Page 11 of Wild About You

I glanced back to see a thoroughly awake Hugo sitting obediently on the sofa like a sentry on duty.

‘Okay,’ I murmured, busily unzipping my portfolio and drawing out the plan, shielding it with a plain piece of paper so I could build up to a big reveal.Act professional, I told myself.No need to be embarrassed. No need to doubt yourself.

Jamie drew out a chair opposite me and settled into it, crossing his long legs and clasping his hands in his lap.

‘Explain to me your reasoning about the wildflower meadow,’ he said, fixing his eyes on me, level and unblinking. This man had been to staring school. It was probably lesson number one in boarding school: how to stare down a working-class person.

I began my prepared speech – the terrain, the flowers andgrasses that I would recommend; the complexity of it as an ecosystem; the pollinators, which would in turn benefit the kitchen garden nearby. He remained silent. I wanted him to ask any questions before I showed him the plan, so when I had finished, I waited.

‘I think I had something more formal in mind,’ he said eventually. ‘Structure, order. It’s been a chaotic place.’

‘Callum said there was some history there,’ I said, trying to look as sympathetic as possible.

He raised his eyebrows. ‘Really? I expected him to show you the plot, not gossip about me.’

I cringed inwardly. ‘He wasn’t gossiping. I asked him for context, and the history of how it had been used.’

‘It was once beautiful, and now it’s not,’ he said flatly. ‘That’s all you need to know.’

‘Right.’ Movement caught my eye, and I looked behind me. Hugo was watching attentively, his head cocked.

Old Anna would give the earl what he wanted, and the ‘yes’ was on the tip of my tongue; change the plan, and smile the whole time. But it would be the wrong choice.

I looked back at Jamie and swallowed hard. ‘If you want a formal garden, then that isn’t what you hired me for, although I can make up a plan if you’d like me to. Or you can hand it over to Keith and Mica, who would be able to restore it as it was – the bones of the original garden are still there underneath it all. My recommendation is the meadow.’

‘So it’s your way or the highway?’ he said crisply.

I blinked. ‘That’s not what I said. However, you payme for my professional opinion, and I think a wildflower meadow would be the best use for it.’

‘I hired you,’ he said, ‘because you have a reputation for thinking outside the box and getting things done. Because the voluntary work you did alongside your corporate work showed you had passion for conservation and biodiversity. I wanted something exceptional for Stonemore, within our limited budget. If you think you’ve come here so you can daydream your way through the job, then think again.’

I pushed my chair away from the table. ‘I’m a hard worker, and I’ve earned my reputation,’ I said, hoping there wasn’t a tremor of annoyance in my voice. ‘I’ve never daydreamed through a day’s work in my life, and I’ve never been handed anything on a plate.’

His eyes met mine; it was like two pieces of flint striking against each other, sparking dangerously. For a moment we sat in fizzing silence, glaring at each other. Stalemate. A tiny voice in my head, said:Anna, you’re pissing off the new boss again, but I ignored it. The man deserved to be pissed off.

I couldn’t help myself. ‘You’ve seen my CV. You’ve seen the range of skills I have. Everything from project management to being really good with a chainsaw.’

‘You don’t need to repeat it to me.’ He stayed totally still, hands still clasped in his lap, leaning back.

‘But the key to all of it,’ I ploughed on, practicallywillinghim to look uncomfortable, ‘is people. Getting on with people from all walks of life. Volunteers, farmers, scientists, contractors. And, of course, the occasionallandowner.’ I gavehim a pointed look. ‘I have experience with all of these, and I can see it’s going to be a central issue here.’

He tilted his head and fixed me with his blue eyes. ‘I agree.’

I tilted my head in echo of his gesture.Touché. ‘Not that it really matters, but here’s my impression of the wildflower meadow,’ I said. I took the plain piece of paper away and pushed the drawing towards him.

He stared at it. I saw his eyes range over the plan. Still, that stony expression remained. I glanced over at Hugo, as though to sayno worries, mate, I’ll be out of your hair in five. Eventually, his lordship sat back and sighed.

‘It’s clear you’re wedded to the idea of the meadow,’ he said, his eyes fixed on my drawing.

I folded my arms across my chest. ‘You’re the boss at the end of the day,’ I said coolly.

He drummed his fingers on the table for a long minute. I was thinking about offering to leave when he spoke.

‘Right. I provisionally give the go-ahead to try this plan. But I reserve the right to change my mind.’

‘I’m sorry?’ I said. Had Iwon? It didn’t feel as though I had.

‘Belheddonbrae,’ he said crisply, as though speaking to an idiot. ‘I agree that you should begin with this plan.’

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