Hope Blooms in Tuppenny Bridge (Tuppenny Bridge #5)

Chapter 6

SIX

‘I can’t believe you came! You’re the last person I was expecting to see.’

Ross clapped Noah on the back, and his delighted smile told Noah that his brother’s surprise was genuine. He could hardly blame him for doubting him. He hadn’t believed he’d be here himself, and right up until the last minute had dithered over whether to attend Dolly’s fiftieth birthday party or not.

He couldn’t help worrying what Isobel would say if she found out he’d attended and knew the chances of her not finding out were slim to non-existent. Even so, for some reason he’d decided to take the risk. He didn’t want to think too deeply about why he’d made that choice.

The White Hart Inn was decked out with bunting and balloons, which proudly revealed that Dolly was, indeed, fifty today, although as the birthday girl kept insisting, no one would ever guess just by looking at her.

Dolly was dressed up to the nines, despite having officially been told by Clemmie that they were simply having a quiet birthday drink in the pub. She played the role of surprised guest of honour to perfection, but no one was fooled. Everyone had heard that this entire party was Dolly’s idea, and that she’d organised every bit of it behind the scenes. Still, it was all part of the fun, and no one breathed a word to her that her secret was out.

Noah thought, not for the first time, how well and happy Ross looked. His brother was clearly loving his new role, running The Arabella Lavender Art Academy, and even more, his role as Clemmie’s boyfriend. Even when they were on opposite sides of the room, Noah noticed their gazes straying to each other, and saw the loving smiles they exchanged often. It warmed his heart, while reminding him all too savagely how very different things were with him and Isobel.

He accepted a drink from Jonah with grateful thanks. His old friend was another one currently basking in the warmth of a loving relationship. His wife, Kat, was nearly six months pregnant, and Jonah was clearly happy and excited that their family was about to expand.

‘Three kids, Noah,’ Jonah said, shaking his head as he gazed into his pint. ‘Can you believe it? Me with three kids. Who’d have thought it?’

‘I’m happy for you,’ Noah told him, meaning it. ‘You’ve been so good with Tommy, and then taking on Hattie, too. You were born to be a father if you ask me.’

‘Aw, thanks, mate.’ Jonah hesitated as if about to add something else, but he clearly thought better of it.

Noah didn’t have to think too hard to guess what he’d been about to say. Aunt Eugenie had ventured the same question many times over recent years: ‘What about you and Isobel? Any plans for a family yet?’

It was an intrusive question, and not one he felt people should ask. After all, no one knew what might be going on in a couple’s life. Things weren’t always as they seemed, and a seemingly innocent question could lead to all sorts of heartbreak.

As it happened, Noah and Isobel had never tried for a baby. Isobel had never brought the subject up, so he could only assume it wasn’t something she wanted. As for him… He’d always thought he would love to be a father, but he didn’t believe for an instant that the time was right, which was why he’d never brought the subject up either. The way things were between himself and Isobel, the worst thing they could do was bring a child into the world. Knowing the sort of relationship he’d had with his father—if you could call it that—he knew that, no matter how often the urge to become one himself appeared, it would be a bad decision and just another reason to feel guilty. And he carried more than enough guilt already.

‘How are you managing without Isobel around?’ Jonah asked.

Noah hid a smile, suspecting that Jonah was only asking him that to cover up the fact that he’d almost asked a much more awkward question instead. His friend rarely mentioned Isobel unless he had to.

It was hard to believe that, fifteen years ago, they’d all hung around together. Friends forever. Noah, Isobel, Kat, Jonah, and Leon. Inseparable. Or so they’d thought. Now look at them. Leon gone forever. Kat and Jonah married with children. Himself and Isobel…

‘It’s peaceful,’ he said, making every effort to sound jokey. ‘A house to myself for two weeks and no job to go to. It’s every man’s dream, right?’

‘You’re not kidding. Wow, I can’t imagine what peace and quiet is like these days.’ Jonah grinned. ‘It’s chaos in our house. I go to the forge to escape.’

His eyes twinkled and Noah knew that Jonah wouldn’t swap places with him for anything.

‘Mind if we join you?’

