Rita couldn’t help but smile. Hilda put her free hand on her daughter-in-law’s shoulder. ‘Just be careful, Rita. That’s all. Some people wear the face of an angel but have the mind of a devil.’
With that, she reclined on her chair, turned up the news and shoved a piece of pizza in her mouth.
As Rita walked back to the farmhouse, Hilda’s ‘face of an angel… mind of a devil’comment echoed loudly around her mind. She didn’t want to believe it, and shook her head as if to physically dislodge the doubt. Didn’t want to think Jago’s warmth, his help,the kiss, could be anything other than real. Maybe grief had left her soft in places she used to be sharp. That scared her. She was a bright woman; surely she wouldn’t be fooled, wouldn’t fall for charm or convenience. And yet… she had never felt the need to ask why there had been such a rift between the families.
She glanced up at the silhouette of the barn, the marquee now casting long, soft shadows in the field behind it. She took a huge breath.Please let me not be a fool, she thought, as she reached the farmhouse door.Please let me be right about him.
TWENTY-TWO
The sun shone down over Seahaven Farm as if knowing that today had to be exactly right for the grand opening. Even the goats and chickens had surprisingly behaved themselves at feeding time, which she had managed at record speed.
Rita had checked on all the yurts, which were now looking so homely and comfortable, and had just met with Zenya and Teo in the food marquee, which had been signposted by Stan as the Snack Shack, to go over final arrangements.
Once she felt everything was in order, she showered (keeping her hair dry as it still looked so beautifully styled from the night before). She donned a long flowery midi dress that she’d found at the back of her wardrobe and old white leather pumps, which she’d cleaned up with hot water and a cloth. Putting on a smudge of pale pink lipstick and a swipe of mascara, she took a look at herself in her bedroom mirror and smiled. For the first time in ages, she felt that she looked good, which meant she felt good too.
She was just about to knock on Kelly’s door to check she was getting ready when Sennen phoned, voice panicked but trying to stay calm.
‘Mum, you’re not going to believe this. The groom’s mum has accidentally sent the cake to the wrong address. Apparently, it’ssitting in someone’s fridge in Brighton. The wedding is in Brampton! The bride just found out. She’s losing it. I’m trying not to. A courier is going to cost a fortune, and as it’s a replica of the Eiffel flipping Tower, they are saying that they can’t guarantee it won’t get damaged. So, I said I’d drive there and get it.’
Rita couldn’t help but laugh. ‘Well, at least it’s not the wedding dress, I guess.’
‘Bless you being so jovial.’ Sennen sighed. ‘But it means I really need to sort this and by the time I’ve driven to you it will be late and…’
‘Sennen. My beautiful girl. Take a breath. I’m glad you’re not coming; how about that.’
‘What?’ Sennen sounded slightly perturbed.
‘I know you’re super busy and wanted to make an effort for me, but it’s too much driving all this way when you’ve got so much on. Wait until you get a proper break and see me then. Teo and Zenya are doing me proud, and I’ve got Kelly here for a few days. I’m totally covered.’
‘Oh, Mum. I love you for always making things easy.’
‘That’s kind of my job.’ Rita felt herself welling up at the appreciation. ‘How’s your new flat, quickly before you go?’
‘I love it. It’s small but I’m still Reading central, can walk to the station now, so it’s worked out brilliantly.’
‘I’m so pleased. Now go and get the Eiffel Tower. Oh, and any word from Thom?’
Sennen hesitated. ‘He called me. Erm…’
‘And…’ Rita felt uneasy.
‘He’s fine.’
‘Sennen?’
‘He’s fine, Mum.’
‘Did he say anything about opening day?’ Rita pushed.
‘Mum, just have the best day ever and I will call you as soon as I can to find out how it went. Love you!’
All of a sudden, Kelly charged past her towards the bathroom,all white towel and wobbling bosom, with a loud, ‘I won’t be long, Reet, pinkie promise.’
Rita was just walking downstairs wondering why Sennen was keeping such a close allegiance with her brother when the doorbell rang. She went to open it but there was nobody there; just as she was about to close it again, something fell against her feet. On seeing it was a beautiful bouquet of long-stemmed pink roses, and sweet-scented white freesias, her heart did a little leap. She ripped at the mini envelope poked inside and then put her hand to her chest at the handwritten note.
Some things are better felt than said. Good luck today. Jago x
With a sudden feeling of being watched, Rita looked in the direction of the annexe to see a stern-looking Hilda slowly shaking her head.
