Chapter Twenty-Two
Jo sat in her dressing room and looked at her reflection as she dabbed a light foundation across her cheeks. ‘I wish I could smooth the years away,’ she said and touched the fine lines that crinkled around her eyes.
‘You’re beautiful,’ Pete whispered. He stood behind her and held her shoulders, then placed a kiss on her neck. ‘As gorgeous as ever.’
Jo looked up and reached for his hand. ‘You’re still full of charm.’
‘Only for you, my love.’
‘Let me finish here, I’ll be down shortly.’
‘Aye, I’ll go and feed little ’un.’ Pete gave Jo another kiss then headed off for the kitchen, where Bunty could be heard tossing her bowl across the tiles.
Jo brushed gloss on her lips and fiddled with her hair and, satisfied that she was ready, stood up and slipped into a long red dress.
The dress had a tightly fitting bodice and fell from her waist into silky swirls.
It was ages since she’d worn it but she wanted to feel glamorous that evening and it seemed a perfect choice.
Boomerville had exceeded all her expectations in the weeks since opening and Jo had decided that, as a thank you to her residents, she would spoil them with a complimentary champagne toast at dinner.
Sandra had made a special cake, steeped in rum and layered with tropical fruits, and it would make a perfect accompaniment.
Jo was pleased that Pete had agreed to join the guests for dinner.
He normally kept a low profile around the hotel and spent his days with numerous hobbies from tractor restoration to sponsoring aspiring motorbike riders, a sport he’d always been passionate about.
Jo knew that he was happy to be with her whenever her schedule allowed, and she managed to find plenty of time these days with Hattie at the helm of the hotel.
She reached into a jewellery box and rummaged about until she found a necklace, a thin gold chain with a pretty little diamond that nestled on her neck.
It had been a gift from John and she smiled as she fastened the clip.
A photo of her late husband sat in a silver frame by a lamp on her dressing table and Jo picked it up.
Jo stared at his image and thought that her handsome Romany would be proud of the woman he’d loved.
Very gently she replaced the frame, turned off the light and went to join her guests.
* * *
The weekly cocktail party was underway with a full house at Boomerville.
Many of the residents were now familiar, having shared tutorials, meals and social times and they mingled with tutors and new boomers who’d arrived that day, chatting about everything from pottery classes to the state of the weather.
Jo circulated and caught up with the news. It was a useful time to gauge how everyone was getting along and to ensure that they were making the most of their time under her roof. She made sure that newcomers had someone to talk to and were beginning to feel at home.
Andy and Kate sat by the fire and greeted Jo.
‘Have you had a relaxing day?’ Jo asked.
‘Andy took me to Butterly,’ Kate said. ‘What a gorgeous little town. We had a walk by the River Bevan, then tea and cake in the Lemon Drop Café.’
‘That’s one of my favourite walks; I often take Bunty for a stroll by the river.’
‘Excuse me, ladies,’ Andy said and stood up. ‘I’ll be back in a mo.’
Jo and Kate watched Andy disappear out of the room.
‘Everything all right?’ Jo asked.
‘Yes, he’s probably gone to the bathroom. We drank gallons of tea today.’ Kate laughed.
‘How’s the book coming along?’
‘Most days it’s writing easily but there are others when I seem to stare at the page.’
‘Writer’s block?’
‘James says you just have to plough on when that happens. It doesn’t matter what you write, something will eventually stick and you’ll soon be back in the groove.’
‘Sounds like good advice. Does it work?’
‘Yes, it does. James is a good teacher.’
‘He’s coming in for dinner tonight.’ Jo glanced at her watch. ‘A table booked for three, with his son, Jack, and his girlfriend, Desiree.’
‘Oh, that will be nice. I’d love to meet them.’
‘I’ve known Jack since he was a small boy,’ Jo said. ‘James is a great father. It can’t have been easy bringing sons up on his own but the boys are both lovely young men.’
They chatted about the classes and an upcoming exhibition that Hattie was planning to showcase the students’ work.
‘Sorry to abandon you, ladies.’ Andy returned and put his arm around Kate’s waist. ‘Can I get you another drink?’
‘Not for me,’ Jo said. ‘I just need to check on the kitchen. I’ll catch up later.’
‘She’s a nice woman,’ Andy said as they watched Jo walk away.
‘I think she’s an inspiration. Boomerville should be rolled out; it would have a terrific following in counties around the country. She could even go global.’
Kate began to talk about the merits of Jo’s business but Andy wasn’t listening.
