A Summer Wedding at the Cornish Manor, page 3
Inwardly I sigh. This isn’t some random speech; he knew this talk was coming and Prudie prepared him for it.
‘I’m well aware of that, Cappy. But Flo is the one who signed the lease and both she, and Ivy for that matter, are bending over backwards to support Prudie. I don’t see what more we can do.’
Cappy shrugs his shoulders. ‘Look, Jess. I told you I wouldn’t interfere when I handed the farm over to you. I know I broke my word on Prudie’s behalf when she lost out on getting the studio—’
Lost out? Vyvyan, offered Prudie first refusal. I put up my hand to stop him there. ‘No, she didn’t lose out, Cappy. Vyvyan emailed her and asked if she was still interested in renting the space. Prudie didn’t respond.’
He sits back in his chair, emitting a drawn-out sigh. ‘I know… and that was very unfortunate indeed, but it was a misunderstanding. As Vyvyan later discovered, Prudie was in London at the time, organising an exhibition, and her focus was elsewhere.’ Cappy is making excuses for his old friend, but it’s all academic now.
‘I understand that, but business is business, and it was all about getting The Courtyard Hub fully signed up before we opened.’
Another sigh. ‘Yes, but I really do think you’re missing a trick here, Jess. Prudie requires a studio of her own to rent and she’d bring a lot of attention, and business, to Renweneth Farm if she had more of a presence here.’
I drain the last of my coffee and stand. Quite frankly, I’m done talking about Prudie Carne. ‘Well, you tell me how we can accommodate her, and I’ll think about it. In the meantime, as she’s exhibiting in Ivy’s café for free, and Flo has come to an arrangement with her for access to the studio two days a week, I think we’ve done all we can. Now, I must go. There’s an empty skip that needs filling before the end of the day.’
It’s not easy for me to shut Cappy down like that, but I’d have nipped this in the bud at the start if it weren’t for the fact that Prudie’s an old friend of his and Grandma’s. As I tidy the table, he flashes me a rather guilty look.
‘I’ll have a quiet word with her, Jess. I promise. After all, none of this is Flo’s fault.’
No, it isn’t and it’s not mine, either.
3
Expect the Unexpected
The guys have already left by the time the lorry turns up to collect the second skip, which is so full that Riley helps the driver to tie a tarpaulin over the top. He walks back to me looking tired but happy.
‘Are you staying for dinner tonight?’ I check, as I pull the door closed and turn the heavy cast-iron key in the lock.
‘No, I’d better not. I had a text from my brother, Tom, this morning. He’s going to give me a call tonight.’
I stare back at him in surprise. He’s only ever mentioned his brother once, when he told me the full story of how he ended up leaving everything behind and settling in Cornwall. ‘There’s nothing wrong, is there?’
Riley shrugs his shoulders. ‘He just asked if I was around to have a chat this evening.’
Even though I’ve not seen a lot of Riley today, I sensed he had something on his mind, and I wasn’t wrong.
‘Anyway, I’d better get off. I’ll see you in the morning.’
He cradles me in his arms, a huge smile on his face as he gazes down into my eyes. ‘I missed you today. It’s not the same when we’re not working side by side, is it?’
‘You’re always so focused on the task in hand that I’m surprised you even notice when I am working next to you.’ I laugh.
‘For me, it’s enough just knowing you’re around,’ he half-whispers, before placing his lips on mine.
Instinctively, I close my eyes. His kiss is warm, loving and sincere – all the qualities I love about Riley and as we reluctantly pull away from each other, I let out a gentle sigh.
‘Hey.’ His arms tighten around me. ‘We’re on countdown now the work’s in full swing. At some point, I’ll need to ask your dad’s permission for your hand in marriage and formally pop the question to you, of course.’
I pull a wry face. ‘Really? Can’t we skip that bit? I think everyone – including me – is rather taking that for granted.’
‘No. In case you haven’t noticed, in many ways, I’m a rather formal type of guy and I love the old traditions. I want to do it properly. You know, get down on one knee and slip a ring on your finger.’
