Abigail looked at her. She realised she didn’t have to mention Oliver. Instead she got the impression that Lili had moved away from the idea of setting her up with Joss and was focused on the next Lord Somerville. Abigail didn’t want to burst her bubble, but she had to be honest. ‘I’ve got a life in London, Lili, with a job waiting for me and—’
‘You’ve got a job here, and new friends …’
Abigail gave her a look when Lili emphasised the wordfriends. She knew which new friend she was referring to in particular.
‘And you’ve got me and Nate, and your family, and I know Clarissa and Peter, and the children, will want to see you. There are more reasons to stay than not, aren’t there?’
‘You’re not saying all this just so I can stay and do your accounts for free all the time – are you?’
Lili grinned. ‘Damn, you’ve seen right through me!’
They both laughed at the joke, clearing the heavy atmosphere that was developing with Abigail feeling she was being cornered. All Lili said was true. The problem was, she was adamant she was only there to sort out the cottage, sell it, and return to her life in London. But in all the time she’d been there, the last thing on her mind was returning to London. Perhaps the time had come to make a decision. Abigail still wasn’t sure, but she was surprised that she was coming around to the idea of staying.
‘You’re gonna stay, aren’t you?’
Lili had caught that wisp of a smile. ‘I knew it! I knew this would turn out to be the best thing for you, to move back here.’ She turned serious, though. ‘I still think that if you’re considering selling the cottage, then it might not be a bad idea. I wouldn’t want things to backfire with the Somervilles.’
Abigail knew she was referring to one Somerville in particular.
‘I wouldn’t want you to jeopardise those friendships if they find out …’ Lili trailed off.
‘Well, so far only my mum, stepdad, you and Joss know I own the cottage, and I know none of you will let it slip.’
Lili smiled. She brought two fingers to her lips and made a show of pretending to zip her lips shut, after commenting, ‘My lips are sealed.’
Abigail frowned. It wasn’t her friend she was worried about.
Lili got up from the desk. ‘Well, I can’t sit and natter all day. I’ve got deliveries to make. I’d better leave you to it.’