Chapter 9 #2
‘I’ve seen that look before on several occasions. You see, my wife died when Poppy was only nine—’
‘I’m sorry,’ Tess immediately interjected.
‘Thanks. It was a long time ago, almost twenty years now, and sometimes, I wonder how we came through that period, but I had no choice but to carry on for Poppy’s sake.
Our families rallied round and my parents came to stay for about six months, but I think I was operating on autopilot for a lot of those years.
My mum always used to tease me about the attention I received from some women, thinking they could rescue me from my sad situation with a regular delivery of cakes.
It was always well meaning, but I suppose I was always quite protective of our set-up, of allowing new people in. ’
‘That’s understandable. It must have been very difficult.’
‘It was, but that was then and this is now,’ he said, gracing her with a smile. ‘It’s time to move on. Another reason for me moving out of London. Poppy is living her life. It’s probably time for me to start doing the same.’
‘Did you never meet anyone else? If that’s not too personal a question.’
‘No, it’s fine. I never wanted to. And then you get to a point where you’re so used to going it alone that you can’t imagine having someone else in your life. And then you see every woman as a potential threat.’ He laughed at the ridiculousness of his own words. ‘Like Dilly.’
‘Oh, don’t mind Dilly. She’s lovely and very friendly, and would do anything for anyone.
’ Although she could appreciate where Michael was coming from.
She too had once mistaken Dilly’s exuberant personality for nosiness and interference.
‘It’s just that she can be a bit full-on at times,’ she said, laughing.
‘She wants everyone to be her best friend.’
‘That’s good to know. I’ll definitely make amends. I probably have a cake tin somewhere that needs to be returned.’
Tess was surprised how candid Michael was being, considering what he’d previously told her, and in the spirit of reciprocating his openness, she told him about her life in the village, her marriage break-up and the new friendships she’d made, and in particular, her developing relationship with Rob.
‘The last thing on my mind, after Charles left, was meeting someone new, especially so soon afterwards, but Rob came into my life when we were both at a low ebb, and we had that common ground that we could bond over. In reality, it’s still relatively early days for us, there’s no pressure from either of us for it to be anything more than it is, but I’ve been very grateful for his friendship and support. ’
As she said the words aloud, she wondered if she was being truthful to herself.
She was used to trotting out the sentiment to her friends and family, to downplay the relationship to others, enjoying the bubble she’d created with Rob.
Until, that was, their last meeting, when the reality of his previous life had reared its head and thrown everything into disarray as far as Tess was concerned.
Perhaps it was a reminder that it was far too soon to be getting so emotionally involved with someone she couldn’t fully rely on or trust, not when he had so many other demands on his time and attention.
The last thing she needed was a broken heart at her age.
‘Well, from what I know about these things, which admittedly is very little, I don’t think there’s an optimum time for setting out on a new relationship.
Some people jump straight back in while others wait twenty years plus and still counting,’ he said with a self-deprecating smile.
‘It’s what’s right for you; that’s the important thing. ’
Michael made a fair point, although she wasn’t certain she knew what was right for her at the moment.
Still, she took a breath and closed her eyes to the sky, savouring the elements for a moment.
She very much enjoyed her walk with her new neighbour this morning, pointing out features of interest on the way, imparting snippets of information and learning more about him.
He seemed a great guy and she was sure he would be an asset to the village.
When they’d walked for over an hour, they headed back to the village, where they said their goodbyes.
‘Thanks, Tess. It’s been great getting to know you. Thanks for the guided tour. And I’ll pop round soon and get those dates confirmed for The Garden Retreat, if that’s okay with you?’
‘Any time you like,’ she said with a smile, feeling gratified that word of The Garden Retreat was spreading already, before she’d even got started on the marketing.
If it continued at this rate, she’d have no trouble securing bookings; she just had to ensure the accommodation was in top-notch condition, which she knew, in her heart, it already was.
There was no backing out of the new venture, even if she’d wanted to, which she most certainly didn’t.
In fact, she couldn’t wait to share the delights of The Garden Retreat with a much wider audience.