Chapter 40
Bunty and Perry sat in deckchairs on the lawn, enjoying a cup of Earl Grey tea and the view before them.
‘Ah, this is the life,’ exhaled Perry, his hand shielding the sunlight. He gazed out to sea, watching the silver waves glimmer in the distance against a clear, azure-blue sky.
‘It certainly is,’ sighed Bunty in contentment.
When first moving from her childhood home to the old fisherman’s cottage, she had worried about how life-changing it would be. But that worry had all been in vain. Both she and Perry had built their new lives together seamlessly in the enchanting, flintstone house, and still to have such stunning, panoramic views of the bay was an absolute God’s send. Granted, the art deco house on the peninsula was undoubtedly in a prime location, standing prominently on the rocks with uninterrupted vistas, but even Bunty conceded it had been time to leave and start a new chapter. She had no regrets. None whatsoever.
Turning sideways, she glanced over at Perry, the one and only true love of her life. Yes, her old house was a huge, impressive place packed with timeless charm and character, but it didn’tcompletelyhold such happy memories within its walls. It contained good and bad recollections.
Then, just as she was reminiscing about her previous home, the current occupiers walked up the garden path.
‘Emma!’ cried Perry in delight, making Bunty’s mouth twitch. She noticed Felix didn’t get the same welcome.
‘Hello, you two,’ she said, rising from her deckchair to greet them both.
‘Hello, Bunty,’ replied Felix, kissing her cheek, then nodded towards Perry.
‘Here, sit down, Emma, I’ll fetch some more chairs,’ directed Perry, then disappeared into the cottage.
‘And I’ll fix us some drinks. Felix, sit here.’ Bunty tapped the back of her chair.
Soon they were all sat chatting, drinking Pimm’s.
‘Hmm, lovely,’ said Emma closing her eyes and savouring the taste. Then, putting her drink down on the grass, she faced Perry and Bunty with a big beam. ‘We’ve some wonderful news,’ she gushed.
Perry’s eyes darted to her left hand, preparing himself.
‘Oh yes?’ laughed Bunty, sensing the same as Perry.
‘Lady Scarlett Investigateshas been nominated for a BAFTA award!’ trilled Emma.
Bunty’s heart sank a little, wishing it had been news of their engagement. Perry’s didn’t. Their heads turned to Felix. Bunty was the first to speak.
‘Congratulations, Felix, you must be delighted.’
Felix broke into a grin. ‘I’m thrilled.’
‘What’s the nomination for?’ asked Perry.
‘The best drama series,’ replied Felix, looking him in the eye.
‘Isn’t it fantastic? Felix’s first shot at directing and his drama’s been nominated for a BAFTA!’ cried Emma.
‘It is. Well done, Felix,’ agreed Bunty, subsequently turning to Perry with an expectant look, eyebrow slightly raised.
Perry coughed. ‘Err… Yes, well done, Felix,’ he mumbled.
‘So, the show’sreallygoing to get full exposure now,’ continued Emma, almost at fever pitch.
‘Does this mean your singing will too?’ Perry swiftly cut in, ever mindful that his daughter’s sweet voice had sung the theme tune to the show.
‘Yes, Perry, it definitely does,’ assured Felix, still looking directly at him.
‘Oh, Emma!’ Bunty clapped her hands together in glee.
Perry’s eyes filled with emotion. His little girl was finally getting the recognition she deserved. All her life she’d longed for a singing career. Maybe now could be the big breakthrough?