Butterflies begin to flutter in my stomach, as I put my gloved hand up to his cheek. ‘I don’t feel comfortable being the centre of attention – you know that by now.’
‘And I’m a romantic at heart, so I’m hoping you’ll forgive me when I surprise you.’
I groan. ‘Proposals don’t require witnesses, remember. And romantic means a quiet, candlelit dinner for two – just saying.’
Riley rolls his eyes. ‘Okay. I’ll take that into consideration. If I don’t call you to say goodnight later, it’ll be because I’m still on the phone with Tom. It’s been a while and no doubt we’ve a lot to catch up on.’
I follow Riley down the path and through the archway into the main courtyard. When his car pulls away, I give him a wave and remind myself it won’t be like this forever. As I turn towards The Farmhouse, Ivy calls out to me.
‘Jess! Fancy a quick coffee?’
I saunter over to the bakery; it’s all lit up and looking inviting. ‘You’re working late; it’s just gone six.’
‘I know. Prudie’s assistant, Karl, dropped by – you just missed him. They’ve sold two more paintings. One of the replacements would look perfect on the breast wall in the sitting room in Smithy’s Cottage. I’m sorely tempted, but it’s a bit pricey. Are you in a rush?’
‘No and I’d love a coffee. Let me text Cappy to let him know Riley’s not joining us for dinner.’
I step inside and Jess puts up the closed sign, then locks the door.
Standing at the counter, I send the text while she makes our drinks.
‘Is Riley all right?’ she enquires over her shoulder.
‘He’s excited now that most of the demo work has been completed. Once the floors have been made good, it really will be little more than a shell, but hopefully a sound one.’
Ivy carries the tray through to the café area and I follow her. ‘It’s been what, ten days since I last wandered in here to browse, but you have several new paintings on display.’ I pull out two chairs and we settle ourselves down.
‘Yes. Prudie must be pleased but I haven’t seen her, only Karl.’
I raise my eyebrows to the heavens. ‘Hmm… you’d think she’d pop in every now and again to cast her eye over the collection, even if it’s on her way to one of the art classes.’ And, as the paintings are selling, a brief “thank you” every now and again would be a nice touch.
Ivy brushes it off. ‘It’s great for our customers to have something interesting to look at and for the community, so I’m fine with it. Flo came in this morning for her usual herbal tea. She looked a bit down in the mouth, but I didn’t have time to stop for a chat.’
‘I told Cappy about the village hall incident and asked him to have a word with Prudie.’
Ivy looks at me rather apprehensively. ‘Was he receptive?’
‘I think he got the message that he’ll be a lot more diplomatic than I will. What annoys me is that he keeps making excuses for Prudie. Now he’s saying we’re missing out on a business opportunity.’ I grab the coffee mug and take a sip, savouring the smell that wafts around me. Nothing beats freshly ground coffee.
‘For what?’
‘I think he knew about Prudie’s underhanded tactic trying to get Flo to go back to the village hall. It’s as if he had an answer prepared, in case I tackled him about it. Anyway, I left the ball in his court.’
‘You did the right thing. It’ll be better coming from him, especially as Prudie was the one who dragged him into it in the first place. She knows you run Renweneth Farm now and that was out of order. Anyway,’ Ivy diplomatically changes the subject, ‘I don’t suppose Riley has heard anything from Fiona?’
‘No. It’s only the fact that he can throw himself into the new project that’s keeping him upbeat. But… um…’ For some reason, I find myself frowning, as I stare down into my coffee mug and Ivy fills the silence.
‘It’s good he’s got something else to focus on, though, isn’t it? Fiona needs time to get her head around the fact that he’s found someone he wants to settle down with.’
‘And that’s my fault,’ I concede. ‘Riley wasn’t ready to tell her. So much has happened between him and me in such a short space of time; six months ago, we were strangers.’ At the Renweneth Farm End of Summer Party in late September, we outed ourselves as a couple and I don’t think anyone was really surprised. ‘Riley has eased his way into being not just a part of the decision-making team because I want him by my side, but also a part of the family. Lola has accepted him without question, because he’s always taken time to talk to her; in fact, she knew he had a son before I did.’
