Page 86 of Atticus Arnott's Great Adventure
Lucinda stepped away from the stall. She was aware that the dark, sticky contents of Mary’s mug might suddenly find themselves airborne, landing on the pure-white leather of her favourite coat.
‘I need to go; my office is busy,’ she countered. ‘Do make sure you do the decent thing and make some money for our charity, rather than give everything away.’
‘Ido the decent thing?’ Mary was incredulous. ‘Oh, bog off, Lucinda!’ she yelled.
Mary reached into her pocket to pay for the wine, but the ladies held up their hands. ‘With our compliments,’ they smiled as they watched Lucinda scuttle away. ‘Would you like a couple of mince pies too?’
A little while later, Mary headed back to Belvedere House. Her exchange with Lucinda had left her feeling flat. Despite her plans, Mary yearned to put her enemy in her place and knew Lucinda thought she had the upper hand, dangling Conor like a puppet on a string.
It was a ridiculous situation, and one Mary could never have anticipated. Once again, she wondered if she’d ever really known her husband and questioned how he’d become so unrecognisable as the man she’d loved for many years, his ambition now more significantthan his marriage.
Driving along the beach road, Mary lowered her window to take in the sharp, salty tang of the sea. As the bracing air circulated, her phone began to ring, and Mary pulled into the beach car park to answer the call.
‘Hello, Dad,’ she said, suddenly grateful to hear his voice.
‘Hello, Love,’ Atticus said. ‘How are you?’
Mary was tempted to clear her throat and put on her most cheerful voice, but something in her father’s tone suddenly softened her resolve. Closing her eyes, she realised that tears were sliding down her cheeks.
‘Mary, are you there?’
‘Yes, s…sorry, I’m here.’
‘Are you crying? Mary, whatever is the matter?’
‘Oh, you know, things aren’t so great here,’ she replied.
‘My darling girl, whatever is wrong, tell me, and I’ll make it better.’
Mary choked back a sob as the warm, comforting sound of unconditional love poured through the airwaves. ‘It’s okay, sweetheart,’ Atticus said, ‘just take your time.’
Mary did as she was told. Then, slowly, she explained her problem.
Her father listened patiently, and after she had given him all the facts, he asked if she’d made any decision about the future.
‘Yes, I have, but I could do with your advice. I’m not sure if I’m doing the right thing.’
When Mary had outlined her proposal, she paid attention as Atticus added thoughts of his own.
‘Would you like me to speak to Conor?’ Atticus asked.
‘No, Dad, it’s okay. Now that you and I have talked, let’s get on with my plans, as long as you’re sure you’re happy about it all.’
‘You have my full backing.’
Mary felt much better, and wiping her eyes, she felt the tension ease as she stared at the sea. She’d told Atticus everything, beginning with Conor’s longing for Creek House, his frustration at losing the new housing sales, and his determination to join forces with Lucinda – both at workandplay. She spoke of her pain and anxiety as Conor agonisingly stalled on making up his mind about their future and waited instead for Lucinda to accept his proposal.
Mary even mentioned Ruari. She spoke about their friendship, his concern, and the reality check that Ruari had given her, which prompted the actions she was about to take.
‘But are your feelings for him more than just friendship?’ Atticus asked.
‘I don’t know,’ Mary replied. ‘I’m not emotionally equipped to think about that right now.’ But as Mary talked, she told him that the feeling was incredibly good when she’d stood on the beach and kissed Ruari.
Atticus listened patiently. When he spoke, he was like a solid rock in a turbulent sea. His comforting words were the much-needed calm after the storm, and he agreed with Mary’s decision, telling her he’d stand by and help with anything she needed.
How things had changed!
The reclusive man who’d grieved for solong was no longer. Taking her mother’s words to heart, Atticus hadn’t let the old man in and, despite Mungo’s misgivings, had set off on a great adventure, finding friends and love, and Mary needed to hear more.
