Chapter 37
37
DEE
Dee arranged with Andi to finish work early on Thursday so that she could see the solicitor. It wasn’t something she was looking forward to doing, but she knew she had to get the ball rolling. Edna would be back home in a couple of weeks and, although Dee was on a few estate agents’ books, none of them had come up with a place for her to rent yet. Sylvia had suggested she tried further afield but Dee really wanted to live in Port Telwyn.
The solicitor, a man called Mr Peabody, was very helpful, assuring Dee that she would definitely be entitled to half the house and some of Nigel’s private pension. ‘We’ll start the ball rolling with an application for a decree nisi on the grounds of adultery,’ he told her.
Adultery. Divorce. It all seemed so unreal. She knew that was what she wanted though, that it was the right thing to do. She was also pretty sure that Nigel didn’t think she would go ahead with it and would be shocked when he got the solicitor’s letter.
She went home to change quickly, grab a sandwich, feed Snowy and then hurry to the Slaters’ house to walk Betsy. They were delighted to see her and the little dog danced around happily when she saw the lead. Dee took her over to the sand dunes which the locals called the Towans, letting Betsy off the lead for a while. On the way back she stopped to look at the new estuary development. It was coming on leaps and bounds and she was impressed with how aesthetically pleasing it was looking so far. The designer had taken a lot of care to ensure that it fitted in with the surroundings.
The Slaters insisted she stay for a cup of tea and a chat so it was gone seven by the time she set off for Primrose Cottage. As she was about to put the key in the door her mobile rang. She fished it out of her jeans’ pocket and looked at the screen. Edna. She immediately pressed to answer.
‘Edna. How are you?’
‘I’m fine, dear,’ Edna said. ‘How are you? Have you settled into Primrose Cottage?’
‘I love it. It’s very cosy.’ She paused, Edna had probably phoned her to inform her of her imminent return. ‘I’m guessing that you’ll be back home soon.’ She pushed open the door and stepped inside. ‘Well don’t worry, I’m on the books of all the local letting agents and am sure they’ll find me something soon. If not, I can go to the local B&B.’
‘Are you definitely intending to stay in Port Telwyn then?’
‘I’m hoping to, if I can find somewhere suitable to buy. I’ve started divorce proceedings against Nigel, and it seems that I’m in for a decent settlement. Plus, I have some savings.’ And Simon had messaged her to inform her that there had been a lot of interest in her grandmother’s brooch, so it was being auctioned this weekend. Hopefully that would be another few thousand to add to the pot.
‘I’m pleased to hear that. I’m really enjoying staying in Brean with Mabel. I won’t be coming home yet, so there is no rush for you to leave the cottage.’
Dee was relieved, not only because she didn’t have to move out yet but also because she knew that it was going to be a long time before Edna could manage on her own and she was worried how the elderly lady would cope. She would keep an eye on her, of course, but she was at work all day and there was the nighttime too.
‘That is so kind of you. Are you absolutely sure? I will pay you rent of course,’ she added.
‘A minimum rent to cover the bills would be appreciated, and I wonder if you could look after Snowy for me until I come back? It sounds like he’s taken to you.’
‘Of course I will,’ Dee promised. ‘I’ll send you regular updates so you can see how he’s getting on.’
They talked for a bit longer, agreeing a very affordable rent in exchange for Dee keeping the house tidy and contributing to any bills. Edna said that it would be at least a month before she was ready to come back. ‘And when I do, you’re welcome to stay until you can find your own place to live. It would be nice to have the company,’ Edna told her.
That was wonderful news. Dee felt a lot more positive when she finished the call, hopefully it wouldn’t take too long to sort out the divorce settlement and the sale of the house then she could get a home of her own. Until then she was happy to stay here. It was so kind of Edna.
Things were turning out better than she had ever expected.