Page 88 of Hope and Happiness in Bluebell Wood
‘No, you’re absolutely correct. I need your advice,’ Lonan says, looking even more self-conscious. ‘It’s a matter of the heart.’
‘You do?’
He nods. ‘I know you are aware of my blossoming relationship with the lovely Linnet.’
‘I am.’
‘As relationships go, it’s still very much in its infancy. But I think it’s going rather well. I’ve taken quite a shine to your friend.’
I feel my heart swell, partly from Lonan talking in this way about Linnet, and partly because he had called her my friend. I hadn’t had many people I could call friends in my life for some time.
‘I’m pleased to hear it,’ I tell Lonan, smiling. ‘From what I can tell, she feels much the same way about you.’
Lonan’s pale cheeks redden a little. ‘That’s good to know,’ he says shyly. ‘Very good to know.’
‘So what’s the problem?’
‘It’s not Linnet; like I said, we’re getting on famously well. It’s her son, Robin. I don’t think he likes me very much.’
‘What makes you think that?’
‘I get that feeling. Obviously I haven’t spent all that much time with him yet. But in the little I have, he seems a bit off with me, and I want to put that right. I know he gets on with you very well. He talks about you and Merlin a lot.’
‘Does he?’ I’m touched to hear that. I had a soft spot for Robin too, and a bit like Lonan, I’m glad to hear the feeling is mutual.
‘Very much so, and I wondered if you could give me some pointers.’
‘I’m not sure what to suggest,’ I say, trying to think. ‘Robin loves Merlin, but you don’t have a dog, do you?’
Lonan shakes his head.
‘What about a bird table?’ I ask, inspiration suddenly striking. ‘Does your cottage have one of those?’
‘No, but I could get one, if you think it might help.’
‘It might. Or what about buying one for Linnet and Robin for their garden? I’m pretty sure Robin would love his own bird table – he was fascinated with mine when he was here the other night.’
‘You’re amazing, Ava!’ Lonan says, beaming. ‘What a truly wonderful idea.’
‘Perhaps you could also take Robin and Linnet birdwatching one day as well? Maybe take a picnic to the wood, or somewhere else with lots of birds?’
‘Ava, I could kiss you!’ Lonan cries, looking ecstatic. ‘I would probably have bought Robin an expensive toy, which he doubtless wouldn’t have liked, and that would have made things even worse. This is genius.’
I shrug. ‘You just have to go with what a child likes. You can’t force things on them you think they should enjoy. You have to let them be their own person.’
The knocker rattles on the cottage door, and I glance towards the hall.
‘Oh, I’m sorry, are you expecting someone?’ Lonan asks.
‘Yes, actually I am.’
Lonan stands up. ‘Then I must take my leave. I’ve imposed enough on your hospitality and your kind nature.’
‘You really don’t have to,’ I tell him. ‘At least finish your wine.’
‘If you’re sure?’
‘Of course. I’m only expecting Callum.’
