Page 12 of Chasing Dreams in Eversley Village

Mitch paused for a few seconds and Holly looked across at him.

‘Erm ... Essex. The Booth family have the Somerset farm and two in Essex. We’ve a strong history in the farming community, as you know, and yes that’s how I met Vanessa.’ He paused for a few seconds and Holly heard him take a deep breath as if he was going to speak, but he remained silent.

They soon entered the driveway to Booth Farm and yellow lights flashed on as they approached the house. Mitch parked and cut the engine. Getting out, he walked around to help Holly. When she got out, she was pleased for the smooth paved path, much easier to walk on in her socks. Stuffing her phone into her pocket, she grabbed her folio and followed Mitch to the old red brick house, through the front door and into a porch with a coat stand. Mitch opened the inner door which lead to a dark corridor with dado rail and dingy striped wallpaper. He beckoned her to follow him and soon opened a door and motioned for her to go in.

‘You’ll be the first person to stay in here since it was decorated.’

Holly walked into the room and was met by an aroma of paint mixed with lavender. Mitch turned on the light which filled the modern space with a homely glow. It was a real contrast to the corridor.

Holly glanced down at her dirty clothes. ‘I hope I don’t make a mess.’

‘There’s a towelling robe in the en-suite you can wear. I’ll sort some clothes for you.’

‘There’s no need.’

‘Get yourself cleaned up and you’ll feel much better. There’s a kettle, tea and coffee on the table and fresh milk in the mini fridge. Here’s my mobile number.’ He fished a business card out of his pocket withBooth Farms, Mitchell Booth, Directorand his mobile number on it. ‘The paramedic said I shouldn’t leave you alone but I’m sure you want your privacy. If you have any breathing difficulties or dizziness, call me immediately.’

‘I’m fine.’

‘Okay, but call me if that changes. I’ll pop a charger down for your phone.’

‘Thanks.’ Holly bit her lip.

‘You need to rest. It’s getting on for two a.m.’

Holly felt drained, her feelings of animosity towards Mitch began to ebb.She had been angry. Angry at the situation, angry at the world, there was no need to take it out on him. After all, she may have died if he hadn’t dialled 999. He would probably be great for the village and great for the farm.

‘Maybe it’s time for a change,’ she said. ‘I don’t know what I’ll be doing now. What with the nursery and studio gone, I might move on.’

Mitch put his hands up. ‘This is no time to make life decisions. Things will seem different in the morning.’

Holly felt her lip quiver. ‘If you want to buy my land and extend the farm …’

‘I’m always up for expansion, Holly. But look, let’s not talk now. You need rest.’

Then he was gone, and she was alone. Really alone.

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