Chapter 29
A few sunny days had flown by since Thomas Alford had turned up at Wynbrook Manor, cruelly attempted to cause a rift between his recently bonded father and son and then almost immediately left again, only in an ambulance rather than the taxi he’d arrived in. His assistant Jerome had informed Josh that the pair of them were now holed up in a Norwich hotel until such time as they could fly back to America and there were no plans for the Alford men to ever get together again.
I was feeling exhausted after an extremely busy, but brilliant, August bank holiday weekend for Wynbrook Blooms, which had seen me extend the opening hours to include the Monday because the weather had been kind, the plants had flourished and the customers had kept flocking in to buy our fabulous flowers after visiting the fruit farm.
It was now early Tuesday afternoon and having spent the morning unwinding and relaxing in the summerhouse and bonding further with Luna, who was becoming almost affectionate when the mood took her, I was on the hunt for my beau and heading dreamily through the gorgeous garden towards the manor.
The cutting garden was looking rather depleted again, but I had been making further notes, more detailed now, as to how I would extend it, both in terms of size and season, if Algy decided it was destined to become a permanent addition to the Wynbrook portfolio. In fact, all of my ideas had come together in the last few days and Josh had said his plans were shaping up nicely too. I put that down to us having declared our true feelings for one another and being both more relaxed and secure as a result.
I had already labelled parts of the last few weeks as the best summer ever, but the last few days had cemented the title firmly in place. We had been practically inseparable since our heart to heart in the hospital corridor… and very happily so.
However, the summer itself was moving on, wasn’t it? Only that morning I had felt chilly enough to reach for a shirt to cover my camisole before eating breakfast on the veranda. How much longer would it be before I caught the scent of woodsmoke? Not that I minded, because I was already looking forward to autumn at Wynbrook.
‘And then he said,’ I heard someone shriek from the kitchen, as I imagined myself dressing the summerhouse with dried leaf garlands, more twinkling lights and drinking pumpkin-spiced everything on the veranda, ‘perhaps Johnny would like a stiff one too!’
I covered my mouth with my hand to stifle the giggle that had leapt into my throat and I was back in August again, autumn suddenly forgotten.
‘And did you give him one?’ I heard Algy ask.
There was definitely more than a hint of mischief in his tone and I thought I should leave my visit until later and was about to turn tail, but was spotted.
‘I see you out there, Daisy!’ came a singsong voice.
‘And I hear you, George,’ I said, stepping properly into view.
Algy and George had only been very recently introduced, but had got along like a house on fire, and both George and Skipper were now regular visitors to the manor.
‘Are you going to answer Algy’s question?’ I grinned.
‘Not in front of a child like you,’ George said and smiled back, as he straightened his silk scarf and stood up. ‘I’ll tell you tomorrow, Algy,’ he winked.
‘Don’t leave me in suspenders!’ Algy objected, but George wouldn’t say more.
‘I better be heading back to Wynmouth,’ he said instead.
‘Have you called the taxi?’ I asked him.
There was only one locally and it must have been doing a roaring trade in ferrying George to Wynbrook and back.
‘Not yet,’ he said, pulling out his phone.
‘In that case,’ I offered, ‘let me take you. I’m heading to Wynmouth myself.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Absolutely. Though I’m hoping to take Josh with me. Is he about?’
I yelped as Josh’s arms suddenly wrapped around my waist from behind and he spun me around.
‘I was just looking for you,’ he said, when he put me down and the world was the right way up again, but only just. ‘Fancy a swim?’
‘I’d love one,’ I said, giving him a kiss. ‘My stuff’s still in my car from last time.’
‘I’ll go and grab mine,’ he said, rushing off.
‘Ah, young love,’ sighed George, as he looked between us.
‘Young love indeed,’ said Algy, smiling at me. ‘Don’t forget to be back here by six.’
‘What for?’ I asked. It was the first I’d heard of something happening this evening. ‘And do I need to bring anything?’
‘Your mother has seen to the eats,’ Algy told me. ‘Did Josh not mention it?’
I shook my head.
‘Did Josh not mention what?’ asked the man himself as he bounded back in record time with his swim shorts and towel thrown over his shoulder. ‘Oh,’ he then said to me, ‘we’re having a little get-together tonight, Daisy. You need to be here for six.’
Algy rolled his eyes.
‘Right you are,’ I laughed. ‘Come on then troops, before the tide turns.’
Having dropped George off, then had our fill of swimming in the sea and dried off in front of the beach hut – which had been the backdrop to so many recent happy moments – Josh and I decided to head to the pub for lunch.
‘Here they are,’ said Sam, smiling, as we crossed the threshold, ‘love’s young dream.’
‘Sam,’ tutted Tess. ‘Leave them alone.’
