‘In fact, we can have several around the village. The Little Blue Boathouse is packed with tourists every day. We can even put one on the water taxis.’ Bea looked at Roman, who agreed with a nod.
‘One at The Lake House, too, and Starcross Manor,’ added Flynn.
‘We can also have one at the B&B,’ suggested Julia.
‘And we can have one at the vet’s surgery,’ chipped in Molly. Rory and Allie nodded their agreement.
‘And I think you can safely count on each of us to write a letter to the council,’ added Flynn. ‘Probably more than one in some cases.’
Everyone agreed and a timescale was agreed to ensure that the letters would be written and posted by the end of the week.
‘You may have also heard that The Vintage Flower Van also belongs to W. Houston Property Developers and will therefore be forced to cease trading at the end of the month.’ Florrie swallowed. ‘Again, another blow. This has been Aunt Ada’s business for decades. I know most of you are aware but just so we’re all on the same page, I recently started up several social media accounts for The Vintage Flower Van, and the followers and interaction they’ve accrued have been mind-blowing. My TV appearance this morning, has already brought even more attention to the van’s plight. In short, we’re making progress and I’m going to keep on creating havoc on social media in the hope that W. Houston Property Developers will change their minds. Anything you can do to support and amplify those efforts would be so appreciated. I’m not going to give up on this place or The Vintage Flower Van easily.’
Everyone cheered.
‘Rose Cottage Gardens will be opening for one last time under my watch during this year’s Flowers in Bloom. It meant a lot to Aunt Ada and she took great pleasure in showing you all what she was capable of achieving.’ Florrie smiled. ‘Tickets go on sale tomorrow, but this year I’m giving everyone gathered here this evening the first opportunity to purchase them – for two special reasons.’
Florrie took a sip of her drink, before turning back towards everyone. ‘Now, what I’m about to share with you is for community ears only. Do not talk about this in a public place, and definitely do not share it on social media.’
‘Ooh, this sounds exciting, very cloak and dagger. I love a secret,’ remarked Julia, who was sitting at the front next to Flynn.
‘W. Houston Property Developers has unknowingly booked their property inspection for the same day as Flowers in Bloom…’
There was chatter all around.
‘…And I want them to be met with the whole of Heartcross, out in force. The second special reason is that this year Rose Cottage will have a little extra sparkle on the day – something that will have the media out in force and will catapult Rose Cottage Gardens and the plight of The Vintage Flower Van worldwide … and Dolores is going to share with us exactly what that sparkle will be.’
Dolores stood up and walked towards Florrie with a heart-warming smile.
Everyone in the garden was silent, all eyes were on Dolores in eager expectation.
‘Heartcross is just the best community and has been my safe haven for many, many years. My choice of career threw me into worldwide fame and over the years I’ve travelled and lived in many different countries but Heartcross has always been my home. Ada was one of my best friends – a loyal, genuine, honest friend, who often helped me to throw the paparazzi in a different direction when I wanted to escape unnoticed. Along with Martha and Bonnie, of course.’ Dolores smiled at Rona and Martha. ‘Which brings me to why I’m standing here. As I approach my one hundredth birthday the world press has already started to go mad, wanting to know what I’ll be doing and how I’ll be spending it. Between you and me, it was going to be a quiet one with Hamish and my friends in the pub, but after hearing what’s happening here, I want to help.’ Dolores took a breath and shot a brief look at Florrie.
‘Each and every one of you sitting in front of me is invited to a special gig for my one hundredth birthday celebration, which will take place here in the Rose Cottage Gardens, in memory of Ada. Tickets will be selling fast due to Florrie’s current press profile and her social media, so you all need to get your tickets soon. Who wants to come to a party?’
Everyone stood up and began clapping. Dolores hugged Florrie. ‘We’ve got this,’ she whispered.
‘I take it that’s a “yes” from everyone?’ Dolores asked with a laugh as she turned back to the crowd. ‘But…’ She waved her arms in the air to quiet everyone down. ‘This needs to stay between us for now. The press can’t find out until the very last minute. Now, to make sure you all have a ticket’ – she gestured to Hamish to come and join her – ‘Hamish has got them here. I’ve paid for each and every one of them, and all the money will be donated to a charity of my and Ada’s choosing, because I know exactly which one she would choose. But for now I’m going to keep that under wraps.’
As Hamish began to hand out tickets to everyone at the meeting, Florrie turned towards Dolores. ‘Thank you for all this.’
‘You don’t need to thank me, I’d do anything for Ada,’ she said as she touched Florrie’s arm and gave a supportive squeeze. She walked off towards Martha, who handed her a cup of tea.
Isla joined Florrie, who was still looking in Dolores’s direction. ‘I’d love to take a trip to the past and see how life was when they were all young.’
‘Wouldn’t that be fun.’
Florrie smiled at Flynn, who was heading in their direction.
‘Flowers in Bloom, Dolores’s birthday party and inspection day all in one? The publicity is going to be huge! I really wouldn’t like to be in the shoes of whoever is representing W. Houston Property Developers that day.’
‘I wonder who they might send?’ Isla pondered.
Florrie gave a small laugh and gave voice to something she’d been quietly wondering about for a few days now. ‘I’m actually thinking it could possibly be Tom Houston. After all, he’s in the village and staying at Starcross Manor.’
‘Starcross Manor?’ questioned Flynn.
‘Yes, he’s here for the charity event. He’s representing the William Houston Foundation. It was on the email you sent over.’
