In spite of everything, Meg couldn’t help laughing. ‘I’m really hoping it’s the cat’s home,’ she said, ‘although of course I’m sorry for the hypothetical favourite nephew.’ She sighed. ‘Seeing Ambrosine in that big white bed was a bit of a shock. She looked so frail. I’m used to seeing her marching around the garden with a trug on her arm and a strange hat on her head looking like someone in a play.’
‘Any particular play?’
Meg shook her head. ‘Just one of those where people keep coming in and out of French windows talking about croquet.’
Justin smiled. ‘Do you mind if we get everyone together for a meeting before we share her news, and explain who she is? It’s your story really.’
‘But you who realised about her share in the hotel,’ Meg interrupted. ‘And I agree, it would be best if everyone heard the news at the same time.’ She paused. ‘I don’t think she told us half of what she went through to do all that.’
‘Nor do I.’ He looked at her intently. ‘And we will have to talk about what happened in France between us some time.’
‘I know. But please, not today.’
Despite his very loving behaviour towards her in France, Justin still hadn’t told her he loved her. The fact that he’d made love to her was no guarantee that he did. And now she was dreading having to hear Justin explain that she was a lovely girl and one day she would find the man who would make her very happy. But although he was obviously very attracted to her, that man was not him. She could almost hear him say it in his low, attractive voice.
Chapter Thirty-One
Meg was extremely touched by their welcome at Nightingale Woods. Someone had obviously spotted the car and so everyone was on the steps to greet them. Louise, Andrew, Susan, Bob and Cherry all stood in a row. They waved wildly as the car pulled up and Sally appeared with a bunch of flowers which she presented as soon as Meg was on the step.
‘It’s so kind of you to all come out and meet us,’ said Meg.
‘Nightingale Woods has missed you, girl,’ said Susan gruffly. ‘We’re all pleased to have you back.’
Cherry and Sally allowed Meg to hug them but Susan obviously felt she had said quite enough on the subject and withdrew to the kitchen, although Meg could tell she was delighted. Bob, Susan’s husband, gave Meg a nod. ‘The garden’s full of herbs for you, Meg. I’ve made sure of it.’
Meg remembered that Bob was doing more plumbing and carpentry than gardening these days and was touched that he’d made time to keep the herb garden going.
‘How was Ambrosine?’ asked Louise when she, Andrew and Justin were settled in a sunny corner of the library.
‘She’s fairly comfortable, I think,’ said Meg tentatively.
‘And do you know why she wanted you so particularly?’ asked Andrew. ‘I know she’s very fond of you, but we were a little surprised when she asked for you specially like that.’
‘Actually, Dad,’ said Justin. ‘It’s probably better if we wait until Uncle Colin is here so we can tell all of you everything at the same time. It’s quite a long story.’
Andrew seemed surprised. ‘Oh! Are you sure?’
‘If he can’t be here for days we’ll tell you now,’ said Justin, relenting. ‘But otherwise …’
‘He’s coming this afternoon,’ said Andrew. ‘He’s still hoping for a better valuation.’
‘In which case, I may go and unpack and get changed,’ said Meg. ‘I feel really grubby.’
‘Me too,’ said Justin.
‘OK. Susan is doing lunch for one thirty,’ said Andrew.
‘I’ll come and help you,’ said Louise.
Meg nodded and smiled, knowing perfectly well that her mother didn’t want to help her unpack her very small suitcase, but rather to hear how her relationship with Justin was going.
‘Well?’ said Louise when Meg had had a shower and washed her hair. ‘Everyone at the hotel is convinced that Justin is madly in love with you. Is he?’
Meg put the only dress that was hanging in her cupboard on the bed. ‘I’m not exactly sure.’
Louise seemed delighted. ‘You’re not saying no, definitely not, never in a million years, then?’
‘No, I’m not saying that.’
