Chapter Thirty-Nine #2
‘Henry would have liked that,’ Hugo said. He stood with Hattie as they watched the couple wave to the crowd and climb aboard. ‘One of his favourite vehicles.’
The words Just Married appeared on a board in the back window and cans, tied to the rear, clattered as the vehicle pulled away.
Willie was taking the couple on a tour of the village to give guests time to walk over to the hotel, where they were met by staff who took them through the decorated courtyard and into the marquee on the lawn.
A band played and champagne was served before everyone took their seats.
Excited chatter ceased as the bride and groom, reunited with their guests, entered and everyone stood to applaud as James and Kate, holding hands and faces smiling, made their way to the top table.
‘Everything ready?’ Hattie put her head around the kitchen door.
‘Aye,’ Sandra replied. ‘Me, Biddu and the boys are ready to rock.’
Sandra wore a sari, borrowed from Hattie, and a tall chef’s hat. She led Biddu and his staff from the Bengal Balti into the marquee. They carried platters laden with delicacies.
‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ Hattie announced. ‘Biddu’s Bridal Bash is about to begin and the wedding meal is served.’
* * *
There were speeches at the end of the meal.
Tom and Jack, as joint best men, stood to congratulate their father and thanked him for being such a great dad.
They welcomed Kate into their family. Bob, having had the honour of giving the bride away, told a few jokes and reminded the boomers of some of the happier times that had brought the couple together, carefully evading any mention of Andy.
He was humbled to be part of such a fabulous day and, glancing at his partner, said that he hoped that James and Kate would be as happy as he was with his own dear Anthony.
James stood up to make a speech and said that marriage was more than a ring or a piece of paper, it was the beating of two hearts, a blessing and a bond between soulmates.
Many dabbed at their eyes as James looked lovingly at his wife.
Hattie rattled a spoon against a glass.
‘As we draw to the end of the meal, I’m instructed to tell you that there is much more to come.’ Guests cheered and Hattie held up a hand. ‘There’s dancing to follow and Sandra and Biddu will keep the food going all night. Samosas ’till sunrise!’
A toast was made to Sandra, Biddu and the chefs.
Hattie continued, ‘If you’d care to walk through to the meadow, you’ll find entertainment by our resident Shaman and James and Kate both hope you’ll enjoy taking part.
’ She glanced at her watch. ‘It starts in thirty minutes, so please don’t be late.
’ Hattie’s eyes searched the room. ‘Let’s thank Jo, for without her Boomerville brainwave, we wouldn’t be here today. ’
Jo raised her glass as guests applauded.
‘To all the people who helped make this happen,’ Hattie said, drawing her speech to a close, ‘have a truly marvellous evening and I hope from the bottom of my heart that everyone is as happy today as I am.’
Jo and Pete linked arms as they looked up at a full moon unfettered by clouds, shining brilliantly over the countryside below.
The River Bevan wound its innocent way through the valley, a silver snake that gave no indication of the danger of nature when roused.
Twinkling lanterns lit the meadow and a campfire burned brightly in front of the tepee, lending heat to the cooling night.
The wedding guests stood in a circle as they waited; their expectant faces were cast in an orange glow as flames flickered and sound of sitars floated magically in the air.
Suddenly, a drum began to beat and the flap of the tepee was flung back.
The Shaman appeared.
His hair was parted in two beaded plaits and he wore a sleeveless coat of leather, trimmed with fur. His weatherworn skin shone and the guests leaned in to study drawings on his muscular arms and neck. He was an imposing figure who commanded respect.
With eyes closed, the Shaman began to chant.
‘What’s going on?’ Jo whispered and she nudged Hattie’s arm. The Shaman was now dancing, forming a circle around the fire.
‘Shush,’ Hattie said, ‘you’ll see.’
Two figures stepped out of the tepee and the Shaman turned towards them. He beckoned them forward into the moonlight.
‘Oh, good Lord!’ Jo exclaimed.
Lucinda, still in her fishtail dress, stepped barefoot into the circle and turned to the man by her side. Potter Paul smiled as he took Lucinda’s hand.
‘It’s a shamanistic wedding,’ Hattie whispered.
‘What on earth?’
‘You obviously didn’t see that coming.’
‘I had no idea at all.’
Jo and Hattie watched the proceedings that followed and as things drew to a close and Lucinda and Paul hugged, the Shaman stood back and everyone applauded.
