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

Tina got up again and hugged Mabel. ‘I honestly don’t know what we’d do without you.’

‘Just think of it as me taking my mother of the bride duties seriously. Can’t have you in a flap just because your in-laws are coming.’

*

Sam and Tom sat on the wall which joined the house’s driveway to the road to Upwich, anticipating the arrival of Lord Malvern’s car.

‘How’s your room looking now Dylan’s desk is in place? I’m sorry I couldn’t stay and move things round once I’d moved it out of Helen’s room.’

‘Don’t worry. You’ve got a lot on today.’ Tom gestured down the empty road to emphasise the forthcoming arrival of Sam’s parents. ‘The room is fine, thank you.’

Sam grinned. ‘Does that really mean, “it’s great, thanks, but hellish cramped for two”?’

 ‘I’d be lying if I said it was spacious, but it won’t be for long. I’ve signed on with some rental agencies, so it’s just a case of waiting to see what turns up and keeping my eyes open now.’

‘And you can have Helen’s room too, soon.’

‘Yes.’ Tom was about to ask again if Sam had thought more about her staying, when a navy-blue Bentley appeared from around the corner. It was being driven at about five miles an hour as the driver edged along the narrow lane. ‘Your folks, I think.’

‘Oh hell, they brought the tank! I warned them the road was narrow.’ Sam blew out an exhalation of breath.

Tom gave his friend a pat on the shoulder before darting up to the house to alert Tina to the arrival, leaving Sam to guide Lord and Lady Malvern up the drive to his home.

*

Mabel gave Tina a reassuring hug. ‘You look lovely. Off you go.’

‘Why am I so nervous? I’ve met them before.’

‘Because it’s important to you that they’re happy here. Not just because of the wedding, but because you’re a nice person and you want them to feel at home.’

‘Thanks, Mabel.’ Having lost her trademark pigtails in honour of the occasion, Tina anxiously brushed her fingers through her hair.

Tom echoed Mabel’s sentiments as he filled the kettle. ‘Just relax and have a good day. Imagine you’re simply showing guests around the manor. It’ll be good practice for open house on Easter Sunday.’

Tina was far from convinced as she hurried off in Sam’s direction. She’d just got to the door, when she spun back round. ‘Are you sure you don’t mind bringing tea and cake into the garden, Mabel? I hate making you look like a servant!’

‘Sshh with you, child. Now, off you go.’

*

‘Tina! How lovely to see you.’ Sam’s mother, bedecked in a bright floral dress and knee length chocolate brown jacket, held out her hand, before changing her mind and giving her future daughter-in-law a hug. ‘I’m so excited to see your home.’

Taken aback, having expected to have to justify every stone and floor tile, Tina found herself in her third hug of the hour, her nervous smile changing into a real one.

‘We’re just so glad you could both come, Lady Malvern.’

‘Now, I told you before, call me Bea.’

Tina stepped back and turned to Lord Malvern. His expression was as sombre as ever; she wasn’t sure if she was supposed to shake his hand or not. Attempting a hug would, she knew, be serious overkill. Sam came to her rescue.

‘We thought you’d like a cuppa before we gave you the tour.’ He stretched an arm towards the side of the house.

‘That sounds lovely.’ Bea looked up at the granite building, whose stones shone as, with perfect timing, the sun came out from behind a cloud.

‘Outside?’ Lord Malvern gave his son an appraising stare.

Not taking the bait, Sam merely nodded. ‘There is a stunning view over the garden, and it’s such a lovely day.’

‘Quite right.’ Bea gave her husband a stern look, before turning back to Tina. ‘Could I trouble you for the bathroom first?’

‘Yes of course.’ Tina was suddenly flustered. In the rehearsal of this meeting, which had occupied most of her restless night, she’d offered Lady Bea the chance to freshen up as soon as she’d arrived, but in glow of relief that one of their guests looked happy, she’d forgotten all about her intentions.

Giving Tina’s arm a reassuring squeeze, Sam said, ‘Come on, Father, let’s go and admire the view while we’re waiting.’

Looping her arm through Tina’s, Bea watched the men go. ‘How’s Sam doing? Has he been inside yet?’

Surprised by the familiarity of the gesture, Tina led her companion in through the main door. ‘Yes. He’s getting quite good at downstairs. Upstairs hasn’t happened yet, but we’ll get there.’

Lady Malvern stopped walking as they reached the porch, tears shone in her eyes. ‘You’re telling me my son is getting better?’

‘Yes.’ Tina felt awkward in the face of unexpected aristocratic emotion. ‘He’s working really hard. He still uses the tent to sleep at night if the downstairs bedroom is needed by a guest, but otherwise, the claustrophobia is definitely – slowly – being shown its place.’

Fishing a neatly folded cotton handkerchief from her long woollen jacket pocket, Bea dabbed at her eyes. ‘Forgive me, Tina, but that’s such good news. I’d begun to think he’d never get better.’

‘He’s had a lot of help from Bert of course. You remember us telling you about him when we came to stay?’

‘The elderly gentleman who had been through something similar?’

‘That’s him.’ Tina led the way through the hall, and towards the staircase. ‘And his work here has helped. Sharing his time with so many veterans who’ve suffered in the defence of their country, it focuses the mind.’

‘I don’t doubt it.’ Bea paused at the foot of the stairs. The scent of beeswax hung in the air; the paintings, while a million miles from her own collection of old masters, were fascinatingly eclectic. The light from the window on the landing bathed the hallway in a golden glow.

Hoping her guest approved of the view, Tina stepped onto the first stair. ‘I’ve laid out