As Alison nodded and headed downstairs, Jenna wandered over to the window and gazed out at the river, which looked incredibly tranquil today in the late July sunshine. Across the water lay the banks of Lincolnshire. If she leaned out of the window and looked left, she could make out the curve of Kels Point, and to her right – far out of sight – was the foreshore and the Humber Bridge that stood just a half hour’s walk away from her own home.
She rested her elbows on the windowsill and breathed in the fresh air, trying to still her mind and quieten the little voice that kept reminding her that, this very evening, Joel would unlock that front door and be confronted with all his belongings bagged up in bin liners. How on earth would he react to that?
It didn’t matter. She wouldn’t be there to see it.
‘It’s fine, Mum,’ she whispered sadly. ‘Everything’s fine.’
8
It had been a glorious afternoon, with warm sunshine, clear blue skies overhead, and only the merest hint of a breeze to ensure they didn’t get too hot. The twins had spent most of the afternoon with the animals. The Highland cows with their shaggy red coats were firm favourites. Although, strictly speaking, Jamie Fraser was a bullock, the mother-and-son duo were always collectively referred to as ‘the cows’. Jenna hoped Jamie Fraser wasn’t offended.
Ada was also besotted with Heatherstone, one of the New Forest ponies. Hallie, on the other hand, had a sneaking fondness for the ducks. She could sit and watch them for ages, laughing at their waddling walk and throwing bits of duck food for them when they swam in their pond.
Mac let them collect the eggs from the hens during the afternoon, and they carefully carried them into the kitchen for Alison to wash and put away.
By five thirty they were all hungry, but the twins pleaded not to have to go inside, so they ate pesto and pasta salad at the picnic table followed by fresh strawberries and cream.
Jenna insisted on loading the dishwasher and clearing away the residue of their dinner.
‘I’ll cook tomorrow,’ she said. ‘It’s only fair. We’re not here to freeload or make extra work for you.’
‘I want you to have some rest,’ her mum said firmly. ‘You look worn out, doesn’t she, Mac?’
Mac held up his hands. ‘I’m saying nothing! I don’t think it’s wise to pass comment on a lady’s appearance. No matter what you say you’re always in the wrong, so I’ll leave that one with you.’
Jenna laughed. ‘Good decision.’
Alison rolled her eyes. ‘Even so… Well, I won’t argue about it. But I will say that when you leave here at the end of summer I expect you to have gained at least a stone and be the picture of health.’
‘A stone!’
‘Easily done, especially now I’m such a good cook.’
‘But you cook healthy food. You and Mac, you follow that low carb cookbook, don’t you?’
‘We have lots of cookbooks now. We still eat sensibly, but we have the odd treat – like tonight’s pasta dish. I do love pasta. And you and the twins don’t have to eat what I eat. Mac often has larger portions or extras on his plate, and I don’t see why you shouldn’t too. I’m just a bit worried about you. You’re looking ever so peaky.’
Jenna sighed. ‘You don’t have to worry about me.’ Seeing her mum’s face, she shrugged in surrender. ‘Okay, go ahead and fatten me up. I’ll look forward to it.’
Alison’s frown disappeared and she beamed at her. ‘Good. Can we start now? Why don’t I bath the twins and get them ready for bed, and you go across to see Gran and Grandad? They’re really chuffed that you’re staying here for the summer.’
‘If you’re sure?’
‘Absolutely! Go ahead. I’ll let the twins play outside for another hour or so and then I’ll call them in. You go and entertain my mam and dad. Good luck!’
Jenna laughed. Her grandparents were a lovely old couple, but quite eccentric in some ways. It would be good to spend a couple of hours with them.
She kissed her daughters goodbye and told them where she was going, and that she knew they wanted to see her grandparents, too, but that could wait for another day.
‘Tomorrow?’ Ada asked.
‘We’ll see,’ she replied. ‘Now be good for Grandma and Mac. Okay?’
The twins nodded and returned to their game and Jenna headed out of the gate and across the road. She passed The North Star, glancing at the big bay windows and noting that it already looked quite busy inside. There were people eating, drinking, laughing and chatting, breaking off now and then to gaze out over the Humber. Everyone looked very cheerful, which she supposed was partly down to the good weather. It made all the difference to have sunshine and blue skies. And the views helped, obviously.
Her grandparents lived in a red brick bungalow called Sanderlings, which was a few doors away from the pub. Jenna had always adored it, although Joel insisted it was too poky and far too small. He couldn’t imagine how they’d had room to bring Jenna’s mum up there. He much preferred her Auntie Elaine and Uncle Christopher’s large, four-bedroomed house at the other end of the village, although he still thought that any property in Kelsea Sands wasn’t worth having.
Gran and Grandad were delighted to see her.
