There was a commotion in a ground-floor bedroom. They stood up and walked to the door.
Nolan gave Bea an incredulous stare. ‘What’s going on in there?’
Bea recognised the voices of Isla and Gwen, and, judging by her tone, Gwen was far from happy. ‘That must be Gwen’s room, Isla is in there.’
They loitered outside for a second before Bea nudged Nolan. ‘We shouldn’t be listening.’
‘What are they arguing about? Gwen has only just arrived,’ he whispered, eying her.
‘Probably the fact that Isla has been a little deceitful in getting her mum here. Martha is going to find out that Gwen’s back, very, very soon, but I’m not sure it’s a secret that needs to be revealed on Martha’s birthday.’
Nolan raised his eyebrows. ‘You might be right but maybe this forced reunion is the push they need.’
‘It still sounds a little raw in there to me,’ admitted Bea.
‘What was the argument about? Why won’t you tell me?’ Isla’s voice was fraught. ‘Surely whatever it is it can be sorted out. Granny isn’t getting any younger. Have you ever thought you’re both as stubborn as each other?’
Bea and Nolan heard a shuffle then the click of the door. ‘Mum. Where are you going? This is your room – if anyone should be leaving, it’s me.’
Closing the bedroom door and stepping out into the hallway, Isla noticed Bea and Nolan standing there.
‘Sorry, we weren’t being nosey, we were just—’
Isla interrupted Bea. ‘It’s okay, I’ve just admitted to my mum that I got her here under false pretences and as you can see…’
‘Not quite the reunion you were expecting?’
Isla shook her head, looking close to tears.
‘Fancy a drink in the communal bar?’ suggested Bea.
‘Do I ever.’
‘I’m going to leave you girls to it. I’m no good in situations like this but if there’s anything I can do…’
Isla nodded her appreciation and Nolan touched Bea’s arm. ‘I’ll pick you up in the morning.’
‘Thanks,’ she replied.
Nolan began to walk towards the reception but Bea called out to him and caught him up for a moment. ‘Am I allowed to share the case of Hemingway and Fernsby with Isla?’
‘It’s up to you, but it seems she has a lot going on at the minute.’
Bea nodded her understanding and two minutes later, with double gin and tonics in their hands, Bea and Isla made their way out into the garden. It was a perfect evening for sitting outside.
‘You had a very successful night, last night,’ said Isla warmly, taking a sip of her drink.
‘I did, but I’m not sure yours is going that swimmingly tonight.’
‘I only have myself to blame. I know I’ve been dishonest, enticing Mum over here by telling her Granny wanted to see her and put things right, but I was feeling desperate and time is going too fast. With it being Granny’s eightieth birthday, I just thought if I could get Mum here… But now I realise I shouldn’t have. As Drew says, whatever is going on with them is between them and none of my business.’
‘Being a grown-up can be so difficult at times.’
‘It’s all a mess. It’s not one of my better plans.’ Isla took a breath.
‘You have had the best intentions. You never know, when they clap eyes on each other, all might be forgiven,’ Bea said hopefully.
‘What would you do?’ asked Isla.
