Chapter 22
‘So, dinner at the big house,’ said Perry somewhat musingly.
‘That’ll be nice, won’t it?’ replied Bunty. She, more than anyone, knew Perry’s feelings on her former family home. She’d never forget how intimidated he’d been made to feel inside it. And she knew Perry wouldn’t either. ‘It’s where Emma lives now and I think it’s rather sweet that Felix wants us there, don’t you?’
‘Yes… and no,’ answered Perry.
‘What do you mean?’ asked Bunty, puzzled at his reaction to the invite.
‘I don’t know. It just feels a bit…’
‘What?’
Perry shrugged. ‘I can’t put my finger on it. But yes, I definitely want to meet the man.’
Bunty laughed. ‘Do you feel threatened by him?’ She was well aware of how protective he was as Emma’s father.
‘No. Not threatened, but what parent wouldn’t be concerned about their child living in a stranger’s house, alone, in a pretty isolated spot?’
Bunty nodded, understanding Perry’s apprehension. ‘Emma seems happy enough, doesn’t she?’
‘Yes, she does,’ he conceded.
‘Well then, let’s go with an open mind.’
Meanwhile, Emma was busy preparing for the supper. Whilst she’d first been surprised at Felix’s suggestion of inviting her dad, she was also pleased. She did want them to meet. It was important to her, and clearly to Felix too, which then opened up even more questions for Emma. Why did he want to meet her dad? Out of politeness, as her employer? Or because he wanted to make a good impression, as a potential boyfriend for his daughter?
Despite Emma’s intention of having a much-needed conversation with Felix, it had been difficult. Time had been taken up discussing the arrangements for that evening, along with the shopping and preparation for the meal. Felix had ordered the groceries and was unpacking the delivery whilst Emma had replenished the drinks cabinet and was now in the kitchen chopping vegetables. It was to be a three-course meal. They’d chosen carrot and coriander soup, followed by a roast beef dinner and raspberry pavlova, all washed down with copious amounts of champagne, or beer, as was Perry’s preferred drink. Emma had made sure there was plenty of gin in the drinks cabinet, knowing that was Bunty’s tipple.
It should have felt strange, working alongside Felix as his housekeeper, but it didn’t somehow. Probably because he’d never treated her as an underling. However, all this only added to Emma’s quandary. She desperately needed some form of clarity. Here they were, acting like a couple, getting ready to receive family, all on Felix’s instigation. She stole a look at him as he unpacked the shopping. Whilst he’d wanted to be helpful, she couldn’t help grinning at the fact that he hadn’t a clue where everything went.
‘Just put the champagne in the fridge for now. I’ll put the rest away,’ she told him.
He turned. ‘What should I do to help then?’
‘Set the table?’
‘Ah, yes.’ Then he paused.
‘Cutlery’s in the top drawer.’ She tipped her head towards the dresser. It seemed surreal telling the owner of the house where his stuff was.
‘Of course it is,’ he smirked. It wasn’t lost on him either.
Jasmine and Robin had also arranged to go to her parents’ for dinner.
Jasmine, despite feeling a tad tired, looked well. The morning sickness
had at last abated and she was positively glowing. Instead of a pale
face, her complexion was rosy, her eyes sparkled and her hair shone.
‘Wow,’ remarked Robin as she came down the stairs.
Jasmine smiled, glad he appreciated her appearance. She’d made an effort, wanting to feel special after having felt so nauseous and wiped out previously. She wore a flattering black dress, which fit loosely, accompanied by black, suede boots. A deep red pashmina finished the outfit off nicely and her freshly washed hair hung silkily on her shoulders.
‘Come on, let’s go. We don’t want to be late,’ she said.
‘No, we don’t,’ replied Robin, keen to set a good impression with Jasmine’s parents. He had met them, but not as their daughter’s boyfriend. Before he’d simply been Robin-from-next door, the friendly neighbour who had gone out of his way to help Jasmine. It troubled him a little the way they were keeping the baby a secret, for now. He only hoped their parents understood and didn’t take offence when they did learn about Jasmine’s pregnancy.
As Jasmine had fully expected, and true to form, her mum was utterly gushing around Robin.
‘Welcome, welcome, Robin!’ she’d prattled, giving him a bear hug. ‘Do sit down, Robin’.
After a very nice, but very filling meal, they all sat in the comfy chairs for drinks. Once fussing round Robin and sorting his drink out, they rested on her daughter. ‘Not drinking Jasmine?’ she noted, as Jasmine pushed her glass away.
‘Oh no, thought I’d give it a rest,’ she’d replied as casually as possible. Then swiftly added, ‘And I’m driving home, aren’t I?’ she smiled at Robin for support.
‘Yes, very kindly, so I can have a drink,’ he quickly answered, then cringed. How did that sound?
‘Hmm, I see,’ replied Jasmine’s mum with narrowed eyes, not before stealing a swift glance at her daughter’s front.
She knows, thought Jasmine. Nothing got past her mum.
