Autumn Leaves at Mill Grange by Jenny Kane (the little red hen ebook .txt) 📗

The fact it’s Roman and a rare find is icing on the cake.’

‘I hear you on that. I couldn’t wait to get up and get on this morning.’ Thea checked the time as she got off her knees and measured out a new length of string. ‘We’ve got about half an hour before the students from Exeter University arrive.’

‘What do you want me to get them to do?’ Helen shifted the mallet from one hand to the other. ‘I know we’ve been through it, but I want to make sure I have it right, because I’ve had an idea.’

‘Really? Okay then, so Shaun, working on the hope he’ll finish on time in Cornwall, has suggested we peg out the site.’

‘Which we almost have.’

‘Yep. Then we’ll take lots of photos, which Landscape Treasures may or may not use later. Once the students get here, we’ll get them to peel back the topsoil and open the site ready for proper exploration at an unspecified date.’

‘A valuable lesson for them and helpful for us.’ Helen nodded approvingly. ‘That’s where my idea comes in. What if we invited a photography student from Exeter College to record the uncovering in pictures? If the quality was good enough, they could form part of an introduction pack here for the guests when they come to stay. The experience for the student involved would be useful too.’

Thea laughed. ‘So, that’s why you run one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions. Excellent idea. Just one problem.’

‘The students will be here in half an hour and we haven’t even called Exeter College to see if they like the idea?’

‘Yep. That’s the problem.’

‘This is the bit where I admit I sorted it two days ago, and you forgive me for being high-handed.’

*

‘Just us?’ Shaun’s eyebrows rose in surprise. ‘That’s a kind offer, Sophie, but I’d rather we ate with the group, if you don’t mind. This evening I want to talk over the last few things to do on the dig.’

‘Last few things?’

‘Yes. We’re nearly finished here.’

As Shaun sidled out from between her and the back of the tool cupboard, Sophie told herself he’d already planned the meal that evening to be a working dinner, and so couldn’t have agreed to have a solo dinner, even if he’d wanted to.

Resolving not to lose hope, she called brightly after Shaun, ‘Offer’s always there if you change your mind. Just let me know if you’d like to escape for some peace and quiet over dinner before you leave.’

*

‘How did Sophie persuade her mother to grant the extension?’ Ajay played his pint glass thoughtfully through his fingers.

‘God knows.’ Shaun looked across the pub to where the woman in question was talking to Andy. He almost mentioned that she’d asked him out for dinner, but thought better of it. Ajay couldn’t keep a secret to save his life. And although Shaun had no intention of going out with Sophie, he had to admit he liked her being around, despite her occasional bouts of teenage naïveté.

Seeing the direction of Shaun’s gaze, Ajay smirked. ‘You’ve made a hit with young Sophie.’

‘Don’t be ridiculous.’

‘I’m not.’ Ajay frowned, his expression unusually serious. ‘I’m telling you, mate, the girl fancies you.’

The memory of Sophie’s hand brushing his knee flashed through Shaun’s mind. ‘Hardly! I’m almost twice her age, and apart from archaeology, we have nothing in common at all.’

‘The lass needs specs.’

‘Thank you, Ajay. Always there with the helpful comment.’ Shaun shook his head at the silliness of the situation. He lifted his pint to the light, as if searching for guidance in the remaining liquid. ‘Now we have an extension, it means we’re stuck here for anything up to seven extra days. I don’t want to be here for more than another three. We have to get to Mill Grange before time to film there runs out.’

Ajay pulled at his short beard. ‘How about we hand over to the local archaeologists early? We’ll have to in the end anyway, even if it’s only for them to log the site and cover it over – assuming Lady Hammett still wants it covered over. Since the news teams came, the local community are keen for more information about the place. There’s going to be a lot of interest in Guron House from now on.’

Shaun lowered his sandwich. ‘To make sure we finish on time we need another pair of hands.’

Ajay nodded profusely. ‘A professional pair of hands. Someone who can interpret as they dig; analysing and recording finds faster than they are now. Someone who can talk into the camera if needed.’

‘You mean Thea.’ Shaun sighed. ‘I couldn’t agree more. But right now, her life is even busier than ours.’

‘That’s as may be, but if I’m right, and Sophie is after living happily-ever-after with the handsome archaeologist, not only would Thea’s presence here help workwise, it might also save you and Sophie some embarrassment.’

‘For the last time, Sophie does not fancy me. She just likes having archaeologists to talk to. It’s a passion she’s had to hide for years.’

Ajay shrugged. ‘If you say so, mate.’

‘But you’re right about us needing an extra professional pair of hands.’ Shaun pushed away the remains of his sandwich. ‘I’ll give Thea a call this evening, just on the off-chance she can get away from Mill Grange after all.’

*

Thea’s phone warmed her ear as Shaun explained how time was slipping away from them in Cornwall. Every now and then her gaze swivelled to the emails that awaited her attention on the open laptop, its screen projecting a dim light across the scullery office.

She realised she was only half listening when she heard Shaun laugh. ‘Ajay is convinced Sophie fancies me. He’s wrong of course, but not only would your being here help us get back on track, and possibly to Mill Grange on time, it would also help get him off my back with the teasing.’

Thea’s palm began to prickle. Is Ajay right? ‘Is that so?’

‘Yes, I’ve told you about her. She’s