Page 37 of The Granddaughter's Irish Secret
‘That’s true. Arguing is very bad news if you’re working with someone,’ Noel said, sounding calmer. He glanced at Rose. ‘So you had a good time, then?’
‘Oh yes,’ Rose said, smiling. ‘I discovered that he’s very nice really, and funny too. Such a relief that we can be friends now. And maybe go to the pub or go to the beach together and everything.’
‘Not very nice of him to let you drive across the Conor Pass on your own, though,’ Noel muttered.
‘That was my decision. He stayed the night in Cloghane because he wants to do some surfing today. We had a lovely walk on the beach before I left.’
‘Did you hear the curlew when you were there?’ Noel asked. ‘I’ve heard they nest there in the spring.’
‘Eh, no,’ Rose said, smiling at his passion for birds at all times. ‘I mean, I might have if I was looking out for it.’
‘I see. But why did you drive home that way instead of taking the road to Anascaul? Didn’t you hear the weather report?’ Noel sounded suddenly cross again.
‘No, I forgot to turn on the radio,’ Rose said, feeling a little foolish. ‘I wanted to see the sunset on the way home.’
‘But you got a thunderstorm instead. Must have been spectacular.’
‘It was, actually. I’d have enjoyed it if I hadn’t been so scared. I thought I’d have to spend the night up there. My phone was nearly dead too, so I wouldn’t have been able to call for help. Lucky you called before it died.’
‘Very lucky. Sorry I couldn’t fix the tyre tonight.’
‘Of course not,’ Rose agreed. ‘I’ll get on to the garage in the morning and get someone to go up there with me.’ She paused for a moment, remembering what Noel had just said. ‘What was that about the woman? What woman?’
‘The one you asked me about. Melanie Blennerhassett. You asked if I’d heard the name before. I thought maybe, but then something popped into my head. There was a court case in Cork recently. A woman by that name was suing someone for something a few months ago. I read about it inThe Examiner. One of my lawyer friends was representing her. I’ll look it up for you and let you know the details.’
‘That would be great,’ Rose said.
‘Why are you so interested in her?’
‘It’s a bit complicated,’ Rose started. ‘But I believe she had something to do with a member of my family. Iseult Fleury, my great-grandfather’s sister. It’s a long story.’
‘Oh?’ Noel looked suddenly intrigued. ‘Iseult Fleury? The famous Cornelius’s sister? What do you know about her?’
‘Not much,’ Rose replied. ‘I’m trying to trace her life story. She seems to have had quite a fascinating life.’
‘You must tell me about it sometime. Have you started the research yet?’ Noel asked as they reached the outskirts of Dingle town. The rain had eased, the wind had dropped and the moon had come out of the clouds, the light reflected in the wet pavement.
‘Yes,’ Rose replied. ‘It’s going to be a part of that plan I have for the manor. I’m planning a fashion show, and I want to put a lot of the manor’s history into the event. I think I’ll take you up on the offer of help, actually. I could do with another pair of hands and someone with good eyesight.’
‘I’d be delighted,’ Noel said, smiling broadly. ‘I love history and looking at old photos.’
‘Me too.’ Rose felt a surge of affection for this tall, considerate man. With his square jaw and strong features, he wasn’t conventionally handsome, but there was such a sweet expression in his face as if he expected everyone to be nice. With him, she could be herself without trying to impress. He seemed to like her as she was, even now, with her wet hair and all her makeup washed away by the rain. She knew he’d be a great help with her research and that they would work well together.
They drove across the bridge, up the road and then turned into the lane leading to Magnolia Manor. Noel pulled up outside the gatehouse. ‘Here we are,’ he said, opening the door on his side.
Rose put her hand on his arm. ‘Don’t get out. I can manage. I’ll just take my wet clothes and my bag. Is it okay if I give you back the fleece tomorrow?’
‘Of course.’
‘Great. Thank you so much for rescuing me, Noel.’ Rose leaned over and gave him a hug. ‘You’re the best.’
‘Oh, shucks,’ Noel stammered, his face red. ‘It was nothing. Very happy to help.’
‘And I’m so happy you did. I’ll be in touch.’ Rose got out of the car and slammed the door shut. ‘Safe home,’ she shouted before he drove off.
She stood there for a moment, as the rear lights of his car disappeared through the gates.What was that?she thought, remembering the feel of his strong chest through the rough wool of his sweater, which smelled faintly of turf smoke and soap.Why am I suddenly feeling like this? Why did I want to stay in that old Ford and talk to him for another while? Good old dependable Noel, a friend in need… But also a charming, attractive man with no notions or feelings of self-importance. A man who’s ready to drive through a storm to rescue a girl stuck on the top of a mountain…
She laughed at herself and ran up the steps to the front door, happy to be home safely. Of course she would have warm feelings towards Noel. Such a dear, sweet man who had been there when she needed help. But not someone she could fall in love with. Or could she? She shook her head as she opened the door and went inside. No, not her type at all. She was just tired and emotional. It was time to go to bed and forget all about romance and men. The only thing she should concentrate on was the new project and finding out about that woman. Noel had said he’d get all the details of the court case. Maybe that would throw some light on the mystery of the fake necklace…
