‘Great. Could we position you inside The Vintage Flower Van? It will be the perfect spot. And if we could have the protesters surrounding you?’
‘I think you need to get used to this,’ whispered Isla, opening the gate to let Florrie pass. Florrie walked with the reporter towards the van whilst Isla and Martha leaned against the garden gate and watched.
Fifteen minutes later they had finished filming. The crew began packing up their equipment, and the protesters with the placards were quietly walking away up the lane.
‘How was that? Did you manage to hear much of the interview?’ Florrie asked as she joined them again.
‘You’re on fire and the protesters gave it extra clout,’ replied Martha.
Florrie glanced over her shoulder. ‘They turned up at just the right time to show their support, didn’t they? It was perfect for filming. They’ve also taken some of their own footage, which they’re going to upload on their channels, and next week, once the community has sent in their opposition letters, they will protest outside the planning offices.’
‘I’ve got a good feeling about this. I know it’s difficult because you won’t be able to live here, but at least we may be able to stop it being demolished,’ Isla said kindly.
Florrie looked up at the cottage. ‘If the new-builds don’t go ahead, who knows what will happen to the cottage? Maybe they’ll put it up for sale. If that’s the case, I’m going to make sure I’m in a position to buy.’
‘There’s only one way you’re going to make that happen,’ replied Martha, ‘and that’s by selling those flowers!’
She pointed over Florrie’s shoulder and Florrie turned to find another queue was forming outside The Vintage Flower Van. ‘You’re right. I’d best get back to doing what I do best, and that’s selling flowers!’
ChapterEighteen
After a busy day, Florrie was happily sitting in the garden of Rose Cottage with a gin and tonic in her hand. People were due to start arriving for the meeting in the next half an hour and Florrie was fully prepared, with notes and pointers written on her notepad to ensure everything was covered. With the power of social media and her TV appearance, Florrie felt a renewed sense of strength and belief that W. Houston Property Developers were not going to get their way.
She heard a car pull up outside the cottage, and Isla and Martha soon appeared around the corner.
‘Rona and Felicity are just coming up the lane, along with Dolores and Hamish. We spotted Andrew and Grace heading this way from Heartcross Castle and Molly and Cam are leading the community from the bottom end of the village. And what a beautiful evening it is,’ chirped Martha, in good spirits.
‘Isn’t it just? Oh, here they are now,’ Florrie replied, standing up.
Rona and Felicity arrived carrying trays of refreshments and set them out on the long trestle tables. Felicity filled up the urns with water and placed jars of coffee, teabags, milk and sugar next to the mugs.
‘I can’t thank you enough,’ said Florrie, overwhelmed by the effort they’d put in.
‘You’re very welcome. Look at this place, it feels like we’re attending a garden party,’ said Felicity, staring at the beauty that surrounded her.
‘No one is going to destroy all this hard work,’ declared Rona. ‘Not on our watch.’
‘You were marvellous on the show this morning and even made the six o’clock news too,’ enthused Felicity.
‘Ooh, I didn’t see that,’ said Florrie. ‘I’m sure it’ll be repeated later.’
‘The nation has fallen in love with your great-grandfather’s story and The Vintage Flower Van.’ Rona smiled at her warmly. ‘Everyone’s arriving. Come on, let’s grab some refreshments and sit down on a blanket.’
Florrie began to welcome her friends. Molly and Cam followed Dolores and Hamish along with Ben and Katie from Peony Practice, Allie and Rory from the Clover Cottage estate and Jinny and Gabe from Bumblebee Cottage. Earlier in the day, Florrie had spoken briefly with Dolores and they’d agreed she would share her birthday plans during the meeting tonight.
‘I’m actually beginning to feel nervous now,’ Florrie said, turning towards Isla.
‘There’s no need for that! Everyone knows why they’re here and they’re happy to help in any way they can.’
It wasn’t long before everyone was settled on the picnic blankets and their attention was focused on Florrie.
‘Thank you all for coming, and thank you to Rona and Felicity at Bonnie’s Teashop, who have, as usual, pulled out all the stops and made sure we’ll never go hungry. Thank you also to Flynn for providing the blankets. Now, we all know why we’re here.’ Florrie swooped her arm towards the stunning gardens around them. Suddenly feeling a tad emotional, she took a deep breath, thankful she was surrounded by her friends. She knew they would lift her up the second she started talking. ‘It’s been a little difficult since Ada’s passing, and even more so when I discovered the cottage was rented and that W. Houston Property Developers plan to destroy everything Ada created here. She lives on in these flowers and I know I would find comfort watching them grow and bloom in the coming days, months and years, so I’m asking for your help. If we all oppose this development, or sign a petition, or make a fuss on social media – basically do anything and everything to try and put a spanner in the works – I really think we have a chance of saving Ada’s legacy. Will you all join me?’
There was murmured agreement from the crowd and heads were being vigorously nodded.
‘I’ll get a petition circulated,’ shouted Hamish. ‘I can put it on the counter in the village shop.’
‘Perfect,’ replied Florrie.
