‘I’m so glad. Let me know when you’d like me to take you the station.’ She knew when the train left and felt that Leonie was leaving it rather late to get there. ‘If you’re sure I can’t persuade you to stay another night? The trains will be better tomorrow.’
‘Hattie! You know I’ve had my ticket booked for ages. I want a quick word about the Golden Wedding party though. We completely forgot to talk about it. You know Mum’s booked a very smart venue for it? They want to ask everyone.’
Hattie groaned inwardly. ‘I didn’t know they wanted a big do. How lovely! But it’s not until August, is it?’
‘No,’ said Leonie. ‘But to be honest, it’s not super convenient. Xan will be with his father for most of August so he won’t be able to be there.’
‘Shame,’ said Xander in a way that made it clear he was delighted.
‘Well, we don’t need to talk about it yet, Lennie, and if you’re going for a train, can we go? You know I always get anxious about missing trains.’
Leonie laughed. ‘Yes! It’s the one thing that makes you normal. You’re so laid back about everything, except that!’
‘The thing about the Golden Wedding,’ said Leonie when they were nearly at the station, ‘is that you will have to wear something respectable. Nothing “pre-loved”. I know Mum is worrying about you looking too “hippy dippy”. And before you say it, August is in a fortnight.’
‘Still plenty of time to worry about it!’ said Hattie, furious behind her friendly smile. ‘And we’re in time for the train too.’
When they were on the platform, Leonie gave Hattie an unexpected hug. ‘Thank you so much for looking after my boy. He’s loving living with you and Luke. I’m sure he’s happier with you than he ever was with me.’
Hattie returned the hug. ‘I’m sure that’s not true but I’ve loved having him.’
As she waved off the train she found herself feeling a bit tearful. In spite of all their differences, deep down, she was very fond of her sister.
But Hattie drove away from the station with her mind whirring. Although she had plenty of other things to think about, it had snagged on Leonie saying ‘you and Luke’ as if they were a couple.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Hattie was on her way to a working breakfast with a group of estate agents when Rose called.
‘The visitors’ book you ordered for Sheila has come in and it looks gorgeous! The name of the house on the front looks so stylish. The woman who makes them is going to do one for me too.’
‘What perfect timing!’ said Hattie. ‘I could come to the shop and pick it up on my way back from town.’
‘Tell you what, if you let me come, I’ll gift wrap it for you. I want another look at Sheila’s garden. I’ve got a new member of staff who’s working out really well. She only does school hours but can turn her hand to anything.’
‘I’ll be a couple of hours but I can call Sheila now and see if she’ll be home.’
Sheila was delighted to hear from Hattie but insisted that she and Rose came for lunch the following day. ‘No need to bring me anything, having a party for you was a joy! But my favourite part of a party is talking about it afterwards and as Malcolm couldn’t be less interested in who got off with whom, I’m thrilled to have you. We’ll have leftovers. And I might have some news!’
Sheila was delighted with her present. Through the maze of ‘you shouldn’t have’ and ‘there was no need’s Hattie could see genuine pleasure. ‘I love entertaining,’ she said. ‘This is lovely, with the name of the house on it and everything.’
‘Rose arranged that for me. She knows a woman with a little company who does it.’
‘I’ll get one when Fiona and Nick’s house goes through,’ she said. ‘It’s such a lovely gift.’
‘The perfect gift,’ said Rose, ‘for the people who have everything.’ She stopped. ‘Oh, sorry, was that rude?’
‘Not at all!’ said Sheila. ‘It was honest. Now, let’s have lunch. It’s not quite warm enough to sit outside, I don’t think, but that’s what we have a conservatory for. Malcolm’s playing golf, so we can gossip away. Come through.’
Sheila’s conservatory had slatted blinds so that sunlight striped the floor, giving the room an exotic atmosphere, enhanced by the traditional club furniture and large plants. The chairs were large and comfortable and surrounded a glass table that was set with colourful china and attractive glassware.
‘This is such a lovely room,’ said Hattie. ‘Is it original or did you add it?’
‘We replaced the one that was here. It was great for keeping the plants watered, but you had to keep moving them round the floor. In other words, it leaked.’ Then, refusing offers of help, she left the room.
She came in shortly afterwards with a tray. On it was a large majolica dish bearing an equally colourful dish.
‘It’s char-grilled prawns, with avocado and salad,’ said Sheila. ‘When it came to it, I didn’t fancy serving leftovers.’