‘Oh, Jess.’ Ivy reaches out to touch my arm and give it a squeeze. ‘No one was happier than me that day when you admitted it wasn’t just a casual fling and that you wanted Riley in your life forever. I also knew how blindsided you felt on another level. After almost ten years as a married woman and then having your heart broken, it was never going to be easy to trust someone again, but you surprised us all.’
I guess I did, but most of all I surprised myself. ‘Neither of us wants a big fuss, just a simple civil ceremony at our wonderful village hall, then back here for a big party in the garden. But now Riley is talking about a formal proposal and putting an engagement ring on my finger.’
Ivy looks at me, clearly puzzled. ‘And what’s wrong with that?’
How can I explain it without sounding ungrateful, or worse – weird? ‘Ben and I did all that the first time around and look how it ended. I love Riley from the bottom of my heart, and I don’t need him to impress me with a sparkly ring. I’ve lived the fairy tale and it didn’t have a happy ending. I don’t want to jinx what we have. Is Riley feeling pressured to do what’s expected because he thinks that’s what I want? I’d happily just live together because a marriage certificate is simply a piece of paper. It’s what’s in your heart that counts.’ Now I’m feeling tearful.
‘Talk to him, Jess. Explain how you feel.’
If only it were that simple, but it’s not just about Riley and me. My parents, Lola, Cappy and our friends will all have their own expectations. And when two children are involved, it’s not solely about what the adults want, but what’s best for everyone. To be seen to make a commitment to someone, in front of those you love, is special and I know that this time around it will be forever.
‘His brother is phoning him tonight. As far as I’m aware, Tom is the only one from his past who kept in contact with Riley. Talking about his old life is difficult for him and I get that. I no longer dwell upon the life I had with Ben before I came to live at Renweneth Farm. This is my future now. But he’s still got one foot in the past because Fiona won’t set him free, free to see his son and be a part of his life going forward. What if that’s why his brother wants to talk to him?’
‘Jess, this isn’t like you. Riley is equally in love with you, as you are with him, and everyone can see that. There is nothing his brother can say that could possibly upset your plans.’
What is truly heart-breaking is that I needed to hear someone say that. Why, after all this time, do I still feel vulnerable? Fear is an awful thing. It eats away at you when you lie in bed in the early hours of the morning, your thoughts churning. ‘Maybe his family are hoping at some point he’ll go back to Fiona,’ I reply.
‘Don’t let the past colour your future with Riley. You’re a different woman now, Jess, to the one you were when you were married to Ben. It’s like you’ve broken free, and the real you refuses to be held back. The truth is, Riley stole your heart even though you weren’t ready to trust again. The fact that two people still smarting from old wounds fell for each other, is a sure sign if ever I saw one. You are soul mates and, despite the problems, you’ll work through them together.’
My head is saying the same thing, but my heart is wary, as if it’s expecting something to go wrong. It’s time to change the subject. ‘Thanks for being my listening ear, Ivy. So, you’re drinking coffee again, I see.’
It’s an innocuous comment but Ivy looks uncomfortable, shifting uneasily in her seat. ‘Yes,’ she replies, brightly.
But as I study her face, I know something isn’t right. I drain the last dregs from my mug and go to stand, when she starts talking.
‘You’d better sit down for this one, Jess.’ Her tone is serious, and I look at her, puzzled, wondering what’s coming. ‘We weren’t going to tell anyone until I’ve had the scan but—’
‘You’re pregnant?’ I squeal, excitedly.
Her expression is a mix of bewilderment and joy. ‘It seems I am. I’m having an ultrasound on the thirtieth of January.’
‘Congratulations, Ivy. I’m super thrilled for both you and Adam.’ I jump up and hold out my arms as she eases herself to her feet in a bit of a daze. ‘When’s the baby due?’
‘The doctor thinks I’m about ten weeks, so sometime in August. You won’t breathe a word of this to anyone, will you? Adam wanted to tell our parents at Christmas, but I’d been doing some online research and—’
And she’s reading all sorts of scary things about what can go wrong in the first trimester. ‘Of course I won’t! I’m guessing the problem with drinking coffee in the mornings is the nausea?’
