A Winter Wedding at Primrose Hall (Primrose Woods #6)

Chapter 32

32

Pia had always intended to have an afternoon tea with Wendy as an alternative hen do. When they’d been neighbours, there was barely a day that had gone by where they didn’t share a cuppa with a biscuit, or on high days, a slice of cake too. So it seemed only fitting that their own low-key pre-wedding festivities should involve tea and cake. This event, though, which was being held in the spacious guest room at the lodge, had taken on a life of its own when Pia thought it would be nice to include some other residents too including Stella Darling and Reg Catling, who were great supporters of the literary festival. Then there was Sophie’s mum, Nina, who was delighted to receive an invitation, and Harry too, as Pia thought it would be the ideal opportunity for him to get to know some new people. Abbey, who had not yet returned to work after maternity leave, also popped in to join in the festivities.

‘This is a first for me,’ said Reg, laughing, sitting in a comfy armchair next to Wendy. ‘I’ve not been to a hen do before, but I suppose there’s a first time for everything. Harry and I are very honoured to be invited, aren’t we?’

‘Honestly, my social life has improved immeasurably since I’ve come here. I’ve been to more parties in the last couple of weeks than I have in an entire lifetime. Not that I’m complaining. I’m having a great time.’

‘Well, I’m very pleased that you’re here, Harry. That you’re all here,’ Pia said, addressing the rest of their small group. ‘I’ve already had one hen night, which was a bit wild, if I’m being honest with you, but now I’m having a second celebration with you lovely lot. This is a much classier do,’ she said, laughing. ‘Anyway, how lucky am I? I can definitely recommend getting married. Although I’m obviously not going to be making a habit of it. This will be my one and only wedding, hopefully,’ she added with a grimace.

‘And on that note, let me go and collect the fizz,’ said Abbey. ‘It’s not a proper celebration without a glass of bubbly.’

Moments later, Abbey was back with a tray of glass flutes and a couple of chilled bottles of Buck’s Fizz to a round of appreciative oohs and ahhs. She eased off the shiny orange foil and then popped the cork, filling up the glasses, handing one to each of the people in the small gathering.

‘We should have a toast to our dear friend Pia, wishing her and her husband-to-be Jackson all the happiness in the world on their forthcoming marriage.’

‘To Pia and Jackson!’ They all raised their glasses, a sense of excitement rippling around the circle of guests like a round of Chinese whispers.

‘I think it’s marvellous,’ breezed Stella. ‘You’re young and you’re starting out on your married life together and I’m sure the future has wonderful things in store for you both.’

‘Thanks, Stella. Jackson was the first boy I fell in love when I was a teenager. When we broke up, I was devastated and thought that I would never see him again. So you can imagine my surprise when I applied for a job almost ten years later and came face to face with the man who had broken my heart all those years ago. I wanted to turn and run in the opposite direction, but obviously I’m really glad I didn’t now.’

‘That’s so romantic,’ said Stella, fanning a hand in front of her face.

‘It was the best thing I ever did, finding my Vera,’ Harry said. ‘We were very happy. We led a simple life with our work and our animals, but we never wanted for anything. It’s a blessing to find that special person who loves you, warts and all. I often look back and think Vera was a saint to put up with me and all my funny ways.’

‘It’s what marriage is all about, isn’t it?’ said Reg. ‘I remember…’

And they were off, reminiscing about their younger days, the good times and the bad times, and Pia was happy to listen to their stories as they all enjoyed the fizz and the selection of cakes and sandwiches. She wondered what stories she and Jackson might have to tell in forty years’ time. If they would still be living at the hall? If either she or Jackson had anything to do with it, then they definitely would. She gave a thought to the animals they might have given a home to. Already Pia had in mind to increase their herd of alpacas, although she was keeping that idea to herself until the new year. And the hall was so big that they could easily accommodate another dog or two. As for children, who knew what was in store for them?

In reality, nothing would change in their daily life in the immediate future. They would continue to host their regular events on the social calendar, welcoming their friends and family and the wider community to the hall. Nothing would change and yet everything would change.

Pia took a moment to speak to Abbey whilst the others were deep in conversation.

‘What’s it like to be back here? How are you feeling about returning to work after Christmas?’

‘In two minds. Obviously it’s great to catch up with everyone, but I honestly feel as though I’m missing my right arm. I’m so used to having Willow at my side, in my arms or on my hip, that I keep thinking I’ve forgotten something.’ Abbey put a hand to her chest. ‘I know I’m going to miss her when I come back to work, but it will only be three days to begin with, and I’m sure we’ll quickly establish a routine. Dad and Lizzie will be having her for one day a week, and the other two days she’ll be going to a childminder, someone who comes highly recommended.’ Abbey grimaced as though saying the words aloud made it so much more of a reality.

‘Ah, Abbey, I can imagine how you must feel, but try not to worry. Those first few days will be hard, I’m guessing, but at least you know Willow’s going to be in safe hands.’