I wondered how word about us being together, together as opposed to summer together, had spread, but didn’t bother to ask. We lived in a village with a competent gossip network, so the details of who had said what were irrelevant really.
‘Yes, do pipe down, Sam,’ said Marguerite, with a pretty pout. ‘You know I had my heart set on picking up the pieces and being Daisy’s rebound relationship when Josh headed back to the States.’
‘Oh, really?’ Josh laughed.
‘That,’ Marguerite grimaced, looking at me, ‘sounded far less creepy in my head.’
‘Good to know.’ I nodded. ‘How are you enjoying life in the cottage?’
‘It’s so good,’ she sighed happily. ‘I honestly don’t think I’m ever going to want to move out or leave Wynmouth.’
It amazed me that the tiny Norfolk village could hold such appeal to seasoned world travellers such as her and Josh. I knew Josh had come to the coast for a very different reason to Marguerite of course, but nonetheless, they’d both fallen in love with the place I’d grown up in and I’d fallen back in love with it again – amongst other things – too.
‘Unfortunately, she doesn’t pay holidaymaker’s rent,’ Sam teased Marguerite, ‘so I’ll be turfing her out soon.’
‘Hey,’ she objected. ‘Then where will I go?’
‘I’m sure something will turn up,’ I told her.
While Sam poured our drinks, Tess made us a local crab salad sandwich apiece and I looked around for a table and spotted Penny, poring over what looked like some paperwork, in the corner next to the window.
‘Have you got enough light to read by in here?’ I asked her as I walked over and she leapt sky high. ‘Sorry,’ I said, unable to stifle a laugh because she had looked so comical. ‘I didn’t mean to make you jump.’
‘It’s fine,’ she flushed, gathering the pages together. ‘I was just finished anyway.’
‘Can we join you?’ Josh asked.
‘Of course,’ Penny obliged, but I got the impression she hadn’t really wanted to be disturbed.
‘Is that café paperwork?’ I asked, while she stuffed everything in her bag and Josh went to get her a drink and our food order.
‘Um, not really,’ she said rather elusively. ‘But it is sort of related.’
It wasn’t like her to be secretive, so I didn’t ask further because it must have been something private for her not to elaborate.
‘You’re coming to the manor tonight, aren’t you, Penny?’ Josh asked, once we were all settled and well on our way to being fed and watered.
‘Yes,’ she said. ‘Nick said to be there for six, but not why.’
‘Well, at least you knew that much,’ I tutted, giving Josh a nudge and almost dropping my sandwich as a result. ‘I didn’t even know a gathering was happening.’
‘Well, you do now,’ Josh countered, but didn’t provide us with further details.
‘A Wynbrook family gathering,’ I grinned, ‘I like the sound of that. It makes us all sound like one special clan, doesn’t it?’
‘That does sound good,’ Penny agreed, ‘though I’m not really a part of the family, am I? Does fiancée status count?’
Josh gave her a look I couldn’t fathom.
‘Of course it does,’ he said earnestly. ‘You’re definitely part of the family, Penny.’
She flushed at that and when I winked at her, she blushed an even deeper shade.
‘I don’t suppose I could get a lift with you guys, could I?’ she asked. ‘It would save Nick having to drive out to pick me up.’
‘Of course you can,’ I nodded, ‘but where’s your car?’
‘With Nick,’ she told me. ‘His is playing up again, so he’s using mine.’
Nick’s car was about as reliable and as old as mine.
‘Grandad has said he wants to get me on the road soon,’ said Josh, sounding terrified. ‘I’m dreading it. He reckons the best thing to go out in is the Bentley because everyone gets out of the way for that, but I just know I’ll put it in the verge or something.’
He looked scared but comically so, and I could see Penny was trying not to laugh at the thought of him and Algy heading out to conquer the tourist traffic together.
‘I tell you what,’ I said, ‘why don’t we get you going in my car before you tackle the Bentley? A few more scratches on mine won’t matter and we’ll wait until the holiday season is over too.’
Josh visibly relaxed.
‘I would prefer that,’ he said keenly. ‘I’ve never really been a fan of driving, so that would make me far happier.’
‘And as you know,’ I said, leaning over and kissing him, ‘your happiness is very important to me.’
‘And your happiness is very important to me too,’ he said, kissing me back.
‘In that case,’ I smiled, ‘how about you treat me to a bag of Kettle Chips. A packet would be the perfect accompaniment to the other half of this sandwich.’
By six o’clock that evening, we were all gathered in the conser- vatory at the manor. Light rain was falling and, in the distance, towards the sea, there was an occasional rumble of thunder. It was blissfully cool but not everyone appreciated the change in the weather.
‘Was that Luna?’ Algy asked me, as a bundle of black fur rushed out from under one of the wicker chairs and through an open door into the manor.
‘I think it was,’ I said in surprise.
