He grimaced. ‘I know it seems incredibly manipulative, but honestly it came from a good place. Anyway, I put all my remaining money into the Rose Curville Benevolent Trust, which provided the starter money for the cottage repairs. But I made a big mistake, because didn’t know re-thatching was around twenty thousand per roof, along with other significant remedial work the cottages required. Regrettably, we’re almost out of money.’ Taking a moment to look each of them in the eye, his voice was heartfelt. ‘I am sorry. Truly. I regret concealing this from you, and for so long.’
Clover stepped forward to lean against his side, offering quiet comfort, as he gazed around the group. ‘I’ve also come to realise it’s not just the cottages I needed this association for. Arriving here, I was a lonely, ill old man intent on bringing Little Beaubrook back to life before I died. I so badly wanted to be with Rose, you see. But over time, working together and feeling the benefits of our strong community bonds, I’ve come to understand I needed you for me, too.’ Swallowing, he exhaled a shaky breath. ‘To realise my life was not over, and there’s still good I can do in the world. So along with saying sorry, and hoping for forgiveness, I’m also saying, thank you. Thank you all. I’m exceedingly grateful.’ As he finished talking, he dropped his gaze to the tabletop, awaiting their condemnation.
‘Wow,’ Kirsten sniffled, ‘that was… Oh, Albie. Please look at us.’ When he lifted his chin, she gave him a gentle smile. ‘We feel the same way.’
‘P-pardon?’
Tori reached over and grasped his hand. ‘Do you honestly think we don’t know? The bit about you being the former owner, and the contract stipulations, at least? The way you volunteered to be Association Chair, and then later talked so passionately about restoring Rose’s legacy and her growing up here… it made us wonder. Didn’t take much digging to find out the truth, with Ethan’s help. We found out weeks ago.’ She smiled at the man in question, and he acknowledged the favour, gaze soft. Turning back to Albie, she carried on, ‘It was part of why we bought Colin. We wanted to cheer you up because you were down about the builders leaving, but it was also to thank you for doing something beneficial for us all. A thank you for creating our community and making us happier people in such a special place. Ones who are on their way to healing.’
‘Oh. I-I’m not sure what to say.’ Astonishment and gratitude were swelling a lump in his throat, making it hard to speak.
Kit laughed, lightening the moment. ‘Look at us, getting choked up.’ Stretching across the table, he patted Albie’s arm. ‘Don’t worry, we’re all good. Although we’ll have to work out how to come up with a lot more money, alongside Harley’s generous offer and the community day takings. Doesn’t sound like it’ll be enough.’
Theo nodded, before cocking his head at Albie. ‘How did you decide who could buy a flat?’
‘A fair question. Well, remember when you had your viewings and were oh so casually asked about your reasons for moving here? The information was passed to me, and I made decisions according to who most needed a new beginning. I’m sorry for the invasion of privacy, but was convinced this place would be good for you and could make a difference. As you now know, it’s got a long history of helping people.’ His voice grew husky. ‘I also somehow knew who could make a difference to this place, and am so glad to see I was right. You all have good hearts, however damaged they were.’
Kirsten twisted in her seat and narrowed her eyes on his face. ‘Wait. Did you also choose who got which cottage?’
Albie wrinkled his nose, ‘Erm…’
Hooting out a laugh, she scoffed. ‘Albie, you’re such an interfering old man.’ But her tone was affectionate. ‘So, that’s why.’
‘Why what?’ Tori asked.
‘Why our cottages are so suited to us. Remember that day I pointed out everyone’s heart was broken in one way or another, and needed to heal?’
‘Yeah.’
Kirsten pointed at Albie. ‘Friendship cottage, because that’s what he needed.’ She gestured to Theo. ‘Faith. That he’ll love again, or will survive his grief? Yours is Grace, Tori, and I did say not long ago you need to learn to act with grace, towardsyourself and others.’ Smiling as her friend cheekily stuck her middle finger up, she continued, ‘Peace Cottage for Ariel and Gilly, because it’s what they most need. For Kit, I don’t think it’s any secret you need more joy in your life.’
‘Watch it!’ he joked. ‘Though, I must admit when I arrived here, I didn’t think it’d be possible to find much to take joy in.’ He landed a kiss on Ezra’s crown and clasped a hand on Theo’s shoulder, no doubt thinking of the hours of manual labour they’d done side by side, their friendship solidifying. ‘Glad I was wrong. So, what about yours?’ he asked Kirsten. ‘Devotion Cottage, right?’
‘Yes, and I’d consider myself a devoted friend and mother?—’
‘And you’d be right,’ Harley agreed.
Vanessa scooted forward, sliding Laurie off her lap. ‘Mine is called Acceptance Cottage.’ Her face resolved into a determined look. ‘I haven’t been good at accepting anything so far, but think it’s time.’ Jumping up from her chair, she asked Kirsten, ‘Keep an eye on Laurie, please? I need to make an important call.’
‘Sure,’ Kirsten stood, ‘come find me when you’re done. I’ll be baking up a storm and planning the community day.’ She held her hand out to the little boy. ‘Want to come home with us? We have homemade lemonade ice lollies.’
‘Yay!’ he crowed, throwing his arms around her legs at the promise of a treat.
Vanessa rolled her eyes at her son’s susceptibility to sugar, but was already pulling out her phone and tapping at the screen. ‘Thanks. See you all later.’ Placing the mobile against her ear as she strode away across the courtyard, her steely voice carried back to them. ‘It’s me. Let’s not bother with the niceties. I need to speak to him urgently.’ A pause. ‘You’re his PA. Tell him to call back immediately, or tomorrow I’m turning up at the office with Laurie in tow, followed by hisotherfamily’s home.’ Halting, her voice rose. ‘We both know the score, so I suggest you get it done.’With that, she disappeared around the corner of the cottage nearest the road.
‘Wow,’ Ethan commented, ‘I’d hate to get on her bad side.’
‘Me too,’ Kit agreed, ‘that was bloody impressive. I bet she get results, whatever she’s up to.’
‘Agreed,’ Clover said with a gleam in her eye, taking Vanessa’s seat, ‘but what I want to know is, who on earth that girl’s been sleeping with?’
As the group broke out in uneasy laughter, Albie blurted, ‘I have to say, you’re all handling the letter, and my confession, remarkably better than expected.’
‘What did you think we’d do, make it all dark night of the soul?’ Tori quirked an eyebrow, pulling her laptop towards her as people got up and started drifting away.
‘Maybe?’ Albie replied absently, watching Harley accompany Kirsten, Rosie and Laurie back towards the direction of the manor. Theo and Kit were loping back around the corner, presumably to Kit’s cottage, and Gilly was still sitting at the head of the table, a set look on her face as she stared into the distance. ‘However, it all feels quite optimistic.’
Tori lifted her chin, dark eyes alight. ‘Cultivate calmness and positivity, remember? Besides, we’re going to kick arse, and I know how I can help. The newspaper editor accepted my pitches, and I’ve signed a freelancer contract writing under a pen name. I was planning to write an article about Little Beaubrook.’ Squaring her shoulders. ‘Now I’ll include the plan for the community day too, and everyone will want to visit.’
