‘Adira!’ she exclaimed. ‘It fits like a glove.’ She shook her head in wonder. ‘To think I was as slim as you back in the day.’
‘You still are,’ retorted Adira, ‘you look fabulous for—’
‘An old biddie like me?’ teased Edie.
‘No, for a lady of mature years,’ she corrected, smiling. Edie laughed.
‘I hope Jasper knows how lucky he is,’ she said, still admiring her granddaughter.
‘He does. I remind him regularly,’ Adira replied, laughing too. ‘And so does Fletcher,’ she added.
‘Ah, Fletcher, he’s quite a character, isn’t he?’
‘He certainly is.’ She turned to look back in the mirror, delighted that the dress didn’t need any alteration. It was meant to be, just like stumbling upon Lilacwell and then meeting Jasper. All her stars were aligned to this very moment.
Edie smiled to herself, guessing her granddaughter’s thoughts. She too, was a big believer in fate. What had been the chances of Adira’s campervan discovering the small, quaint village in Lancashire which transpired to have connections to her father’s family? Remarkable, really, and yet so right that it should happen that way. Maybe providence wasn’t just coincidental, but a path determined to be travelled. She looked at Adira and in many ways was reminded of her younger self, full of life, adventure and optimism. And why not? Adira had everything to live for. Edie took strength from this, knowing how content her granddaughter was, a far cry from the exhausted, tense, pale-faced creature she’d witnessed months ago. Now her granddaughter looked fresh-faced and full of energy. Life in the countryside obviously suited her.
‘How are the wedding plans coming along?’
‘Good. I’ve booked the registrar, catering and flowers. Just to choose the music now.’
‘What about the honeymoon?’
‘Jasper is sorting that out.’
‘Where are you going?’
‘It’s a surprise, apparently.’ She gave a wary look. Edie chuckled.
‘A romantic trip to Paris, perhaps?’
‘More like a wet weekend in Wales. If I know Jasper, he won’t want to be too far away from home or work.’
*
Jasper was in fact at The Cobbled Courtyard that very moment. Jessie had contacted him to say that she was moving from the living quarters above the pottery studio. She had had an offer accepted on a small bungalow near where her daughter lived in Yorkshire, so her retirement was imminent. Jasper had kindly offered to help pack her possessions for the delivery van that morning. It touched him to see all the tenants there helping out, too.
‘It’s a sad day for us all,’ Max had told him. ‘We’ve grown fond of Jessie. It won’t be the same without her.’
‘I’m really going to miss her,’ Fitz agreed, looking a tad emotional. Jessie and he had been particularly close, often dining together in the evenings. He’d looked upon Jessie as a motherly figure. More than anything, there was a looming concern about the tenant replacing her. Would they fit in as well? The dynamics were about to change, leaving them all feeling a touch apprehensive. Jessie had laughed it off when hearing their comments regarding her replacement.
‘Now don’t be judgemental,’ she told them with a wry smile. ‘Never judge a book by its cover.’ She playfully pointed a finger at Fitz, making him grin. Jasper once again was reminded of the close, little community of The Cobbled Courtyard – a stark contrast to the cut-throat world of business he’d come from. It made a refreshing change.
He, Max and Fitz had carried out the furniture Jessie was taking, while James bubble-wrapped all the ceramics left in the studio. Tom and Tess had provided everyone with hot drinks and bacon rolls mid-morning, which they all ate together at the cafe, one last get together.
‘Well thank you all so much.’ Jessie looked round her circle of friends. ‘I shall miss you all dearly, but,’ she nodded her head sagely, ‘it’s important to know when it’s time to go.’
Jasper noticed Fitz’s eyes fill. Max patted her shoulder, ‘All the best,’ he said, then turning to the small group, raised his coffee cup. ‘To Jessie!’ he saluted.
‘To Jessie!’ they all cheered.
After the delivery van had been packed tightly and Jessie had been collected by her daughter, Jasper went back into The Potter’s Bolthole. He needed to take stock of what to replace for the new tenant. He wanted to advertise the flat as furnished; it would make matters a lot simpler than lugging about a tenant’s furniture. He was glad Jessie had agreed to leave her kiln, he really would like another potter here, to keep the same feel of the already established business. Walking up the stairs to the flat, he noticed the dark marks on the walls left by the pictures Jessie had taken. He’d need to get the place freshly painted. Entering the living room, he decided to open the windows and get some clean air in. On doing so, he saw a picture frame face down behind the curtain. Frowning, he picked it up. It was a black and white photograph of a newly married couple, taken some time ago by the looks of it. The groom wore a pinstriped suit with large lapels. His hair was slicked back and he had a pencil moustache. The bride was very regal-looking, in a Princess Grace kind of way, with her blonde coiffured hair and timeless beauty. Then Jasper squinted to look closer. He noticed the same birthmark at the side of her cheekbone. It was definitely Jessie. Jasper tucked the frame under his arm to bring back with him. She’d obviously forgotten to take it. Then two thoughts suddenly struck him. He realised he didn’t have a forwarding address to contact Jessie and secondly, why was the photograph face down? More to the point, how could Jessie forget her wedding picture? Surely it must be a cherished possession?
Chapter 18
‘Very nice,’ said the estate agent entering Rory’s apartment. Her head moved animatedly round the room taking everything in. ‘Oh and look at that view!’ she exclaimed, walking to the bay window. ‘A lovely communal garden, definitely a selling point.’
Rory didn’t really have time or the inclination for small talk. He merely wanted to know the valuation. He had an idea after researching what neighbouring flats had recently sold for, but like the estate agent just confirmed, his had the added bonus of the garden. She turned to look at him and her forehead burrowed slightly. Rory guessed she was a similar age to him. He also assumed she was pretty keen to earn a decent commission out of him too, hence the overenthusiasm and coy smiles. Her head tilted to one side.
