Page 185 of Love ad Lib
‘I don’t think he even knows that word exists,’ Henry said. ‘Given half the chance, Hunter-Savage would make every nun in a convent pregnant.’
Libby snorted. ‘Well, Summer has left for Paris to stay with your aunt, so you don’t need to worry about her. And I can’t see Willow giving him the time of day.’
Henry knew that was true, but it wouldn’t stop James from trying.
‘So that only leaves Estelle.’ Libby turned to his sister. ‘Do you feel capable of repelling an amorous advance from the gentleman we just met?’
Estelle cracked her knuckles. ‘I welcome the opportunity.’
‘Then we’re all good,’ said Libby. ‘I highly doubt we’ll ever see him again. And if he decides to attend one of your dad’s parties, you can block his application.’ She smiled. ‘See, nothing to worry about.’
‘Are you always this sunny?’ Estelle grumbled.
She sighed, happily. ‘It’s the Somerset air. That, and being head over heels in love with your brother.’
His heart swelled whilst his sister pretended to throw up.
‘I have to show Libby something,’ he said to Estelle. ‘See you later at dinner?’
She nodded. ‘Just remember to avoid being anywhere near a public footpath when you show Libby your “something”. I don’t want to have to bail you out if you’re arrested for public indecency.’
He rolled his eyes. ‘It’s not that.’
‘Henry?’ Libby said. ‘I thought we were just going for a walk?’
Estelle winked at her and headed through the Manor gates. ‘Enjoy being shown “something” on your “walk”.’
‘See you later,’ he said as he led Libby towards the park.
As soon asthey were out of earshot of his sister, questions bubbled out of Libby like champagne from a shaken bottle.
‘So, we’re not just going for a walk? What are you going to show me? Is it something I’ve seen before? Something new? Will I like it? Can I eat it? Should I be excited? Am I being too excited? How long will it take to get there? Are we nearly there yet?’
Henry smiled and mimed zipping his mouth closed. Her excitement was infectious, but there was also the possibility that she wouldn’t like his surprise.
They strolled through the park, then cut through a hedge onto a single-track road.
‘Oh, I know where we’re going,’ she said confidently. ‘We’re going to the field of flowers.’ She stopped, her hand to her chest. ‘Have the cows been through already? Are the flowers all gone?’
‘I don’t think they’re being moved until next week,’ he replied. ‘And don’t forget, it’s their poo that makes it so beautiful.’
She wrinkled her nose. ‘I forgot how essential dung is for the proper functioning of the countryside.’
He grinned and squeezed her hand. ‘Come on, it’s not far.’
They walked another hundred yards or two up the road and came to a natural halt.
‘Oh Henry, look! Someone’s moving into the cottage.’
He allowed her to pull him towards it. The scaffolding was already erected around the building and a man was on the roof.
‘Is that Finn?’
Finn turned and waved. ‘Give me ten minutes, and I’ll be with you,’ he called.
‘Is he moving in?’ she asked.
Henry took a breath. ‘No, but I thoughtwecould.’
