Spring Blossoms at Mill Grange, Jenny Kane [hardest books to read .TXT] 📗

‘I’ve been given permission to work from home three days a week. I thought I’d work from here. Tina already knows and said it was okay, but if we had a home that was big enough in Tiverton, then, I could work from there instead.’

Tom grabbed hold of Helen and held her close. ‘Live with me and Dylan?’

‘If you’ll have me?’

‘Are you kidding? Of course we will.’ Tom held her by the waist, his face serious. ‘It’ll be tough sometimes. Dylan is going to miss Sue.’

‘I know.’ A wave of nervous happiness hit Helen. ‘But we’ll muddle through. The three of us.’ She stood up, her heart pounding hard in her chest. ‘Now, come on, we have a little boy to say goodbye to and our friends’ wedding to get back to.’

Epilogue

Saturday May 23rd

‘Where is everyone?’

Tina looked around the deserted kitchen. Now she’d stopped moving for a moment, she realised the whole house had an empty feel, as if she and Sam were the only ones there.

‘They’re probably in their rooms, taking ten minutes before we meet in the walled garden. Bet everyone’s exhausted.’ Sam wrapped his arms around her. ‘We could go to ours too.’

Seeing the look in her husband’s eyes, Tina smirked. ‘There’s nothing I’d like more, but…’

‘We are the hosts. I’ll just have to wait to examine how that incredible dress is staying up. Something, I should warn you, I intend to take a great deal of time doing.’

‘I’m glad to hear it.’ Kissing him hard, Tina pulled back. ‘It’s been an amazing day.’

‘It has. Come on then, Mrs Philips, if no one’s here, they must all be adhering to Mabel’s schedule. It’s ten past six. Her list stated everyone should be assembled in the walled garden for a quiet drink and chat by fairy light ten minutes ago.’

‘I’m looking forward to handing out the thank you presents.’ Tina smiled as she thought of the gift they’d got for Dylan. ‘Mabel assures me she has the gifts all hidden beneath the registrar’s table, even the one for her, bless her.’

‘I hope she remembered to do those rounds of sandwiches she talked about as well. Goodness knows there isn’t a scone or scrap of cream and jam left in the place. And as for beer and wine… you can forget it.’

‘Actually, Sam, I’d rather have a cup of tea.’

‘I have a confession.’ Sam kissed the top of her head. ‘I asked Mabel to make up the onsite thermos flasks. There will be tea and coffee.’

Flinging her arms around Sam, Tina laughed. ‘That’s why I married you then! I knew there must be some reason!’

As they approached the garden, Sam slowed. ‘Why’s it so quiet? I can usually hear Bert laughing a mile off.’

Speeding up, they moved into the garden. The fairy lights shone across the skeleton of the greenhouse, making it look enchanted. There was not a soul to be seen.

‘They aren’t all hiding, are they?’ Tina peered about. ‘I’ll jump a mile if they all shout boo!’

‘Nowhere to hide. Unless they’ve squeezed in with the chickens.’

Pointing ahead, Tina saw something on the table where they’d signed the register. ‘What’s that?’

‘The thermos I asked for with,’ Sam frowned, ‘a large envelope propped against it.’

Dashing forwards Tina picked it up. It had Don’t Panic, everyone is fine, written on it.

Sam smiled. ‘Our friends are up to something. I think I like it.’

‘Like it?’

‘We’re on our own on a romantic spring evening on the best day of our lives.’ He slid his hands around her waist. ‘Let’s open the envelope. See what our friends have done this time.’

*

Dear Mr and Mrs Philips,

As you aren’t able to go away for a honeymoon, we thought we’d bring the honeymoon to you, here, at Mill Grange.

We have all moved out for a week. You have seven peaceful days of just yourselves and the chickens!

Our wedding present is a full freezer and cupboards stocked with food and drink. A Chinese takeaway is due to be delivered to you at 7 p.m. tomorrow night. As for this evening, Moira from the Stag and Hound has been given a key, and will pop in with a three-course meal at eight. She has instructions to put it in the Aga/fridge, and not disturb you.

We all wish you the best honeymoon and look forward to seeing you next weekend.

Lots of love,

Thea, Shaun, Tom, Helen, Dylan, Sybil, Bert and Mabel.

xx

PS – thank you for the beautiful presents. We all loved them – especially Dylan, who can’t believe he owns his own archaeologist’s trowel. He’s so proud! (Love, Thea xx)

*

Tina looked at Sam, her mouth open. ‘A honeymoon at home.’

‘With no one here but us.’

Tina felt choked as she re-read the letter. ‘We have the best friends.’

‘We do.’ Sam led her to a row of chairs beneath the marquee, as he whispered, ‘Now then, tell me, Mrs Philips, exactly which of these dress fastenings is the best one to open first?’

Acknowledgements

When I first created the characters for Midsummer Dream at Mill Grange, I never dreamt that I’d be lucky enough to write a whole series for them. Writing the adventures of Thea, Tina, Shaun and Sam – not forgetting Mabel and Bert – has been an absolute joy, and I’d like to thank a few people who’ve helped me along the way.

First, the team at Aria (Head of Zeus), especially Hannah and Rhea, who have both been so supportive and passionate about Spring Blossoms at Mill Grange.

Also, to my agent, Kiran; many thanks for your guidance and encouragement.

The Mill Grange series would never have come to life if it hadn’t been for Tammy Nicholson, who welcomes me and my colleague, Alison Knight (along with many of our Imagine students), to Northmoor House – the inspiration for Mill Grange - on Exmoor every year, for our Imagine writing retreats.

Finally, to my family and friends, who support my constant need to write with regular deliveries of coffee, chocolate, and kind encouragement.

About the Author

JENNY KANE is