‘No,’ she said with a finality that inside she couldn’t quite accept. For some crazy, stupid reason, she had a secret, romantic hope that he would turn up for the opening of the café, which was why she’d blasted it all over the café’s new Facebook page and Instagram account, although if he was in the middle of the Atlantic, it was hardly likely.
Amelie raised both eyebrows.
‘He isn’t, no matter how much I wish it. Let’s talk about you.’ She hugged her. ‘Congratulations. I am so so so pleased for you.’
‘I think I’m still in shock. At my age, I didn’t expect anyone to fall in love with me, never mind me fall in love with them.’
‘What, you always have men chopping wood for you?’
‘Always.’ Her eyes danced with impish amusement.
Mina jumped up. ‘I know, we can have a joint celebration – an engagement party combined with the dry-run opening of the café, and invite all your friends in the village as well as the guests. I was wondering about a theme. I’ll do everything with love hearts and flowers.’
‘That’s a wonderful idea, but you should also invite local hotel owners and other businesspeople in the area so that they’ll recommend it to people.’
‘Brilliant, and I was going to have a laptop open and ask people to leave Tripadvisor reviews. I’ve been taking pictures of cakes for social media, and I’ve already got tons of followers. People seem to love cake!’
‘And why wouldn’t they? But a joint party sounds a very good idea, and I’m sure Johannes would like to contribute some champagne.’
‘That’s not necessary.’
‘Oh, I think it is,’ Amelie said with an irrepressible smile.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Mina woke, her brain springing into action as soon as her eyes opened, racing through her checklist.Breathe, she told herself. Everything was done that could be done in advance. She’d baked all the cakes in advance, iced the biscuits yesterday, Johannes had brought the specially made chocolate love-hearts over last night, the paper napkins she’d ordered at the last minute had turned up, and she’d ironed her favourite dress, which she’d had poor Hannah – ‘Your Post Office bitch’ – send over not long after her china.
Rolling out of bed, she opened the balcony doors and wrapped the throw from the bed around her shoulders. She would never tire of this view. It still held the same magic for her, the mighty guardianship of the mountains, the clear, brilliant sky, and the pretty village with its sturdy buildings, nestling in the valley. It spoke of longevity, tradition, and steadiness, which she found reassuring. All this would be here long after she was gone.
She traced the path of the river Rhone. Although out of sight here, it had shaped the long valley with its collection of twelve villages from Biel to Oberwald. Soon summer would arrive, and she couldn’t wait to see the mountain meadows, the wild flowers, and walk along the scenic hiking trails and show the place off to Derek and Miriam, whom she’d persuaded to come out in June. They’d love it here, she was sure they would, and Derek would be enthralled with the train journeys he could plan. The thought of train journeys brought unwelcome memories.
Enough daydreaming, she told herself, and marched back into the room, getting straight into the shower to wash her hair. She took her time blow-drying it, and decided to come back to do her makeup later when she put her dress on. Even as she skipped down the stairs, she knew she’d take a detour to check the guest register, just in case. She skimmed a finger across the diary page for that day, and then over the next and raised an eyebrow – Frau Müller, it appeared, had been given a reprieve. Pausing for a moment, she closed her eyes and forced a cheerful smile on her face. What will be, will be. Straightening up, she strode into the kitchen.
‘Morning, Amelie.’
‘Good morning, you’re full of beans.’
‘Big day.’
‘It is. Would you like some breakfast?’
‘Not just now, thank you.’ Her appetite had taken a hike. Probably nerves.
For the rest of the morning, she and Amelie put the finishing touches to the cakes, and prepared a selection of canapes including several Swiss favourites that Mina had not come across before: avocado slices and horseradish mousse rolled in smoked salmon; tiny rounds of bread topped by toasted cheese and a dressing of honey, vinegar, mustard, garlic, and rosemary; and tiny pinched dumplings of pastry containing spicy sausage meat. The official opening was due to take place at one o’clock, and they both kept a careful eye on the time. Mina also kept an ear out for noises in reception and a couple of times lifted her head at the sound of the front door to the boot room opening and closing. Once, hearing low male tones, she even went out on the pretext of needing to go to the loo.
‘Hey, Mina.’
Kristian carrying a heavy box was holding open the door for Johannes who was carrying a second box.
‘Kristian. Lovely to see you. Do you think you have enough champagne there?’ she asked with a laugh.
‘Wouldn’t miss the grand opening. And Jane’s coming this weekend.’ He frowned down at the box. ‘Don’t you think this is enough?’
Johannes rolled his eyes and shouldered his way through the kitchen door. ‘It’s plenty. People only need one glass.’
‘It’s a party.’ Amelie’s eyes twinkled as she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek as he put the case of champagne down on the table.
‘Hmm,’ he grumbled, and winked at Mina. ‘There’s plenty more,ifwe need it. Thanks Kristian.’
