Bill shook his head. ‘I don’t disagree with you, but she’s lived in Lorford for two years. I think she’d have joined in with village life by now if it was ever going to happen.’
‘I know. I might have a battle on my hands, but I really think I might be able to help her. I want to try, at least. It’s kind of a – well – a challenge I’ve set myself.’
‘Well, that’s admirable, son, but how are you going to do that?’
‘I’m not sure. But it’s got to be worth a try, hasn’t it? I mean, she can’t be happy shut away like that all day.’
Bill sighed. ‘I can’t imagine she is. But it isn’t your everyday sort of person who buys a castle, is it? I mean, if she’d wanted to be a part of things, she wouldn’t have put a tower of stone between herself and the community, would she? It’s a wonder she let you in. I have to say, I’m still surprised by that.’
Luke nodded. ‘Me too. I don’t think it was an easy decision for her, but we kind of connected.’
‘And you think you can use that connection now? To bring her out of herself?’
‘I do. I really do.’
Margy arrived then with the tea things, neatly presented on a floral tray together with a plate of chocolate chip cookies.
‘Thank you!’ Luke said. ‘It looks wonderful.’
Margy smiled and left them to it. The two men picked up their teacups and drank in silence for a moment. Bill was the first to speak.
‘Are you sure it won’t be too overwhelming?’ he asked. ‘Our club meeting, I mean. Our front room is on the small side. She’s going to be in close proximity to a lot of people.’
‘She got used to me pretty quickly. And she already knows you.’
‘Well, I wouldn’t say she knows me. I only met her for the first time the other day and we didn’t exactly have time to bond.’
‘No,’ Luke agreed. ‘But you’re all a friendly bunch, aren’t you?’
‘Well, of course.’
‘How many of you are there?’
‘About fifteen altogether, but not everyone shows up at once. There are usually seven or eight at each meeting.
Luke nodded. ‘That doesn’t sound too scary.’
‘Not for you maybe, but what about for Miss Kendrick?’
Luke didn’t reply. The truth of the matter was that he hadn’t really got beyond the initial excitement of coming up with the idea. But he couldn’t help admitting he was becoming more nervous now.
‘I guess we’ll soon find out,’ he said bravely.
Bill took another sip of his tea, keeping his thoughts to himself, but doing a pretty bad job of hiding his scepticism.
Orla had watched as Luke left the castle. He hadn’t said anything about where he was going and she didn’t think it was her business to ask. But it seemed that he wasn’t going for tools or equipment for his work because he hadn’t taken the van. She’d looked down from one of the high windows as he’d walked along the driveway and opened the gates, closing them behind him a moment later. He’d briefly glanced up at the castle then but, to her relief, hadn’t shown any signs of seeing her. She didn’t want him to think she was spying on him.
After she was sure he wasn’t coming back immediately, she went to look at the area he’d been working on, smiling at his progress. It was still strange having him in her home, but she had to admit that there was something rather comforting about it too, and it felt strange now that he’d left for a while. The atmosphere had changed somehow. She couldn’t quite explain it to herself, but she felt it as a kind of loss.
Was she slowly getting used to having people around her again? Was she beginning to trust once more? Perhaps it was still too early to say, but one thing she was sure of – she liked Luke.
A little later on, the front doorbell rang. One Ear raced towards it, barking in warning as he usually did.
‘It’s just me, Orla!’ Luke called from the other side, and Orla smiled and let him in.
‘You’ll never guess where I’ve been,’ Luke said as they walked across the great hall. He sounded excited and anxious too and Orla couldn’t begin to guess what he’d been up to.
‘Tell me.’
‘Oyster Cottage.’
‘Where’s that?’
‘On the way to the quay. It’s where your gardener lives.’
‘Oh?’
‘And we have a lovely invitation for Friday night.’
Orla frowned, not understanding. ‘What do you mean?’
Luke smiled. ‘Did you know Bill hosts Lorford’s horticultural club? Well, there’s a meeting on Friday. All about herbs. I think you probably know more about herbs than I do, but I thought it would be fun to go along. You know – get out of the castle for a bit and get to know a few people. What do you think?’
Orla stared at him, unable to believe that he was even suggesting such a thing.
‘Are you serious?’
He swallowed hard, but then nodded. ‘I think it will do you good. They’re wonderful people here in the village and they’re bound to be friendly and welcoming. And you’ve only to walk a little distance. It’s not really far at all.’
Orla didn’t respond for a moment because she really didn’t know what to say.
‘It’s just a little meeting of friends at Bill’s,’ Luke went on. ‘You’ve already met Bill. He’s a really decent bloke. His wife’s lovely too. She makes these cookies – they’re amazing. Chocolate chip. She’ll probably make some more for the meeting.’ Luke paused.
Again, Orla didn’t respond.
‘What do you think, Orla?’ he asked.
At last, she found her voice. ‘What do I think? God, Luke! I can’t believe you thought I’d go with you!’ she cried. ‘What gave you the right to make that decision for me?’
‘Orla – listen to me.’
‘No, Luke! You listen to me! Ever since you got here, you’ve done nothing but pry and ask questions about my
