Everyone sat up and paid even more attention. Fran’s heart was beginning to race.
Mr Addison went on. ‘I decided that the relative most dedicated to the farm and most interested in its survival would find the quarry in which cheese was traditionally ripened. Sadly, neither one has found this special spot.’
‘But you did!’ Issi broke in urgently. ‘Fran found the quarry, everyone.’
‘Sadly, not before this was written,’ said Mr Addison, looking sympathetic and a little sad.
‘Please go on,’ whispered Fran.
‘Very well,’ said Mr Addison. ‘Therefore I have had to make my decision based on other things. I wish to leave the farm, the remains of the herd and all my effects not previously left to others, to Francesca—’
Fran didn’t hear the rest of the minor details. She felt hot, then cold and then slightly sick.
‘I do not believe this!’ shouted Roy. ‘Give me the will!’ He snatched it and frantically scanned the lines of type. Then he threw the will on to the table with an expletive. He strode out of the room, knockingintochairs and the end of the table before he pulled open the door and slammed it hard after he left.
There was a relieved silence and then Issi jumped up from her seat and went round to Fran. ‘Well done! This is amazing. I’m so thrilled for you!’
The others joined in the congratulations but Fran just felt numb. This was all she’d been hoping for, ever since Amy had died. She’d been desperate to keep the farm away from Roy, who’d threatened it in every way, from trying to sell the cows to wanting to sell off the land for building. But now she knew it was hers she couldn’t feel anything except a vast weight of responsibility.
‘Well,’ she said eventually, when she realised everyone was looking at her oddly, ‘it means I can turn my Cheddar in the quarry every day for a while!’
Everyone laughed and hugged and patted her and said well done. Then it was time to go.
When all the goodbyes and thank yous had been said, Mrs Jenkins put her hand on her arm. ‘Amy was very fond of you, you know. She didn’t always show her feelings but she trusted you. Even if you hadn’t found the quarry, she knew you wanted the best for the farm, and the herd. She knew you wouldn’t let her down.’
Fran bit her lip to keep back the tears. ‘Thank you,’ she croaked. ‘Thank you for telling me.’
Franfelt obliged to go back to Amy’s wake, which was still going strong in the village hall. Partly because there were people she hadn’t had a chance to talk to – or rather who hadn’t had a chance to talk to her – and partly because she knew everyone was desperate to know what had happened to the farm.
Issi had offered to go with her but Fran knew she and Tig wanted to be on their own. Now, Tig would have his own cows, and with Fran as the owner of Hill Top he would still look after the remaining cows. He and Issi were safe and Fran knew they wanted to go back to their little cottage – properly theirs now – and celebrate.
Antony went back with Fran though. He seemed very pleased with himself too and although there hadn’t been a chance to ask him about it, Fran wondered if knowing that Amy no longer disapproved of him had pleased him and that the old enmity between the two farms was finally over.
The hall was still buzzing with conversation. Fran had provided sherry, wine and beer and tongues were loosened; everyone was really enjoying themselves.
‘My goodness, there’s a lot of food still,’ said Fran to Mary, who came up the moment she appeared. ‘Have you heard from Tig?’
‘Yes! He phoned as soon as he was out of the solicitor’s office. Such a relief! But I knew Mrs Flowers would see him right and it was kind of hertogive him some land as well.’ Mary paused. ‘You don’t mind about that? It’s not a big farm.’
‘Not at all. The farm depends on Tig. I’d rather lose all the land than lose Tig.’
Mary laughed, delighted. ‘And that friend of yours? Issi? She’s a lovely girl, just right for my Tig.’ She put a hand on Fran’s arm. ‘You brought good things to the farm when you came down here.’
Fran was moved. ‘Oh, thank you so much. I’m so pleased you feel like that.’
Mary nodded. ‘Now, come and eat something. I reckon everyone who came brought a cake with them and only ate one slice, or a plate of sandwiches and only ate a couple.’
‘What will happen to all this food?’ Fran suddenly felt responsible for this minor food mountain as well as the farm.
‘Oh, don’t you go worrying about the leftovers. We can see to them,’ said Mary. ‘So? Are you pleased? About the farm coming to you?’
‘I’m delighted – so relieved!’ said Fran. ‘But I am very surprised.’
Mary shook her head. ‘It was just as Amy’s old friends expected, dear. She was no fool. She knew who had the interests of the farm at heart. That awful man! Always at the pub! She knew everything. She’d enough visitors to tell her what she couldn’t see with her own eyes. Now, shall I make up a nice little picnic for you and Mr Arlingham?’
‘Er– that would be very kind.’
‘It would indeed, Mrs Brown,’ said Antony. ‘And as you do seem very well informed you probably know that the bad feeling between Hill Top Farm and Park House Farm is now officially over?’
