‘What did she say?’
‘Nothing much. Wasn’t in the right frame of mind, I don’t think.’ He pulled a face, ‘It was the morning Steve and his team left. There was a funny atmosphere, and I wondered if they’d had a disagreement. When I enquired whether she knew why they’d left, she got cross and exited rather sharply.’
‘Right.’ Another piece of the puzzle slotting into place? ‘Well, Ariel’s finding it stressful prepping for the London show, it’s so important to her career. We need to move back to the capital for that.’
Albie said gently, ‘But what about your career? Also, I’d be so sorry to see you go. We need you here, and you’re both well liked, not to mention respected.’
His kind words made her want to cry again, so she steeled herself. ‘Hers is the priority. When you’re in a creative job, these kinds of opportunities don’t fall into your lap. Success is a mixture of perseverance, hard work, talent and luck. Whereas I can do my job anywhere.’ Lifting her hands from Colin’s silky coat, she stood, ignoring the puppy’s disappointed expression. ‘Oh, by the way, I have questions about the association accounts.’
He rose, hurriedly scooping his dog under one arm. ‘I think you made a friend in little Colin, but we’d best be off.’
‘Albie, the accounts?’ No wonder he’d been so reluctant to share the finances and reveal the astounding price tag for thatching each cottage. Even more if rotten timbers needed replacing. They could ill afford any of it. More shocking was the fund’s disconcerting main income source.
‘Always be willing to compromise,’ Albie re-joined, quoting the latest of Rose’s rule for living. ‘We’ll talk about the accounts soon, but not today. You’ve more important things to worry about. Along with a few more months to give in your notice,ifthat’s what you decide to do.’ With a tip of his hat, he ambled out with his furry best friend, leaving Gilly staring after them.
CHAPTER 33
Albie
Cultivate Calmness and Positivity
He was sure people had more exciting things to do on a Saturday night, but this was important. Anchoring the letter-headed paper under a citronella candle, Albie straightened what Tori called his Rupert-bear jacket (yellow tartan, which he thought quite dashing). Reading the letter earlier with sinking dismay, he’d called an emergency association meeting at seven o’clock sharp.
‘Ariel sent apologies, so I think we’re only missing Vanessa?’ He peered around the long, rectangular, wooden-slatted table Harley had set up for workers and residents in the central courtyard of four of the unowned village properties. Huddling in a square group adjacent to his cottage, the thatched buildings faced the shared space, their flowering, rose-edged front doors looking like they had pink stoles wrapped around their shoulders.
He took a moment to appreciate the enchanting community he had built with the manor and Rose’s help. Tori was poisedto take notes on her laptop, curly black hair pinned in a messy bun and attracting covert glances from Ethan, splayed opposite with his long legs outstretched. Rosie, who was wearing a pink princess tiara, had just climbed onto Harley’s knee, the man looking utterly bemused.
Gilly was at the head of the table looking like a stern CEO, with Ariel conspicuous by her absence. Kit, more relaxed these days, was lounging with a content Ezra on his lap clutching a cloth book. Theo was sitting next to his friend wearing a cheerful expression. Kirsten, striking red hair contrasting with a short denim dress, was handing out crumbly shortcake covered in tangy strawberries and lashings of fresh cream. Consequently, Colin was ambling around the flagstones in anticipation of hoovering up stray morsels, gaze hopeful and small nose twitching. ‘This looks delightful Kirsten, thank you for keeping us well fed as always,’ Albie praised.
His lovely, glamorous Clover was standing behind him in solidarity, knowing what was coming. She’d accepted his abject apology and request to take things slower, though he knew there was still making up to do, even after humbling himself explaining all his muddled thoughts that afternoon in his bedroom.
Vanessa emerged from her cottage, part of the second set of four just across the narrow lane separating the two plots. A neat ponytail and black asymmetric shift dress made her look business-like, even with Laurie on her hip, dangling legs bumping against her thighs as she marched over to join them.
‘Sorry, sorry. Was catching up with social media. Have you seen how our posts have blown up, not to mention the Friends of Little Beaubrook page? Might be because I’ve been tagging DIY and restoration programmes. And people were so sceptical about the Roseto effect hashtag, but after reading up, they’re super intrigued. I’ve also posted about how working togetheras an association and community has benefited us socially, physically and emotionally, along with the list of Rose’s rules, and they’re lapping it up. I think all the support we’re gathering might actually make a difference.’ Her eyes were alight with excitement, and it was the happiest Albie had seen her.
He hated to burst her bubble. ‘Hold that thought,’ he said gruffly, waiting for her to take a seat and settle Laurie on her lap, before continuing. ‘I’ve something to share.’ They were a team, a family stitched together by circumstance. They’d find a way through this latest setback, surely? Picking up the letter, he began reading aloud.
To The Beaubrook Manor Commonhold Association,
It has come to our attention you are currently converting several cottages in the hamlet formerly known as Little Beaubrook. You may be aware we have had offers accepted on three of the vacant cottages, as well as successfully bidding to buy the abandoned railway station located on the other side of the disused tracks.
It is our intention to demolish the station to create a science and technology business park, bringing local employment to the area and boosting the economy. As such, we will require additional land. The best way forward is for all buildings in the hamlet to be removed to make way for a car park, bio-dome and bicycle sheds.
We would like to extend you the courtesy of offering to purchase the cottages you own before you progress with further works on them.
It is appreciated you have another future in mind for Little Beaubrook, however you should be aware we have the support of the local council, especially as our plans are green (the park will be carbon neutral) and will generate income, so we have moved our timeline up to begin work imminently.
If you wish to discuss the potential sale of your cottage at a generous sum above the market rate, please email the address in the below footer.
Yours sincerely…
‘Etc,’ he finished.
There was a stunned silence, before the uproar began.
Tori let out a disbelieving snort. ‘Ha! It’s going to be fun emailing them about where they can shove that letter.’ Flexing her fingers, she poised them over her laptop keyboard. ‘Plus, they can’t demolish the cottages they don’t own.’
Albie touched her hand. ‘We need to talk first. About what it means, what we should do.’
