Chapter 13 #3
‘Ladies, so many questions,’ said Eliza, flushing with pride and excitement as she launched into the plans and details of the big day.
Looking around, she noticed that this was the most relaxed she had ever seen Bella. Maybe all she needed was a purpose, and perhaps, like Agatha, she needed an escape from her children.
Eliza wandered into the kitchen to grab another bottle and was quickly followed by Vivi. ‘Eugh, Bella,’ she sighed. ‘I find her so tricky. I just don’t trust that woman.’
Eliza stopped what she was doing and turned to her friend. ‘Why? In what way don’t you trust her?’
Eliza adored everything she knew about Vivi.
She was the coolest woman she’d ever met, living her life in a way Eliza longed to do.
She had moved to the country and there was no regret – she had upped sticks for a man, and you could tell she had embraced it completely.
There was an incredible confidence in that.
To be able to move forward and not worry about what anyone else might say.
It had taken a cheating ex-boyfriend to get Eliza to chase her dream life, and even now she was only staying for a couple of months.
‘Oh, it’s just gossip. Let’s just say I wouldn’t trust her with a bargepole.
‘But,’ continued Vivi, ‘it’s not like you don’t have one over on her. You’ve bagged the sexy lothario everyone round here’s been vying for.’
‘Oh, it’s nothing,’ said Eliza, playing it down, ‘just a little flirtation. I mean, who wouldn’t flirt with Luke, right?’
Vivi smirked. ‘He’s the hottest thing Farmington has to offer, in fact pretty much the entire south of England!’ She paused. ‘But seriously, you should go for it; he’s a catch. And don’t worry about Bella. She’s probably just jealous. I bet she’d love to have tied down Luke instead of Phil.’
‘What are you two up to in there?’ shouted Fenella. ‘We need more wine!’
‘Yes, come on you two,’ shouted Dan. ‘Marjorie’s glass is empty, and we can’t have that!’
Vivi shot her a smile, and they both walked back into the sitting room.
‘Here we are, more wine!’ said Vivi, topping up everyone’s glass. ‘Now then, where were we? I think we were saying a colour theme of yellow, which I adore, how joyous and British. Sunflowers, daffodils, won’t it be fabulous!’
‘Well, we haven’t chosen the flowers yet, Vivi. That might not be what we go for, especially if we’re going for locally grown. We need to see what’s available in May,’ said Bella, her stern face returning. ‘I need to send some ideas to Fenella.’
‘Well, surely daffodils are locally grown in spring,’ continued Vivi. ‘I might not be British, but I know a daffodil. Perhaps we should ask a farmer; we all seem to know a few of those.’
‘Well, the one farmer I would ask is in London,’ said Bella, ‘so we might have to wait. He never likes to be disturbed when he’s there on business.’
Eliza felt her heart skip a beat. How the hell did Bella know Luke was in London on business?
Eliza turned to look at Fenella’s reaction. She didn’t look fazed, but somehow Eliza had a feeling Fenella was studiously ignoring her, too.
Marjorie decided to jump in at this point.
‘Well, I think whichever flowers you ladies choose will be delightful! I adore the idea of yellow, but I can make a cake that matches whatever colour scheme you go for – it’s all going to be so delicious and pretty!
I’m going to cover it in glorious flowers. ’
‘Marjorie’s quite right, it’s all going to be spectacular,’ jumped in Dan, ‘and I for one am so excited to watch it all come together.’
Marjorie blushed, and Eliza thought how much she loved hanging out with the older generation – they had seen and done it all and were such great company.
‘Well, I’m happy with whatever colour we go with, but let’s make sure it doesn’t clash with my red hair!’ Fenella said.
Vivi, who was not to be deterred, said, ‘I still love the idea of yellow – we could always throw some hay in the mix, too.’
‘Brilliant!’ Eliza clapped her hands together. ‘Hay bales in the barn for seating, fire pits glowing outside for the evening. Imagine the sunflowers framing the doorways, daffodils and tulips everywhere. A sunshine explosion!’
‘You seem to have it all tied up, Eliza, not sure what you need me for,’ remarked Bella frostily.
‘Oh, for heaven’s sake, Bella,’ Vivi said, rolling her eyes. ‘Eliza needs your expertise with the flowers. She can dream up ideas all day, but you’re the one who’ll make them beautiful.’
Fenella then butted in, ‘Well, as the bride, I’m bloody excited. And I love you all. Imagine what a joy it is to have everyone you know bringing together the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.’
‘And you must arrive on Duke! He’s the perfect fit for your yellow theme, and he does need a role at the wedding!’ squealed Eliza, overexcitedly.
‘That is such a wonderful idea! Yes, I’m going to arrive on the tractor. And Dad will be thrilled. He can drive me!’
‘And where exactly on the tractor will you sit, Nelly . . . ?’ asked Dan quizzically.
She wafted her hand in the air, taking a sip of wine. ‘Details, details. Where there’s a will there’s a way!’ Fenella laughed and the tension in the room dropped.
It wasn’t long before everyone started to down the last of their wine and make moves to leave.