Chapters (27)
‘Yes, about an hour ago,’ said Olivia, closing her computer. ‘He said to say goodbye and sent his love and said you should take as much paid leave as you need.’
‘Well, that’s amazing for me, but I’m sorry he burst in on you like that.’
‘He’s welcome to bring lunch every day,’ said Francis, ‘by bicycle. Normally, I’m against fast food, but I thought Hunter’s hamper was an excellent solution for “people on the move”.’
‘Was he fun to take round?’ asked Lucy.
‘He was,’ said Francis. ‘He really seemed to get it. We talked about soil a lot. I told him what Roosevelt said: “The Nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.” He loved that. And then we were away with Darwin and earthworms and artificial fertilisers and declining nutritional values in foods. I also told him the annual global cost of soil degradation: 10.3 trillion dollars a year.’
‘Your idea of heaven,’ said Olivia, ‘terrifying people with soil stats.’
‘It’s true,’ grinned Francis, ‘it was pretty great. I think he had a little eco awakening. Howorth has a strange effect on people. Walking around a place that isn’t being exploited gives them a holiday from wondering how to exploit everything themselves.’
‘Capitalism and nature need couples counselling,’ said Olivia.
‘Yes,’ said Lucy, again exploring the edges of the dent hidden under the bandage on her head, ‘there’s a price to pay for out-of-control growth. Anyhow,’ she said, moving on quickly, ‘it sounds as if it was worthwhile all round. He certainly took a lot of pressure off me.’
‘Oh, and we’re all invited to his house in the South of France in May,’ said Olivia.
‘We are?’ said Lucy, astonished.
‘Yes, Le Plein Soleil,’ said Olivia. ‘Oh, les beaux jours!’
