Page 7 of The Granddaughter's Irish Secret
Noel crossed one of his long legs over the other. ‘So, what was it you wanted to talk to me about? Do you need some legal advice?’
‘No. Something personal. It’s about a wedding that I’ve been invited to. The bride is a friend from work. We started at the firm at the same time. She was one of the girls I used to hang out with.’ Rose stopped for a moment while Noel looked at her expectantly. ‘Anyway,’ she breezed on, ‘I’m supposed to bring a“plus one” but I don’t have anyone like that to go with, now that I’m single again.’
‘Like what?’ Noel asked looking amused. ‘Okay, I know what you mean. I was going to joke about it but I see it’s not a laughing matter.’
‘No it’s not.’ Rose paused, not quite knowing how to go on. ‘If I were in Dublin, I would have a number of male friends I could bring, but here, I don’t know that many people. Oh, forget it,’ she said, feeling stupid. ‘I’m sure you wouldn’t want to go to the wedding of a couple you don’t know, with me, who you don’t know that well either. It’s okay, really. I’ll go on my own. It’ll be fine.’
‘I see,’ Noel said, looking thoughtfully at her. ‘So you were going to ask me to be your date or something? At this wedding?’
Rose nodded, feeling awkward. ‘Yeah, that was what I was hoping. Lily suggested it, actually. But don’t worry about it. Let’s talk about something else, okay?’
‘No, let’s discuss this.’ He sat back and looked at her for a moment. ‘I wouldn’t have to pretend to be your new boyfriend or anything, would I? I’m not very good at faking stuff like that.’
‘No, of course not,’ Rose protested. ‘That would be stupid. I just need someone…’
‘To hold your hand, metaphorically speaking?’ Noel filled in.
‘Exactly. This “plus one” business is silly really, but I think it’s to avoid having a bunch of single girls at the reception who would mess up the place settings. It’s all about couples at those things.’
‘As if two women sitting together would ruin the event,’ Noel remarked. ‘I know what you mean. It is a bit silly all right. Anyway, tell me where and when.’
‘Second of May, Aghadoe Heights, black tie,’ Rose rattled off. ‘St Mary’s Church beforehand.’
Noel nodded. He looked thoughtful, then he furrowed his brow. ‘Okay. I think I’m free.’ He picked up his phone and looked at the screen for a moment. ‘Yes. I can do that. It’s a Saturday and my dad is off to Cork to meet a gang of old legal eagles at some golf club.’ He looked at Rose. ‘I live with my father, you see. And I try to spend time with him at the weekend. He’s a keen birdwatcher like me. And this time of year is very special, many birds come here to feed on their way from the Arctic to Africa. We often go out at daybreak to see them. But, as he’ll be out with his old pals, the answer is yes. I’ll go with you to that wedding. Could be fun, actually. I haven’t been out much lately because of work.’
Relieved, Rose smiled. ‘Phew, thanks. This is very kind of you, Noel. Makes me feel a lot better.’
‘It would be a great way to get to know each other,’ he said, looking at her in a strange way. ‘As we’re going to be working together from time to time, I mean. Sylvia said…’ He stopped. ‘Oh, never mind. She can be a bit bossy at times.’
Rose laughed. ‘Oh yes, I know. She has a habit of ordering you to do things and, before you know it, you’re doing it, even if you didn’t really want to in the first place.’
Noel nodded. ‘Exactly. But never mind that. Did you ever consider not going at all?’ he asked, as he picked up his coffee mug. ‘Saying you have something else on that day? That might be easier.’
‘Yes, but then Louise would suspect the reason and think I’m a big chicken. And everyone would have a chance to talk about me behind my back. In any case, I want to go. Louise and I are still quite close. And I mean, Aghadoe Heights… That’s an amazing place to party. The food is fabulous for a start.’
‘I know.’ Noel smirked over the rim of his mug. ‘Why do you think I accepted? A free dinner at Aghadoe? I’d agree to escort Frankenstein’s bride for that alone.’
Rose had to laugh. She had never seen this funny side of Noel before. She had always thought he was a bit uptight. Perhaps he was just quiet. ‘Oh, okay. I see now. And here I thought you were being so kind.’
He grinned. ‘I’m not as angelic as I look.’
‘That’s a relief.’ Rose finished her coffee. ‘I’d better get going. I have several emails to send and I want to get started on the marketing and the website.’
‘Yes, me too. I have to make sure the new girl doesn’t mess up the filing system. She’s great, but she’s not Lily.’
‘I think she’s very nice. I’m sure she’ll be fine once she gets used to everything.’
‘She probably will. But she hasn’t quite settled in yet. I’m afraid Lily spoiled me with her excellence.’ Noel got up as Rose gathered up her bag and phone. ‘We can make a plan for getting to the wedding nearer the date. And, of course, we’ll meet soon again about the legal stuff for the apartment project.’
‘Brilliant. Bye for now, Noel. And thanks again.’
‘No problem,’ he said, and walked away down the pier with a long-legged stride.
Rose stood there for a moment, looking at his retreating form. He was kind to offer to go with her to the wedding, and it had made her laugh when he said it was only for the chance to dine at a luxury hotel. She wondered briefly why he had accepted so quickly. Had there been a flash of calculation in his eyes when she told him about her conundrum? But whatever. She had her ‘plus one’, now she could accept the invitation and attend the wedding without having to be the odd one out. Her ringing phone interrupted her thoughts and she looked at the caller ID. It was her grandmother.
‘Hello, Rose. Where are you?’
‘At a café in the harbour,’ Rose replied. ‘How are you, Granny? I thought you and Arnaud were still in France? I was just up at the house but didn’t see you there.’
