Chapter 7 #2
Amery turned his attention back to Jean. ‘I finished Eleanor Farthing’s book last night and I really must commend you on your recommendation; it was excellent, so cleverly executed – a real page turner.’
‘I thought you’d like it.’ Jean beamed, clasping her hands together and looking delighted with this news. ‘Her books have been a favourite of mine for years, and I was thrilled when I heard they were to be republished. I devoured them all over again; they’ve definitely stood the test of time.’
‘Couldn’t agree more, I can see why the author has such a loyal readership.’
‘Oh, that she most certainly has,’ Jean agreed readily.
‘Book talk aside, how are you this fine day, Jean? I must say, you’re looking very well.
’ Florrie noted that, though he spoke with a North Yorkshire accent, it had a slight polish to it.
A hint of his cologne wafted her way, a clean, traditional fragrance that smelled expensive.
It put her in mind of the Penhaligon’s cologne that Mr H used to wear when he and Mrs H had what he called ‘date night’.
It was something they continued until Mrs H passed away.
Florrie regularly found herself hoping that she and Ed would enjoy the same sort of loving relationship into their old age as his grandparents had.
Such thoughts had often found their way to thinking it was a shame that Jean, who’d never married, wouldn’t get to experience such love and affection. But maybe that was about to change…
‘Oh, thank you, Amery, so kind of you to say. I’m very well, thank you. And how about you? Have you had the opportunity to take a walk in the sunshine yet today?’
This was a side to Jean Florrie had never witnessed before; she was positively sparkling and it warmed her heart to see it. From the happy look Leah shot her, she was clearly thinking the same.
‘Ah, well, books aren’t my only reason for popping in today.
I was wondering if you’d be free to join me for a stroll along the top prom at some point this afternoon?
It’s a beautiful spring day, with buds appearing on the trees, a hint of blossom on the ornamental cherries. It would be a shame to waste it.’
‘Oh, well, how lovely. I’d very much like that.
’ Jean giggled like a lovestruck teenager, her hand going to her hair again.
‘As a matter of fact, I finish here at one thirty, and, since I’m not building bears with Maggie this afternoon, I’ll be free after that time. Would that fit in with your plans?’
‘It fits in with them perfectly.’ Amery was all smiles. ‘Shall I meet you here at that time, or is there anywhere else you’d prefer?’
‘Here would be wonderful.’
‘Excellent. And I thought, if you’re free, that is, we might be able to get a bite to eat at The Jolly Sailors. It’s years since I was last in there, and I’ve been hearing amazing things about the food. And I’d love to hear more about this bear building you do.’
‘Ah, that’s for Florrie’s friend, Maggie Marsay, she lives at Clifftop Cottage on Thorncliffe.
She has the Micklewick Bay Bear Company and makes the most adorable teddy bears – interestingly, her husband’s called Bear, well, it’s his nickname.
Anyway, ever since Maggie became a mum I’ve helped out so she could keep up with her orders; her bears are very popular and she has an exclusive range for Campion’s of York. Remember them?’
‘How wonderful! And, yes, I do remember them,’ Amery exclaimed. ‘I think I might like to get one of these bears for my little great-granddaughter; she just turned two last month.’
‘They make adorable keepsakes; it’s why a lot of Maggie’s customers buy them.’
Conscious that everyone was looking on with interest – though Jean and Amery seemed so engrossed in their conversation, she couldn’t help but wonder if they were oblivious – Florrie said, ‘Right then, I reckon it’s time we got on with our meeting.
We’ll just be in the reading room if you need us.
’ She looked between Leah and Jean before turning on her heel. ‘Come on, folks.’
‘Okay,’ said Leah.
‘Right-oh, lovey,’ said Jean, reluctantly pulling her attention away from Amery.
‘Spoilsport!’ Jack chuntered as they made their way to the reading room, making Florrie chuckle.
‘There’s a fella out there hitting on my mother; it’s only fair – and right – that I take the opportunity to give this Amery Wallace – fancy name, mind – the once-over before I give him my seal of approval to take my mother out without a chaperone.
A stroll along the prom followed by some nosh at the Jolly?
He sounds like a fast mover to me. Next thing we know, he’ll be asking for her hand in marriage.
’ Though his tone and expression were serious, the sparkle in his eyes told them he was joking.
Ed let out a bark of laughter. ‘Chaperone? Remind us, exactly which century are you from, Jack?’
‘Hey, lad, you can’t be too sure these days. Due diligence and all that.’ Jack’s dour resting face broke into a wide smile.
‘Aww, bless her, your mam was absolutely glowing, Jack. I’ve never seen her look so happy.’
‘I agree,’ said Florrie.
‘Aye, joking aside, it’s grand to see her smiling like that.
I know she’s got an active social life, and keeps herself busy, but I do worry about her being lonely in the evenings.
It’s time she let a bit of romance into her life.
It’s never sat right with me that she kept relationships at arm’s length after my biological father did a runner. ’
‘From what she’s told us, I think her parents had quite a hand in that, Jack. They were very controlling,’ said Florrie.
Jack heaved a sigh. ‘Aye, you’re right there, lass.’ He looked thoughtful for a moment. ‘Anyroad, what do you know about this Amery Wallace fella? Owt or nowt?’
‘All we know is that he turned up in the shop a couple of weeks ago, asking if we stocked Samuel K. Bradley’s books.
He and Jean recognised each other and got chatting, heading down memory lane.
’ Florrie decided to keep to herself that she’d thought the usually reserved Jean had initially seemed uncharacteristically cheered by his arrival.
‘And he kept popping in every couple of days, working his charm on your mum.’ Ed grinned. ‘I have to admit, he seems very nice; the perfect gentleman, and he’s always so courteous, particularly so to Jean.’
‘I haven’t sensed anything dodgy about him, if that’s what you’re worried about,’ Florrie added, spotting the flicker of concern that momentarily troubled Jack’s dark eyes.
‘From what he’s told Jean, and what she’s shared with us, he’s originally from Micklewick Bay – was born here – but moved out of the area in the late sixties, early seventies.
Apparently, his wife was from somewhere near Chester and wanted to move closer to her family, which is what they did. ’
‘Adding to what Florrie’s just told you, Amery’s a widower. His wife passed away last year, and he moved back here about a month ago.’
‘So, there you have it, Jack.’ Florrie smiled at him, hoping they’d helped to ease any concerns he may have. Though Jack had only found Jean a couple of years ago, after his adoptive parents had died, they’d quickly developed a strong bond, and she knew he was very protective of her.
‘Well, for what it’s worth, I think he seems a canny bloke and it’s pretty obvious he’s as smitten with your mam as she is with him,’ chipped in Jenna. ‘Good luck to them, I say. We all need a bit of romance in our life.’
‘Hear, hear,’ said Jack, throwing his arm around her shoulder.
‘Now we’ve got all that out of the way, do you think we should make a start on the reason you and Jack are here?’ asked Ed.
‘Aye, good point, lad.’ Jack chuckled. ‘I hereby declare this meeting officially open.’