Page 9 of A French Inheritance
‘How about a quick walk around our not-so-secret project now that it’s finally underway and there’s actually something to show?’ Adam suggested.
‘Good idea. We need to get the word out, even though we’re still a few years away before we have anything to sell.’ Lucy gave Adam a speculative look. ‘You happy to go on camera and explain what and why we’ve invested in this particular product? Rather than me doing a voiceover as I walk.’
Adam pulled a face. ‘You know how much I hate being on camera, but I suspect for this I need to explain our reasons. Can’t do today. Tomorrow morning?’
Lucy nodded.
‘The stables are looking good too now the renovations are complete. Going to need your magic touch on the decor – maybe do a couple of shots of the bare rooms before you start explaining the plans you have?’
‘I’ll do that,’ Lucy said. ‘But I think the videos are slowly becoming more about our lifestyle in France now all the banging and hammering is slowing down. Are you happy with that?’
‘Think so. Wouldn’t want them to be too invasive, though,’ Adam said. ‘I know people love to see behind the scenes, but we do need to keep some privacy. And don’t forget we’ve still got the cottages further down on the farm to renovate, so there will be more building work going on this summer.’
Lucy nodded. ‘It was easier when all the major rebuilding work was happening – there was so much of it to show people! Think I’ll cut back to a thirty-minute video once a week this summer, rather than two a week like I’ve been doing. I should be able to film enough interesting content for that.’
Adam stood up. ‘Right. Talking about those cottages, I need to get down there and assess what building materials we need and how much of everything to make a start on one of them. Be good to get it underway this summer.’
‘I’ll walk the dogs and then make a couple of cakes – one for the freezer and one for Jeannie and Briony this morning.’ Lucy reached up and gave Adam a kiss. ‘See you later.’
Her mobile pinged as Adam left.
‘Hi Debs. How’s things?’
‘Great. Mum, just checking if you want us to bring anything over Easter? I know it’s a few weeks away, but I’m trying to get organised.’
Lucy laughed. ‘Be a first if you manage that. But thanks, can’t think of anything. You’ve given Dad your flight details yet?’
‘Yeah. Think we land about four o’clock. See you soon. Love you. Bye.’
‘Bye,’ Lucy echoed, but the call had ended and she gave a small chuckle. Debs loved her phone for sending emails and texts and keeping up with social media, but she had a real phobia of actually making phone calls. She always raced through them at top speed.
Lucy gave an inward sigh. She hadn’t even had a chance to ask how Hannah was. Never mind. Easter wasn’t that far away when they would both be home for a few days.
* * *
Briony and Jeannie decided to walk up to the farm via the track through the fields rather than drive round by road to have coffee with Lucy. The walk up to and through into the Top Field proceeded in silence. Opening and closing the various gates Briony could sense that Jeannie wanted to say something and deliberately kept walking a couple of metres in front of her. As they opened the final gate into the farmyard, Briony glanced at her mum.
‘Can we please not mention the bombshell you dropped at breakfast? I’ve got to get my head around it before I start talking about it to strangers.’
‘Of course,’ Jeannie agreed. ‘You’ve got a lot to think about. We can talk about it again later.’
They saw Lucy waiting for them.
‘Jeannie, how lovely to see you again,’ Lucy said, hugging her. ‘I was so, so sorry to hear about Giselle.’ She turned to Briony. ‘Welcome, Briony, nice to finally meet you. Giselle talked about you so much, I feel I know you already. Come on into the kitchen. I’ve made a coffee and walnut cake to go with our coffee.’
As the three of them walked into the kitchen, both Luna and Django got out of the basket and came to greet them, with Luna making a beeline for Briony before suddenly stopping, sniffing the air and charging quickly across to Jeannie.
‘Remember me as well, do you?’ Jeannie said, bending down to stroke her before straightening up. ‘Adam not joining us for coffee?’
‘He’ll probably pop in to say hello whilst you’re here,’ Lucy said, crossing over to the coffee machine and pressing buttons. ‘He’s down at the cottages working out what materials he needs to order first for the next rebuild he’s getting ready to start.’
‘He’s done wonders with this place, in such a short time,’ Jeannie said. ‘I know Giselle thought you’d both taken on too much, but I think she seriously underestimated Adam’s abilities.’
‘Most people thought we were crazy,’ Lucy laughed. ‘But we were determined and, thankfully, it seems to be working out. Elliot arriving unexpectedly a year ago and pitching in to help has been good too. He’s started his new job today though – that’s why Luna is here.’
‘What does he do?’ Briony asked.
‘He’s a vet. A brilliant one, actually. Was on course to have his own practice in the UK until things went wrong in his life – the story of which is not mine to tell,’ Lucy said, smiling at Briony. ‘Anyway, the French accepted his RCVS qualifications months ago with one proviso. He needed to be fluent in French to be allowed to practise here, so he’s spent the last three months doing an intensive French course, which he has now passed.’ Lucy stopped talking and picked up a knife and started to cut the cake into generous slices. ‘So if you want help with your French while you’re here, Elliot’s your man.’
