‘And you know Sam and Rose,’ Hattie went on. ‘From the quiz.’
‘Of course!’ said Sheila. ‘I’m so glad you could come. Do you know people? Can I introduce you to anyone?’
‘Actually,’ said Rose, ‘if it wouldn’t seem too rude, can I have a look round your garden before it gets too busy? It’s so beautiful. I can see a sweet pea wigwam from here.’
Sheila was obviously delighted. ‘July is a great month for fragrance; we have the lilies as well. Although the dahlias don’t smell of much they do like to show off with their huge flower heads like Ascot hats!’
‘It’s so kind of you to give a party for Hattie,’ said Leonie when Rose and Sam had gone off to explore.
‘Anything for Hattie!’ Sheila began, and then stopped, possibly realising that Leonie didn’t know everything that Hattie had done for them. ‘I mean, she’s been so kind to my daughter and she’s become a family friend. Come and have a drink.’ She drew Leonie towards the bar area.
Hattie was following when suddenly Fiona appeared and hugged her. ‘Hattie! It’s so lovely to see you! Isn’t it, Nick?’
Nick smiled his agreement. They were both lightly tanned, and looked relaxed, happy in each other’s company. Nick had his arm round Fiona’s waist as if they’d been together for years. Hattie couldn’t help noticing how much he had changed from the slightly taciturn client she had once known.
‘I’m delighted to see you too! And you’re both looking so… well!’
They exchanged a quick, intimate glance before Fiona went on excitedly. ‘I was thrilled when Mum said we were having a party, because although we’re not making any sort of announcement as it’s so soon after last time but…’ She leant in to whisper. ‘We’re engaged! We haven’t told Dad as he’ll worry he’s got to spend loads of money for a wedding, but this time it’ll be very low key. And not until next year. But we wanted you to know.’
Hattie hugged Fiona. ‘That is so good to hear! How did it happen?’
Nick looked lovingly at Fiona. ‘I may have rushed it a bit. I didn’t want to risk losing her, so I blurted it out over the Greek yoghurt and strawberries at a little B and B in France.’
‘And I said yes instantly because I didn’t want to risk him going down on one knee or anything.’ She squeezed Nick’s hand. ‘But then he asked me again, and I said yes again.’
‘So there was no doubt,’ said Nick.
‘What a great story! I do love a happy ending!’
‘Or a happy beginning! And thanks to you we should have a wonderful new home to start that beginning,’ said Nick, looking pleased and proud.
A few minutes later, Hattie moved away, leaving Fiona and Nick to wander round the garden hand in hand, hoping her vision concerning her sister would work out just as well. She went to join Leonie, who was chatting away to a nice couple who must have been friends of Sheila’s, and took a glass of champagne from a passing tray.
‘Hattie!’ said Leonie. ‘Allow me to introduce you to—’
Hattie responded accordingly and as she did so, she noticed Tom Saye arrive. She took hold of her sister’s arm and moved her round a little so she could see him too.
‘Oh, he looks rather nice,’ said Leonie, sounding surprised.
‘He doesn’t know anyone here,’ said Hattie. ‘We should go and say hello. If you’ll excuse us,’ she said to the couple. ‘I hope we’ll catch up later.’
‘He’s happy to talk about Xander,’ Hattie said, still holding on to Leonie’s arm, in case she suddenly decided to walk off. ‘And it would be good to get him while the party is still quite quiet.’
Leonie didn’t reply. Unusual, thought Hattie, encouraged.
‘Hey, Tom!’ she said when they reached him. ‘I’m so glad you could come. If you’re new to the area, it’s a good opportunity to meet some people.’ Too late she remembered he hadn’t told her he was new; she had found that out through internet stalking. But she couldn’t unsay it. ‘Let me start with my sister – Xander’s mother. She needs to speak to you anyway.’ She stopped, aware that she had said too much.
But Tom seemed very willing to meet Leonie, giving her a broad smile, which made his rather ordinary face suddenly attractive.
‘It is so kind of you to make the time for this,’ said Leonie. ‘I do hope my sister didn’t bully you into coming.’
‘No bullying required, I assure you,’ said Tom. ‘Shall we find somewhere quiet so we can talk?’
Hattie wasn’t given to punching the air, but she did whisper ‘Yes!’ to herself as she watched them go.
Then Luke was at her side, with Xander. ‘Hey!’ he said, and kissed her cheek. ‘You’ve done something different with your hair.’
The feel of his cheek against hers and the smell of his cologne confused her for a few seconds. ‘Leonie did it,’ she said quickly. ‘She’s got her hair down and I’ve got mine up. Hey, Xander! You’re probably dying to see your mum but she’s busy just now, if you can hangon.’ She looked at Luke, suddenly a bit shy. ‘Shall we find the food? And Sam and Rose are wandering about somewhere.’