It felt extremely strange for Bunty to be climbing up the stone steps
at the front entrance of her former home. Perry rang the doorbell and it
was soon answered by an excited Emma.
‘Hi, come in,’ she welcomed, standing aside for them to enter.
Immediately Bunty’s head whipped round the grand marbled hall. A sharp pang hit her, suddenly realising how much she did in fact miss her childhood home.
‘Congratulations!’ said Emma, once they’d shed their coats. Taking Bunty’s hand to look at her ring she gasped. ‘Oh, it’s so beautiful,’ she cooed.
Bunty gave her an endearing smile. ‘It is indeed,’ she agreed and looked at Perry, who was enjoying the exchange between the two ladies in his life.
‘Come on through, Felix is in the drawing room.’ Emma ushered them into the room.
Bunty clocked her beloved glass drinks cabinet where Felix stood and another sentimental jolt of emotion hit her.
‘Dad,’ Emma said, bringing the two men closer, ‘meet Felix.’
Perry held out his hand.
‘Pleased to meet you,’ said Felix, with a firm shake.
‘And you too, Felix,’ Perry replied.
The two men watched each other carefully for a brief moment, as though sizing each other up.
‘And this is Bunty,’ cut in Emma.
‘Ah, yes,’ Felix said affectionately. He obviously felt a connection with the older lady already, having shared the same home. He shook her hand too. ‘And congratulations on your engagement.’ He gave her a winning smile.
‘Thank you.’ She nodded politely, then asked, ‘All settled in then?’
‘Absolutely, I love the place.’ He gestured around the room, taking in the huge bow window, high dusty pink walls, ornate coving, the elaborate mirrors and various gold framed pictures. ‘It must have been a wrench to leave,’ he added.
There was a slight pause before Bunty spoke.
‘Yes, but the time was right to move on,’ she quietly replied. The usually larger-than-life woman suddenly seemed smaller, frailer, as she took in the room.
Perry looked towards her, his brow pulled in concern, then rested his gaze on Felix.
‘Right, what’s everyone drinking?’ asked Emma, breaking any potential awkwardness.
‘I’ll have a beer,’ said Perry.
Felix reached for the bottle cooling in the cabinet, popped off the top and passed it Perry with a pint glass. Perry nodded his thanks.
‘A gin and tonic for me please,’ replied Bunty. Again, she was struck by how strange it was watching someone else make a drink from that cabinet.
Emma observed her face, guessing what she was thinking. She dearly hoped tonight was going to be a success, but did she detect a slight atmosphere? Throwing back her glass of champagne, she was relieved when her dad spoke next.
‘So, how do you find Samphire Bay compared to the bright lights of London?’ he asked Felix.
‘Bloody marvellous,’ he answered directly, making them all laugh. ‘Seriously, this place is a sheer haven.’
Perry clearly hadn’t expected that reply, judging by his expression.
‘Honestly?’ he asked, bemused.
‘Honestly. Believe me, I’m in no hurry to go back to London,’ confirmed Felix.
Perry seemed pleased with Felix’s answer. Emma looked from one to the other, feeling a touch more relaxed. She caught Bunty staring at her and smiled. Bunty gave her a wink back, as if reading her mind.
After several more drinks the ambience lifted to a more jovial tone. Once they were all sat in the dining room eating and talking easily, as agreed with Emma, Felix chose to tell Perry about the events surrounding Anika Genness. Both Perry and Bunty listened in shock. When Felix had finished talking, a deadly silence followed. Emma’s eyes moved sheepishly around the table.
‘Why didn’t you tell me, Emma?’ Perry faced her, his lips grimly pressed tight.
‘I didn’t want to worry you, Dad,’ she tried to explain.
‘Good God,’ he whimpered and closed his eyes. Bunty put a reassuring hand over his.
‘Rest assured, Anika is behind bars and likely to remain so for some time,’ Felix cut in, eager to console Perry.
‘I should hope so,’ said Bunty indignantly.
Once the difficult conversation was over and a few more bottles of champagne were drunk, the taxi Bunty had booked arrived. They didn’t want to outstay or cramp Felix and Emma’s hospitality. As they said their goodbyes in the hall, Perry couldn’t resist having a quiet word with Felix.
‘Can I ask, what are your intentions towards my daughter, Felix?’ he asked bluntly, feeling the right to do so. He was at pains to know his daughter was in safe hands. It was also blatantly clear their relationship ran deeper than just employer and employee.
Felix looked him in the eye, unfazed. ‘Entirely honourable, you have my word, Perry.’
‘Good,’ replied Perry, before adding, ‘because if you break her heart, I’ll break your legs.’
Felix blinked, thrown by his words, whilst admiring the old boy’s spirit.
‘Come on, Perry, taxi’s waiting!’ called Bunty.
After kisses and further handshakes, Perry and Bunty sped off down the coastal path into the dark night.
‘Well, that went well, didn’t it?’ Emma’s eyes searched Felix’s face. He smiled, leant down and kissed her lips.