‘River and I took a walk into Heaven’s Cove, seeing as there’s not a lot to do at the manor, and I thought I’d see if you were here…the maiden in the castle. We saw your mum as we were leaving the estate and she said you were in the village.’
‘But how did you know this was where I’d be?’
Bartie sniffed. ‘I didn’t, but River and I were discussing our teenage days and he mentioned that this was a favourite place for both of you. He said the two of you used to come up here and smoke illicit cigarettes. Not that you ever invited me.’
‘You’d never have come with us anyway because we weren’t cool enough for you.’
‘That’s not the case,’ said Bartie, even though it was completely true. He gave Clara one of his megawatt smiles. ‘I must say, you looked very peaceful sitting on the wall, like the queen of your domain.’
‘Until you scared me half to death.’
‘Which I’ve apologised for already.’ He ran a hand through his hair. ‘Come on, Clara. Don’t be grumpy with me. I sneaked away from River so that you and I can, you know, enjoy a little time together as the sun sets.’
He gave Clara his sexiest wink which didn’t have the effect he desired. Once upon a time, Bartie winking at her would have made her knees wobble but now it just put her teeth on edge.
‘Where is River?’ she asked.
‘He went into the pub to get us both a drink.’
‘And you just walked off and left him?’
‘He’ll wait, like the good little boy he always was, and we can both go and join him. Not for a while though, hey?’ He sat on the wall and gestured for her to sit next to him.
Clara stayed exactly where she was. ‘Where’s Hannah?’
‘She left a couple of hours ago, before the mad tourist rush to vacate the village. She was very impressed with the manor and its potential for development. So much so, I’m pretty sure she’ll soon be making Geoffrey an offer that he can’t refuse.’
‘Great.’ Clara sounded flat and unimpressed but Bartie was too busy brushing dust from his suede loafers to notice. ‘What did she have to say about the grounds and Geoffrey’s beautiful gardens that he’s poured his heart and soul into?’
Bartie looked up from his shoes. ‘Oh, she loved them too. How could she not be impressed? Geoffrey has done such a fantastic job over the years. Well, his gardener has.’
‘Exactly. So it would be a terrible shame if they were destroyed.’
‘It would, but they won’t be. Hannah only has plans for the manor itself, which is what Geoffrey wants.’
‘So what about Mum’s cottage?’ Clara asked, fascinated by how easily lies were tripping from Bartie’s tongue.
‘Yeah, that’s all sorted and fine,’ said Bartie airily. He patted the wall beside him. ‘Stop talking and get yourself over here.’
‘Did Hannah enjoy her Pimm’s?’
‘I dunno. I think so.’ Bartie laughed. ‘Stop talking about Hannah, will you? You’re killing the mood.’
‘Did you enjoy your pint, tucked away in the corner of the pub garden?’
‘Yeah, it was OK, though I prefer—’ Bartie stopped talking and began to blink very quickly. ‘How do you know where we were in the garden? Have the Heaven’s Cove spies been out in force?’
When Clara said nothing, Bartie hopped off the wall and walked over. ‘I don’t know what you’re getting at, Clo.’ He ran his hand down her arm. ‘You seem very stern this evening.’
Clara watched his fingers sliding over her sun-warmed skin. ‘I overheard you and Hannah at The Smugglers Haunt.’
He gave a short laugh and dropped his hand. ‘What are you talking about?’
‘I came into the garden to find you because I felt that something wasn’t right and I heard what you and Hannah were saying.’
‘Were you spying on us? That’s not very nice.’ Bartie’s voice had taken on a harsher tone and Clara swallowed.
‘It wasn’t spying. Not exactly. I was looking for you and saw you behind the trellis but then I heard the two of you discussing the sale.’