Page 107 of Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society
Kathy sits back and tosses some dead leaves behind her onto the grass, where Charlie picks them up and puts them in a bucket. He knows they’re working on the garden ahead of his party and he told Elizabeth he wanted to help, so Shirl assigned him to rubbish duty.
‘I’m painting again.’ Kathy can hear the note of triumph in her own voice.
Cynthia whips her head around. ‘That’s wonderful!’
‘What? Painting?’ It’s Lorraine, who’s obviously heard the whole exchange. ‘Did you know she painted, Cyn?’
‘Kathy mentioned it once. But as something from the past.’
‘You need to have a show,’ Lorraine declares.
‘Lorraine, honestly –’
‘No, you must. I bet you’re really good. I can feel it in me waters. Cyn and I will organise it.’
‘Will we now?’ Cynthia says, amused.
‘Course we will. This is a big deal! Kath’s an artist!’
‘Shh,’ Kathy says, not ready to share it with Shirl in particular, because Shirl probably knows Emma and she’ll start askingquestions about Kathy’s ability or something. It would be better to develop her art in her own time – if Lorraine doesn’t intervene first.
‘Be proud of yourself, Kath.’ Lorraine nudges her. ‘Some people would talk about it forever and never do a thing. You’re on your way.’
‘We’ll see,’ Kathy mutters.
‘Now.’ Lorraine puts her hands on her hips and surveys the garden. ‘We need to work out where to put the tables and chairs for the party. Lizzie! Let’s have a chat.’
She charges off in Elizabeth’s direction and Kathy once more turns her attention to the hydrangeas.
‘I’m glad Elizabeth’s having this party,’ Cynthia says softly. ‘It turns this garden into a place of celebration. Not …’
‘A mausoleum?’ Kathy makes a face. ‘I know what you mean.’
‘I was going to say “shrine” but it’s probably not much different.’
They both turn to look at Lorraine, now pointing and talking like she’s a general giving orders, which is not that far from the truth.
‘It’s a turning point,’ Cynthia says. ‘Elizabeth should be proud of herself. And you should be proud ofyourselffor painting again. I can’t wait to see what you’re working on.’
Kathy smiles and nods, although she’s determined not to show Cynthia anything unless she’s sure it’s very good. Because she’s painting native plants – not at all in Diane’s style, but taking inspiration from the sketchbook – in honour of all the women in this gardening society that has changed her life in ways that initially seemed small but have turned out to be very big indeed.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
‘Si madethe card himself, didn’t you, darling?’ Lorraine is holding out a brightly coloured-in offering to Charlie, who looks delighted.
Elizabeth feels herself relax. She’s been so worried about this party – the first proper gathering she’s had in this house, and its garden, since Jon’s wake. Worried about being around all those people; worried that she won’t remember how to be sociable; worried that the food won’t be right or enough. Then Lorraine knocked on the door, Simon in tow, being her bright self, and the worries went away.
‘Happy birthday, Charlie!’ Simon says, then without another word the two boys run in the direction of the garden.
Elizabeth smiles gratefully at Lorraine. ‘Thanks for coming,’ she says, accepting Lorraine’s noisy kiss on her cheek.
‘As if I’d miss it!’ Lorraine holds out a plastic plate full of chocolate crackles. ‘I know you did all the food but I figured I’d bring something extra for the kids. Simon’ll eat you out of Cheezels in five seconds so it’s good to have more supply.’
‘Thank you.’ Elizabeth takes the plate and walks towards the kitchen, knowing Lorraine will follow her. The Sunshine Gardeners are all very familiar with this house now, in and out to the bathroom and the kitchen.
‘Are the others here yet?’ Lorraine says. ‘Sorry we’re late.’
‘You’re not late,’ Elizabeth says as she puts the plate on the kitchen bench and turns around. ‘It’s a party. You’re only late if it’s already over when you arrive.’
