Florrie tapped the next photo, which showed the gardens as they were now. ‘My aunt Ada created these gardens. She cared for and loved each plant out there. That was all her hard work. It was a shock to learn she didn’t actually own the cottage, and I know I can’t do anything to change that, but hopefully we can stop W. Houston Property Developers from destroying everything that Ada created.’
Aidy stood up and walked towards the back door. He looked out over the garden. ‘It’s stunning. The whole place is like a work of art. They can’t bulldoze it. Everyone needs to object to this development.’
‘They do and that’s the point of the meeting on Wednesday – to get the word out that we need help to stop this from happening, and brainstorm further ideas to do so. I should also mention that W. Houston Property Developers have arranged to inspect the cottage on the same day as Flowers in Bloom.’
Aidy gave a small chuckle. ‘I wouldn’t like to be in their shoes when they come face to face with the community of Heartcross.’
‘Me neither,’ agreed Isla.
‘Okay,’ said Aidy. ‘We need to keep the momentum going and keep your plight at the front of the news. Everyone has fallen in love with the story of your great-grandfather. Do you have a photo of him?’
Florrie nodded. ‘There’s one in The Vintage Flower Van.’
‘Would it be okay if I shoot a little footage this morning and then circulate it with the photo of your great-grandfather?’
‘Absolutely,’ replied Florrie.
‘And whilst you’re setting up The Vintage Flower Van for today, I’m going to make a call. I’ve got a contact at the TV studios and I want to try and arrange a slot for you on their morning show tomorrow. Would you be free and be able to get there?’
‘Wow! Really?’
Aidy nodded. ‘I’ll give it my best shot.’
Florrie looked at Isla who nodded. ‘We can cover the van if needs must,’ Isla offered. ‘This is the perfect opportunity; you have to do this.’
‘I can be free, I am free! Yes! Thank you, Aidy.’
‘I’m sure you’ll have numerous journalists flocking to the van today, so time is of the essence. Would you be available to take some photos as soon as you set up?’
Florrie glanced at the clock. ‘I need to take a quick shower, and then cut the flowers, and the wholesalers van will be here in a minute. In fact…’ Florrie got up and opened the back door wider. The sound of a van’s reversing sensor could be heard. ‘It’s here now.’
‘You go and get yourself ready and I’ll unload the flowers from the wholesalers and fill up the buckets,’ suggested Isla.
‘Thank you.’ Hurrying up the stairs and switching on the shower, Florrie couldn’t quite believe there was a possibility that she would be appearing on national TV tomorrow morning. She’d never done anything like that before, but even though she was already feeling slightly nervous she was also excited to tell The Vintage Flower Van’s story to the nation.
Ten minutes later she heard a frantic call from Isla. ‘Florrie, are you out of the shower? You need to hurry.’
Pulling on her clothes and dabbing on some lipgloss, Florrie declared herself ready. Isla was waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
‘What’s up? We’ve got ages before we open up.’
Isla playfully pushed her towards the living-room window, which overlooked the lane.
‘What’s going on? What are you doing?’
‘You need to take a look at this but don’t make yourself too visible.’
Slowly edging towards the curtain, Florrie took a peep out of the window. ‘Holy moly! Where have all these people come from?’ She watched for a moment as Aidy made his way through the crowd, stopping now and again to speak to people. ‘Is he interviewing them?’
‘He is. These people must have heard your great-grandfather’s story and wanted to see The Vintage Flower Van for themselves. The buckets of flowers will diminish fast.’
Florrie’s heart began to race. ‘This is incredible. With a crowd this size we’ll likely be sold out in the next hour.’
‘I’m not sure I would even give it that long. This is going to be good for business. I’ve got to get back to the farm but do you want Gran to come over here and help out? And what do you want to do about Buttercup Barn?’
Florrie thought for a moment. ‘I can put together Buttercup Barn’s deliveries from here. Would you be able to put a note on the door telling everyone it’s closed today but The Vintage Flower Van is open for business?’
‘Yes, and I can send Gran over here.’
