Her enthusiasm was infectious and Florrie couldn’t help but smile back. ‘Hiya, Jenna. Don’t tell me, you and Jack have set a date for your wedding?’ Florrie knew Jenna had been desperate to get a date fixed, and, unlike Florrie, the author was keen for a big, all-singing, all-dancing, elaborate do.
‘Aye, that we have. I’ve just been telling Jean here our big day’s been booked at Danskelfe Castle for the twelfth of June next year – I know it seems a long way off, but that was the first date they had free for the bigger wedding package. The venue’s gorgeous, which is why it’s massively in demand, but we really wanted to have our wedding there, so we’re happy to wait. And, of course, we’ll have one of Jazz’s gorgeous wedding cakes. We’ve booked a follow-up appointment at the castle to discuss things in greater detail, like catering, flowers, décorof the dining room, music and so forth. I’msoexcited!’ Jenna said, rubbing her hands together enthusiastically, her exuberance bubbling over.
‘Can’t say we’d noticed,’ Jack said dryly, though the happiness that danced across his face told them he was as thrilled as Jenna.
‘Well, I’m chuffed to bits for both of you, I’ve heard how amazing they are,’ Florrie said. And much as she genuinely meant it, hearing all that was involved in organising a wedding on such a big scale only served to make her glad she and Ed had been in full agreement that a low-key ceremony was more their style. Jenna’s high-spirited personality, not to mention her huge family with endless cousins, and wide circle of friends, was far better suited to something more elaborate.
‘Me too,’ said Ed. ‘And at least it’ll give you plenty of time to find a suitable hat, Jean.’ He grinned at her, making her chuckle.
‘Eee, we could go shopping together, Jean. I know this totally fab shop in Newcastle that sells the mostamazingheadwear. We could stay over, make a real treat of it,’ Jenna enthused. ‘And I’ve noted you’re wearing your new desert boots we bought on our last shopping trip – they look awesome on you, pet!’
‘Thank you, lovey.’ Jean beamed. ‘I have to say, they’re very comfy.’
‘Bet you wish you’d bought the apple-green pair as well now, don’t you? But no worries, we can pop back to the shop the next time you and me have a girls’ weekend in the Toon. In fact, let’s get one in the diary after Jack and me have finished our meeting.’
Jack hooted with laughter at his fiancée’s enthusiasm. ‘By ’eck, you don’t hang around, do you, lass?’
‘Not a blinkin’ chance.’ Jenna treated him to one of her warm smiles.
To say Jenna could be something of a whirlwind when she was excited would be an understatement. Florrie didn’t know about Jean, but she sometimes felt like she needed a moment to catch her breath when Jenna was on a roll like this.
They were distracted as the bell above the bookshop door jangled cheerily and a dapper-looking gentleman stepped in. Hewas wearing a well-tailored tweed coat and neatly pressed trousers, a pair of highly polished brown shoes on his feet. The well-groomed look was topped off by a trilby hat set at a jaunty angle.
‘Good morning,’ the gentleman said, casting a warm smile around the group, his kind blue eyes shining.
‘Good morning, Amery,’ said Jean, her face lighting up with a smile. Her hand fluttered to her hair while the apples of her cheeks were suddenly tinted with a blush.
‘Morning, Mr Wallace,’ said Florrie, aware of the others observing with interest as Jean and Amery continued to beam at one another. She was clearly not the only one who could sense the sparks that had started dancing between them.
‘Ey up, what’s this, then?’ Jack said, sotto voce. Florrie slid him a sideways look and a knowing smile.
A chorus of hellos, tinged with more than a hint of curiosity, followed as Jean made her way over to the counter. ‘I’m afraid the book you ordered hasn’t come in yet – we’re expecting it tomorrow – but one came to mind yesterday that I thought you might like. I took the liberty of setting a copy aside for you. I hope you don’t mind, but they’ve been selling rather quickly? R.J. Kingston’s a newly published author but he’s already gaining quite a fanbase.Dark Night’s been generating a lot of interest here and going from the sort of books you like, I think you’ll enjoy this.’
‘That’s very kind of you, Jean, I’m always keen to find new authors.’ Amery came to a stop before the counter where Jean now stood, tipping a friendly nod at Leah who, judging from her smiles, was enjoying this interaction as much as Florrie. ‘Good morning, Leah,’ he said, removing his trilby and revealing a headful of snowy-white hair that was neatly barbered and swept back off a strong forehead.
‘Hi, Mr Wallace.’
Gerty heaved herself out of her bed and waddled over to him, sniffing his trousers. ‘Hello there, Gerty.’ He bent and gave her a pat and was rewarded with a wag of her tail. Satisfied that he had no dog treats lurking in his pockets, the Labrador lost interest andheaded back to her bed where she flopped down with a ‘Hmph’, resting her head on her paws.
Amery turned his attention back to Jean. ‘I finished Eleanor Farthing’s book last night and I really must commend you on your recommendation; it was excellent, so cleverly executed – a real page turner.’
‘I thought you’d like it.’ Jean beamed, clasping her hands together and looking delighted with this news. ‘Her books have been a favourite of mine for years, and I was thrilled when I heard they were to be republished. I devoured them all over again; they’ve definitely stood the test of time.’
‘Couldn’t agree more, I can see why the author has such a loyal readership.’
‘Oh, that she most certainly has,’ Jean agreed readily.
‘Book talk aside, how are you this fine day, Jean? I must say, you’re looking very well.’ Florrie noted that, though he spoke with a North Yorkshire accent, it had a slight polish to it. A hint of his cologne wafted her way, a clean, traditional fragrance that smelled expensive. It put her in mind of the Penhaligon’s cologne that Mr H used to wear when he and Mrs H had what he called ‘date night’. It was something they continued until Mrs H passed away. Florrie regularly found herself hoping that she and Ed would enjoy the same sort of loving relationship into their old age as his grandparents had. Such thoughts had often found their way to thinking it was a shame that Jean, who’d never married, wouldn’t get to experience such love and affection. But maybe that was about to change…
‘Oh, thank you, Amery, so kind of you to say. I’m very well, thank you. And how about you? Have you had the opportunity to take a walk in the sunshine yet today?’
This was a side to Jean Florrie had never witnessed before; she was positively sparkling and it warmed her heart to see it. From the happy look Leah shot her, she was clearly thinking the same.
‘Ah, well, books aren’t my only reason for popping in today. I was wondering if you’d be free to join me for a stroll alongthe top prom at some point this afternoon? It’s a beautiful spring day, with buds appearing on the trees, a hint of blossom on the ornamental cherries. It would be a shame to waste it.’
‘Oh, well, how lovely. I’d very much like that.’ Jean giggled like a lovestruck teenager, her hand going to her hair again. ‘As a matter of fact, I finish here at one thirty, and, since I’m not building bears with Maggie this afternoon, I’ll be free after that time. Would that fit in with your plans?’
‘It fits in with them perfectly.’ Amery was all smiles. ‘Shall I meet you here at that time, or is there anywhere else you’d prefer?’