Clive, Bethany, and Daisy were at their table. Noah got to his feet. ‘Please do.’

Daisy and Bethany exchanged amused glances and Clive shook his head. ‘Your manners are putting the rest of us to shame, Noah! Sit down for God’s sake or they’ll be expecting us all to brush up on our etiquette.’

‘Well, it wouldn’t do you any harm,’ Bethany teased as they all sat down. ‘We missed the beginning, didn’t we? How did it go? Did Dolly act all surprised?’

‘She did,’ Jonah confirmed, ‘and she was bloody good at it, too. It was funny, though. Kat said it reminded her of that episode of Friends . You know, the one where they don’t know who knows and it gets more and more complicated and confusing? Does Dolly know that we all know that she knows about the party?’ He chuckled.

‘I’d never have had you down for a Friends fan, Jonah,’ Clive said with a grin.

‘Aye, well, living with Kat I’ve not got much choice.’ Jonah didn’t sound too unhappy about it, though.

‘Hmm. I’ll believe you,’ Clive said in mock suspicion. ‘As for Dolly, I doubt very much that she’d care who knew what one way or the other. As long as she’s the centre of attention she’s happy. Oh, and I see that young fella Reuben’s back. Good to see he’s been invited.’

‘Who’s Reuben?’ Daisy and Bethany chorused at the same time.

‘Clemmie’s half-brother,’ Jonah explained. ‘Nice chap. Got married just before me and Kat actually. That’s his husband over there, talking to Clemmie now. Matt, I think his name is.’

‘I didn’t even know Clemmie had a brother,’ Bethany admitted. ‘I can see there’s still a lot I have to learn about Tuppenny Bridge.’ She paused. ‘Have you heard from Isobel, Noah? In Portugal, isn’t she?’

Noah nodded. ‘That’s right. Sh-she’ll be there for two weeks. I’ve not heard from her yet, but I expect she’s b-busy sightseeing and the like.’

‘Shame she couldn’t have waited a few days so you could have gone with her,’ Bethany remarked.

Noah thought he saw a look of irritation flit across Daisy’s face, but it was gone before he could be certain.

‘Ah well, her father’s just moved there, and her gran was going to visit him so Isobel tagged along with her,’ he explained, stretching the truth a little because it was easier that way.

‘Oh, I see. That makes sense,’ Bethany said.

Daisy smiled at Noah. ‘I’m glad you came. I wasn’t sure you would, and I think it’s better for you to get out and about than be sat at home all alone watching television.’

‘You’re probably right,’ he said. He took a sip of his beer, his eyes fixed on her as she gazed around the room. She looked lovely tonight, he thought. She seemed to have gone to a lot of trouble with her hair and make-up, and she was wearing a pretty shift dress in a bright orange colour that really suited her dark hair and eyes.

‘We ought to wish Dolly a happy birthday,’ Bethany told Clive. ‘We’ve got her a present, too, though goodness knows if she’ll like it.’ She turned to the others. ‘It’s so hard to buy for someone you barely know, isn’t it? And Clive was next to useless.’

‘Aye, well, how do I know what a woman wants for her fiftieth birthday? Be reasonable. We’ll go over there now and get it over and done with. I’ll say hello to Jennifer while I’m at it. So good to see her here, isn’t it?’ Clive got to his feet and addressed Noah. ‘Would you save our seats? Is Kat not here, Jonah?’

‘Oh yes, she’s just talking to Sally at the bar,’ Jonah explained. He glanced over to where his wife was giggling with her best friend, Sally Kingston, who along with her husband, Rafferty, owned and ran The White Hart Inn. ‘She’ll be over soon, no doubt.’ He drained his pint. ‘In fact, I might go over there now and remind her that she’s a married woman and should be attending to my every need.’ He grinned. ‘Not really. I just need another drink. Noah, do you want one while I’m there?’

‘I’m fine thanks. Next round’s on me, though. I owe you one.’

‘Don’t be daft, mate.’

Jonah patted his shoulder and followed Clive and Bethany to the bar, where Dolly was holding court watched by an amused Jennifer, Sally, and Kat.

Noah gulped down some beer. This wasn’t awkward at all. Just him and Daisy sitting opposite each other, clearly not knowing what to say.

