Justin nodded. ‘So as long as my valuer reached roughly the same figure, I could certainly buy you out.’
‘Where on earth did you get that kind of money?’ Colin asked.
Meg felt uncomfortable at the thought that Justin was going to have to discuss his finances in a room full of people. Louise got up, obviously feeling the same. ‘This is a private matter.’
‘It’s all right,’ said Justin. ‘I’m perfectly happy to talk about it. And it’s a reasonable question. I did get the money honestly and I can afford to buy Colin out.’ He paused, and then became aware that everyone was looking at him.
‘Well …?’ demanded Colin.
‘I bought a flat very very cheaply when I was a young chef. It was in a really bad part of London. It has since become a very good part of London, but before then I’d bought the whole house and the one next door. I was lucky; I got some good bonuses. Andrecently, I’ve sold them, which will give me enough money to be able to buy you out.’
‘Well done, Justin,’ said Andrew. ‘I knew about the property, of course, but I didn’t know they’d gone up in value so much.’
‘But, Justin—’ Meg began.
He gave her a reassuring look. ‘It’s all right. Originally, I wanted to buy a restaurant in London, but I realise now I can fulfil all my dreams at Nightingale Woods.’
‘Well, I’m absolutely delighted!’ said Ambrosine. ‘Now the future of the hotel is assured with you young people having a stake in it.’
Meg was blushing again as she realised that Ambrosine had seen a future in which she and Justin were together. She was very pleased when Susan came in. ‘People are arriving!’
Meg went over to Ambrosine. ‘I can never, ever thank you enough,’ she said.
‘You being you is all the thanks I need,’ said Ambrosine, patting Meg’s hand. ‘Now, I think I need to lie down for a bit.’
Chapter Thirty-Four
Leaving Louise and Andrew to help Ambrosine to her new quarters, Meg went to the reception area and gasped in shock. David and Vanessa were there, neither of whom she was expecting.
‘I begged Russell to make me part of the team for this venue only and, bless him, he did,’ said David, kissing Meg’s cheek. ‘Alexandra and family are coming if they possibly can, but she said don’t save rooms for them. They’ll manage if they can make it.’
‘And I’ve cancelled my wedding and run away from home,’ said Vanessa. She smiled but she looked as if she’d done a lot of crying recently.
‘I found her just outside of the town. She’d run out of petrol,’ said David. He gave Meg a significant look that told her that Vanessa was very distressed.
‘Well, it’s a lovely surprise to see you both!’ said Meg, giving Vanessa a long hug. ‘But I’m not sure where I’m going to put you.’ She paused. ‘You can come in with me, of course, Nessa.’ It cost her a pang to have to cancel her dream of spending the night with Justin but she didn’t have a choice.
‘I can sleep under the grand piano, if all else fails,’ said David. ‘I’ve done it before!’
‘I can’t imagine how that would work,’ said Meg, ‘but I’ve just remembered that Ambrosine’s old room is available. Oh, here’s my mother!’
‘David! Vanessa?’ said Louise. ‘Are you OK?’ she said to Vanessa.
‘I’ve cancelled my wedding,’ said Vanessa, her voice suddenly clogged with tears. ‘I couldn’t stand all the arrangements, the presents, everyone telling me what I had to do. None of the choices were mine. So I had to call it off and—’ She gulped. ‘That means I had to write to Simon and …’ There was a long pause. Then Vanessa cleared her throat with determination. ‘I suppose I’ve broken it off with him.’
‘Oh, you poor love!’ said Louise. ‘Come into the kitchen. I’ll make us a cuppa.’
Justin and Colin appeared at that moment, Andrew just behind them, looking content.
‘David! Hello!’ said Justin.
‘Turning up like the proverbial bad penny,’ said David. ‘I hope you don’t mind.’
‘Delighted!’ said Justin. He turned to Meg. ‘I’m terribly sorry, darling, but I can’t stay long today. I’ve got a few loose ends to tie up. But I’ll come back as soon as I can, and help with the cooking.’
‘You’ll be here tomorrow?’ Meg asked, aware she sounded plaintive.
He nodded. ‘I really hope so.’ Then he kissed her. ‘One day we won’t spend all the time saying goodbye to each other.’
