Chapter 21
The news of Bunty and Perry’s engagement had been received with delight and Emma couldn’t contain herself, bursting with questions when she called her dad to get all the details.
‘Have you set a date yet?’
‘Give us a chance, Emma,’ laughed Perry.
‘What about the venue?’ she persisted.
‘Let’s just calm down. We’ve plenty of time to arrange it.’
Bunty had overheard the conversation, thrilled by Emma’s reaction to the news. She got on well with Perry’s daughter but had to admit she’d been nervous about how Emma might react to their engagement; she didn’t want her to feel like she was trying to replace her late mother by any stretch.
Jasmine, too, had been elated to learn about the engagement. When she told Robin, he had looked somewhat pensive.
‘Do you think we ought to… you know…’ he asked a touch awkwardly.
‘What, get engaged?’ replied Jasmine.
‘Well… yeah, seen as how we’re having a baby.’
Jasmine laughed. ‘Well, I’ve had more romantic proposals,’ she joked.
‘You know what I mean,’ Robin rushed to reply.
‘I do,’ she reassured, ‘but no. Let’s wait till the time is right, yeah?’ She smiled, knowing full well what Robin meant. They had discussed the matter of marriage previously and had already agreed to put it on hold. A part of her appreciated the kind of old-fashioned decency Robin had about him, finding it endearing.
Meanwhile, Madeleine was glad to be leaving on a high. Seeing Emma so excited was a joy and, giving her a hug goodbye, she whispered, ‘All the best. Until next time.’
‘Safe trip, Madeleine,’ said Emma, feeling a little sad to see her go. She’d warmed to this petite, elegant lady with a sharp eye and strong spirit.
As Felix drove his mum to the airport, he glanced sideways at her.
‘So, overall, what do you think?’ He was of course referring to his new home and Samphire Bay.
‘I think you’ve made a good choice,’ Madeleine replied, staring out of the windscreen, lips curving.
They both knew she wasn’t talking about the house.
Emma made good use of her time alone in the house. As she’d been made
to feel more of a guest lately, she had a lot of housework to catch up
on. Cleaning a house this size certainly kept her fit. Hoovering the
sweeping staircase alone involved much bending and stretching, not to
mention the biceps that were forming from all the scrubbing and wiping
down. Emma enjoyed it though, finding it gave her headspace, plenty of
time to think. And she did have much to think about.
Truth be told, Emma hadn’t really been able to completely process all the events of late. The house had been occupied with Madeleine, preventing her from talking properly to Felix and asking questions that needed answers. Like, what were his intentions, for one? Did he have any intentions? Was the kiss and his suggestion of them spending the night together just a drunken moment? Her gut instinct told her it wasn’t, not judging by his behaviour since; he was still attentive and considerate towards her. Her mind flashed back to him reaching for her hand in church. Not only that, but how he had treated her, as though she was one of the family.
Emma knew Madeleine liked her – had she not, it would have been obvious – and it warmed her to have his mother’s approval, seeing how important the two were to each other. But was Madeleine’s esteem for her son’s choice in housekeeper, or potential girlfriend? And if they were about to embark on a romantic relationship, how would that change things? Would it change things? Sure, the dynamics would alter, but Emma liked her job. She loved the house with all its character and charm, every nook and cranny, and hated the thought of anyone else tending to it. Then there was the reaction of… well, everyone. Not just Felix’s rich and famous friends, or her friends for that matter, but his colleagues, the film crew. Then she laughed out loud, remembering how Polly had teased them. She doubted Polly was the only one to suspect something.
She abruptly paused and sat midway on the stairs. Turning the hoover off, she sank her head into her hands and sighed. Was she getting a bit carried away, being just a touch fanciful? A horrible sense of trepidation seeped into her conscience. Did he expect her to… accommodate him? Hideous scenarios filled her, reminiscent of days gone by, when the Lord of the manor thought it his right to take advantage of the young housemaids… She stopped herself. Of course Felix was nothing like that! But did people like her really end up with handsome, famous stars?
His voice rang in her ears, ‘Emma, please don’t think that way. You’re a beautiful, talented lady and great company. Why on earth shouldn’t we be ‘out and about’ together?’ Those were his very words, that day they’d gone shopping in Lancaster. It said it all, didn’t it? Still, she needed to confront Felix and gain clarity, not to mention peace of mind.
‘ Au revoir, mon chéri .’ Madeleine stretched out her arms and
embraced her son.
‘Bye, mum,’ Felix hugged her hard. ‘Ring me when you get back,’ he told her.
‘Of course,’ she nodded and began to wheel her suitcase towards the check-in desk. She turned midway for one last wave. ‘And look after Emma!’ she called.
‘I will!’ he called back, not at all surprised by his mum’s words.
The journey home gave Felix lots of time to contemplate. For him, it was a no brainer. Emma was everything he wanted. A perfect bundle of joy. The complete package. She had it all – good looks, a sense of humour, she was caring, talented and above all, had a level head. No silly awestruck ways about her. Once again, their age difference concerned him slightly. He was ten years older than her. Was it too much? Did it even matter?
He knew Emma wouldn’t be fazed by the circles he mixed in. Look how she’d handled the cast and crew. And Anika. His blood ran cold. Yes, Emma had indeed endured a lot and taken it all in her stride. Felix considered what her father would make of it all. Perhaps he ought to meet him, explain in person the turn of events. It was his daughter after all.
His mood lifted when he reached the tidal road. It was a real comfort to know his house was the only one on the peninsula. Felix wanted to make the most of the remaining break. Once filming started again, it would mean various meetings would also be scheduled and he’d have to go back to the city. The thought filled him with dread, such was his affinity to Samphire Bay. He knew better than to suggest further meetings be held at his house. Initially it had been ideal for all to see the location, but the team were hardly likely to travel again when they were all based in London. So, he’d have to get used to the hustle and bustle again. Still, it was only temporary. At least now he had an escape, a haven to return to – and Emma.
A sudden chill ran over him. What if Emma decided to go? She’d made no secret of her ambitions. Supposing she wanted to give it a shot with her band and go off touring? The very notion of returning to an empty house, with no Emma inside was unthinkable. He didn’t want this to happen; he couldn’t let this happen. But at the same time, he knew how selfish he was being. Emma had real talent, of course she should be able to pursue it.
With a jolt, inspiration struck. Why had he not thought of it before? He gave a slow smile and leant back into his seat, an enormous sense of satisfaction blanketing over him.
Emma was hoovering her bedroom when Felix arrived home. He automatically climbed the stairs two at a time to see her. Following the sound of the vacuum, he paused before entering her bedroom.
‘Felix?’ called Emma.
He pushed the door open and smiled. ‘Hi,’ he said, feeling a touch uncomfortable being in her private space.
‘Hi. Madeleine get off okay?’ she asked, turning off the hoover.
‘Yes, her flight was on time.’
‘Good.’
There was a slight hiatus before they both spoke at the same time.
‘Felix, we—’
‘I was—’
‘No, you first,’ said Emma.
‘I’d like to meet your father,’ Felix replied, taking her by surprise.
‘Oh, right…’
‘It seems appropriate, doesn’t it?’
Emma looked searchingly into his face. Felix gazed into those mesmerising amber eyes and melted.
‘Appropriate?’
‘Well, after everything that’s happened,’ he continued.
‘Yes… I suppose…’
‘Good. How about tomorrow? I thought maybe a meal here? Is that OK?’
‘Er… yes. Bunty too?’ asked Emma.
‘Lovley, why not?’ smiled Felix.