‘I know the feeling. I’m a widow.’ Her grey eyes softened. ‘There’s no need to justify yourself.’
‘Thank you.’ They fell silent, and Albie stared at her, awed. Who was this magnificent creature who spoke her mind, and knew exactly who she was and made no apology for it, and looked so effortlessly sensational?
Clover. Rose. Maybe he was destined to fall in love with women named after flowers and foliage.
Wait. What? He would never fall for anyone other his wife. She was the love of his life, and nothing would ever change that. Twin flags of guilt and betrayal burned his cheeks.
Oh, Rose. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.
He was an old fool.
But studying Clover’s 1920s style flapper dress, from the same era as his Peaky Blinders inspired suit and cap, perhaps they could be friends. A companion who understood the same references to films and movies stars, world events and inventions, would be nice. Before he could stop himself, he babbled, ‘Shall I give you a tour of the roses? Introduce you to my neighbours?’
Nodding, she tucks a wing of silver hair behind her ear, showing off glitzy diamond earrings. ‘Love to. I’m also interested in hearing more about the cottages your friend spoke about so passionately. I’m on the lookout for a new project. I like to fill my time, keep myself busy. I’d be happy to volunteer.’
‘That would be marvellous,’ he replied, offering his arm as they crossed the lawn. ‘We can always do with extra help. I do my best, but the heart slows me down sometimes. As well as my arthritis-riddled knees.’
‘What’s wrong with your heart?’ She pulled him to a stop, looking concerned.
‘Oh. Did I say that aloud?’ What was it about this woman that made him share such things? But on balance, what was the harm? She could probably tell anyway. Dropping his voice, he murmured, ‘I have heart failure. Get a bit puffed out, and sometimes my ankles swell up. GP says I might not have long left, although I’ve made a few lifestyle changes recently.’ Moving here, getting started on fulfilling his promise to Rose, long walks with Theo and Tori, building a new kindness tribe…
She waved her hand. ‘Pah, I have four underlying medical conditions. I simply rest when I need to and make the most of when I feel energetic. Besides, none of us know how long we have. So, all the more important to make the most of our todays.’
‘Tomorrow is never guaranteed?’
‘Exactly.’
He stared at her, bemused. She reminded him of Rose, so wise and kind. ‘Let’s make the most of the sunshine then, and introduce you to people who might become new friends.’
‘Sounds perfect.’ She tugged on his arm. ‘Lead the way.’
As they headed for the group containing Theo and Gilly, Albie caught sight of Tori playing with the children in the paddling pool, thumb partway over the hose nozzle to spray them. They were giggling and splashing her denim shorts and white T-shirt in return. It was lovely, like the roses in the walled garden, to see her blooming.
He smiled as, to his left, the red bricks of the walled garden acquired a rosy sheen, and the open gate gave a little shimmy. When it stilled, the black paint coating it appeared freshly applied.
CHAPTER 18
Tori
Offer Support in a Crisis
Dear Notebook,
Albie wanted to make today memorable for Rosie, and succeeded. Holding birthday party in manor garden was lovely idea and everyone had fun.
Will be memorable for me, for different reasons.
Flush as think about what happened. Was nervous as knew lots of people coming. What if one of them somehow knewhim, shared where I lived? Or someone took picture and posted on social media? What if men came on to me, and wouldn’t take no for an answer? Was driving myself mad withwhat ifsso left flat as soon as dressed. Promised Rosie I’d come.
Couldn’t hide away. Had to take more chances. Mistake?
As soon as found Kirsten on back lawn, relief flooded me. Signs dotted around garden.No phones please, this is an unplugged party.
‘I knew you’d be worried.’ She patted my shoulder.
‘How?’
Studied me thoughtfully. ‘I don’t know what happened to you, but can tell it’s infinitely painful. Sometimes, I see how reluctant you are to be in groups, and assume you’re hiding from something, so thought you’d prefer not being splashed across the internet. That’ll help Harley too— Uh, anyway, thanks for helping, it means a lot.’ Paused. ‘If you ever want to talk, I’m a good listener.’
