Page 51 of Lessons in Life

‘He never asked.’ Fabian gave a little laugh. ‘And I certainly didn’t offer any information regarding the third tenant. As I always advise my clients: do not offer any information other than that asked for.’

‘Which reminds me, have you thought any more about it, Fabian?’ Sorrel sat up.

‘About having Boris here?’

‘No.’ Sorrel was suddenly serious. ‘About representing Joel in court. His case is actually being sent to Leeds Crown Court.’

‘Serious, then, if that’s what’s happening, Sorrel.’ Fabian sat up himself, his long jeaned legs out in front of him at right angles.

‘So, will you?’

‘Sorrel…’ I interrupted, putting a hand on Sorrel’s arm.

‘Look, find out what’s happening,’ Fabian said. ‘Who Joel is being represented by. I’d need to speak to his mother and to Joel, but primarily to his solicitor.’

Sorrel stood, scrabbling in her bag for her phone, scrolling through until she got what she wanted. ‘OK… it’s a firm called Braithwaite Anderson… and… hang on… the solicitor is… someone called… hang on… I’ve got it… Alex Brookfield…’

‘Alex Brookfield?’ Fabian spoke the name calmly but I thought I saw a flicker of something – of recognition? – on his beautiful face. Since leaving London, he’d taken to sporting a dark beard and, gazing over at him now, wearing the navy cashmere sweater I loved, I didn’t think I’d ever seen him looking more utterly gorgeous.

‘D’you know the firm?’ I asked when, slightly pink at Fabian catching me staring at him, longing for his touch, I looked away and began clearing the remains of the picnic.

‘A bit. Leave it with me, Sorrel.’

‘Fabian, don’t get her hopes up.’ I frowned across at him.

‘Just leave it with me,’ he insisted. ‘Right, changing the subject, there’s something for you in the fridge, Robyn.’

‘The fridge? Is there one?’ I looked round. ‘Is it switched on and working?’

‘Yes, on both scores.’ Fabian gave me what could only be described as a particularly lascivious grin and I knew instantly what was in there. I only had to think about ice cream and my knickers were on fire. It had really been quite difficult at times, when the ice-cream van had been parked outside St Mede’s during the still warm days of the previous September and October, when I’d first fled London.

I looked at Fabian and we continued to share the secret. Until Sorrel tutted. ‘Oh, for heaven’s sake, give me a quick lift home, Robyn, or I’ll get Mum to pick me up. I’ll leave you to your ice-cream kisses.’ She turned to Fabian. ‘I know all about how you seduced Robyn with ice cream on the riverbank on your first date.’

‘How d’you know that?’ Fabian and I spoke in unison, laughing.

‘Jess told me.’

‘Typical. Don’t tell my big sisteranythingif you want it kept quiet. Mum said she was going out when I rang her to say you were coming down here with me,’ I went on, standing and clearing away food, paper plates and the bamboo cutlery and napkins that had accompanied the feast. ‘But you don’t need to go, Sorrel.’

‘Oh, I think I do.’ She sniffed and then sighed. ‘Anyway, maths mock tomorrow.’ She turned. ‘Keep yourself and that pud on ice, Fabian. She’ll only be twenty minutes.’

* * *

All the way from the centre of Beddingfield out to the rural open countryside where Mum and Jess’s row of ten cottages were snuggled together down a lane in the lea of a particularly pretty wood, Sorrel talked constantly about Joel and how wonderful it would be if, with all his expertise, Fabian could be, was prepared to be, his defence barrister.

‘Don’t get your hopes up, Sorrel,’ I warned once more. And then, when no reply seemed imminent, I turned from the wheel. ‘You OK?’

‘Stop the car, Robyn.’ Sorrel was already scrabbling with her seat belt. ‘I feel sick.’

‘Again?’

I pulled up at the side of a quiet country lane, five minutes from home, where a white-faced Sorrel dry-heaved for several minutes.

‘Water.’ I was by her side, offering the bottle I always carried with me.

‘You see, Robyn, thereissomething wrong with me.’ Sorrel turned her beautiful brown almond eyes towards me, her face pitiful.

‘Maybe something going round? Maybe you ate too much back there? We’re nearly home. Can you make it back?’

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