‘Is it legal?’ Jo asked.
‘Haven’t a clue but who cares? Kate and Lucinda have become good friends and Kate wanted Lucinda to be a part of her wedding day.’
‘It’s a cabaret with a difference.’
‘Aye, and there’s a little bit more . . .’
Hugo walked into the circle. He carried a box in his hands.
The Shaman called Hugo forward and as Lucinda and Paul stood back, the guests watched the Shaman take the box and open it. He scattered the dusty contents onto the fire.
Sparks exploded into the sky and cascaded like fireworks into the darkness. There were gasps as the display unfolded.
‘What on earth is in that box?’ Jo hissed at Hattie, hoping that the glowing debris falling onto the meadow didn’t set light to the gypsy caravan.
‘He would have wanted to go out with a bang,’ Hattie said as she watched the fire crackle and flames shoot up.
‘No.’ Jo’s eyes were wide. ‘It’s not what I think it is?’
‘Heading to heaven in style.’
Hattie stepped into place alongside Hugo. She took his arm as they stared at the sky.
‘Damn fine show,’ Hugo said and gripped Hattie’s hand.
‘Sir Henry will be pleased.’ Hattie leaned into Hugo.
‘His ashes scattered on his fiancée’s wedding day.’ Hugo stared at the brilliant blue flames. ‘He wanted Lucinda to be happy.’
‘As happy as us?’
‘No one could be that happy.’ Hugo took Hattie’s face in his hands and kissed her tenderly.
Jo, who was watching Hattie and Hugo, was dumbfounded.
Shocked, she turned and stared at the circle by the fire, where James had his arm around Kate, Paul held Lucinda and now Hugo was kissing Hattie. In disbelief, she wondered if the Shaman had thrown some of his herbs on the fire.
What on earth was going on?
‘Are you all right, darling?’ Bob stood beside Jo and reached for her hand.
‘Am I seeing things?’
‘What you’re seeing is what you created,’ Bob said. ‘You wanted everyone to be happy and fulfilled and here’s the evidence. It doesn’t get better than three Boomerville weddings in one day.’
‘Three weddings?’ Jo gaped at Bob. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Hugo and Hattie were married at Marland registry office this morning. Anthony was a witness.’
‘Oh my goodness, why on earth didn’t Hattie tell me?’
‘She knew that you’d make a fuss and want something big and grand for her and she didn’t want to spoil Kate’s day.’
‘But we could have made plans, had a wedding when the hotel re-opens,’ Jo stuttered. ‘I would have loved to prepare for it and give them the wedding they deserve.’ She had tears in her eyes. ‘Hattie is my best and dearest friend.’
‘How much time do you think Hugo has?’ Bob spoke softly. He took Jo’s hand and looked into her eyes. ‘His brother has just died and he knows his days are numbered. They want to be together and make every moment count as a couple, from now on.’
‘Oh, Bob, of course.’ Jo nodded her head. ‘You’re right. I didn’t think.’
The lump in Jo’s throat refused to go away as she stared at Hugo and Hattie. She was deliriously happy for her friend, who had become more like a sister as the years had passed.
Hattie looked up and, seeing the tears pour down Jo’s cheeks, ran over to embrace her friend.
‘Oh, Hattie, I’m so happy for you,’ Jo cried.
‘Are you really?’ Hattie was crying too. ‘I thought you might be mad at me.’
‘How on earth could I be cross, I think it’s bloody marvellous!’ She hugged Hattie tightly. ‘I must be blind.’
‘Aye, as blind as I’ve been all these years.
’ Hattie smiled. ‘I’ve always loved the old fool but I just didn’t know it ’till the flood.
He’s my hero in every way.’ She looked lovingly at Hugo who was standing by the fire, shaking the Shaman’s hand.
‘We’re going to make the most of our days together and travel the world.
I’m so sorry to be leaving you but I’ll be back for visits. ’
‘But what on earth am I going to do without you?’ Jo looked searchingly into Hattie’s twinkling eyes.
‘You’ll manage, Jo.’ Hattie spoke softly. ‘You built Boomerville and created all this.’ She spread her arms wide. ‘It’s all your doing.’
‘Happy wedding day, my dearest Hattie.’
‘Oh, my lovely friend, Jo,’ Hattie replied, ‘Happy Boomerville. The place where all your boomers will soon bloom once more.’
They each reached for the other’s hand and smiled.
‘At the Best Boomerville Hotel.’