Flowers in Bloom

Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

Emily arrived at Appleton Manor an hour before Sebastian hot-footed it back from Ireland at his emotional wife’s behest. The three of them were sitting in the glorious, oak-panelled dining room Olivia insisted they used whenever they had guests. Antique lamps were dimly lit, casting fascinating shadows over exquisite portraits of Sebastian’s ancestors, and candles simmered in their gleaming silver sticks from the centre of the table.

“Spit it out, Em,” Olivia knew her friend too well. “You’ve been nervous since you got here. What’s wrong?”

Emily picked up her napkin and began fiddling with it. She looked across the table and took a deep breath. “There’s every chance you’ll be seeing a lot more of me over the next few months.”

“What? Why?” Olivia was grinning from ear to ear.

“Christ, that’s all I need,” Sebastian laughed. “You’re a bad influence on my wife.” He reached out and took Olivia’s hand, raising it to his lips. “And you, my darling, you happily let her lead you astray. What’s a man to do?”

Olivia grinned and placed his hand on her swollen belly. “You needn’t worry, I’ll be too busy with this one to get up to any mischief, and you never know, she may end up staying for good.”

“So?” Sebastian urged Emily to continue.

“To cut a long story short, we were approached a few months ago by an American consortium looking to buy up an exclusive leisure property so they can break into the European market,” Emily explained.

“What’s that got to do with Appleton Vale?’ Olivia asked.

“Well, I found a property locally that fits the bill, and I’ll be working with the Americans and the current owner over the coming months to secure the deal,” Emily replied.

Sebastian’s interest had suddenly piqued. “What property? There’s nothing for sale locally, I’d have known about it.” He was slightly miffed that he was hearing this news from an outsider, albeit a friendly one.

Emily paused and took a large gulp of wine. “It’s your club Sebastian.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he exploded. “It’s not for sale.”

“It wasn’t, but it is now, and Mr Hampton has agreed to talk to my client,” Emily told him.

“Edward wouldn’t do that. He loves the club, it’s his life, his family has owned the land for generations, back to something ridiculous like the thirteenth century. There’s just no way he’d sell.” Sebastian was adamant that Emily had got it wrong.

“Calm down darling,” Olivia begged. She turned to Emily. “Surely there must be some mistake?”

“I knew this was going to be a problem,” Emily sighed. “I’m sorry, it’s just business, I’m only doing my job.”

“Well you should’ve done your f*****g job far away from here,” Sebastian pushed his chair back, threw his napkin on the table and stalked out of the room.

Emily shook her head and turned back to Olivia.

“Why here?” Olivia asked in a small voice. “This is our home, our village.”

Emily bristled. “It’s not personal, Liv. The deal’s all but done anyway, and if it hadn’t been my client, it would’ve been someone else.”

“That may be so, but no-one around here is going to like it. We’re happy the way we are.”

“For f**k’s sake Olivia, you’ve lived here for all of about five minutes,” Emily sneered. “I thought you, of all people, would be on my side.”

Olivia shifted uncomfortably in her chair and considered her response. Finally, she looked at Emily and replied: “Me of all people? Just because you’re my best friend it doesn’t mean I have to agree with everything you do. This will impact on my life, not yours.”

Emily sighed and leaned over the table, reaching for Olivia’s hand. “Please don’t let this come between us.”

Olivia snatched her hand away, “I should think that’s entirely dependent on what you decide to do.” She eased herself out of her chair and headed towards the door. “I’m going to find Sebastian and see if I can calm him down.”

“That went well,” Emily muttered as Olivia left the room. She poured another glass of wine and waited for her to return.

A few minutes later Hattie appeared in the doorway. “Ah, there you are. Olivia asked me to tell you she’s gone to bed and that she’ll see you in the morning.”

Seeing Emily was upset, Hattie walked across the room and sat down beside her.

“Well, that was a bit of a bombshell, eh?” she smiled weakly. “Olivia isn’t angry with you, she’s just upset for Sebastian, and for the village. But I suppose we can’t make assumptions until we know all the details.”

“I don’t even know all the details,” Emily sniffed. “I shouldn’t have said anything. Where’s Sebastian anyway?”

“He went out. He’ll calm down, don’t worry.” She patted Emily’s hand and stood up to leave. “Why don’t I make you a nice hot chocolate to take up to your room?”

Emily smiled and shook her head, “Thanks Hattie, but I’d rather take this.” She reached out and grabbed a three-quarters full bottle of Chateau Margaux. “Ah, 2009, a vintage year,” she laughed. “He’s got more money than sense if this is what you’re drinking on a regular basis.”

“He’s earned it,” Hattie said sharply. She was fiercely protective of Sebastian.

Emily let out an exasperated sigh. “I was joking. I’m upsetting everyone tonight, perhaps I should go to bed. I don’t want to be here when Sebastian gets back anyway.”

“I’m sure things will look a lot better come the morning,” Hattie patted her hand. “And don’t worry about Olivia, she’s just overly-sensitive right now.”

“We’ve never fought in all these years,” Emily sighed. “I wish I’d never said anything, but it’s too late now. The damage is done.”