Second Chances at Samphire Bay (Samphire Bay Village #1)

Chapter 28

‘Well, how do I look?’ asked Perry, standing in front of his daughter, arms outstretched for inspection. Emma examined the figure in front of her.

‘Not bad, Dad. Not bad at all,’ was the verdict. He really did cut quite an attractive chap, with his dark jeans, brown corduroy jacket, white shirt and red neckerchief. He also had a matching red pocket square. Very stylish, thought Emma. ‘I’m sure Bunty will be impressed,’ she assured him with a thumbs up.

‘She better,’ he snorted, ‘I’ve used my best aftershave.’ He winked making her laugh.

‘Don’t worry, Dad, Bunty will be delighted with your efforts.’ Then she tilted her head to one side. ‘Do you think she’ll recognise you?’

‘Will I recognise her?’ came Perry’s reply.

‘Surely there won’t be any other lovesick oldies ready to reunite?’ teased Emma, which earned her a threatening look.

‘Hey, less of the “oldies” thank you,’ warned Perry playfully. Despite his joviality, he was just a touch nervous. He wondered how Bunty was feeling. ‘Right, I’m off.’ He’d spruced himself up as much as he could, now it was time to go.

‘Do you want a lift?’ asked Emma.

‘No, it won’t take me too long to walk there and I’ll enjoy the exercise,’ Perry said. Besides, he didn’t want Emma hanging around, trying to catch a peek of Bunty.

‘OK, good luck!’ she called as he set off.

He gave her a salute and grinned.

Bunty was at fever-pitch. It was times like this that she wished she had someone nearby to confide in. Hoping she’d chosen the right outfit, she quickly downed a stiff gin and tonic to calm her nerves. Then she saw Jasmine’s Mini pull up outside on the gravel driveway through the bow window. Opening the front door and seeing Jasmine’s face light up, told her she did indeed look the part.

‘Bunty, you look marvellous!’ cheered Jasmine.

‘Are you sure, darling?’ asked Bunty, tugging nervously at her amethyst stone necklace.

It was strange to see her acting so self-consciously, not at all like the usual, confident woman she undoubtedly was, thought Jasmine.

‘Of course, come here, give me a hug.’ Jasmine grabbed hold of Bunty and held her tightly. She found it rather endearing that, despite her age, Bunty was still on edge. She pulled back and appraised her once more. The navy trouser suit hit just the right note, smart yet casual, with a lilac short sleeved top underneath. The amethyst necklace finished the outfit off perfectly. And her hair! Jasmine had never seen Bunty’s hair so tamed and glossy, freshly blow dried straight and smooth.

Bunty was pleased with the reaction she’d got, knowing it was genuine and well meant. It gave her that extra boost she’d so needed, along with Jasmine’s hug.

‘Right, ready to knock him dead then?’ said Jasmine with a glint in her eye.

Bunty observed Jasmine’s appearance too. Was she mistaken, or did she appear to be especially cheery and upbeat today? Not at all like the subdued girl on the phone from the other day. Perhaps the talk Robin had spoken about had done them both the world of good. She hoped so. It was about time her plan unfolded.

‘Yes,’ Bunty said. ‘As ready as I’ll ever be.’

Jasmine started up the car and together they set off for Lancaster.

Perry knew The Castle Café, having already been there several times. He opted for a table in the courtyard outside. Not only was it pleasant to be sat in the fresh air, but he had a good view of all the visitors coming into the cafe from where he was sat.

And there she was. He’d recognise her anywhere, the poised walk, the smart suit, her hair looked different though, expecting to see her wild curls. He waited for her to enter the cafe and then kept his eye on the bi-folding doors which led onto the courtyard.

Bunty soon appeared and after a quick scan of the tables saw him wave. She broke into a huge smile. He was here! Perry was right there, waving up at her. She made her way over, all the nerves replaced with excitement. Close up, she could see how the years had been kind to him. What a handsome brute he was.

‘Bunty.’ He rose up. ‘How lovely to see you,’ he said, kissing both her cheeks.

He smelt of sandalwood and his skin was smooth and fresh.

‘Perry.’ She was speechless, unable to say anything else.

‘Here, sit down, what shall I get you?’ he asked, suspecting she was a little overwhelmed.

‘Oh, a cappuccino, thanks.’

She watched the back of him as he went to get the drinks. It was as if he’d never left… Her heart fluttered in delight. Feeling somewhat dazed, she told herself to get a grip. Pull yourself together, Deville, for goodness’ sake! she scolded.

Perry stood in the queue shaking slightly. My God, she was as striking now as she’d ever been. It was extraordinary how the years had so easily rolled back. He ordered two coffees, when what he really wanted was a double brandy. Thank goodness he’d splashed on his new aftershave, he chuckled to himself.

Once back at the table and seated opposite Bunty, he couldn’t resist asking a question which had puzzled him.

‘I’m curious as to how you found me, Bunty?’ His voice was more good-natured than accusing.

‘A remarkable coincidence.’ Bunty gave an ironic smile, then proceeded to tell him all about Jasmine and how she had lived on a narrowboat and bought a water pump from him.

‘So, after a little research she managed to track you down. It was the name of your boat that gave you away,’ she laughed.

‘Ah yes, The Merry Perry .’ He grinned. ‘This Jasmine sounds quite a girl,’ he added. ‘Just like my Emma.’ He went on to tell Bunty all about his late wife, Valerie, and how they’d met. His eyes clouded over when explaining how she had died of breast cancer, leaving him a single stepdad. ‘I treat Emma as my own. I couldn’t love a daughter more,’ he finished gruffly.

‘Oh Perry, I’m so sorry to hear of Valerie’s passing.’ Bunty was truly touched. She clearly hadn’t been alone in her suffering.

‘Right,’ said Perry assertively, in an attempt to change the mood, ‘so tell me what you’ve been up to all these years.’

‘Well…’ It was at this point that Bunty felt her most uncomfortable. Having to admit that nothing had changed much for her; she was still living in Samphire Bay, in the same house, but now alone. On saying as much to Perry, he suddenly looked sad, making her cringe even more.

‘Oh Bunty, you were never meant to be alone.’ He reached out and covered her hand with his. She looked up and met his gaze. Time stood still. ‘I should have stood up to Daddy. I know that now.’ She gulped.

‘Yes, sweetheart, you should have.’ He gently squeezed her hand. ‘But we’re here now, and you won’t get rid of me that easily.’ He shot her a wink and Bunty threw her head back and laughed.

‘Perry Scholar, you old charmer,’ she said, her eyes twinkling.

‘You ain’t seen nothing yet, doll,’ he replied with a wide smile.

‘So, how did it go?’ asked an over-excited Emma later that evening.

‘Fan-bloody-tastic,’ said Perry, grinning from ear to ear.

‘Will you be seeing her again?’ she chirped.

‘Oh yes,’ he nodded.

‘And when do I get to see her?’ Emma persisted.

Perry laughed. ‘Give us a chance! We’ve only just met up again.’

‘Oh I’d love to visit her house in Samphire Bay!’ Emma clapped her hands together in glee.

Perry smiled and ruffled her hair.

‘All in good time Emma, all in good time.’

Bunty sat calmly in the drawing room sipping a gin and tonic. She placed the glass tumbler on the table and picked up the pack of tarot cards. It was only a distraction, a diversion, she told herself. They would not predict the future or tell her anything she didn’t already know on a subconscious level. They were merely helping her to focus on a situation. After shuffling the cards, she pulled one out. The Lovers. A male and female stood in front of the Tree of Knowledge, the archangel Raphael behind them. A smile spread across Bunty’s face.