‘I really am glad you came,’ Daisy said at last.

He raised an eyebrow. ‘Are you? Thanks. I’m glad I came, too. I think.’ He put down his glass and glanced around, not really sure why he felt so uncomfortable suddenly.

‘I envy you really,’ she told him.

‘Me? Why would you envy me?’

She shrugged. ‘Well, you know, six weeks off work. How fantastic is that?’

‘Ah, if only. People don’t realise that teaching staff still have work to do even in the summer holidays,’ he explained. ‘And for a headmaster—well, let’s just say I won’t be putting my feet up for a full month and a half.’

‘That’s a shame,’ she said.

‘To be honest,’ he admitted, ‘I don’t mind. I have no idea what to do with myself most of the time. I like the order and the structure of work. Keeping my mind occupied. I really don’t know what I’d do without my job to go to every day.’

Daisy sipped her wine thoughtfully. ‘Well,’ she said at last, ‘we could always go on another hike. I mean, only if you want to, of course.’

The way his heart lifted at the thought of it rang alarm bells in his mind, but he ignored them. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Of course I’m sure. Why wouldn’t I be?’

‘Well…’ He shrugged. ‘I kind of foisted myself on you last time. There you were, out for a quiet stroll to see the wildflowers and then I landed and that was that. I even ate half your lunch.’

‘And I drank more than half your tea,’ she reminded him, grinning. ‘Fair swap, I think. Besides, you gave me a lift home, which was exactly what I needed after all that walking. Honestly, I think I’d have keeled over if I’d had to catch two buses.’

‘It was a great day, though,’ he said wistfully, then gave her an awkward smile.

‘It was. So, what do you think? I kind of liked having a walking companion. The wildflowers will be gone, of course, but we could go somewhere else. There’s a great walk round East Midham. It passes near the castle grounds, and I haven’t been there for years. Do you fancy that?’

Noah was silent as a dozen thoughts flashed through his mind. Hope, fear, excitement, dread, confusion, all vied for dominance in his brain. He pictured the interrogation he’d get from Isobel if she found out. Then he pictured spending another day with Daisy, taking in the scenery, walking, walking, walking—walking all his cares away. Isobel was still away. Maybe she’d never know. It wasn’t as if he was doing anything he shouldn’t after all. Even so…

Regretfully he forced himself to answer her. ‘Daisy, I can’t?—’

He broke off as the song that had been blasting out for the last four minutes faded away, to be replaced by something else. Something fast and bouncy and utterly joyous.

His eyes met Daisy’s and they smiled at each other. A shared secret. An unexpected bond.

‘“Mr Blue Sky”,’ he murmured.

‘What were you saying?’ she asked, leaning across the table to hear him better.

‘I was saying—’ He took a deep breath. ‘I was saying, that sounds brilliant, and I’d love to.’

She raised her glass to him. ‘Well then, here’s to our next adventure. Next Sunday okay? And don’t worry. I’ll bring cake.’

Dolly was having a fine old time. Egged on by Bluebell she’d downed copious amounts of champagne, waving her glass around as she took centre stage on the dance floor, and bestowed hugs and kisses on just about everyone in the pub.

At ten o’clock she finally blew out the candles on her birthday cake, and everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to her.

‘Make a wish!’ Clemmie urged her excitedly, but Dolly insisted she couldn’t think of anything to wish for.

‘I’ve got everything I want and more,’ she told her niece, in a slightly slurry voice. ‘Can’t ask for anything else.’

‘But it’s your birthday!’ Jennifer protested. ‘You must make a wish! It’s the law.’

Dolly gave an exaggerated sigh. ‘All right then. I wish that this cake is as good as it looks, cos if it’s not I’ll be coming for you, Daisy Jackson!’

Everyone laughed, including Daisy, who was watching the scene from beside the buffet table. She’d made Dolly a raspberry ripple cake—officially at Clemmie’s request, but everyone knew it was Dolly’s orders. She was confident Dolly would love it and had no fear that her wish wouldn’t come true.

She smiled as a slightly tipsy Bethany wandered over and draped her arm around Daisy’s shoulders. ‘Bit of a waste of a wish, don’t you think? That cake’s guaranteed to be gorgeous.’

