Aoife — Chapter 23

At dawn, Aoife reviews the day’s plans at her desk while a radio forecast warns of strong winds after 5 p.m. She reassures Freddy that guests will be inside the marquee by then, and he returns to prepping canapés and cold fish starters. Determined to perfect every detail, Aoife oversees florals and visual touches to counter the island’s “dead place” reputation.

Crossing the higher ground by the chapel, Aoife notes hares bolting from the heather, then inspects the marquee. She fills heaters and arranges linens, engraved napkin rings, and hand-watercolored menus, envisioning the structure glowing against the wild landscape and restoring the island to living memory.

Will Slater arrives, jokingly “knocking” at the canvas entrance, asking after two absent ushers. He mentions an overnight prank—seaweed under the duvet—shrugging it off as “boys will be boys,” and praises Aoife’s work. His practiced charm unsettles her as he drifts into personal questions about her life on the island and her past.

Aoife offers minimal answers about childhood holidays, moving for her father’s academic job, and meeting Freddy long ago, then redirects to her duties. Will pushes the convivial image of rowdy party guests, thanks her, and places a hand on her shoulder a beat too long. Aoife steps away, reading the gesture as a subtle assertion of power rather than attraction, and reaffirms her professional boundaries.