Page 6 of Autumn at the Cornish Garden Café

A swell of emotion tightened Rosa’s throat, and she coughed as she tried to dispel it.

As if emerging from a trance, Christopher shook his head and then placed a hand on her arm. ‘Excuse me, dear. I don’t mean to drift. I came here to speak to you about some books I have. Do you think you’d be interested?’

‘I have a pre-loved and vintage books section here, so I’d certainly like to take a look if that’s OK?’

‘It is indeed.’ Christopher nodded. ‘When would you like to come and look? I’m pretty flexible these days. My social life is quite limited now.’

‘I could come tomorrow. Would that work for you?’

‘Absolutely.’ He pulled a mobile phone from his pocket and said, ‘Could you put your number in here and I’ll text you? That way you can let me know when’s a good time.’

Rosa did as he asked, then handed the phone back to him. ‘Text me your address, too.’

‘I’m not far away. Just along the road, past the school, then the row of cottages, and my home is the detached house on the left.’

‘Thank you.’

‘I shall see you tomorrow, then.’ He tucked the phone in his trouser pocket, then got his cap out and put it on. ‘And thank you again for the coffee and biscuits.’

‘My pleasure, Christopher. See you soon.’

Rosa opened the door for him, then watched as he ambled away. For a man in his nineties, he was remarkable and so polite. She wondered if he managed all right living alone and if he had any relatives nearby to help him, should he require support. Life could be lonely at any age, especially if you’d lost your partner and had no friends around.

‘I’m back!’ Vinnie sang as he entered the shop carrying a paper bag. ‘Oh, was that Christopher I saw leaving?’

‘It was.’

‘Bless his heart. Hasn’t been the same since he lost his wife.’

‘He seems lovely.’

‘He is.’ Vinnie placed the paper bag on the counter, then removed his jacket. ‘But he keeps to himself. It’s like he’s afraid of being seen as a burden by anyone.’

‘That’s such a shame.’ Rosa wrapped her arms around her waist. ‘He’s invited me to his house tomorrow to see if we want any of his books for the shop.’

‘Get you! He must have taken a shine to you to invite you to the manor house.’

‘Manor house?’ Rosa frowned.

‘That’s what we call it round here. He lives in this big old house that he apparently built years ago. He’s … or hewas… a talented carpenter. Such a shame though that they had that beautiful big house and couldn’t have the children they wanted to fill it. I remember hearing my mama talking about it when I was younger. She said the Robins wanted children but couldn’t have any and so they rattled around that house alone. Not that children are essential to happiness, of course, but if people want them, then it’s sad if they can’t have them.’

Rosa nodded. She understood that feeling all too well.

‘From what I’ve heard, and I’m not one to gossip…’ Vinnie put his jacket on the counter next to the bag, then placed his hands on his hips. ‘There’s a niece in Canada who’ll inherit the estate after Christopher passes away.’

‘I wonder if she’ll come here to live.’

‘I doubt it. But she’ll be well off when that house sells for sure.’ Vinnie raised his brows. ‘Hopefully that’s a long way off, as Christopher is the sprightliest ninety-something I’ve ever met. Not that I’ve met many people in their nineties, mind.’

‘It’s a great age.’

‘It is.’ Vinnie reached for the paper bag. ‘Mama sent you some lunch.’

‘Ooh! She didn’t need to do that.’

‘She said you’re too skinny and you need some treats.’

‘I love she thinks I’m skinny, even though she’s mistaken about it.’ Rosa laughed. ‘What did she send me?’

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