New Dreams at Polkerran Point by Cass Grafton

Author:Cass Grafton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo Digital Publishing Ltd
Published: 2023-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Anna was running late on Monday. Having had to work Sunday at the hotel salon, Nicki had only just been round to remove the false nails, and as she wanted all the details on the dinner party as she worked, it had taken far longer than Anna had anticipated.

Hurrying down the lane, Anna took the ferry across to save time, waving at Jean Lovelace behind the counter in the ice cream parlour as she passed. Glancing at the grey skies, Anna couldn’t help but think she’d find business rather quiet today.

‘Morning, Mrs Clegg.’ Anna popped her head around the kitchen door, inhaling the smell of coffee. ‘How are you feeling?’

‘Much better, dearie.’

‘Shall I take the tray up?’

‘He’s already ’ad one.’ Mrs Clegg looked a little troubled and shook her head as she wiped her hands on a tea towel. ‘I don’t know, my lovely. Sommat’s upset ’im, make no mistake.’

‘Oh dear.’ Anna bit her lip. ‘I hope it’s not the manuscript. I’d best go up.’

‘I’ll bring a fresh tray dreckly.’ Mrs Clegg turned to the kettle and Anna walked up the stairs, attempting to suppress her happiness and adopt her usual efficient work manner. She didn’t think Oliver would have much time for lovesick mooning.

‘Morning.’ She closed the door, unsurprised when the only response was a grunt.

Settling into her seat, she blew a kiss at Dougal and Thumper, and the latter stretched before curling up in a tight ball.

‘Exactly what I feel like doing,’ Anna muttered under her breath as she logged in. It was good things were so busy here, or she’d be taking a nap on her keyboard before too long.

‘Here. I’ve redrafted the last chapter. Then there’s the bibliography, acknowledgements and appendices to come.’ Oliver dropped a sheaf of paper onto her desk.

Anna picked it up and looked up at him. His face was unreadable; gone was the almost charming dinner companion from the weekend. For a long time, or so it felt, he regarded her in silence, but then his mobile rang, and he muttered an expletive before turning to snatch it up.

‘Seymour.’ There was a pause, then, ‘About time.’

Anna drew in a short breath. Mrs Clegg was right. Oliver wasn’t in the best of moods this morning. Perhaps he felt as tired as she did? Shutting out the conversation behind her, Anna focused on the new chapter, trying to decipher Oliver’s handwriting. With the book nearing completion, she had some anxiety about whether he would continue to need her once he’d set off on his tour. September and beyond she refused to think about.

‘I have to go out.’

Anna looked up as Oliver shrugged into his jacket. ‘I thought you said you needed a full day in the office?’

‘I changed my mind.’ He frowned. ‘What happened to your nails?’

Anna inspected her now shorter, slightly discoloured nails. ‘Nicki had trouble getting the false ones off. Ironic, really, with one of them leaving of its own free will on Saturday.’

‘Why remove them? She could have replaced the missing one.

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