It wasn’t like her to venture right inside, but the weather had rather forced her hand. Or forced her paws…
‘She’s finding her place at last,’ said Dad, looking to see where she’d scuttled off to.
‘That she is,’ Algy agreed, as Mum and Josh arrived with trays of food from the kitchen and set them down on the table. ‘And she’s not the only one.’ He winked at me. ‘In fact, that’s the perfect thought to start this meeting with, isn’t it, Josh?’
Josh hadn’t heard what Dad had said, but Nick spoke before he could point that out.
‘Meeting?’ Nick frowned, sounding concerned. ‘I thought this was a social occasion. Is everything all right, Algy?’
We all looked at him expectantly.
‘Perhaps meeting isn’t quite the right word,’ suggested Josh. ‘We’re hoping it will be more of an exchange of ideas and a sharing of plans rather than anything… formal.’
A hush fell over the group and we all took a seat at the table.
‘Well,’ said Mum, with a nod to the packed platters, ‘whatever it is, let’s eat first, shall we? I haven’t been working in that kitchen all afternoon for everything to go to waste.’
‘I’d better just check on Luna,’ said Algy, standing up.
‘She’s curled up on your office chair and she’s fine,’ said Dad, who I hadn’t realised had followed her inside to make sure she was all right. ‘Let’s eat.’
Everyone dug in heartily and, with the addition of some very lovely wine that Algy had brought up from the cellar, we all began to relax again.
‘Now,’ said Algy, once everyone’s plates had been cleared and a few glasses of rosé, red or white had been enjoyed, ‘let’s get this… non-meeting… launched, shall we?’
We all looked at him expectantly and I thought what a relief it was to already know that Wynbrook was in safe hands, otherwise we would all have been on the edge of our seats with trepidation.
‘Quite a few of us sitting around this table,’ Algy continued, looking at each of us in turn, ‘have gone through some pretty phenomenal changes this summer and I thought it would be lovely to get us all together to celebrate them—’
‘Hear, hear,’ Dad interrupted and Mum hiccupped.
Josh looked at me and grinned. Perhaps some of us had enjoyed more than a few glasses of the wine. That said, my parents weren’t big drinkers, so even two for them would have been enough to warrant impromptu toasts and hiccups.
‘And also, to share anything else that might be about to come to fruition as a result of those changes,’ Algy continued and I noticed Penny’s cheeks were crimson again. ‘I know Josh has an inspired idea up his sleeve and I’m guessing Daisy has too.’
‘Me?’ I gasped, when I realised my name had been mentioned.
‘Yes.’ Algy smiled. ‘Tell us, my dear, what you’ve got in mind for expanding Wynbrook Blooms next year. I know you will have given it some thought and I’m very much hoping that you’ll take the role of manager on full-time and carry the venture even further.’
I looked at him and swallowed. It was going to be hard to talk over the lump in my throat, but I was excited to give it a go.
‘Really?’ I whispered.
‘Really.’ Algy nodded. ‘You’ve already proved the idea has got legs and there’s no one I’d like to run my passion project more than you, Daisy, Daisy.’
‘In that case,’ I said delightedly, ‘I’d love to make it my passion project too. And expand it.’
‘Go on,’ Algy encouraged.
‘Well, I have been thinking and I’m hoping there’ll be somewhere on the estate that we can turn over to growing a lot more flowers, which will make it a far bigger venture.’
Algy nodded in approval.
‘And,’ I felt inspired to continue, ‘following Dad’s lead with his new-found love of learning,’ he’d now told everyone about the access course to his degree that he was currently undertaking, ‘I’d like to go to college. Perhaps study floristry or horticulture on a part-time basis, so I can fit it in with running Wynbrook Blooms.’
‘I think that sounds like a wonderful idea,’ Dad said tearfully.
‘So do I,’ Algy agreed.
‘I’ve been thinking about running workshops too – eventually,’ I laughed. ‘I know I’m getting ahead of myself, but once I have the knowledge, that might be an interesting progression to the business. Oh, and dried flowers,’ I blurted, getting further carried away on the wave of enthusiasm for my new life. ‘I’m thinking about trialling dried flowers too.’
‘The old barn would be ideal to hold workshops in and dry the flowers,’ Nick said, nodding. ‘And it shouldn’t take too much work to convert it for that, should it?’
I was thrilled he sounded so keen, as utilising the barn would put us in much closer working proximity.
‘I wouldn’t have thought it would take much at all,’ said Algy. ‘Well done, Daisy. You’ve certainly grown my idea since I first mentioned it to your dad.’
‘That she has,’ Mum agreed, looking proud. ‘We’re so happy to have you back here with us, love, and the thought of you continuing your education now you’ve returned to your passion is wonderful.’
‘Thank you, Mum,’ I said, feeling choked.
‘And what about you, Penny?’ Algy asked and everyone’s attention turned to her.
