Tess and Barney led the way, taking the well-trodden path over the bridge, walking alongside the river before heading into the field that led into the woods.
‘Tess…’ he said, not as a question, but rather in a moment of understanding. ‘Are you at Hollyhocks Cottage?’
‘Yes, that’s right. I’ve been there for almost thirty years now.’
‘Ah, well that is opportune. I was intending to come and see you anyway because I understand you run the only B&B in the village. Is that right?’
‘I suppose that’s true.’ There was a farm a couple of miles to the east of the village that provided bed and breakfast, but that was the nearest accommodation. ‘Well, it’s a new venture for me. Something I’ve been working on since the break-up of my marriage. I’ve converted the annexe in the grounds of the cottage into a self-contained lodge. It’s called The Garden Retreat. I have my first guests arriving next week.’
‘Excellent, because I’d be interested if you have any availability over Christmas? My daughter and mother will be coming to stay with me at the house, but we have some family friends coming down for a couple of nights as well, and it would be a bit of a squeeze to get us all under one roof. Although, thinking about it, I suppose you’re already fully booked for Christmas?’
‘No… we’re not, actually. We don’t officially open until the new year, but I’d be more than happy to help you out if I can. Why don’t you come and have a look at The Garden Retreat sometime to see if it’s suitable for what you need?’
‘Definitely, I’ll do that. I’ll double-check with our friends on the dates and see if we can get it booked in.’
Barney and Monty’s initial wariness and bluster towards each other had quickly thawed and now they were trotting along together as though they were best buddies.
‘So, what brings you to Lower Leaping?’ Tess ventured. ‘It must be quite a big change from London.’
‘Yes, and that’s exactly why I’m here. I’m an architect by trade and I recently sold my share of the business to a younger colleague. I’m doing some consultancy work these days, but I can do that from anywhere in the country so there was no need for me to stay in London. My daughter, Poppy, is grown-up and living happily with her partner in South London and my mother lives in Bramlingham so it kind of makes sense to move closer to her so that I can help out a bit more. But really, just look around you. This is the real reason why I moved here.’
They both took a moment to stop and admire the view: the rolling hills and the lush, green landscape, the scent of the great outdoors and the birdsong emanating from the trees. It wasn’t as though Tess took it for granted in the slightest, but it was always special to share it with someone else, especially a newcomer.
‘I’m looking for a quieter way of life. I loved my time in London, but I’m more than happy to commute in now when I have to. Monty and I are looking forward to being a part of village life.’
‘Well, that’s the lovely thing about Lower Leaping. You can find peace and quiet here, if that’s what you’re looking for, but there’s also a busy and vibrant community that you can get involved in if you so wish.’
‘That’s good to know. Everyone’s been so friendly and welcoming. A kind lady even brought me along some cakes,’ he said with a wry smile.
‘That was probably my neighbour, Dilly. She mentioned that she’d called round to introduce herself.’
‘Ah, yes, Dilly. I have met her on a couple of occasions now. She’s very…’ He paused, searching for the right word. ‘Enthusiastic. In hindsight, she probably thought me a bit rude. I didn’t really have the time to stop and chat. She had that look in her eye.’
Tess flashed him a sidewards glance as they walked side by side along the shaded trail through the woods.
‘Although, that was probably me being oversensitive,’ he added.
‘How do you mean?’
‘I’ve seen that look before on several occasions. You see, my wife died when Poppy was only nine?—’
‘I’m sorry,’ Tess immediately interjected.
‘Thanks. It was a long time ago, almost twenty years now, and sometimes, I wonder how we came through that period, but I had no choice but to carry on for Poppy’s sake. Our families rallied round and my parents came to stay for about six months, but I think I was operating on autopilot for a lot of those years. My mum always used to tease me about the attention I received from some women, thinking they could rescue me from my sad situation with a regular delivery of cakes. It was always well meaning, but I suppose I was always quite protective of our set-up, of allowing new people in.’
‘That’s understandable. It must have been very difficult.’
‘It was, but that was then and this is now,’ he said, gracing her with a smile. ‘It’s time to move on. Another reason for me moving out of London. Poppy is living her life. It’s probably time for me to start doing the same.’
‘Did you never meet anyone else? If that’s not too personal a question.’
‘No, it’s fine. I never wanted to. And then you get to a point where you’re so used to going it alone that you can’t imagine having someone else in your life. And then you see every woman as a potential threat.’ He laughed at the ridiculousness of his own words. ‘Like Dilly.’
‘Oh, don’t mind Dilly. She’s lovely and very friendly, and would do anything for anyone.’ Although she could appreciate where Michael was coming from. She too had once mistaken Dilly’s exuberant personality for nosiness and interference. ‘It’s just that she can be a bit full-on at times,’ she said, laughing. ‘She wants everyone to be her best friend.’
‘That’s good to know. I’ll definitely make amends. I probably have a cake tin somewhere that needs to be returned.’
Tess was surprised how candid Michael was being, considering what he’d previously told her, and in the spirit of reciprocating his openness, she told him about her life in the village, her marriage break-up and the new friendships she’d made, and in particular, her developing relationship with Rob.
