‘Oh no, thought I’d give it a rest,’ she’d replied as casually as possible. Then swiftly added, ‘And I’m driving home, aren’t I?’ she smiled at Robin for support.
‘Yes, very kindly, so I can have a drink,’ he quickly answered, then cringed. How did that sound?
‘Hmm, I see,’ replied Jasmine’s mum with narrowed eyes, not before stealing a swift glance at her daughter’s front.
She knows, thought Jasmine. Nothing got past her mum.
It felt extremely strange for Bunty to be climbing up the stone steps at the front entrance of her former home. Perry rang the doorbell and it was soon answered by an excited Emma.
‘Hi, come in,’ she welcomed, standing aside for them to enter.
Immediately Bunty’s head whipped round the grand marbled hall. A sharp pang hit her, suddenly realising how much she did in fact miss her childhood home.
‘Congratulations!’ said Emma, once they’d shed their coats. Taking Bunty’s hand to look at her ring she gasped. ‘Oh, it’s so beautiful,’ she cooed.
Bunty gave her an endearing smile. ‘It is indeed,’ she agreed and looked at Perry, who was enjoying the exchange between the two ladies in his life.
‘Come on through, Felix is in the drawing room.’ Emma ushered them into the room.
Bunty clocked her beloved glass drinks cabinet where Felix stood and another sentimental jolt of emotion hit her.
‘Dad,’ Emma said, bringing the two men closer, ‘meet Felix.’
Perry held out his hand.
‘Pleased to meet you,’ said Felix, with a firm shake.
‘And you too, Felix,’ Perry replied.
The two men watched each other carefully for a brief moment, as though sizing each other up.
‘And this is Bunty,’ cut in Emma.
‘Ah, yes,’ Felix said affectionately. He obviously felt a connection with the older lady already, having shared the same home. He shook her hand too. ‘And congratulations on your engagement.’ He gave her a winning smile.
‘Thank you.’ She nodded politely, then asked, ‘All settled in then?’
‘Absolutely, I love the place.’ He gestured around the room, taking in the huge bow window, high dusty pink walls, ornate coving, the elaborate mirrors and various gold framed pictures. ‘It must have been a wrench to leave,’ he added.
There was a slight pause before Bunty spoke.
‘Yes, but the time was right to move on,’ she quietly replied. The usually larger-than-life woman suddenly seemed smaller, frailer, as she took in the room.
Perry looked towards her, his brow pulled in concern, then rested his gaze on Felix.
‘Right, what’s everyone drinking?’ asked Emma, breaking any potential awkwardness.
‘I’ll have a beer,’ said Perry.
Felix reached for the bottle cooling in the cabinet, popped off the top and passed it Perry with a pint glass. Perry nodded his thanks.
‘A gin and tonic for me please,’ replied Bunty. Again, she was struck by how strange it was watching someone else make a drink from that cabinet.
Emma observed her face, guessing what she was thinking. She dearly hoped tonight was going to be a success, but did she detect a slight atmosphere? Throwing back her glass of champagne, she was relieved when her dad spoke next.
‘So, how do you find Samphire Bay compared to the bright lights of London?’ he asked Felix.
‘Bloody marvellous,’ he answered directly, making them all laugh. ‘Seriously, this place is a sheer haven.’
