Page 12 of Wild About You

‘Well, um, great!’ I almost laughed with relief.

‘Unless I change my mind in the next five minutes, which I might if you keep looking so pleased with yourself.’ The suggestion of a smile flickered over his face. Then he got itunder control and returned his gaze to its normal grumpy baseline, sheathing those brilliant eyes behind their mask of coolness.

‘Thank you.’ My voice caught on the words as I started gathering my things together. Despite all of my bold words, he was so unsettling. Best to leave now, while I was still ahead.

‘One thing.’ He put his hand out, touched the meadow plan with the tips of his fingers. ‘Can I keep this? Do you have a copy you can work from?’

‘Of course. I scanned it this morning.’

He nodded, and let his gaze rest on it.

A thump indicated Hugo had jumped down from the sofa. As I tucked my papers and pen away, he came over with a slow tail wag and leaned against Jamie’s legs.

‘He really is lovely,’ I said.

‘Yes.’ Jamie fondled the beagle’s ears and Hugo looked up at him with devotion. ‘He’s also mad. Hates other dogs. Can’t fit in with the pack.’

I remembered how isolated I’d felt from my friends in London as they’d settled down and had babies; the quietness of my phone after my break-up with Sean. ‘I know the feeling,’ I said.

‘Me too.’ His face had softened when he looked down at Hugo. When he looked back up at me, I thought I might see the human being again. But the wall was back up. It seemed his nice side was reserved for dogs only.

‘Oh, by the way,’ I said. ‘I’m planning to survey the sectionof ancient woodland near the upper reaches. Callum’s shown me where it is on the map. I thought I’d drive up there this afternoon for a first look.’

He raised his eyebrows. ‘On your own? The terrain is difficult. Don’t overreach yourself.’

Lord, this man was annoying. ‘I think I’ll be fine, thanks,’ I snipped.

He said nothing, just raised his eyebrows then looked at his phone with a faint look of amusement on his face. ‘Whatever you say, Miss Whitlock. But do stay away from any large windows you might come across.’

‘Thank you so much for your time this morning,my lord,’ I said grittily. ‘No need to see me out!’

I bounded for the exit, and was out the front door before even Hugo could catch up with me. The flat door closed heavily behind me.

I was standing in the corridor, trying to remember the way back to the office, when a blonde-haired woman appeared from a doorway on the right. She was dressed in full country gear – jodhpurs, wellies (pristine), quilted gilet and (of course!) a waxed jacket. Her features were so symmetrical and her figure so willowy, she looked like a model from a countrywear catalogue, the type where you can’t buy a sweatshirt for less than three figures. She was even wearing pearl earrings, for goodness’ sake. I gaped at her.

She smiled. ‘Hello?’

‘Hi!’ I made a quick recovery back to full consciousness. ‘Sorry, I’m new here and I’m lost. I’ve just visited the earlfor the first time. I should have dropped breadcrumbs on the way here.’

She laughed politely. ‘The old place is a bit of a rabbit warren. Where are you trying to get to?’

I explained and she patiently gave me a list of directions. Then she glanced at Jamie’s door. ‘Is he in a good mood?’

‘Um, to be honest, I have no idea.’

She laughed again. ‘I’ll take my chances then. Nice to meet you…?’

‘Anna.’ I held my hand out. ‘I’m working on the estate management with Callum. Rewilding, environmental management.’

‘Really?’ She shook my hand. ‘So Jamie’s finally getting around to it. Good for him – and you. I’m Lucinda, I stable my horses here. You’ll see me around.’

I froze.The ex. ‘Nice to meet you,’ I burbled. And then I hurried off as fast as I could. I’d already had enough awkwardness for one day.

CHAPTER 6

Obviously, I got lost. I remembered approximately six of the eighteen turns I was supposed to make to return to the office. I found myself staring at a door in a green corridor, gazing at the brass doorknob so hard I was surprised it didn’t glow red-hot.

I was absolutely sure this was the door. It had to be. I turned the knob and opened it.

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