‘That’s what charities do, they raise money and give it to worthy causes.’
‘That’s not what I’m talking about. You can stand there all you like being holier-than-thou but it won’t wash with the people in Heartcross; they’ll all see through you.’
Tom looked a little stunned, his tired face paling further.
‘I suppose you’re going to tell us it will be good for the community, without giving a second thought to what you’re destroying as long as it puts money in your pocket.’ Her eyes were firmly fixed on him. ‘You know exactly what I’m saying here.’
Tom looked exasperated. ‘I really don’t.’ He shook his head then ran his hand through his hair. ‘I’ve no idea what you’re going on about. But it seems to me you’re dying to pick a fight with me for whatever reason and this isn’t the time or the place. I’ve got more important things going on.’ He stared at her with such intensity she suddenly wished she could read his mind.
‘Haven’t we all.’
Tom threw his hands up in the air. ‘Fine! I’ll leave you to it. I’m not really sure what’s going on here but whatever it is I think you have it all wrong.’
As Tom walked off, Florrie took a deep breath. With the emotion pouring through her body, she blinked back frustrated tears. She didn’t like confrontations of any sort but how could he stand there and blatantly deny things, saying he didn’t know what was going on?
Watching him disappear through the wrought-iron gates, she looked over at the gravestones and walked along the next two rows until she found what she was looking for.
She stared at the gravestone.
In Loving Memory of William Houston.
From the dates engraved on the stone, she could see that, William Houston was taken too soon.
ChapterTen
‘Florrie! I didn’t expect you to be working the van this morning,’ Ash said, walking towards her with a bright smile on his face.
She looked up over the hatch. ‘Martha and I have done a swap. She’s going to be working at Buttercup Barn whilst I try and save the van and the cottage.’
‘I saw the WhatsApp message. I can’t believe it.’ He snuck a glance towards Rose Cottage. ‘No one in their right minds would destroy any part of this place. It’s full of character and history. I’m actually lost for words.’
‘I know, heartbreaking is the only word I can muster up, but hopefully at the meeting I can encourage everyone to write objection letters. Surely the council would have to listen to us if we bombarded them?’
‘We’ll all happily do whatever it takes. I’ll spread the word on my rounds.’
‘Thanks, Ash, I really appreciate it. Before the meeting I’m upping my presence on social media, and I’ve invited the world to Flowers in Bloom so hopefully I can get the story of this place into the press.’
‘Good plan. Here’s today’s post.’ Ash looked down at the envelope then at Florrie. ‘Actually, I’m not sure you’ll be wanting this.’
Florrie took the envelope and her eyes fixed on the dreaded logo of W. Houston Property Developers. ‘Here we go again.’
‘I’ll leave you to it, but anything you need just shout.’
‘I will.’
As Ash headed down the lane, Florrie turned the envelope over in her hand. ‘Think positive,’ she told herself. ‘This may be good news.’
Tearing open the envelope, she quickly read the letter then rang Isla.
‘Isla, you’re not going to believe this. I’ve had another letter from W. Houston Property Developers.’
‘Please tell me it’s good news.’
‘The letter is informing me of the date they’re coming to inspect the property to make sure everything is in order before they kick me out of the cottage.’
‘Which is?’
‘The same day as Flowers in Bloom. You know what this means? I need to make this a visit for them to remember. The timing is brilliant. Not only will they be greeted by the whole community, but hopefully the publicity will also have gained huge momentum by then and I can organise the press being here.’
