Spring Blossoms at Mill Grange by Jenny Kane (a court of thorns and roses ebook free txt) 📗

‘Not once.’ Helen slipped her hand into his. ‘I was fat and clever. Fatal combination at a comprehensive in the 80s.’

‘They didn’t know what they were missing.’ He winked. ‘Come on, help me out and this’ll be finished long before lunch.’

‘And what makes you think I’d want to do that?’ Helen pointed towards the main excavation. ‘I might have things to do.’

‘True, but if we finish here early, we can sneak back upstairs for a pre-lunch, umm… meeting.’

Helen looked across the lawns, expecting to see Sam or Tina, but no one was in sight. ‘A meeting? And what might that be about?’

‘I realised at about half past nine this morning that my extensive research of the Himalayas remains lacking in certain areas. I’d hate to disappoint, should I ever be quizzed on its undulations.’

As her body reacted to his suggestion, Helen whispered, ‘And what about work?’

‘You wouldn’t be out here if you hadn’t finished prepping inside. I’ll help you with the fortlet after lunch.’

‘And what if Sam or Tina need us?’

‘I just saw them heading off to see Bert and Mabel. We’ve got at least an hour to ourselves.’

‘Oh, now that is sneaky.’

‘Only a bit.’ Tom gestured towards the manor. ‘Shall we?’

*

Tina bustled around Mabel’s kitchen, following Sam’s directions in her hunt for tea and coffee while he unpacked the care package of scones that Sybil had sent over first thing that morning.

Not wanting Bert and Mabel to hear from the adjoining living room, Tina spoke under her breath, ‘How do you think he is, really?’

‘Exhausted, but on the mend.’ Sam fetched the butter from the fridge.

‘Should we save our question for another time?’

‘No.’ Sam put the sugar bowl on the tea tray. ‘It’ll give him something else to get better for. But we won’t hang around afterwards.’

‘We can’t anyway.’ Tina glanced at the kitchen clock. ‘It’s coming up to lunchtime already, and I’ve got lots to do before the guests arrive at four.’

As Sam picked up the tray, and headed towards the lounge, Tina hung back.

She hadn’t said a word when Sam had walked through the cottage door without breaking a sweat. Now he was strolling into the small living room without batting an eyelid.

Afraid that if she mentioned it, Sam would realise how enclosed he was and rush outside, Tina hurried through to join their friends.

Having updated Bert on life at Mill Grange, and confirming that next week Dylan was moving into the manor part time until Tom found a place to rent, the conversation had drifted onto the surprising upturn in the quality of hospital food – but Tina couldn’t wait any longer. She was sure that, any minute now, Sam would realise how long he’d been indoors and the moment would be lost.

‘Actually, as well as seeing that you’d been returned to us in one piece, Bert,’ Tina looked to Sam, who tilted his head in encouragement, ‘we have an ulterior motive for our visit.’

Bert chuckled. ‘Sounds intriguing.’

‘The thing is,’ Tina took Sam’s hand, ‘as you both know, my parents died when I was in my teens. I don’t have anyone to give me away at the wedding, so, we wondered…’

Emotion caught in Tina’s throat and she turned to Sam, silently asking him to finish the sentence for her.

‘Bert, Tina would very much like you to be father of the bride at our forthcoming wedding. And Mabel, would you do us the honour of standing in for Tina’s mother?’

Sat side by side, the elderly couple looked at each other. Mouths open, simultaneously speechless for the first time in their lives.

Slowly, Bert took Mabel’s hands. Cradling them gently, he was the first to speak. ‘I would be delighted. Honoured and delighted. Thank you.’ His words choked as he smiled.

Mabel was nodding fast now. ‘Yes, and I would. We… we never thought we’d ever be…’

The old lady lapsed into silence and a tear sprang to the corner of Tina’s eyes. They haven’t got children. They never thought they’d do this.

‘That’s wonderful. Thank you so much. Our day wouldn’t be the same without you two, would it, Sam? We—’

Sam’s mobile burst into life, interrupting Tina. ‘Rats! Sorry. I only left it on in case a guest had last minute travel issues.’ He hooked his phone from his pocket. ‘Oh, it’s my mum. I’ll tell her I’ll call her back.’

‘Don’t be daft, you can take it in the garden. Off you go.’

As Sam followed Mabel’s instructions, Tina couldn’t help but sigh.

‘I take it the issue of where to get married is rumbling on?’ Mabel asked, as Tina rested back against the armchair’s cushions.

‘Afraid so.’

Bert cleared his throat, a short cough escaping as he did so. ‘Sam should invite…’

He coughed again, making Mabel turn to him. ‘Steady now. Take your time.’

Tina gave Bert’s arm a gentle pat. ‘We should leave you in peace. We just wanted to make sure you were okay, and ask if you’d give me away of course.’

Already on her feet, Mabel ushered Tina back to her seat. ‘We’re delighted to see you and of course we’ll stand in for your parents, but what about this wedding? It has to be at Mill Grange, so how will you tackle the location issue?’

Relieved Mabel had reverted to type, and all signs of emotional simmering had evaporated, Tina explained, ‘Sam invited them to come and visit the house ages ago. We hoped they’d come to see why we love it so much, but the invite hasn’t been taken up.’

‘Maybe that’s why Her Ladyship is calling now.’

‘Maybe.’ Tina doubted it. ‘I really liked Lady Bea when we visited Malvern House in the autumn. And Sam’s father, even though he’s a bit stuffy.’

‘Aren’t earls supposed to be stuffy?’ Bert chipped in.

‘A bit, but Lord Malvern could win prizes.’

Mabel crossed her arms. ‘I’m not sure I could like anyone who puts tradition before their child’s happiness.’

Bert’s eyebrows raised, but he wisely said nothing about how addicted to doing things the traditional way Mabel was.

‘As much as I want