Page 72 of The Boathouse By the Loch

‘A combined engagement party and housewarming party at the boathouse. You could spend time together planning it, getting the boathouse prepared. I think she’d really enjoy it – don’t you?’

David was sceptical. ‘I don’t know.’ He looked down at Olive, sitting by his chair, her head resting on his lap. ‘She enjoyed organising your party, but that was here, at Lark Lodge. She loves this place.’

‘Hmm. But what if she was organising the party for a special guest – someone in particular she was inviting?’

David looked up. ‘Do you mean Jake Campbell-Ross?’

Gayle shook her head. ‘Why would I mean him?’

‘Well, sheisdoing up his house. She hasn’t met him yet. And the Rosses are pretty important people. I guess it would be the talk of the town if one of them came.’

Gayle laughed. ‘I guess it would. I suppose she could invite him to the party.’

‘I could invite him as a surprise, keep it a secret between us.’

‘Yes – why not? Hopefully he’s coming back. I kept his room free. But it wasn’t him I was thinking of.’

‘Then who?’

‘Look, Robyn hasn’t got any family in these parts.’

David immediately took offence. ‘We’re her family now. You, me, Doris, my brother and his family. Then there’s my father, and of course Nick and Marty—’

Gayle held up her hand. ‘Alright, already! I know that’s true. But I’m talking about her relations, obviously. Perhaps it’s time she mended bridges with her mum. I’m sure it would help tremendously with her settling into her new life with you at the boathouse.’

David was aware that Robyn and her mum must be estranged. Robyn didn’t talk about her mum much. All he knew was that her mum had sold up the family home and gone travelling. Judith sent cheques in the post every once in a while, asking Robyn to join her for a holiday wherever she was in the world, but Robyn had always declined, apparently.

But Judith knew nothing of her life now, nor her amnesia. It made him wonder if Robyn would even recognise Judith, unless her memories came flooding back when she saw her. ‘I don’t think she’s even told her mum that she’s dropped out of university. You know, Robyn contacted the university recently. Her deferment will be ending soon. They’ll expect her to return in September.’ David was so relieved when Robyn had told him that she wasn’t going back. He’d assumed she wasn’t, but hadn’t been sure until he’d heard her say the words.

Gayle said, ‘She’s been saying she needs to contact her mum, tell her about her new life, but as far as I know, she hasn’t.’

David shook his head. ‘No, she hasn’t.’

‘But it can’t go on, can it, David? She set up a redirection so that the letters from her mum, which were still being sent to heruniversity accommodation, come here instead. But pretty soon she’ll have to cancel that redirection. She’ll have to tell her. It’s got to be unsettling for her, keeping all this a secret from her mum. I think it’s time there were no more secrets in her life.’

David agreed.

‘So, wouldn’t it be lovely if she returned from abroad, and Robyn introduced her to her new friends, to her new life – and to her future husband?’

David raised his eyebrows as something occurred to him. ‘Does that mean she’ll have to stay at the boathouse? She could stay here at Lark Lodge.’

Gayle shook her head. ‘I think Robyn would want her mum to stay at the boathouse. Besides, this chat was about making her feel more settled, more at home there. It wouldn’t do at all if her mum was here. What if Robyn decides to stay here so she can spend more time with her?’

‘Ah, I see your point.’

Something else crossed David’s mind. ‘What if her mum … Judith … doesn’t like me? I’ve lost my career. I work for my father, making deliveries.’

‘Well, that’s not all you do. You’re a volunteer coach for a local youth sports programme, and I heard you’re also working towards a certification and further training, which could lead to a paid coaching position.’

David nodded. ‘That’s true.’

‘And then there’s that part-time history degree you’re doing.’

‘That’s just a hobby.’

‘Yes, but you never know where that might lead. You might want to become a history teacher. You’ve got a lot going for you.’

David looked at her doubtfully. ‘Yeah, I guess.’

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