She looked at us all and drew in a long breath.
‘Well,’ she puffed, fidgeting in her seat and looking at Nick, who nodded reassuringly, ‘just as you and Robin have decided to pick up education again, Daisy, I’ve had a good look through my contract,’ that explained the paperwork in the pub, ‘and decided to… I’ve decided to… leave it.’
‘I had a feeling that you might, my dear,’ Algy said gently.
‘My time running the business for Sophie, after the few initial hiccups, has been so exciting. I don’t want to launch anything like the beach café, but I’m all for giving something a shot in some capacity – after I’ve worked the required notice period at school, that is.’
‘Well, that’s a relief,’ laughed Algy, as Josh did the rounds and topped everyone’s glasses up again. ‘Isn’t it, Josh?’
‘Just a bit,’ he said and grinned, raising his glass to his grandfather and drinking deeply.
‘Why?’ I asked, looking between the two of them and wondering what they’d cooked up, metaphorically speaking, because there was definitely something afoot.
‘It’s a relief,’ said Josh, looking at Penny, ‘because I’ve also been thinking about how to expand things here on the Wynbrook Estate and I was wondering about turning a part of the barn into a tearoom.’
Penny’s eyes were suddenly on stalks.
‘I think it would be just the thing to bring together the fruit farm and Wynbrook Blooms,’ Josh elaborated. ‘There’s nothing like it anywhere for a few miles and there’s plenty of room in the barn to accommodate your ideas, Daisy, and make the whole thing a sort of bakes and blooms combined business.’
‘And obviously, we’re going to ask you if you’ll run the tearoom for us, Penny.’ Algy grinned, rather stealing Josh’s thunder, but he didn’t seem to mind.
‘You want me to run a tearoom here?’ Penny asked, sounding flabbergasted.
‘Yes,’ said Josh, ‘and we’d like to have you with us on board right from the get-go, to help with the planning and set-up.’
‘The Wynbrook Blooms and Bakes Afternoon Tea Experience,’ Penny said dreamily and it was obvious she was sold on the idea and could already imagine what it was going to look, smell and taste like.
As could I.
‘So,’ I said excitedly, looking at my friends, ‘the three of us would be working together?’
I didn’t think the evening could get any better.
‘The four of us actually,’ Josh smilingly corrected me. ‘I’m hoping to split my time between working with Robin in the garden and Nick on the fruit farm. I’ve been bitten by the outdoor bug since I worked with you all and I rather fancy a life working out of doors.’
‘Everyone says that until the winter, mate,’ said Nick, jumping up and pulling Josh in for a back-slapping hug, ‘but you’re in it now, so welcome aboard, whatever the weather.’
Right on cue, a clap of thunder boomed and we all began to laugh and cheer.
Our celebrations and further discussions went on long into the evening. Penny and Nick had quickly decided that she should move into his cottage on the estate and I suggested that Marguerite might be interested in renting Penny’s place in the village while she decided what to do with it in the long term.
‘Isn’t it thrilling to think,’ I said, as Josh and I walked back to the summerhouse once the rain had eventually stopped and with Luna following on just a few paces behind us, ‘that by the time autumn really gets underway, all four of us will not only be working, but also living, on the estate.’
‘It really is exciting,’ said Josh, picking me up and spinning us both around on the wet brick path. ‘What a summer we’re having, Daisy!’
‘Best summer ever,’ I laughed, when he put me back down again.
‘Best summer ever,’ he echoed, linking his arm through mine.
‘We both had something taken away from us here when we were younger, didn’t we?’ I said thoughtfully, once we’d walked a few more steps and my head had stopped spinning. ‘You were taken from your family and I was denied my love of gardening…’
‘And we’ve made our way back to both,’ Josh smiled, ‘at exactly the same time.’
‘It’s fate,’ I said, feeling incredibly grateful that we had ended up landing back at Wynbrook together. On exactly the same day, in fact. ‘We’re meant to be here.’
‘And, what’s more,’ he said, as we stepped into the light of the summerhouse veranda and he pulled me into his arms and held me close, ‘we’re meant to be here together.’
‘I love that,’ I whispered, as he bent to kiss me softly on the lips. ‘And I love you.’
‘And I love you too,’ he said, when he finally drew away. ‘And I can’t wait to discover what the autumn holds for us, can you?’
‘I really can’t,’ I said, as I rested my head on his chest and noticed Luna was waiting by the door to be let inside, ‘but for now, I’m very happy to keep enjoying the summer.’
‘Me too,’ he agreed. ‘Me too.’
It was miraculous to think that two lives, three if you included the little cat, could be so completely and happily transformed in such a short space of time and I knew that no matter what the future held for us at Wynbrook, these last few weeks we’d shared together, finding our feet, would always be known as our best summer ever.