Dolores stared in front of her. ‘W. Houston Property Developers was founded by my dear friend William Houston. He was a man of morals and everyone adored him. When he walked into a room, heads would turn.’
Florrie realised Dolores had tears in her eyes and placed a hand on her knee.
‘William was taken too soon. He’d missed out on so much life but he certainly made an impression when he was alive. He bought numerous properties across Scotland and when he passed away, the company was taken over by his son, Edward.’
Dolores paused and Florrie could see that she was battling with whether she should share something with her. She evidently chose not to; perhaps she was being loyal to William’s memory?
‘Let’s just say that Edward wasn’t – and isn’t – of his father’s calibre or the family man he liked to portray. He’s crossed my path many times in the past. We moved in the same circles and frequented the same parties. He flirted with the rich and famous and exaggerated his contacts to influence new friendships that would benefit him in some way.’
‘Are you saying he used people?’
‘In my humble opinion.’
‘In my humble opinion, I don’t like W. Houston Property Developers at all,’ added Florrie. ‘My heart is breaking. To demolish the gardens and take The Vintage Flower Van makes no sense to me whatsoever, but I’m going to create so much publicity that hopefully someone will take notice. Did you know that Aunt Ada didn’t own Rose Cottage?’
Dolores nodded. ‘Yes, I know there was an agreement between William and Ada.’
‘And what do you know of Tom Houston?’ probed Florrie. ‘I saw him at the funeral.’
Dolores arched an eyebrow. ‘He was at the funeral? Are you sure?’
‘I’m sure.’
‘Was Edward with him?’
‘I didn’t see his father.’
‘That’s good because that man isn’t welcome around these parts. He’s still a major part of W. Houston Property Developers and there’s only one thing that drives him – greed. If William had had his way, he…’ Dolores stopped herself in her tracks and didn’t finish the sentence. ‘As for Tom, by all accounts he is more like his grandfather than his father, thankfully.’
Florrie was a little surprised by this. She had never known Dolores to badmouth anyone, except maybe the press on a few well-deserved occasions.
With a glint in her eye, Dolores took hold of Florrie’s hand. ‘I have a proposition for you. I think I may be able to help you to create a little publicity.’
‘Tell me more.’
‘You know that I create commotion everywhere I go, and even at my age it still hasn’t calmed down?’
Florrie knew only too well. Only last week, Dolores had flown to a restaurant in Edinburgh. As soon as she’d arrived, there was a paparazzi frenzy followed by a huge commotion outside, once her fans realised she was inside. The restaurant had had to close its doors as a tsunami of people surged inside hoping to get a table. The whole incident had made it onto the ten o’clock news.
‘I certainly do.’
‘And that’s why I’ve come up with a plan.’
‘Which is?’
‘The press has not been off my back for the last two months, trying to get the exclusive of how and with whom I’ll be celebrating my one hundredth birthday. The offers from TV and radio have been pouring in, everyone wanting me to appear on their programme that day. Talk shows on prime-time TV have offered ludicrous amounts of money – and, would you believe, that programme that takes place in the Australian jungle has even approached me to see if I’d make a guest appearance! Do I look like I want to eat bugs and kangaroo penis at my age?’ Dolores rolled her eyes.
Florrie chuckled. ‘Those were not words that I ever expected to hear today.’
‘I’m all about the finer things in life and they don’t include long-haul flights and they’ve never included penises.’ Dolores smiled.
‘Aunt Dolores!’
‘That’s one of the joys of being my age, I can get away with saying anything,’ she replied with a chuckle. ‘But the point is that whatever I do on my birthday it will be splashed all across all media channels. So I think we can help each other.’ She hesitated. ‘And between you and me, this would rile Edward Houston a little, which I am all for.’
The way she said those words, Florrie knew that something had gone on between them in the past.
Dolores continued. ‘Ada was a loyal, discreet person and had my back for many years, and now I’d like to do something for you and her. There will be no houses built on those gardens as long as I’m alive … though I’m not exactly sure how long that will be.’
