Spring Blossoms at Mill Grange

that food you eat? There’s nothing of you.’
‘Fast metabolism. The calories don’t have time to touch the sides!’
Helen patted her hips dramatically. ‘Not a problem I have over here.’
‘I hope you’re not fishing for compliments!’ Tom smirked.
‘As if I would?’ Helen laughed again, a tiny flicker of hope igniting inside her.
*
Spacious and yet cosy, The Carthorse pub, with its traditional thatched roof and Cotswold stone features, was exactly as Thea imagined it would be.
The bar was lined with taps dispensing a variety of local beers, while blackboards proclaimed a generous list of homemade meals, which were served in the bar or a small restaurant to the left-hand side. Two open fireplaces, lit for the tourists despite the nice weather outside, sat at opposite ends of the pub, between which, tables, chairs and a few sofas, jostled for room, among the large numbers of locals and visitors.
Thea was about to ask Shaun how he thought The Carthorse would cope with the additional daily influx of post dig archaeologists for the next few weeks, when a man she didn’t recognise strolled through the crowd with easy confidence, and shook Shaun by the hand.
‘Shaun, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Julian. Julian Blackwood, Producer and Director.’
‘It’s good to meet you too.’ Shaun reached a hand out to Thea, resting it on her shoulder. ‘This is Thea Thomas, our guest expert.’
Julian immediately reoffered his hand, as Thea returned his greeting. ‘Phil told me all about you before he left. Former Roman Baths’ curator, no less. Impressive.’
‘That makes it sounds far grander than it was. I was co-curator to an excellent manager.’
‘Who couldn’t have managed without you, I’m sure.’
Aware of Shaun clearing his throat, Thea turned to her boyfriend. He had an odd expression on his face. ‘I expected Ajay, Andy and the others to be here. It’s not like any of the Landscape Treasures crew to be within a mile of a pub after 7 p.m., and not have alcohol to hand.’
Julian gave a booming laugh that sounded like it belonged to a much bigger person. ‘I was sent out here to find you both. The delicious Gina, landlady of this establishment, has opened up the function room for us. Providing there are no last-minute parties or wedding reception bookings, it is at our disposal.’
‘That’s great.’ Shaun nodded. ‘I’ll just grab us some drinks and order some food. Do you want anything, Julian?’
‘Only the privilege of escorting Miss Thomas into the other room. You can manage the order for you both, can’t you, Shaun?’
Before Thea knew what was happening, she was being propelled away, while hearing all about how important Julian thought archaeology was to the nation’s heritage and wellbeing, leaving a gaping Shaun by the bar, with no idea what she wanted to eat.
As they reached a wooden door at the far side of the pub, Thea wasn’t sure if this counted as old fashioned gallantry or plain rudeness.
*
‘Is he always like this?’ Shaun muttered to Ajay as he half ate a pile of cheesy chips while he watched Julian talking to Thea at a table across the room.
‘Apparently he’s a great producer.’ Ajay chewed a mouthful of garlic bread.
‘That isn’t what I asked.’ Shaun’s brow puckered as he observed Julian lean in rather closer to Thea than he would have liked.
Ajay shrugged. ‘I don’t know. I haven’t worked with him before. He mostly does documentaries and travelogues rather than this sort of stuff.’
‘If he gets any closer to Thea, he’s going to be in her bloody blouse.’
‘Chill, mate! He’s probably just asking her about Roman stuff and ideas for the dig.’
‘Maybe.’ Shaun pushed away his food. ‘He was a bit in my face personal space wise when we were in the pub’s main room, now I think about it.’
Ajay stabbed a piece of tomato with his fork. ‘That’s probably it then. I used to have a kid like that in my class at school. Bloody big he was as well, so intimidating. He wasn’t a bully or anything, just totally unaware of personal space issues.’
Realising he was in danger of becoming jealous for no reason, Shaun sighed. ‘Ignore me, I’m sure Julian is fine. Phil suggested him for the job, so he’ll be good at it.’
Glad not to have to reassure his friend any more, Ajay asked, ‘You seen the tents yet?’
‘No, we came straight here. I assumed Julian would want a meeting with me about starting tomorrow like Phil always did, but he doesn’t seem bothered at all.’
‘Well I can give you some good news about the accommodation at least.’
‘Tents that don’t leak?’
Ajay laughed, ‘Not only that, but the stars of the show – that would be you and Thea, myself, Andy and the producer of course – have campervans.’
‘Seriously?’
‘Yep. We have one each. They’re a bit small, but clean and dry.’ Ajay laid his knife and fork down with an air of satisfaction. ‘That’s why Andy isn’t here at the moment. He’s making himself cosy in his wheeled mini mansion.’
‘Wow. It’ll be Winnebagos next.’ Shaun raised his pint to his lips. ‘I wonder what bought that on?’
Ajay gestured his empty glass in Julian’s direction. ‘I don’t see him as a “sleep in a tent” sort of person, do you?’
‘Possibly not.’ Shaun grinned. ‘At least Thea and I don’t have to share an airbed. I’m heavier than her, which causes serious hassle with roll together.’
‘I can imagine!’
‘Shame this place doesn’t have accommodation, although at least we are guaranteed a good meal and a beer.’
Getting to his feet to fetch another pint, Ajay smiled. ‘I’ll drink to that.’

Five
Tuesday March 17th
Shaun cursed as he rolled over, knocking his head on the cupboard that ran adjacent to the campervan bed in the process.
‘You alright?’ Thea rose up on her elbow, her muscles stiff from two of them trying to sleep in a single bed.
‘No,’ Shaun snapped, before apologising. ‘Sorry, bad night. Did you get any sleep at all?’
‘Think I drifted off at one point.’ Thea rubbed her eyes. ‘I hope