Autumn Leaves at Mill Grange by Jenny Kane (best free e reader .TXT) 📕

‘Two weeks?’ Phil’s eyes remained on his to-do list as he said, ‘That’s kind of you, but two days will be plenty.’

Not to be put off, Sophie hit Phil with a dazzling smile. ‘If I ask for two extra weeks, when mother agrees to one more week, she’ll think she has driven a hard bargain and won, whereas we’ll still have a few days in hand if we need more than two when the time comes.’

Phil laughed again. ‘Ever considered a job as a television producer, Sophie? Something tells me you’ve got the mindset for it.’ He straightened up. ‘If you’ll excuse me, I have to bring Shaun up to date.’

Watching Phil stride off towards his presenter, Sophie felt a glow of triumph. Assuming she could persuade her parents, then she’d won two extra days. If she put in some more effort, she was sure she could make the required extension a week… maybe longer. Surely that would be enough time? All she had to do now was work out how to make Shaun fall for her. Losing his phone had meant his main form of communication with Thea had been cut for a while, and he’d showed no signs of missing her. He had a new phone now, and he wasn’t on it. If Sophie was his girlfriend, she’d be on the other end of the line, making sure he knew how much he’d been missed.

Obviously Shaun didn’t really love Thea. He just thought he did.

*

‘I’m sorry, so sorry.’ Sam held Tina’s hands so tightly, that her skin went white.

Tina kissed his clammy forehead. ‘You should try and eat something and then get some more sleep.’

Pushing away the pile of fresh bread and butter Tina had delivered to the tent, Sam shook his head in despair. ‘But if I can’t even sit in my own living room, how on earth will we manage at my parents’ place?’

‘That doesn’t matter now.’ Tina wrapped an arm around his waist.

‘It does matter. I want to take you there and show you off. I want them to see how lucky I am.’

Tina’s whisper of ‘thank you’ was lost on Sam as he kept talking, ‘Woody, Dave, Ann and Helen must think I’m a fool, trying to run a retreat to help people, when I’m the one who needs help the most.’

‘Nothing wrong with helping others to help yourself.’ Tina freed her arm from Sam and undid the Thermos flask she’d brought with her, pouring him a cup of sweet tea. ‘Anyway, they’re your friends.’

‘The real guests won’t be though.’

Tina licked her dry lips. ‘The real guests are many weeks away. We have time yet.’ She pointed at the food and drink. ‘I think it’s time you ate something and we got some more sleep.’

‘But it’s halfway through the morning. I ought to be getting on with things!’

Tina shook of her head. ‘I don’t care what time it is, I for one, am too knackered to make any plans beyond resting, and so are you.’

*

Tina found Thea making her bed, after having grabbed a quick afternoon nap, while their guests had an impromptu cooking lesson with Mabel.

‘Can I come in?’ Tina peeped around the door, not sure if she’d be welcome after her moonlight flit.

‘Of course. How are you? How’s Sam?’

‘I’m tired and embarrassed. He’s tired and apologetic.’

‘You’ve no need to be embarrassed.’ Thea plumped up her pillows before patting the side of the bed, inviting Tina to sit down. ‘I’m sorry if I made you feel neglected. I’ve been so wrapped up and…’

Tina raised a hand. ‘It’s okay. You miss Shaun and you’re busy and you haven’t seen Helen for ages.’ Tina shrugged. ‘Under normal circumstances I’d never have felt left out. I’m still not sure why I did.’

‘But you did. And I’m sorry.’

Tina gave Thea a hug. ‘It felt like no one was telling me anything. That I was in the way.’ She gave a brave smile. ‘My archaeology skills are beyond rusty these days, so Helen’s help will be handy.’

Privately cursing herself for her habit of forgetting Tina had trained as an archaeologist too, albeit a long time ago, and hadn’t pursued the career, Thea said, ‘You would be welcome to come and hold a trowel you know.’

Tina gave her friend a grateful smile before changing the subject. ‘How about you anyway? I haven’t had the chance to ask how you’re coping without Shaun being around?’

‘I was fine, but, actually, I’m not so sure now.’

Tina saw a shadow cross Thea’s face. ‘What is it?’

‘I’m probably being paranoid.’

‘But?’

‘Shaun keeps mentioning a student archaeologist on the Cornish site. Sophie. She’s the landowner’s daughter.’

Tina’s eyes narrowed. ‘The one who got Landscape Treasures there under false pretences?’

‘The very same.’

‘This sounds like it’s going to be a conversation that should be accompanied by cheese scones or alcohol.’

‘Or both.’ Thea checked her wristwatch. ‘But for now, we’d better go and relieve Mabel.’

Twenty-Five

September 12th

‘I can’t believe they’ve gone.’ Tina picked up her extra strong coffee and inhaled the encouraging aroma.

Thea sank her teeth into a pile of toast and marmalade, crunching out her response. ‘The five days went so fast.’

Turning her face up to the autumn sunshine that flooded the pub garden, Tina muttered, ‘I tell you what else I can’t believe.’

‘What’s that?’

‘That we’ve lived here all this time without knowing that Moira provided breakfast for non-residents.’

Thea grinned as she licked marmalade from her lips. ‘If Sybil opened this early in the morning I’d feel bad for being here, but I have to say I’m glad we came. This home-made bread is delicious.’

‘And the sun is shining.’ Tina glanced up at the cloudless sky. ‘We should make the most of it before autumn arrives in earnest.’

Thea raised her coffee cup in agreement. ‘I’m sorry we haven’t had much time to chat lately. Are you okay this morning?’

‘Better for some sleep. And, if I’m honest, I’m glad we have the house back to ourselves. I liked Ann and Dave,