Page 50 of A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft

I heaved a sigh of relief. ‘I couldn’t find her and I was starting to get worried. Thanks for sorting her out.’

‘No bother. If you get to a stain quickly, it’s so much easier to lift it. See you later.’

And she was gone and I realised that, although I knew her name, I still had no idea who she was and I badly wanted to know.

‘Daddy!’ Imogen ran down the corridor with Darcie. ‘A man made me spill my drink, but a nice lady got the purple out. Look!’ She pointed to her dress and I couldn’t see any evidence of a blackcurrant juice disaster.

‘Imogen’s tired and the bars are noisy,’ Darcie said. ‘Can she come back to my room and watch telly for a bit? Phoebe says that’s fine but I have to check it’s okay with you first.’

‘That’s fine by me.’

Imogen beamed and hugged me. ‘Thanks, Daddy. See you later.’

I waved them off and hesitated in the corridor, my thoughts turning back to Poppy now that I was reassured that Imogen was all right. I didn’t recall there being a Poppy on the guest list. I knew all of Barney’s friends and farming contacts and I’d met everyone on his side of the family at some point so she had to be one of Amber’s guests. Was she here with someone? Suddenly I had to know so I sauntered casually into the Sycamore Snug. I spotted her immediately, sitting in a high-backed armchair with her legs crossed. On her own. Should I walk up to her? Offer her a drink? Bit naff when it was a free bar. I shook my head. I was overthinking this. She’d come to my daughter’s rescue and all I needed to do was thank her for her kindness, apologise again for walking into her and, if she didn’t look like she wanted to get rid of me, I could extend that conversation by asking her how she knew Amber. Surely a wedding had to be the easiest place to strike up a conversation because all the guests had one thing in common – the happy couple. And if all else failed, I could give her another ready meal recommendation.

But my dithering lost me my chance. A man in a sharp suit and a tan that looked out of place in Yorkshire at this time of year joined her with a bottle of wine, two glasses and a packet of crisps which elicited a huge smile when he tossed them to her.She was obviously with him, and they looked happy together, lucky bloke.

My phone beeped and, thinking it might be a message from Darcie, I took it out of my pocket, my heart sinking when I saw who it was actually from.

From Tilly

Why are you ignoring my messages? I asked you if our daughter was wearing make-up and I think that deserves a response, don’t you?

Feeling irritated at her for something so petty, I went back into the corridor and leaned against the wall as I tapped in a response.

To Tilly

No, I don’t. It’s hardly a life-and-death situation. Yes, she is wearing make-up and it’s a one-off treat on a special day which made our little girl very happy. I made the decision to let her wear make-up because I’m her dad and, shocking as you might find it, I have the right to make decisions from time to time. You make them all the time and I never question them so get over it and stop messaging me. As for ignoring your messages, I’m ignoring ALL messages. BECAUSE I’M AT MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING AND I HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO. I’ll have Imogen back with you by 11.30 as promised. Good night!

I couldn’t believe Tilly was pestering me today about a tiny amount of make-up. I wished I hadn’t sent her that photo now. Although if I hadn’t done that, I’m sure she’d have foundsomething else to message me about. She usually did when I had Imogen.

Feeling like I was neglecting my best man duties, I set off back to the main bar, but I took a quick peek in the snug as I passed. Poppy was laughing with the man who’d joined her, and I sighed. One day it would be my turn to make someone like her laugh like that, but today wasn’t that day and it seemed she wasn’t that person. She was obviously a friendly, smiley person and that moment I thought we’d shared in Bloomsberry’s had been one-sided. How familiar!

18

JOEL

I was about to return to the Juniper Lounge and get back into the wedding spirit, but my teeth had that furry feeling, and my mouth had the dryness that came with afternoon drinking so I headed up to my room. My family suite came with a mini-bar so, after freshening up, I grabbed a bottle of cold water and took a couple of welcome glugs. I was going to sprawl out on the sofa but fatigue suddenly gripped me and I feared that, if I sat down, I might fall asleep. Instead, I wandered over to the window and opened it to let in some fresh air.

My room was at the front of Fennington Hall overlooking the gravel car park and the grounds beyond, including a second lake and an arboretum. A shout drew my attention towards the hotel entrance. Lorna was running down the steps with Chez racing after her. He grabbed the handle of her overnight bag, evidently trying to stop her leaving, but she snatched it from his grasp and he stumbled down the last couple of steps. I wasn’t close enough to hear what they were saying but the volume of their voices, the gesticulating and the body language left me in no doubt that they were having a blazing row. She stormed a few paces across the car park, he caught her, there was moreshouting and gesticulating and she set off once more. I felt guilty watching them, but they were arguing in a well-lit public place with evening guests arriving and having to dodge past them. I’d always thought that Lorna was the one with the fiery temper but it seemed my brother could give as good as he got, although the amount of alcohol he’d consumed across the afternoon was likely a contributory factor.

Lorna was striding along the middle of the car park, coming closer. Lights flashed on a blue hatchback – the car Lorna occasionally borrowed from her mum. Lorna tossed her bag onto the passenger seat, got in and slammed the door behind her, ignoring Chez banging on the window as she started the engine. Seconds later, she’d reversed with a wheelspin and sped out of the car park.

Chez cut such a sorrowful figure staring after her. I pushed the window open wider and shouted his name. He looked around him, clearly confused as to where the voice had come from.

‘Up here! First floor.’

He looked up. ‘Joel?’

‘Are you okay?’

‘Did you see that?’

‘Yes.’

‘Then why ask? Of course I’m not okay.’

‘Wait there. I’ll come down.’

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