Having slipped up to Kate’s room to make sure that he could find her laptop, he’d discovered it under layers of clothing in the bureau and was satisfied that he would locate it easily later that night.
In the meantime, he looked wearily at the mature faces and decided that he might as well try to enjoy dinner.
* * *
Hattie was talking to Pete in the bar. Bob had joined them and to Hattie’s surprise was holding his own in a conversation about motorbikes, a subject he seemed to know something about.
‘It’s Anthony’s passion,’ Bob said. ‘No one expects a couple of queens like ourselves to don helmets and leathers but come Sunday in the Cotswolds, Anthony can be found careering around corners at top speed with me clinging to the back, chanting my head off.’
‘What does he ride?’ Pete asked.
‘A Harley-Davidson, only the most iconic brand for my husband.’ Bob smiled. ‘He imported it from the States.’
‘You should bring it up here,’ Pete said. ‘I’m a member of the owners’ club and there are lots of meetings in the area. I’d be happy to ride with you.’
Hattie was fascinated. She saw Bob through new eyes, never having imagined his highly precious ego astride such a powerful machine. It just went to show that you should never judge a book by its cover, she thought, as she left the men to chat.
Hattie was planning to stage an exhibition of work by the boomers and was lost in thought as she went into the hallway. She was considering who to invite and thought that the local press might cover the event; perhaps the Mayor of Marland might attend too.
James had arrived and Jo was welcoming his family. She ushered them into the bar and called out, ‘Hattie, would you be kind enough to take a drinks order?’
‘My pleasure,’ Hattie said and fussed around the party until they were settled and comfortable.
‘Who’s the pretty girl?’ Hattie whispered as she slid alongside Jo behind the bar.
‘Her name is Desiree and she’s about to become James’ daughter-in-law.’ Jo opened the wine cooler, checking to make sure that there was plenty of chilled champagne. ‘You remember his youngest son, Jack. They’re getting married.’
‘Aye, but I haven’t seen him in ages. He’s a grand looking lad. She’s not from round here?’
‘James said her family is from London.’
‘Lovely features, pretty eyes.’ Hattie fiddled about with glasses and ice as she poured a measure of gin for James and watched Desiree look lovingly at Jack as he chatted with his dad.
‘Time to call the residents in for dinner.’ Jo looked at her watch.
‘Right-o, boss. Let service begin.’
* * *
James followed Hattie as she guided them into the restaurant. Jack and Desiree went ahead and, as they linked arms, James thought that they made a lovely couple.
They’d arrived the previous evening and James had liked Desiree from the moment she stepped off the train.
She’d beamed when she greeted him and her smile lit the platform as she held out her arms in a warm embrace.
The girl was no shrinking violet and radiated a confidence that made James think his son had chosen well.
Whatever difficulties they might have to face, his intuition told him that they’d work together and now he looked forward to the challenge.
As they got in the car, Jack had asked about Helen and if she would be getting in touch to arrange to meet Desiree. James tactfully explained that he wasn’t sure what Helen’s plans were but would let Jack know when she made contact.
James ducked his head in the low doorway as they went into the Panel Room.
He smiled as he recognised some of the residents who were on his course.
But as his eyes travelled around, he suddenly stopped.
Kate was sitting at a dimly lit corner table, where a candle flickered, highlighting the glow of her cheeks.
She looked up and saw James.
His heart lurched. She was so beautiful! James felt a magnetic pull and it was all he could do not to move forward and sit beside her. Kate gave him a wave and James smiled. But the smile fell away when he saw Andy, who had turned to stare at James.
The man’s eyes were cold.
‘You can stop for a gossip later.’ Hattie took James’ arm. She led him through to the Rose Room where Jack and Desiree were already seated. ‘Bon appétit,’ Hattie said and stood back to let a waiter take over. ‘Enjoy your dinner.’
* * *
Jo looked around the restaurant. The resident boomers were coming to the end of their main course in the Panel Room, the smaller of the two rooms used for dining.
She saw that Sir Henry was sitting next to Lucinda on a table of six with Hugo and members of the art class.
Kate and Andy had a cosy table in the corner, while Bob sat at the head of a table of potters, with Pete at the other end listening attentively as they discussed fettling and flatware and how to crackle a glaze.
‘All shipshape, boss,’ Hattie said. She stood beside Jo and watched the diners. ‘Sandra’s ready with the cake and the lads are on standby with bubbles.’ Hattie glanced over at two waiters who were pouring champagne into fluted glasses.