‘Ah well, Dolly’s very lucky,’ Daisy said. ‘Fancy being in the position where you’ve nothing left to wish for.’

‘And what,’ Bethany asked, eyeing her seriously, ‘would you wish for?’

Daisy shrugged. ‘No idea. A lottery win, maybe?’ She laughed awkwardly.

‘Hmm, so maybe you’re as lucky as Dolly then.’

‘Maybe I am.’

They were quiet for a moment, watching with some amusement as Dolly attempted to cut her cake into even slices, refusing all offers of help from Clemmie.

‘Noah’s looking good tonight, don’t you think?’ Bethany said thoughtfully. ‘I’m so used to seeing him around town in his smart suit and tie, it’s nice to see him wearing something a bit less formal.’

Daisy smiled. ‘I’m just glad to see him here at all. I didn’t think he’d get here.’

‘Clive says he doesn’t get out much,’ Bethany admitted. ‘He says he used to, but he’s quietened down a lot over the years. I suppose that’s what all the responsibility of being a teacher, then a headmaster does to you. He’s quite young to have attained that position, don’t you think?’

Daisy hadn’t really thought about it. ‘I suppose so. He must be good at his job. He strikes me as being someone who’d take their responsibility very seriously and put everything into the role.’

‘Yes, I imagine he does.’ Bethany took a sip of her wine and eyed Noah, who was sitting with Ross. ‘You’d never think they were brothers, would you? They couldn’t look more different. I mean, Ross is all broad and hunky and dark, and Noah is…’

When she didn’t continue, Daisy gave her a sharp look. ‘Noah is what?’ she said indignantly.

‘Oh, he’s very nice, don’t get me wrong. Just, he’s so unlike his brother. Not so well-built, for a start. And a bit more—well, ordinary looking, I suppose.’

‘I don’t think he’s ordinary looking,’ Daisy said immediately. ‘He’s got lovely eyes. Really blue, with gold flecks in them, and—’ She broke off as she realised how she must sound to Bethany. ‘Anyway,’ she finished with a shrug, ‘he has a really nice smile.’

‘He probably has. He just doesn’t smile very often, does he?’

‘Like you said, he’s got a lot of responsibility,’ Daisy reminded her.

‘No need to sound so defensive,’ Bethany said. ‘I wasn’t attacking him. He’s a nice-looking man in his own way. And I’m sure he’s a nice person. You clearly seem to think so anyway.’

‘What do you mean by that?’ Daisy asked suspiciously.

‘Nothing. Nothing at all.’ Bethany swilled what remained of her wine around the glass, as if considering her next words. ‘It’s just… I wondered if you and Noah had struck up some kind of special friendship lately, that’s all.’

Daisy’s face burned. ‘Special friendship? What does that even mean? What are you implying?’ She glanced around, hoping no one was nearby who might have overheard Bethany’s insinuations and got the wrong idea.

‘Oh, Daisy, you must think I’m daft.’ Bethany sighed. ‘Okay, I’ll come clean. I’ve been watching you this evening and if I didn’t already have my suspicions about you two I certainly have now. What’s really going on between you?’

Daisy was genuinely appalled. ‘Nothing’s going on! He’s a married man.’

‘Yes, but wasn’t—’ As Daisy’s eyes narrowed, Bethany’s expression changed to one of horrified embarrassment. ‘I—I mean…’

‘You were going to say, wasn’t Eliot married, weren’t you?’ Daisy asked flatly.

Bethany’s cheeks were pink. ‘I’m so sorry. Look, I’m not criticising you, honestly. I care about you, Daisy, and I’d hate to see you get hurt again.’

‘Noah’s with Isobel and that’s fine by me,’ Daisy managed. ‘He and I are just friends, that’s all. Not even that, really. I barely know him.’

‘That’s partly my worry,’ Bethany confessed. ‘I’ve seen the way you look at him. I’ve noticed it the last few weeks to be honest, when I’ve been in the café, and he’s come in. Your face lights up, it really does. It’s okay, Daisy, I haven’t told anyone, and I wouldn’t.’

