Page 70 of He's the One

Col’s jaw tightened. “I haven’t applied for any jobs in the north.”

“You know what I’m asking.”

“It depends on how far our relationship has progressed. Maybe I’d ask him if he wanted to come with me and—”

“You know he can’t do that. His life is here.”

“In part, but it’s still his choice, so I’d ask him if he wanted to come with me and if he didn’t, then I’d wait for a job near here. That’s the way I feel at the moment. And I know it’s just the beginning for us. We’re getting to know each other and no one knows what’s going to happen in the future.”

James stared at him steadily. “Theo is not a typical young man. He has responsibilities.”

“I’m aware of that. But he doesn’t want his future to be Charlotte Roeburn and I won’t let Theo be bullied into what he doesn’t want to do. I’ve shared things with him that I’ve never told anyone. I’m trusting him to keep my secrets. That’s how strongly I feel about him. I’m not walking away. I want to give this a chance. I know you care for him. He told me how much you helped him when he was a boy. It seems like you were more of a father to him than the marquess. Should I be thanking you for making him the kind, open-hearted guy that he is? I probably should. If you want the best for Theo, then you have to let him find his way to what he should be, what he wants his life to be. I’ll be there to help him.”

For a long moment, James didn’t say anything. Then he exhaled and smiled briefly. “You remind me… All I ask is that you’re careful with Theo. It wouldn’t take much to break him. He’s been deprived of kindness and affection for so long, that to lose it once he’s found it, would devastate him.” James pushed to his feet. “Let’s have a walk around the grounds and see how much you know.”

Or don’t know.Col swallowed hard.

By the time he and James reached the kitchen garden where Theo was working, Col felt he’d done okay. He’d identified some of the plants James had pointed out, but more importantly, he’d known which were weeds—not that there were many of those and when James had reached down and tugged one out, it sort of gave the game away. None of the equipment fazed him, though James said he’d be trained to use tractors, hedge trimmers and the like. Col began to hope a job was going to be offered.

“So what do you think?” James asked. “Daily responsibilities will be planting, maintaining shrubs and borders, hedge cutting, lawn mowing and mulching, tidying up, whatever needs doing. There will be some tree work too. I’m assuming you’re okay with heights. We’re a friendly crew. I’d expect you to be a team player and work alongside both employees and volunteer members of the public.”

Col nodded.

“Hours vary according to the season but at the moment, they’re eight to five. An hour for lunch taken when you like. Don’t abuse the taking of breaks but I know this is a physical job and I’d rather you took a break when you felt you needed one. There’s a hut on the other side of that wall where you can make drinks, sit and eat your lunch, and get water. There’s a toilet there too. Some of the time you might be working with Theo, but that’s not guaranteed. Ten pounds fifty an hour. It’s only just over minimum wage. There’s nothing I can do about that, though I would if I could. I daresay you earned more as a stonemason.”

Double that.“I did, but I’d like to work here.”

James nodded. “Okay. I’ll sort you out some clothes and boots. What size feet?”

“Eleven.”

“I’ll need your P45 and a form filled in. I’ll give you that later.”

“Okay.”

“Don’t let me down.”

“I won’t. Thank you.”

“Luis is my deputy. Defer to him if I’m not around. We’re experimenting with making part of this area a no-dig garden. Luis will run you through how that works.”

James left and as Col walked towards Theo, he stuck his fork in the ground and ran over.

“How did it go?” Theo asked.

“I failed to identify a dandelion.” Col shrugged. “And then I asked if something was Japanese Hogweed and said how pretty it was and…”

It took Theo a moment before he laughed. “You got the job!”

“Now I have todothe job.”

“Come and meet Luis and Ambrose.”

Col was relieved to be welcomed by the two men who seemed open and friendly.

“Hi, Luis,” Col said. “James told me you’d explain the no-dig concept and—”

“It’s very complicated,” Theo interrupted. “One part we dig. The other part we don’t dig. It took me weeks to get it. I’d start off digging and Luis would be waving his arms telling me not to dig there but over there.”

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