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There was no missing the way Tasha’s eyes lit up. ‘Oh, that’d be great. I’d like to have a look around the spa when you have time. Do you have a tie-in with a beauty supplier? Because I’d like to align whatever I stock for guests to make sure we keep on brand.’ She rummaged in her bag and pulled out a notebook and pen as if for all the world she was going to start taking notes.
‘We have our own line of Juniper Meadows-branded products,’ Rowena replied with a grin. ‘I’m sure I’ve got some samples upstairs. Hang on a minute.’
‘Tasha doesn’t start work until tomorrow, Mum,’ Rhys called after her, but she was already in the hall and halfway to the stairs.
‘Sorry, I got a bit carried away.’ Tasha blushed, putting her notepad away.
‘Don’t ever apologise for showing a bit of enthusiasm, my dear, but Rhys is right. Tomorrow is soon enough to start work. Tonight is about welcoming you as part of the Juniper Meadows family.’
Trust his dad to know the right thing to say. Rhys raised his bottle. ‘To Tasha – who is going to do marvellous things here.’
‘To Tasha!’ Drinks were raised all around.
‘To me, I guess?’ Tasha took a sip of her wine. ‘What a lovely welcome, thank you.’
Relieved to see she was looking a lot more relaxed than when she’d first arrived, Rhys settled back down in his seat next to Ben and turned to him. ‘How’s things going with the studio?’
‘Slowly.’ Ben grimaced then shrugged. ‘Not that bad, really. I’ve had some plans drawn up by a local architect and now the weather’s improved I’m going to look around for someone who can come in and do the actual work.’
Hope leaned over and touched Ben’s arm to get his attention. ‘Declan’s going to be supervising the dig site over the Easter holidays for Cam and his team. If you’re not in a desperate rush it might be worth asking him to have a look at the job. He might even be able to get you a favourable quote through his firm.’
‘That’d be great. I’d always rather use someone on recommendation.’ He gave his sister a lopsided grin. ‘I’m not used to not having Dad’s golf club connections to call upon. He always knew someone who knew someone.’
Hope patted his arm. ‘If Declan can’t do it, then I’m sure he’ll point you in the right direction.’
‘You must be looking forward to having Cam here,’ Rhys said, deflecting the conversation away to happier subjects. ‘I saw Meena in the café the other week and she was over the moon about spending more time with Barnie.’
Hope’s expression immediately brightened. ‘He’s been flat out between teaching and trying to keep up on their research into the site. I think they’re going to focus on the chapel ruins this time and wait until the summer recess before they open all the trenches again.’
‘Do you know if they’ll be looking for volunteers?’ Ben asked. ‘I know nothing about archaeology other than what I’ve seen in the Indiana Jones films, but I’d love to get involved.’
‘It’ll be more hole digging than whip cracking,’ Hope said with a laugh. ‘But I’m sure Cam will find something for you to do. I’m going to call him later so I’ll let him know he’s got another willing volunteer.’
The conversation continued to bounce around the table, the topics shifting and changing as people moved around the kitchen in the casual flow of familiar dinner preparations. Rhys and Ben gathered cutlery and plates to set the table, although Rhys ended up doing most of it when Ziggy and Daisy arrived and she began quizzing Ben about her daughter’s whereabouts. The food was as good as ever and Rhys found it hard to resist a second helping of the Eton mess when the giant glass bowl full of strawberries, whipped cream and crumbled meringue was offered to him. He didn’t miss how Stevie spooned enough into a plastic pot for at least two portions before she popped on the lid and set it in front of Ben next to the leftover shepherd’s pie he was taking home for Amelia.
‘You don’t mind if I eat and run, do you?’ Ben asked as he pushed his chair back. ‘I promise to do double washing up next time.’
‘Daisy and I are clearing up as we didn’t do anything to help,’ Ziggy assured him with a smile. ‘Go on, now.’
‘I’m going to head off too so I can call Cam,’ Hope said, turning to look at Tasha as she stood. ‘Do you want to walk back with me?’
‘That’d be great, thanks. It’s been a long day and I could do with an early night before I get started tomorrow.’
‘Don’t forget these.’ Rowena got up and retrieved a bag of cosmetic samples from one of the kitchen counters.
‘Oh, lovely, thank you. Do you have a day in mind for our chat?’
Rowena shook her head. ‘Whenever is good for you. Get yourself settled in and Rhys can give you my number. When you’re ready just message me and we’ll sort something out.’
‘I’ll get your coats,’ Rhys said, before walking into the boot room off the back of the kitchen. He pulled on his own jacket then returned with the other three coats over his arm. ‘I’ve got to check the animals before I turn in for the evening,’ he said to Tasha when she gave him a quizzical look.
The next few minutes were a friendly chaos of hugs and barks as everyone tried to say goodbye to everyone and the dogs that were also leaving were separated from their cosy cushion pile. Rhys tucked Delilah under his arm and led Samson out into the cold evening air to wait for the others. A security light on the back of the farmhouse illuminated the yard, but beyond its glow he could see the sky was clear. There’d be a frost for sure. As he looked up at the stars smattering the dark sky he reflected on dinner. He adored his family, but they could be a bit full on when everyone was together. After a nervous start Tasha had settled in well, comfortably holding her own in the noisy chatter and laughter, especially when discussing her plans for the business. Yes, she was going to fit in very well at Juniper Meadows.
11
Tasha held in a sigh of relief as she and Hope stepped out into the yard, Ben pulling the door closed behind them. The temperature had dropped rapidly since her walk over with Hope, and Tasha quickly zipped up her coat with a shiver. She thought her family could be a bit intense when they all got together, but the Travers were another level up. They all seemed to live in each other’s pockets, and were happy to do so. She hadn’t seen much of the sprawling farmhouse, but it must be even bigger than she’d imagined if everyone other than Ben and Hope lived there. She wondered how Rhys could stand it, but then again perhaps he liked having his mum and his aunt on hand to wait on him hand and foot. And never mind all those people – Tasha had never seen so many dogs in one place in all her life! As if on cue, one of Hope’s black Labs came pawing at the leg of her jeans. Tasha took a big step back, almost bumping into Rhys, who steadied her with one hand, while keeping a hold on yet another dog tucked under his other arm.
‘Sorry, sorry!’ Hope said, shortening the leads on both the Labradors.
