Page 28 of A Chance in a Million
He bent forward and studied it closely before nodding. ‘It looks pretty good but I’ve also brought a more detailed one of mine. It’s very old but it shows most of the little paths as well as the bigger tracks.’ He set a map down on the table and glanced across at her. He had taken his sunglasses off and she found herself once more looking into his deep blue eyes at close range. As she did so, she felt that same feeling of attraction – or more – run through her and she was still trying to work out what this might mean when she remembered the coffee.
‘That sounds perfect. What can I offer you? Espresso, cappuccino, or there’s tea if you prefer. I’ve got some real English tea if that appeals.’
‘A mug of tea sounds good, thanks.’ He made no move to sit down and just stood there, idly scratching his dog’s ears, as she boiled the kettle. Acutely conscious of him behind her, and the fact that her new shorts were still pretty tight across her bottom, she tried to make the tea as quickly as possible, exchanging a few stilted banalities, but that was all. Finally she was able to give him his tea.
‘Here, I hope you like it. I brought it from home.’
‘Thanks. And where’s home?’ She was pleased to hear him at least making a stab at conversation – and not the weather this time.
‘I’ve been living with my parents since I left the army. They’re in west London.’
He showed no sign of having heard her mention the army. ‘Ah, right, wonderful city London.’ This must have drained his reservoir of small talk as a more businesslike note entered his voice. ‘Now, let me show you the best way of getting up to the top of Venda.’
He launched into a detailed description of the main places of interest around here and she sensed he was a lot more relaxed talking about such matters than about anything more personal. Whether he had always been so reclusive or whether this was as a result of something that had happened to him was anybody’s guess, but it was clear he didn’t feel comfortable.
She sipped her tea, stroked the dog’s head and listened intently.
‘There’s actually a proper footpath all the way to the summit and you’ll meet everything from tourists to mushroom hunters to wheelchairs and mountain bikes. Personally, I like a more direct route which avoids the crowds.’ He paused for reflection. ‘Well, not just crowds, but people in general. I tend to prefer keeping myself to myself.’
Jane had already got that message loud and clear so she didn’t pick him up on it. ‘I’m like you. I’d much rather go off-piste.’
He showed her his favourite route and she marked it on her map. He finished with the words. ‘You’ll find yourself in dense woodland for some of the climb. It’s very pretty but just be careful. It’s very easy to get disorientated in the forest.’
Jane pulled out her new compass and waved it in front of him. ‘I’ll be fine, thanks. It’s not the first time I’ve been walking in the woods.’
He might even have smiled at her but, apart from a slight crinkling alongside those almost hypnotic eyes, it was impossible to tell. ‘Just saying…’
She smiled back. ‘I’ll be careful. I’m hoping I’ll see something that’ll give me some good ideas for a book I’m planning.’
‘You’re a writer as well? I didn’t know.’ He looked interested.
‘I’m awannabewriter if the truth be told. That’s part of the reason I was so pleased to be offered the chance of working alongside your mother. I’ve got a lot to learn and she is one of the very best, after all.’
‘If only she could manage to find the spark that gets her writing again. I feel so sorry for her.’
Jane nodded. ‘Me, too, but I’m doing all I can. Hopefully as she comes out of her shell a bit more, the muse will return.’
Just before he left he made a suggestion that seemed out of character – at first. ‘Are you happy to be on your own today or would you like some company?’
She hadn’t been expecting this and, bearded wildman or not, she knew she would be very happy if he came with her. ‘I’d love a bit of company and I know Diana’s going out for lunch today.’
‘Then why don’t you take Truffaldino with you? I have to work this afternoon and he’d love a long walk.’
The feeling that washed over her was disappointment, closely followed by pleasure at the idea of having a companion – albeit with four legs rather than two – for her walk in the woods.
‘That would be great, thanks. He and I get on very well together.’
‘Just keep an eye on him if he spots a squirrel. He’s got a thing about squirrels.’
‘Alvise already told me. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he doesn’t climb any trees.’ A thought occurred to her. ‘Tell me, why did you call him Truffaldino? It’s a bit of a mouthful.’
This time he definitely did smile. She could read it in his eyes. ‘Mouthfulis the appropriate word. We had to study Goldoni’s playThe Servant of Two Masterswhen I was at school and Truffaldino, the main comic character, was always hungry. Somehow that seemed to suit this one perfectly. When he was a puppy, he was a real comedian – he still is – and you must have discovered by now just how greedy he is.’
‘Labs must have gluttony in their DNA. But at least this Truffaldino only has one master.’
‘I’m not so sure about that. He spends half his time scratching at your door or sleeping on your doormat.’
After he had left and she was moving about, making herself some sandwiches for lunch, her head was full of thoughts of David. She realised she had to accept that she found him unexpectedly attractive in spite of his tramp-like appearance. What did this signify? She had come over to Italy with her head and her heart still filled with memories of Mark, but now she had met this clearly troubled man and he risked arousing feelings in her she had thought lost forever. Was this what she wanted? Even just considering this made her feel somehow disloyal to Mark’s memory. Could she really ever see herself allowing another man into her heart?
