‘Of course. I’ve told Flynn that this wedding will be my priority. I’m looking forward to working together and adding the perfect flowers to the perfect day, along with any other requirements.’ Florrie handed over her business card. ‘My phone number is on there. I’m here to help you in any way I can.’
Libby had instantly warmed towards Florrie and was glad they’d have a chance to get to know one another better as they worked together. Her manner was friendly and professional. ‘That is so kind and makes my job a lot easier. Thank you.’
‘Hopefully all the publicity Starcross Manor gets will be good for Buttercup Barn too. I don’t know if he’s mentioned it, but I’ve agreed with Flynn to supply all future flowers for the weddings that are planned up at the manor.’
‘He did, and with his plans to make Starcross Manor the go-to wedding venue for as many happy couples as possible, I think you’re both going to be run off your feet.’
Florrie laughed. ‘I hope so. Owning my own shop has been my dream for years and working with Flynn will hopefully keep this little business afloat.’
‘It’s a beautiful name for a florist’s shop. How did you decide on it?’
‘When they were converting these barns into our units I came to view them and this one had clumps of buttercups growing through the ground. I thought it looked so pretty and instantly asked for this one to be mine. Buttercup Barn seemed the perfect choice after that.’
‘It was meant to be.’
‘It was and I’m so happy here. I mean, what’s not to like, being surrounded by fresh colourful blooms all day every day?’
‘You’re living the dream,’ Libby agreed.
‘Are you heading back towards Starcross Manor?’ Florrie asked as she wandered around picking different flowers from the numerous buckets that were standing in the shop window. Libby watched as Florrie put together a handful of rich red roses with delicate waxflowers and dainty hypericums along with fronds of rhododendron and hemlock with harmonious foliage, the fragrant eucalyptus and festive pine cones giving it extra structure.
‘Yes, I’m staying in one of the lodges and am just on my way back now … after I’ve grabbed a crêpe, of course.’
‘Savoury or sweet?’ Florrie quizzed.
‘Definitely sweet this morning,’ Libby replied, watching Florrie secure the flowers with a ribbon before wrapping them up in the seasonal paper on the counter.
‘Good choice. They have the best hazelnut spread with strawberries. Now, here you go … these are for you.’
Libby took in the aroma of the bouquet as Florrie handed it over. ‘They’re beautiful … and the smell is divine. Are you sure?’
‘Of course I’m sure. Just my way of saying welcome and good luck. I’m looking forward to working with you on the wedding.’
‘Thank you.’ Libby was genuinely taken back by such kindness.
‘Before you go, can I give you these to give to the accounts departments at the manor? Jenny was meant to collect these invoices at the end of last week but she didn’t appear.’
‘That would have been after she resigned.’
‘Which came as a total surprise to me. In fact’—Florrie looked out of the window—‘she seemed a little preoccupied this morning. She usually pops her head around the door but even though I gave her a wave she carried on without stopping.’
A thought struck Libby. ‘Is Jenny the girl with long red hair I saw in the car park?’
‘Yes, that was probably her. She used to pop next door for a crêpe before she started work.’
‘Does she live around here?’ Libby asked, still thinking about the argument in the car park.
‘I believe she lives on the other side of Glensheil, but I’m not sure where. I have to say, the last couple of times she popped in she wasn’t her usual self. In fact, she seemed a little harassed, subdued, maybe. I remember thinking at the time that something wasn’t quite right.’
‘And she didn’t say anything to you about her plan to resign?’
Florrie shook her head. ‘Nothing at all.’
‘I suppose circumstances can change overnight.’
‘Maybe, but when she got the job she was ecstatic. It was her dream job and told me she couldn’t ever imagine working anywhere else. Starcross Manor was her life and she only had good things to say about the management team there.’
‘How odd. And now she’s gone and the wedding of the year has been left in my hands. Hopefully I’m up to the task. Let me grab those invoices.’
