‘Hi!’ she called, as Bunty followed behind.
Both men stopped cutting as the women approached.
‘Just telling Jack about the fella who’s bought your place,’ said Robin to Bunty.
‘The tall, dark, handsome fella.’ Jack nodded with a smirk. ‘Isn’t that right, Jasmine?’ He cocked a cheeky eyebrow.
Jasmine gave him a withering look. She was finally learning to accept, if not appreciate his humour.
‘Not a patch on Robin though,’ she replied tartly.
‘I agree,’ said Bunty in support.
This perked Robin up no end.
‘Do you want me to cut your side?’ he asked, pointing to the hedge.
‘Oh yes, thanks,’ smiled Jasmine. ‘I’ll cook dinner tonight in return.’
‘Sounds good,’ he replied. Their eyes locked. Bunty and Jack exchanged a knowing look.
‘Will you be having a farewell bash at your house?’ Jack asked Bunty, changing the subject.
They all faced her.
‘I don’t think so,’ Bunty replied after some consideration. She really didn’t think she could handle any more emotional trauma. The open day was bad enough, without having to endure one last final party at the house. It would be too much of a heartbreaking strain and she hated the thought of falling to pieces in front of everyone. No, far better to go quietly. Her eyes filled as she pictured herself saying goodbye to each room for the last time, running her hands over the elegant, polished surfaces, catching a final reflection in the gold edged mirrors, looking out to sea from the balcony…
‘Bunty, are you OK?’ asked Robin, noticing her face fall.
‘Yes… it’s all a bit…’ Bunty blinked and looked away.
‘I know,’ Jasmine said, putting a protective arm round her. ‘Instead of a farewell bash, let’s have a welcome party at your new cottage?’ she tentatively suggested.
‘Excellent idea, darling.’ Bunty gave a wobbly smile. ‘Just an intimate gathering though.’
‘Absolutely,’ nodded Robin.
Chapter 35
Autumn had fully arrived, turning Samphire Bay’s trees russet gold and the hedgerows sparce. The sand was cool and damp, while the bay ran icier and wilder. The shift of season acted as a warning, a foreboding to the changes Samphire Bay was to experience.
Bunty, with the help of not only Robin and Jack, but Perry, Jasmine and Emma too, had managed her move as seamlessly as possible. The angst Bunty had expected to be overwhelmed by had been replaced with distraction. It had been such a hectic, but productive day and she couldn’t have done it without them. Having her close friends to oversee the move was infinitely better than an impersonal removal firm. Bunty couldn’t bear for her precious belongings to be handled by total strangers. Instead, she had a loving team to aid her, which put everything into perspective. Relationships were what mattered. Not bricks and mortar, or possessions, butreal friendswho cared.
This had been Bunty’s mantra, as she locked the door for the last time and walked down the stone steps. She turned for one final look at her family home. Her eyes cast up to the balcony, leading from the master bedroom where she’d been born. A whole lifetime spent there – and yet she knew it was time to go. This stunning house was about to be a new home for another person. Its curved rooms, nooks and crannies she wished would hold future fond memories for other families. Whoever the new owner was, Bunty dearly hoped he had a family to fill the house with love.
Her mood remained positive and almost upbeat when reaching the snug cottage awaiting patiently. Her mind was set to rest, knowing it had been totally revamped with care. No botch jobs here, everything had been lovingly restored to the highest standard. Directing where all the boxes being carried in had to go, she already felt at home. Bunty had chosen the attic room for her bedroom. The skylight in the roof would still give her a panoramic view of the bay, which was imperative for her. One of the bedrooms she had decided would act as a mini library-cum-study and was where her father’s bureau had been placed. She’d also brought all the family’s books, including her cherished childhood editions. Robin had promised to make bookcases to line the walls, complete with a rail track for a little ladder to run across, just like the one they’d had at her old home.
The new kitchen diner was a dream to Bunty. Instead of a large, cold place filled with nostalgic, aged furnishings, she loved the new streamlined appliances. It was all so easy and practical. A part of her wondered why she hadn’t made the move earlier.
Seeing Bunty adapt so well to her new surroundings had been a comfort to her merry band of helpers.
‘It looks like she feels at home already,’ Perry murmured to Jasmine, as they unpacked crockery from the boxes.
‘Careful with that!’ shouted Bunty, seeing him lift up a fine bone China teapot.
‘Well, she’s certainly in control,’ replied Jasmine. ‘I’m just glad she’s not in tears,’ she whispered.
‘She’s made of stern stuff is Bunty,’ he winked.