‘It’s not what you think,’ Daisy protested. ‘I just—I feel sorry for him if you must know. There’s something so sad and wistful about him. I can’t explain it.’

‘Sad?’ Bethany frowned. ‘I don’t know about sad, but what does worry me is what’s going on behind the door at Peony Cottage. After what Isobel said about him controlling her, and then the incident with her broken fingers… Now it seems like he’s flirting with you and?—’

‘Flirting with me?’ Daisy gasped. ‘Are you joking? Noah wouldn’t know how to flirt. He’s the most polite, respectful person I’ve ever met. It’s not like that. He’s not like that.’

Bethany shrugged. ‘Okay, okay, if you say so. But I know how these things start, and I’m telling you, there’s a spark there. I doubt anyone else has noticed but I’ve been watching you both and I’ve seen it for myself. I just wanted to warn you, that’s all. Please be careful, Daisy. We really don’t know what he’s like as a husband, do we?’

‘A saint, I should think,’ Daisy said grimly. ‘He’d have to be to put up with Isobel.’

Bethany considered the matter. ‘I hear what you’re saying,’ she said at last. ‘Isobel’s a pain in the neck, it’s true. But we don’t know why she behaves in that way. What’s making her so unhappy that she feels the need to lash out at everyone?’ She gave Daisy a troubled look. ‘I’d just hate for him to…’

‘Hate for him to what?’ Daisy drained her vodka and Coke. ‘You really think he’s capable of hurting her, don’t you?’

‘Don’t you?’

They both stared over at Noah again. He was deep in conversation with Ross. Ross said something to his brother and Noah laughed. It was so unexpected and so rare to see him laughing that Daisy’s heart leapt.

‘I’m sorry, Daisy, but if you think you’re not interested in him in that way you’re fooling yourself,’ Bethany said quietly. ‘You should have seen your face just now. It’s obvious how much you like him.’

‘He’s a nice man,’ Daisy said defensively. ‘But I’m not looking to start anything with him, or anyone else. For one thing, he’s married, and I’ve learnt my lesson there. For another, I’m finally in a good place. I’m living life on my terms and pleasing only myself. I don’t want to throw that away, especially when it’s taken me so long to get to this point.’

‘So, you’ll stay away from him?’ Bethany asked hopefully.

‘He’s a friend,’ Daisy said firmly. ‘And I see him only as a friend. But I won’t avoid him, if that’s what you’re asking me.’ She couldn’t explain to Bethany, or to anyone else. If they couldn’t see it for themselves what would be the point?

There was something about Noah that made Daisy’s heart ache for him. She really wasn’t sure what it was, but there was something about him that made her want to protect him from—from what? She didn’t know. She only knew that she couldn’t believe that he was anything other than the polite, kind man he’d shown himself to be ever since she’d met him.

‘You know, there’s an old saying that goes something like, “The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them”,’ Bethany said carefully. ‘We don’t know what’s really going on with Noah and Isobel, but we have enough information to be worried. Promise me you’ll remember that, and you’ll take it on board. I’m not saying Noah’s the bad guy in all this, but I’m saying there are reasons to be concerned. Will you be careful? For me?’

Daisy nodded. ‘I promise. And that’s a good saying. It’s by Maya Angelou, I think. I’ll remember it.’

‘That’s all I ask,’ Bethany said. ‘I just want you to be happy, Daisy.’

‘Then you’re in luck,’ Daisy assured her, ‘because that’s exactly what I am, and I have no intention of sabotaging that happiness for anyone.’

Bethany watched her for a moment then nodded. ‘I’m glad to hear it. Come on, let’s have a dance, shall we?’

They put down their glasses and headed onto the dance floor, where Dolly was leading everyone in the Macarena.

The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them.

Well, Bethany might think that would warn her off but, if anything, it only convinced Daisy more that her belief in Noah was right. He’d shown her what a gentle soul he was, while Isobel had demonstrated repeatedly that she was a nasty piece of work who loved to bully other people.

If anyone was vulnerable in that relationship it was Noah. Daisy would put money on it. He needed a friend, and she was going to be that friend. Nothing more, she told herself hastily. But there was a lot to be said for friendship after all.