Sheila laughed. ‘Just because you’re not drinking, any more than one glass and you think people have gone on a bender!’
‘Dad went on a bit of one,’ Fiona said. ‘But luckily it didn’t make him grumpy this time.’
Hattie’s mind went back to Fiona’s first wedding day. Malcolm had definitely had too much to drink then. Although that time it had worked to Fiona’s advantage.
‘I think I need more tea,’ Hattie said. ‘Can I make some for anyone else?’
‘Oh, I’d love a peppermint!’ said Fiona.
‘I’ll pop out and pick some leaves so you can have it fresh.’ Hattie left the kitchen followed by Fiona’s protests that a bag would do.
‘One of the things I like best about this house,’ said Sheila when Hattie had returned, ‘is having herbs so handy for the kitchen.’
‘I want that in my new house too,’ said Hattie, pouring boiling water on mint leaves. ‘But so many houses around here have steep gardens you can’t easily get at.’
‘I don’t understand why you can’t find yourself a lovely house, Hattie,’ said Fiona. ‘You were so brilliant with us.’
‘I don’t expect she applies so much energy to finding her own house,’ said Sheila. ‘A cobbler’s children and all that.’ Sheila realised that Fiona and Hattie were looking confused. ‘You know, the cobbler spends all his time making shoes for other people, he doesn’t have time for his own children? I had a friend whose father was a dentist. She said it was a nightmare trying to get an appointment.’
‘I wish it was time to get dressed,’ said Fiona. ‘I want to get this party started!’
‘You could get out of your dressing gown, darling,’ said Sheila. ‘Unless you want a cooked breakfast. I’m going to do one for Dad, just in case there’s a delay before the food appears.’
‘Nick’s booked some very expensive caterers,’ said Fiona, possibly a little offended. ‘There won’t be a problem.’
‘Why don’t we go and visit Rose’s shop?’ suggested Hattie. Fiona could probably recite a list of the items for sale by heart but Hattie was desperate to get her out of the house.
Fiona did not look terribly excited by this thought.
‘She’s got some new things in. Come on! We’ll get out from under Sheila’s feet.’
‘Are we under your feet, Mum?’ said Fiona, suddenly petulant.
‘No – yes – not really. But do go out with Hattie, then I can focus on Dad. You know he gets tetchy if he’s surrounded by women.’
‘Nick’s not like that,’ said Fiona, looking happier. ‘He made me have a hen do, and hired a minivan to get us all to the venue.’
‘He’s a keeper,’ said Hattie.
‘So, so different from Lance!’ said Fiona, saying what they were all thinking.
‘Come on,’ said Sheila. ‘Have a quick shower and get going. You’ll feel less nervous if you’re doing something.’
‘It’s only shopping, Mum!’ said Fiona, but she got up and gave her mum a quick hug as she passed her.
Sheila and Hattie exchanged glances. ‘I wish I’d thought of something better to offer her than Rose’s shop. We were there the day before yesterday.’
‘It’s fine,’ said Sheila. ‘I’m so excited!’
‘Me too!’ said Hattie.
‘I know I’m pregnant and a bit distracted because we’re getting married today, but this isn’t the way to Rose’s,’ said Fiona after a little while.
‘No. We’re not going to Rose’s. We’re going somewhere much more exciting.’
‘Oh my God! Where?’
‘Sapperton.’
