Page 51 of The Beekeeper's Cottage
Grace smiled and started to knead the bread. Zac obviously didn’t need help in finding his way around the kitchen. Moments later he placed her mug back down beside her.
‘Are you all right with me sitting here?’ he asked, indicating the table.
‘Of course. And help yourself to a biscuit if you’d like one. Dominic asked for breakfast around eight thirty, but that seems like rather a long way away just now.’
Zac’s eyes lit up. ‘I shouldn’t, but I’m jolly well going to.’
He took a couple of biscuits from the tin Grace indicated and settled himself in a chair, bending one leg up and resting his ankle across his knee.
‘Can I just say how grateful I am to you for putting us all up this weekend, Grace. You have a beautiful house, and I confess this is just what I needed. New York can be the most amazing city to live in but, even after all this time, I still get a little homesick for the English countryside. It’s good to be back.’
‘Well then, it’s my absolute pleasure,’ she replied. ‘And feel free to explore the garden if you wish. The views from the bottom are incredible.’
He dipped his head. ‘I will, thank you.’
After that he fell silent, opening his book and losing himself in its pages. He leaned forward every now and again to drink his tea but, apart from that, was still. It rather surprised Grace, who had imagined that someone in his position would be rather more brash, not given to the pleasures of solitude and a good book, but it was rather nice having his undemanding company – not something she was used to at all.
With the bread dough proving, Grace turned her attention to rolling out the pastry, cutting it into triangles once she was done and rolling it up to make croissants. There would be tea, and coffee, obviously, and fresh figs, strawberries and pineapple along with either a full cooked breakfast or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. Hannah had laughed when Grace had told her what she was planning on serving for breakfast. A convert to the healing properties of porridge and honey, she told Grace she should just make everyone do with that. It was tempting, certainly, but as Grace eyed the mountain of food in the fridge she reminded herself that if all went according to plan she would have to get used to cooking big breakfasts.
Having divided the dough into rolls, Grace was just popping them in the oven when a clatter from behind her announced Paul’s entrance. Already dressed and reeking of cologne, he was about to say something when, looking past her, he realised that she was not alone. A smile lit his face and he loomed towards her, pulling her close and planting a kiss full on her lips. It was all she could do to keep from flinching.
‘Hello, darling,’ he said. Then asked, ‘Can I get you a coffee?’ before turning slightly and ‘suddenly’ noticing Zac.
‘Good morning… another beauty, isn’t it?’ he fawned. ‘I hope you slept well.’
‘Beautifully,’ replied Zac, getting to his feet.
Grace saw Paul take in the book, the casual clothes, the empty mug. ‘I do hope Grace has been looking after you?’
‘She has. It’s been a peaceful and rather lovely start to the day.’ He indicated his book. ‘We seem to share a love of good literature too.’
Paul squinted at the cover and nodded, but Grace knew he would have nothing to add. Paul read one book a year, on holiday, and that was whatever he picked up at the airport.
As if realising that no further conversation on the subject would ensue, Zac put his book down decisively on the table and gave a massive stretch. ‘I might take a wander now,’ he said. ‘And have a look at the garden. Then I guess I’d better hit the shower and get suited and booted, ready for the day ahead. I think Dominic has rather a lot planned for us.’
Grace caught his eye, smiling at the wry amusement in his voice. In that instant she decided that she really did like Zac. She was pretty sure he had already made up his mind about who would be getting his contract and this weekend would make absolutely no difference to his decision. Apart from admiring his integrity, she realised it took the pressure off her somewhat and for that she was grateful. Her whole future had seemed to be riding on this weekend, but maybe it wasn’t going to be as bad as she had feared.
‘Just be aware that I keep bees,’ she said. ‘Not everyone is a fan, but they won’t cause you any problems. When you reach the slope and start to drop down, just keep to the right of the hives as you pass, that way you’ll be out of their foraging path. It’s worth it though, there’s something of a surprise at the end of the garden.’
She smiled but wouldn’t say any more despite Zac’s arched eyebrows which invited further comment. He grinned and set off with a slight wave.
‘What was that supposed to mean?’ barked Paul as soon as Zac was out of earshot. ‘What have you been saying to him?’
‘Nothing, why?’
‘Well you looked very cosy in here, and that comment he made about Dominic, what was all that about? I hope he realises that all this is for his sake.’
Grace hid her smile. ‘I think he’s only too well aware of that fact,’ she replied. ‘And to assume otherwise would really be insulting his intelligence. He’s as much aware of the game you’re all playing as you are.’
Paul’s jaw clenched. ‘This is not a game, Grace…’
‘Isn’t it? Oh, I do beg your pardon.’
‘So, what were you doing in here then?’ he asked, scowling at her.
‘Well, as you can see, I’ve been making bread rolls and croissants and Zac has been enjoying a quiet cup of tea with a favourite book.’
Paul’s eyes narrowed. ‘But you must have been talking about something?’
