ChapterTwenty-One
Two weeks until Christmas
Libby and Guy had spent the last hour getting the studio ready for the secret meeting. Jenny had organised a buffet from the kitchens at Starcross Manor and brought over cups and saucers from the bar as well as a number of chairs, which were now set out in a couple of rows. Earlier that morning Libby had sent out a cryptic text to Flynn and to Julia’s closest friends …
You’re invited to a top secret meeting at 2pm at the wedding studio at Starcross Manor. Do not breathe a word to anyone. I mean it!
She was bursting with excitement and couldn’t wait to share the reason why she was bringing them all together.
Jenny was the first to arrive. As she slipped off her coat, Libby noticed she was wearing her Starcross Manor uniform and a smile. ‘It’s good to be back.’
‘How’s your mum?’ asked Libby.
‘Settled, thankfully. Flynn has helped me so much in the last forty-eight hours. I just can’t believe how this time last week I was at rock bottom and now…’
‘All of us are always here to help. Remember that.’
‘Thank you. I suppose you’ve already seen the news?’
‘I haven’t.’
‘Miranda and David have made the front page. “Scandal! Bogus competition winners attempt sabotage on Starcross Manor’s wedding plans,”’ she read from the paper she’d brought with her. ‘Aidy Redfern wrote the article and it certainly makes for an interesting read.’
‘Miranda and David have been arrested for fraud and are being sued by Flynn,’ Libby said after scanning the article, which was accompanied by a photo of David being escorted towards a police car.
‘And cancelled bookings and stranded local suppliers have left the new wedding barn potentially out of business before it’s even begun,’ Guy said, looking it over.
‘Let’s hope they just disappear and we never have to see those people around town ever again,’ Libby added as the church clock chimed two. She clapped her hands together in excitement as she noticed everyone walking down the path towards the studio.
Opening the door wide, Libby welcomed everyone as they stepped inside.
‘This is all very cloak and dagger,’ remarked Rona, the owner of Bonnie’s Teashop, narrowing her eyes at Libby. ‘What’s going on?’
‘You look like the cat that’s got the cream,’ observed Florrie.
‘If you all want to grab yourselves a drink then I can share the biggest secret ever to hit Heartcross!’
There was excited chatter all around. As soon as everyone was sitting down, Libby instructed Guy to keep a look-out at the window just in case Julia decided to come and visit. Jenny slipped into a chair next to Eleni, Julia’s right-hand woman at the B&B.
Libby looked over the sea of faces as everyone fell silent. All eyes were on her.
‘Thank you all for coming. I know you must be wondering why I’ve invited you here. Eleni! Please tell me you haven’t told a soul you’re here, not even Julia?’
Eleni looked puzzled. ‘Scout’s honour, I’ve not told Julia or anyone else that I’m here. Why?’
‘Because…’ Libby took a deep breath, letting the tension in the room build. ‘I am about to take on the biggest secret challenge of my life and I need your help!’
‘This is intriguing,’ said Isla, looking towards Rona, who shrugged.
Picking up the newspaper that Jenny had brought with her, Libby held up the front page. ‘This couple were the couple who were meant to be getting married here on Christmas Eve. However, they were trying to sabotage Flynn’s business and ruin his reputation because they planned to open their own wedding business in the area.’
‘What a cheek they both had,’ commented Isla.
‘Unbelievable! Thankfully, I had already given Flynn exclusivity for wedding flowers at Starcross Manor,’ chipped in Florrie.
‘And I won’t be baking any wedding cakes for them. They won’t get any help from this community,’ confirmed Rona.
‘Here, here,’ everyone chorused.