‘Exactly. And I want to get back here and pick up where I left off so I’m sure we’ll find a way to make it work. Other people manage it so I’m sure we will too.’

‘You know you can always bring the little one in here,’ suggested Stella helpfully, ‘if you’re ever really stuck. You wouldn’t be short of volunteers to look after the baby.’

Abbey laughed.

‘Well, there’s an idea, but I’d never be able to concentrate with Willow here, and I’m sure there’ll be all sorts of rules and regulations that would prevent me from doing that, but don’t worry,’ she reassured Stella, seeing her hopeful expression. ‘I’ll be bringing Willow in on a regular basis so that you can all get to see her growing up.’

‘That’s what I was angling for,’ said Stella, laughing.

Abbey knew how much the residents at the lodge gained from visits from the arranged speakers who came to talk about their areas of expertise, but especially they enjoyed the less formal visits from animals and children alike that always lifted the atmosphere within the lounge. In fact, even before she’d got together with Sam, he’d brought along his springer spaniel, Lady, on one of his visits when he spoke about his work as a park ranger at Primrose Woods. The dog proved a big hit with the guests, even if Lady’s behaviour had been questionable once the tea and biscuits arrived, scrounging for titbits, before snaffling a slice of cake from the table, much to Sam’s mortification and the amusement of everyone else. Not that it precluded her from being invited back again. Lady had been such a star attraction that she’d since made several more visits to the lodge.

‘Well, this bunch will welcome you back to work with open arms,’ said Pia. ‘I know that.’

Abbey was pleased she’d come along today. It had eased her back into a work mindset, and she’d made a point of saying hello to each of the residents, and informing them of her return-to-work date. She’d spent some time in the office with Lydia too, going through the diary and discussing the current issues. It seemed like a lifetime ago when she’d last been here, running the show, but she also saw how easy it would be to step right back into her role when she returned after Christmas.

‘Well, with Pia’s wedding now just a couple of days away, I wondered if any of you had any words of wisdom to offer her with your broad wealth of experience?’ Abbey looked around the assembled group. There was a rumble of nodded assents that went around the room.

‘“Never go to bed on a row.” That’s what my Ivy always used to say,’ Reg piped up. ‘Even if we’d had a big falling out in the day, she would always make sure we’d kiss and make up before lights out. I think it’s good advice, because a lot of the time you’ll have forgotten whatever it was you were arguing over the next morning.’

‘I’d tell you to have a running-away fund,’ Stella added. ‘It’s what my mum always told me. And she was right. It’s always handy to have something stashed away just in case.’

Pia gave a gentle chuckle. In case of what, she wasn’t quite sure.

‘Well, hopefully I won’t need a running-away fund, Stella, but I think that’s sound advice. It’s good to have some financial independence.’

‘I’d say you need to have a good laugh together. Oh, and dance together too. Vera and I were always jigging around the kitchen. We used to know all the steps to the ballroom classics.’

A wonderful image of Harry and Vera waltzing around their cottage popped into Pia’s mind, making her smile.

‘I think that’s a lovely idea, but Jackson’s never been very keen on dancing.’ Although considering what she’d recently discovered about him, she wasn’t certain if that still held true. Her thoughts drifted off to a different time and place, when they’d been caught up in the beat of the music, abandoning their bodies and soul to the rhythm. It had been completely mad and unexpected and thrilling, and she still had to pinch herself to believe that it had actually happened. ‘Although I have told him he will have to dance with me on our wedding night, whether he likes it or not. There will be no excuses permitted!’

‘I’m probably not the best person to ask for advice about marriage,’ admitted Nina, ‘my husband left me when the kids were small, but I suppose I’d say don’t listen to other people, however well-intentioned, when it comes to your relationship. Trust your own instincts.’

Pia nodded.

‘I understand that. Thanks, Nina.’

‘What about you, Abbey?’ said Wendy. ‘You’re newly married. Us lot can barely remember what it’s like to be young and in love. What advice would you give to Pia?’

Abbey gave a warm smile.

‘Well, I suppose Sam and I are still very much in the honeymoon period, which I hope will never end. He’s my best friend in the world, along with Pia, of course,’ she said, laughing. ‘I think communication is the key. Sam listens to me and hears what I’m saying, so I would say, along with all those other things that you lovely people have mentioned, to keep talking, keep listening and keep supporting each other. Although I’m not sure Pia really needs any advice from us. She’s found her soulmate, who clearly adores her, and they’ve created something special already. All I would say is keep on doing what you’re doing.’

Pia lifted her glass to her lips and took a mouthful of the refreshing Buck’s Fizz, bolstered by the affection shown from her friends. She looked all around her and smiled.

‘Thank you. You’re all so kind, and I’m going to make sure I pass on all your great advice to Jackson. Whether or not he will take any notice, well, that’s another thing entirely,’ she said, laughing.