Page 20 of Be More Lucy

‘We can’t do anything about the view,’ Nancy continued. ‘Not unless we blow up the stables, but I think Historic England might have something to say about that. However, we can improve the decor.’

‘What are you thinking of doing?’

‘I’d already budgeted for upgrading the kitchens and bathrooms over the next three years,’ Nancy continued. ‘But we need to do something much sooner to make them look more appealing to the younger market. I’ve phoned Clive, the decorator, and got him lined up for redecorating over the autumn. So now we have to do the fun part: deciding on colours, fabrics and accessories. My only disappointment is having to give up my plans for going husky sledding to fund it all.’

‘Husky sledding? You haven’t mentioned that before.’ It sounded pretty tame for a Nancy activity holiday.

‘Haven’t I? Oh, it’s fabulous. You spend a week going deep into the wilds of Finland with just a pack of dogs and a sled. And a tent, of course, living very simply. It’s physically demanding, but I’m still in peak condition after Kilimanjaro, so that wouldn’t have been a problem. I was all set to book it this week as well.’

Not that tame, then. Nancy was never going to be content with relaxing on a cruise ship.

‘Can’t you persuade one of your sons to invest?’

‘I very much doubt it. Nigel will want a fully costed, detailed business plan for him to dither over for six months and then say no. I’ve been down that frustrating path before. And Mark would probably have been game if he still had a decent job as a solicitor, but now he’s messing around hiring out jet skis on the Costa del Sol, I doubt he’s got any spare cash to help. No, the huskies will have to wait until next year sadly.’

Nancy placed a steaming mug of Earl Grey in front of Em. ‘So will you come with me to Exeter to choose furnishings?’

An afternoon’s shopping sounded fun. Em would enjoy wandering the aisles of John Lewis. She might even get some ideas for her and Jack’s new home when they managed to find one. ‘Yes, I’m up for that.’

‘Excellent. I’ve done some preliminary work.’ Nancy switched the iPad screen to a mood board of photos from interior design websites. A sea of shades of grey with the occasional pop of colour, all with sleek furniture. A big change from the pastels and flowery fabrics the holiday cottages had now. ‘Are you ok to leave about 12 o’clock?’

‘Ready for the off?’ Nancy asked as soon as Em had finished the sandwich she had made her.

‘I better go and tell Jack where we’re going,’ Em said.

‘No need. I told him earlier. He was busy editing. He didn’t look too pleased that I’d disturbed him. We ought to leave him in peace.’

‘Ok.’ Em was puzzled. It wasn’t like Jack to be anti-social even when he was writing.

They walked out into the courtyard together.

‘Shall we take the Fiesta? There’s more room in the boot than your sports car, in case we find lots of things we like.’ Em held the passenger door open for Nancy before she could object.

‘I don’t think I’ve driven you since I first picked you up from the station all those months ago.’ Nancy said as they pulled out of the gate onto the lane.

‘No, it never seems to work out that way, does it?’ Em tried to sound innocent. After her initial hair-raising journey to Dashford Grange, she’d vowed never to let Nancy drive her again. She needed to change the subject quickly.

‘I meant to ask you earlier, would you mind if I had some time off in October and November? Jack’s going away filming his TV programme, and he’s asked me to come with him.’

‘How lovely. But will he be able to spend any time with you? I don’t think I’d enjoy sitting down and watching everyone else work. And October is still busy.’

‘I know, but I’m worried about Clara.’

‘Clara? What’s it got to do with Clara?’ Nancy was giving Em her full attention now.

Em explained the situation.

‘You go. I’ll manage.’ Nancy was adamant.

‘Are you sure?’

‘Absolutely. I saw how she looked at him at your award ceremony last year. That woman reminds me a lot of Isabella.’

‘I thought it was just me being uncharitable.’

‘No, always trust your instincts. I wish I’d done that with Xander years ago. Jack is so kind. He seems to attract manipulative women - present company excepted, of course.’

That was an intriguing statement about Xander. Em had never met Nancy’s late husband. He’d died 15 years ago in interesting circumstances. Em didn’t feel comfortable asking for more details. They carried on in silence for a few miles.

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