‘I’m sorry. The property is not for sale,’ the assistant repeated. ‘I can also confirm another letter has been sent to the property notifying you that there will be an inspection visit to make sure everything is left in good order. Once that has been completed the original deposit will be refunded to you in the amount of…’ There was more tapping on the keyboard. ‘Thirty-five pounds. Is there anything else I can do for you today?’
Florrie was aghast and lost for words. She could feel herself beginning to tremble. After hanging up the phone she promptly burst into tears. Hearing the bell tinkle above the door she looked up to see Isla walking through the door.
‘Thank God it’s you and not a customer.’ Florrie held up the letter.
‘Oh Florrie, I was just coming to see how you were getting on but I’m assuming it’s not good news?’
Florrie managed a shake of her head, the tears still rolling down her cheeks. ‘They said the lease cannot be transferred, and the property is not for rent or for sale. I just don’t understand.’
‘Did you speak to a supervisor? Maybe they could look at this case in more detail? I don’t know what else to say.’ Isla walked over to the door and locked it before displaying the closed sign. ‘Let’s have a breather for a minute.’
Florrie stood in front of the window and took a second to compose her thoughts. ‘They did say there was another letter coming in the post with further details.’
‘That could be this one. The post came just as I was leaving.’
Florrie took the letter from Isla. Seeing the name ‘W. Houston Property Developers’ now brought instant dread. ‘What I don’t understand is, if the cottage is not for sale or rent, then what’s going to happen to it? I feel so sad – all of Great-Aunt Ada’s hard work in maintaining the place over the years will have been for nothing. She’s added so much value to the property. It is so unfair. They don’t seem to want to take any of that into consideration.’
‘I agree with you there.’
‘It’s an absolute blow. I feel sick to my stomach.’ Florrie tore open the letter.
‘Let’s try and stay positive. Maybe we could take some legal advice,’ suggested Isla. ‘We’ll do our best to find a way through this.’
Feeling like her whole world was collapsing around her, Florrie read the letter. ‘It’s things that need to be left in the cottage, or equivalents. This is a little silly. As if Aunt Ada is going to have kept things from sixty years ago. But it’s quite general. There shouldn’t be too much of an issue.’ Florrie turned to the second page and her eyes widened as she read the words. ‘Oh no, just when I didn’t think things could get any worse!’
‘What is it?’ asked Isla.
‘This letter states that The Vintage Flower Van belongs to Rose Cottage.’
‘That’s ridiculous,’ said Isla, aghast.
‘It cannot be removed from the premises,’ Florrie continued. ‘Which means Great-Aunt Ada’s business of sixty years will have to fold. It can’t! I promised her I’d look after the van.’ Florrie exhaled. ‘Just … why are they doing this?’ She handed the letter over to Isla. ‘The Vintage Flower Van is iconic, and has been a part of this community for decades. Everyone will be up in arms.’
‘It looks like it came with the cottage. Aunt Ada must have rented it, too.’
Florrie briefly closed her eyes. ‘It’s just one thing after another. It seems never-ending. My guess is if they weren’t accommodating about the lease then they aren’t going to allow me to have the van.’
‘But surely it can’t be any use to them.’
‘Great-Aunt Ada’s business meant the world to her. Her legacy needs to live on.’
Hearing the locked door rattle they both looked up to see Flynn trying to open it. He cupped his hands against the glass and peered inside, spotting them straightaway and tapping his watch. ‘Open up,’ he shouted, jokingly, with a smile on his face.
Florrie unlocked the door and Flynn stepped inside. ‘I know it’s short notice, Florrie, but I’m organising a huge charity conference up at Starcross Manor. It’s going to be a big deal, with the national press attending and major coverage on social media platforms, and I was wondering – well, hoping – you’ll take care of all the floral displays in the reception area along with the room, and dress the tables for the lunch.’ Flynn looked between the pair of them and immediately realised there was something wrong. ‘Have I caught you at a bad time? Sorry, I’ve not even asked you how you are. Here’s me barging straight in.’
‘Don’t be daft, you know you’re my favourite hotel owner and of course I’ll help. I’ll get my diary.’
‘Thank you. Are you doing okay?’ he asked tentatively. ‘Especially despite the latest news. I’m not sure how I’d be feeling.’
Florrie was perplexed. ‘Latest news? Feeling about what?’ she asked, glancing from Flynn to Isla. ‘What have I missed?’ She knew Flynn couldn’t know about Rose Cottage or The Vintage Flower Van as she’d only just found out herself.
By the look on Flynn’s face, he’d realised he must have said something he shouldn’t have.
‘Flynn?’ queried Isla.
He took a breath. ‘I may have put my size nines in it. You don’t know, do you?’
‘Not until you tell me,’ encouraged Florrie, knowing by his expression that whatever he was going to tell her wasn’t something she wanted to hear.
