Page 47 of Kate and Clara's Curious Cornish Craft Shop
‘Maybe it is …’ Jack says, watching me closely. ‘And I’d say the magic is workingverywell so far – wouldn’t you?’
Sixteen
‘Who are they for this time?’ I ask hesitantly as I walk back into the shop with Barney after our afternoon walk.
‘It says Kate on the card.’ Anita gazes at the huge bunch of flowers taking up most of the shop counter. ‘Secret admirer?’
‘Definitely not! When did they arrive?’ I pull the card off the flowers and tear open the envelope.
‘Amber brought them in about ten minutes ago. She asked about her wedding invitation while she was here – have you replied yet?’
‘Gosh, no, I haven’t. I’ll have to get an acceptance card for Molly and me. Are you going, Anita?’
‘Yes, it sounds like it’s going to be a lovely do on all accounts. Sebastian is going too … What’s wrong, dear? You don’t look very happy.’
I stare at the card I’ve pulled from the envelope.
I hope you enjoyed my last ‘apologetic’ offering?
This time my bouquet is sent in the spirit of friendship.
I will be in St Felix very soon and I would very much enjoy the pleasure of your company once more.
J x
‘Yes, I’m fine, Anita, I’m just not sure who’s sending me these flowers. The last one was only signedJtoo.’ I pass her the card.
‘Do you know anyone with the initial J?’ Anita asks. ‘I mean anyone who might send you flowers. They obviously know you.’
I think for a moment. ‘Only Jack, and he made it very clear the last bunch wasn’t from him. And, anyway, this isn’t his style at all. Jack is much more direct. He’d never do anything …’ I search for the right word. ‘Anything asclandestineas this.’
‘Good word,’ Anita says approvingly. ‘Well, they say they want the pleasure of your companyonce more, so you must know them?’
I shake my head. ‘I really can’t think of anyone, Anita.’
‘Hey, Mum,’ Molly says, coming into the shop. ‘Ooh, who are they from – not your secret admirer again?’
I look at my watch. ‘What are you doing here? It’s not time for school to finish yet.’
‘Study period. I told you I’d be getting them occasionally from now on.’
‘Oh, yes, so you did.’
‘So, these flowers then,’ Molly says, smelling them. ‘Was there a card again?’
Anita passes Molly the card. ‘Your mum can’t think of anyone with the initial J who would send her flowers.’
‘Definitely not Jack,’ Molly says with certainty. ‘Not his style.’
‘Exactly,’ I agree. ‘But why does everyone seem to think that Jack would be sending me flowers? He has no reason to.’
Molly and Anita exchange knowing looks.
‘And you can stop looking at each other like that!’
‘So, who is it then?’ Molly asks. ‘Hang on a minute, you don’t think …’
‘I don’t think what?’