She nods her head. ‘It comes and goes. I’m fine from lunchtime onwards. Thankfully, no one has really noticed, although sometimes the smells in the kitchen get a bit overwhelming. In which case I take a break and help serve.’
‘But you were drinking at Christmas, weren’t you?’
She laughs. ‘People assume if you have a wine glass in your hand, it’s something alcoholic.’
I lean in again to give her a second hug. ‘Oh, this is wonderful news. Your dream is about to come true!’
‘It’s still sinking in, to be honest. At least Tillie will finally have a little cousin and my sister, and our parents, are going to be overjoyed when we break the news. Thank goodness we converted the office above the bakery into a spare guest room, as they’ll all want to come visit.’
A part of me wonders how Ivy’s mum, Sarah, will feel. She’s a part of her granddaughter Tillie’s life on a daily basis and Ivy’s sister couldn’t have coped without her. With Ivy’s child, it’s going to be a little different and they’re all still adjusting to Ivy and Adam no longer living on their doorstep in Stroud.
I give her an encouraging smile. ‘It’s going to be a wonderful August,’ I remark, happily. ‘A wedding and a new baby at Renweneth Farm!’
*
I’m just about to put down the book I’m reading and turn out the light when my phone starts buzzing. It’s Riley.
‘Good, you aren’t asleep. I didn’t know whether to ring, or not.’ He sounds edgy, which is very unlike him.
‘I’m glad you did,’ I reply, softly.
‘Tom rang to let me know his fiancée, Helen, is about to send out the wedding invitations for the twentieth of May. He wanted to know if my plus-one has a name.’
Last summer when Riley started working for me, I vaguely recall him mentioning that his brother was getting married this year. However, he seems rather subdued about it now. ‘Did you tell him… about us?’
‘Naturally. I’ve nothing to hide and he was genuinely delighted. He said he can’t wait to meet you.’
Oh, so we are going to the wedding. ‘Great, I’ll mark that on the calendar then.’
‘The trouble is…’ He clears his throat and I close my eyes, wondering what’s coming. ‘I think I mentioned the fact that he loaned me some money when I first came to Cornwall. I’ve already paid him back a large chunk of it and he said he wasn’t in a hurry for the rest. He’s not strapped for cash, but with the wedding coming up, I feel honour-bound to settle up with him. Unfortunately, it’s going to wipe out my savings.’ The line goes quiet for a second. ‘I feel bad about that, Jess, because it means the ring shopping will have to wait a while.’
‘Without that loan you wouldn’t have the cottage, would you? The fact that your brother was the only one to help you out at a time when you had nothing, just a derelict cottage to renovate and a tent to live in, is a truly wonderful thing. It’s absolutely the right thing to do. I don’t need a ring on my finger, Riley. I’m not the type of woman who is bothered about glittery things.’
‘But it’s what you deserve, because what’s on the outside should match what’s on the inside. Lola, too, exudes that same vibrant energy; it’s why Cappy calls her his sparkly girl. The sparkle comes from the heart, of course, but both of you light up a room when you enter.’
I smile to myself. ‘I’m not sure everyone would agree with you but life’s too short to be maudlin, isn’t it?’
‘I guess it is. Anyway, are you up for going to the wedding?’
‘Of course!’
He lapses into silence again for a few seconds. ‘I’ll be honest with you, I’m not sure how I feel about it. Oh, it’ll be great to catch up with Tom and finally get a chance to meet Helen, but on the day, the rest of my family may well turn their backs on us.’
It must be coming up to almost five years since Riley left to start over again. Surely enough time has passed for them to want to heal the rift. Even though, from what he told me, at the time they all thought he was out of control. A disagreement with his business partner turned nasty when a fight broke out, and Riley left under a shadow. To avoid charges being pressed, he walked away from the business with less than he was due, but enough to be able to hand the marital home over to Fiona.
‘Don’t overthink this,’ I beg. ‘Go into it with no expectations and a positive attitude. If we’re not made welcome, at least we will have shown our faces and that’s all that will matter to your brother and his fiancée.’
