Page 55 of Finding Home in Hartfell
‘Wow.’ Yet more connection to Hartfell and another uncomfortable reminder of him giving up the practice he loved, unable to raise the money in time to save it. ‘So you still have family there?’
‘Kind of. It belongs to my cousin, but I haven’t seen him in years. He lives in Paris and the estate is just something he gets someone else to manage.’
‘Doesn’t that bother you?’
‘No.’ Gil glanced up from the menu. ‘I’ve never felt a connection to the place and it’s nothing to do with me. My parents met when my mum was up from Dorset and her parents pretty much disowned her when she got together with my dad. They’d expected better than a tenant farmer for her.’
‘I’m so sorry, about what happened to them,’ she said, leaning a little closer and lowering her voice. She’d never imagined talking about this over dinner but there might never be another moment to express her sympathy.
‘Thank you. It was a really long time ago.’
She nodded, she understood, but she’d caught the flash of sorrow before he blinked it away. ‘But it’s still there. These things never quite go away.’
She wasn’t expecting the brief touch of his fingers on hers, sending sparks dancing across her skin. ‘Harriet told me how tough it was for you, stepping in to look after your brother and sister the way you did.’
‘Harriet did?’ Pippa’s voice rose a fraction. ‘Just how much talking about me have you two done?’
‘Maybe similar to you and Elaine about me,’ he countered, and they both smiled.
The waitress was back with their drinks and to take their order and Pippa was aware of a few curious glances coming their way – the rock star’s daughter having dinner with the man she was at odds with over a house. She went for roast field mushroom with a truffle and spinach pancake, whilst Gil chose venison. The gin was delicious, and she looked up when Kenny appeared.
‘You’re becoming quite the regular, I love it.’ He bent to kiss her cheek and she laughed. ‘And now with Gil, how delightful. What do you think of the wine?’ Kenny glanced at Gil’s glass.
‘It’s outstanding. But you know me, I love the Barossa Valley vineyards best.’
‘Has he told you, Pippa darling, about the vineyard?’ Kenny raised a brow, and she was working hard to conceal her surprise. ‘Going by your face, I’d say not.’
‘There’s not much to tell.’ Gil leaned back. ‘It belongs to Clare’s parents and Joel’s out there now, helping to run it. We used to visit on holiday and Joel was always keen to live there. I love wine and found it interesting to learn more.’
‘Wow. Yours is quite the story.’ Pippa took another mouthful of her gin, already feeling the alcohol hitting her system. Kenny leaned over to top up their water glasses before leaving them alone again.
‘Clare went back too, once our house was sold. I needed to keep my share to—’ He raised a shoulder. ‘Never mind.’
‘To fund the practice?’ She leaned forward again, keeping their conversation close. ‘And the farm?’
‘Yeah,’ he replied quietly. ‘I’m not there yet.’
Dismay was gathering, the reason he’d asked her dad for an extension to his lease clear now. ‘Gil, I—’
‘It doesn’t matter.’ His hand swiftly covered hers. ‘I don’t want to talk about the future tonight. Not here, on your birthday. Let’s just have a nice evening.’
‘But…’
‘I’m serious. Please, just leave it.’ He slid a finger beneath her chin, lifting her face to stare at her. ‘It’s not your fault.’
‘Doesn’t feel that way.’ She wanted to let him cup her cheek and hold her again. She was still thinking about the night when she’d cried over the dog she’d lost and he’d held her tightly, easing the still-raw grief. ‘So given your knowledge and experience, please will you choose the wine?’
‘You trust me with that?’
‘With wine, I do.’
They shared a smile as he ordered a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and soon after, their food arrived. Conversation was much easier and more natural than she’d ever have imagined as the meal went on. Every day she came to know Gil better, and every day she wanted to leave Hartfell just a little less.
Kenny persuaded them to share a trio of desserts, including a huge sundae with a thick mound of whipped cream and strawberry sauce into which he’d stuck four candles. Pippa blew them out, to the cheers of some of the other guests who’d noticed it was a special occasion. Once the bill was settled and they’d thanked Kenny – who kindly gifted Pippa a bottle of very nice champagne for her birthday – they left the pub and emerged in the darkened village, lights glinting through windows as they walked slowly back to the house.
‘I hope Maud’s okay, this is the longest I’ve ever left her.’ Pippa had almost forgotten about the puppy in the fun of her evening.
‘She’ll be fine, having Lola there will help. It’s good to leave them so they get used to their own company.’
