William picked up a pepper grinder that was on the table between them. ‘You haven’t changed your mind? Martin being unhappy about it hasn’t made you feel you’d rather I didn’t move in?’
‘If I worried about what made Martin happy I’d never redecorate! Or if I did, I’d have to keep the same colours. He’s always had a rather rosy view of what his father was like. But I’m sure he’ll come round.’
‘And if he doesn’t?’
‘Well, we’ll still have the party! And you’ll still come and live with me. And I’ll still move his old desk to make room for yours.’
‘But you’d be unhappy about it.’ It was a statement, not a question.
‘Well, of course I’d prefer it if he gave us his blessing but if he doesn’t then maybe I have to live with that.’ She paused. The kettle was boiling. ‘Do you actually want a hot drink of any kind?’
‘Not really,’ he said, getting up and going round to her side of the table. ‘I think we both need an early night.’
She smiled and put her arm round his waist as they went upstairs.
Chapter Thirty-five
‘Helly! Darling!’ It was late the following morning, and Jago and Helena had just arrived back from their time away. Helena found herself enveloped in one of her mother’s special hugs as Gilly intercepted them at the door. Gilly had waved William off a few moments earlier.
‘Everything all right, Mum?’ she asked.
‘Of course! Come in. Jago! How are you? Are you hungry? What can I get you?’
Jago kissed Gilly. ‘It’s lovely to see you again. And as always I’m starving. Breakfast seems a long time ago and I only had toast.’
‘There are few people I love more than hungry ones, especially when they are always so appreciative,’ said Gilly. ‘What would you like? Why don’t I make you a proper B & B full English? With or without baked beans – not a fan myself. I’ve got some black pudding and some homemade hash brown potatoes to go with the usual things?’
‘Oh my goodness,’ said Jago. ‘That all sounds like heaven.’
‘You could go and eat in the dining room. I’ve opened the doors to the garden, it’s such a lovely day.’
When Gilly had put plates of food down in front of them, Jago’s so full she had to use a side plate for the fried bread and the hash browns, Gilly sat down at the table too.
‘Are you sure that’s enough, darling?’ she said, looking at Helena’s bacon and tomato on wholemeal toast.
‘Yes, thank you, Mum. This is just what I fancy. And if I ate all that’ – she looked at Jago’s mountainous plate – ‘I’d have to become a brickie to use up the calories.’
‘Well,’ said Gilly, apparently satisfied by this reply, ‘I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve got something I want to tell you.’
Panic ripped through Helena like a lightning bolt. ‘Are you all right?’
‘Yes!’ said Gilly, laughing. ‘I’m very all right. It’s just William is going to come and live with me, here at Fairacres.’
Relief made Helena suddenly weak. ‘God! Mum! Why all the drama? That’s lovely news.’ She got up and kissed her mother.
‘Yes, it’s great!’ said Jago. He looked at Helena, who shook her head slightly. She wanted to hearall about her mother before telling her about how she and Jago had come back together again.
‘I’m so pleased you’re pleased,’ said Gilly, sounding relieved and a little surprised. ‘I went to see Martin and Cressida last night. He was not impressed by the thought.’
‘Oh, men!’ said Helena. She made a dismissive gesture with a hand that happened to be holding toast and marmalade. ‘He just wants you to stay being his mum forever and not anyone else’s partner.’
‘He summoned your father for backup.’
‘What? Dad?’
‘He’s only got the one father, darling. You and he have that in common.’
‘But why?’ demanded Helena, crunching loudly.
