Chapter 30
The cold snap of the early months was replaced by the warmth of April, gently edging its ways into Samphire Bay. Cherry and apple blossoms bloomed into life, tulips added bright spots of colour, while the sweet fragrance from the lily of the valleys filled the air. Sea thrift flowered in white, purple and pink low clumps across the sands.
Nobody was more grateful than Bunty for this. After much planning, preparing and praying, she had been rewarded by the promise of a glorious spring day.
‘There, now didn’t I tell you?’ said Perry as they both checked the weather forecast. ‘Our wedding will be bathed in sunshine.’ He gave her a quick reassuring squeeze.
‘Thank God,’ replied Bunty. She’d been on pins for the past week, desperate for the weather to hold out till the weekend. Bunty’s plan B was to serve the hog roast under cover, but she much preferred for it to be open on the beach.
Having basically done all she could, Bunty could now relax and just let it happen. Her dress hung in the wardrobe, cream satin ballet pumps tucked neatly underneath. A posy of white roses and gypsophila soaked in water was ready and waiting for the trip down the aisle. Perry’s linen suit was hanging, newly pressed too; both outfits side by side, ready for their wearers to be joined in matrimony. The village church stood fully decked out with flowers, freshly polished pews and cleaned stained glass. The church committee wanted the best for their beloved Bunty. She was a popular member and so deserved it.
Emma too was at in a frenzy, waiting for the classic car to collect her. She’d been ready for the past hour, eager to slip into the silk, pale-rose bridesmaid dress. It was a simple, close fitted, long dress with shoulder straps and complimented her figure beautifully.
‘You look stunning, Emma,’ said Felix as she came down the staircase.
‘Thanks. I’ve actually got butterflies,’ she replied, wondering how her dad was bearing up.
‘Just enjoy the day,’ laughed Felix. He too cut a handsome figure in his navy-blue suit and white pristine shirt, which showed off his olive complexion, inherited from his mother.
The crunch of gravel told them the car had arrived.
‘Here goes,’ Emma said with a grin. ‘See you at the church.’
They exchanged a quick kiss, then off she went.
Perry, meanwhile, was not one bit nervous. He’d waited a long time to marry Bunty, and nothing and nobody was about to ruin his day. He’d even insisted that they arrive at the church together. Well, she didn’t have a father to give her away (thank the Lord, or today probably wouldn’t even be happening) so in his eyes, Perry didn’t see why they shouldn’t swan up the aisle hand-in-hand. No, he was making sure that Bunty Deville’s hand was locked safely in his the whole of the way.
He’d decorated her vintage Morris Minor with pink and white ribbons and was now opening its passenger door for his bride-to-be. Bunty was elegance personified. The cream dress with delicate layers of tulle and silver sequins looked classy and chic, and the sprig of gypsophila in her hair made her look fairy-like and ethereal. Perry’s eyes had widened when he’d first seen her emerge from the bedroom doorway.
‘Bunty,’ he swallowed, near to tears.
‘Now don’t go all sentimental on me, Perry Scholar,’ she gently chided, but only to stop herself from blubbering. Perry was, always had been, and always would be, her absolute hero; and what a fine figure of a man he looked today. Yes, she thought, he still had it.
Merrily they chugged along, down the coastal path onto the narrow, winding country lanes, past the cobbled square and the village green to the church. Emma stood waiting in the porch archway for them, at fever pitch by now. She waved her bouquet excitedly as they walked to the entrance to join her.
‘All set?’ she gushed, looking from one to the other.
‘Too right,’ said Perry.
‘Yep, let’s do this,’ said Bunty.
Emma got in place behind them and, once the organ sang its first few opening notes, they set off up the aisle. The church was packed to the rafters. Practically the whole of Samphire Bay had shuffled into its pews. Heads turned to see the couple, already looking pleased as punch, serenely floating up to the altar to exchange marriage vows. Jasmine’s eyes filled upon seeing Bunty. Robin too had to gulp back the emotion. Jack, however, true to form, couldn’t help but give Bunty a cheeky wink, which Perry also clocked and smiled to himself.
Felix gave a reading from the bible, full of expression and drama like a real pro. The congregation sat spellbound by his performance. Once the vicar pronounced the couple husband and wife, a great cheer and applause rang out. Rose petals thrown by the congregation fluttered over the newlyweds as they sauntered arm in arm back down the aisle.
‘To the beach!’ shouted Bunty before getting into the Morris Minor, and threw her posey in the air towards the crowd filtering outside the church. Jasmine caught it, laughing with joy.
‘Definitely us next,’ whispered Robin closely, making her smile warmly at him. She gently rubbed her ever-growing bump.
Felix and Emma stood together waving the couple off, not realising that most of Samphire Bay were in fact looking atthem, rather than the bride and groom. The locals were still in awe that someone so famous had come to live among them in their humble village.
Gradually, all made it to the beach, where kettledrums played and champagne was handed out. The couple had been well and truly blessed with the weather for their special day – light, fluffy clouds puttered across the blue sky and the sea was calmly rolling against the shore, small waves occasionally breaking up the flat of the horizon. The hog was roasting well and smelling delicious, and canapes of mini lobster rolls and crab cakes were circulated through the hungry crowd. Perry and Bunty were barefoot in the sand, wrapped in each other’s arms, having shots taken by the photographer.
Jasmine and Robin were talking to the vicar when Emma and Felix joined them.
‘Hey, fantastic news about the twins!’ gushed Emma to Jasmine, giving her a quick hug.
‘Thanks,’ she smiled, while Robin and Felix nodded and shook hands.
