveless cream top, and Annie scowled, her pleasure in her own outfit diminishing. Jed March was with her and it wasn’t long before they were accosted by people wanting selfies, both appearing happy to linger and smile for the cameras.

  Once the judging was over Annie was supposed to take her turn inside the marquee for the cake sale. She saw that the sign keeping people out of the marquee had gone and she made her way across, pushing aside thoughts of Sarah. Inside she was thrilled to have won a third prize and stuck the certificate in her handbag, dropping her bag on the floor beside her table. Someone had thoughtfully provided a fold-away camping chair, but Annie was quite happy on her feet, chatting to people in between tea served in giant stainless-steel pots as she wrapped up endless slices of cake. Emma and Sir Vivian were making their way around the marquee and they came over for a chat before going off to meet some friends. Annie saw Sam and waved. Sam wandered over, her bump larger than ever as she lowered herself carefully into the camping chair.

  ‘Do you mind,’ she asked Annie, looking up with a cheerful smile. She had changed her hair since Annie had last seen her and it was now blonde with red highlights running through the tips, her trademark Doc Martens ever present. ‘Hope I don’t break it.’

  ‘You’re not that big, Sam! Loving your hair, that colour really suits you.’

  ‘Thanks.’ Sam was failing to hide her amusement as she gave Annie a sideways glance, and Annie became suspicious.

  ‘What’s so funny?’

  Sam was stroking her bump but still looking at Annie with a merry expression. ‘Some woman’s just offered Jon fifty pounds to wash her car topless,’ she said gleefully. ‘Sarah heard and offered to double it.’

  Annie’s gasp of surprise lengthened into a shout of laughter as her gaze became incredulous. ‘What did he say?’

  ‘He very charmingly told them it wouldn’t be a good idea at a family fun day as they couldn’t expect all the volunteers to do the same. Don’t think Sarah was impressed though. I think she thought he actually might do it, as it’s for charity.’

  ‘I’d pay,’ Annie said dreamily, hearing Sam’s scream of laughter.

  ‘For you, Annie, he’d no doubt do it for free. And probably wouldn’t stop at just the top, either, if you asked him.’

  ‘Sam! Stop it, before someone overhears!’

  ‘Have you heard that Sarah’s thinking of volunteering with the fell rescue?’ Sam asked her idly, reaching for a bottle of water in her bag and looking sideways at Annie as she took a drink.

  ‘No. Do you think she’s serious?’

  ‘Dunno. Can’t see how she’d be able to make the time. Apparently, she’s up for a part in a Netflix series which would mean weeks away so what’s the point in ap
plying? She’s been hanging around on a Monday night, helping to sort equipment and stuff during training.’

  Annie saw Jon making his way across the marquee to them and her heart leaped, her concentration suddenly gone.

  ‘Hey, you two.’ He was smiling, damp from washing cars, his gaze going to Sam before returning to Annie, effortlessly holding her still with just a glance. ‘May I have your car keys please?’

  ‘What! Why?’

  ‘I promised to wash it, remember?’ His voice had lowered, leaving Annie longing to be alone with him as his smile lengthened into a grin, emphasising the lines around his blue eyes. She heard Sam’s muffled shriek beside her and turned her laughing gaze to look at her friend, trying to be stern and failing utterly.

  ‘Sorry, Jon, run that by me again.’ Sam was wiping her eyes now and Annie’s mind was filled with images she had no intention of sharing. ‘You’re going to wash Annie’s car for her?’

  Puzzled, he looked from Sam back to Annie. ‘I said I would. What’s so funny?’

  ‘Are you doing it here, or, you know, in private, at home?’

  ‘Here, of course. We’ll be packing up soon.’

  ‘Fully dressed?’

  There was curiosity in his expression before he realised what Sam meant and he laughed. ‘You heard about that then?’ he asked Annie, shaking his head. His glance suddenly became lazy, his eyes narrowing as he stared at her. ‘Maybe some other time.’

  He stuck out his hand and Annie reached into her bag, removing her keys and dropping them onto his waiting palm, and he smiled at her as he turned away. Her stall was mostly sold out now and she returned to the green after helping to quickly tidy up. Jon was back in less than fifteen minutes, crammed behind the steering wheel in her little Mini, and she knew half the village was watching as he parked it and the team set to washing it, Jon included.