Page 104 of Atticus Arnott's Great Adventure
‘I think we should go into production, Uncle Arthur,’ Jake commented and remembered the hours spent in Arthur’s shed with Polyfilla, a paintbrush, and an endless supply of tea.
Britta entered the church wearing a simple silk outfit that matched her cornflower blue eyes, and in her hands,she carried a bouquet of white roses. Close behind Britta came a trio of bridesmaids wearing outfits of their choice. Eliza and Caitlin were endearing in matching dresses and fur boleros, but Maeve, ever the rebel, favoured her ’80s punk-rock look. She’d dug out her short leather skirt, ripped fishnet tights, and acid-washed vest once more.
In her emerald-green dress, Cheryl smiled at Maeve and whispered to Ruby, ‘I wouldn’t mind a get-up like that.’
‘You’ve always looked good in leather,’ Ruby, in a tailored suit, agreed.
Standing nervously by the altar, Atticus was accompanied by Mungo. ‘She’s here,’ Mungo whispered and gave Atticus’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
Sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows as Britta came down the aisle, and Atticus thought she’d never looked more beautiful. Her divorce had been swift and now, surrounded by their loved ones, they exchanged their vows. When it was announced that the groom could kiss the bride, the congregation cheered.
Church bells rang as the happy couple emerged and were showered with confetti. Finn held onto Ness, who was decked out in a blue bandana, as the dog wriggled and thumped her tail. Erik, in a bespoke Savile Row suit, wore designer sunglasses, and his Rolex glinted in the sunshine. He stood with Ali, who blushed like a schoolgirl when he took her arm and walked her across the village green to The Black Bull, where Reg had laid on a reception.
The Senior Socials Club and the domino team were on their feet as the wedding party arrived at the pub, and the round of applause could be heard as far away as Barn HillFarm. Reg, dapper in a waistcoat, served champagne and congratulated the happy couple.
Mary stood at the back of the pub and watched the wedding guests, and she smiled as she saw her dad introduce his new wife to the locals.
For a moment, Mary thought of Conor.
Being with family had become vitally important to her estranged husband, and he endeavoured to be with his children at every opportunity. She was grateful that Conor was a good dad. It eased the pain of parting, and the children were adapting to their changed way of life. Even Caitlin had come around. She often spent time with Conor and his new girlfriend, and confided to Mary that Cindy, a hair stylist, was a lousy cook but a whizz with the scissors and the styling wand.
How useful, thought Mary as she admired Caitlin’s new haircut. Caitlin, who spent hours on FaceTime with Luis, was these days, a much happier bunny.
Cillian McCarthy had been the first to tell Mary that Darby’s had gone into receivership, and Lucinda, who hadn’t been seen for weeks, was thought to be abroad. Creek House had unexpectedly gone on the market and Murphy’s had been instructed for the sale.
When Conor called for the children one Saturday morning, Mary asked her ex-husband if he’d put in an offer. ‘That ship has sailed,’ Conor replied. ‘Creek House was a dream that became a nightmare,’ he added.
With the children’s time divided betweenherself and Conor, Mary concentrated on her business, which soon began to boom. She picked up sales that Darby’s could no longer handle, and with the construction of Cillian’s new houses underway, the future of Arnott’s Auctioneers looked rosy.
The latest asset to her business was the handsome new agent who appeared to have the magic touch. With multiple sales and skilful negotiation, commissions racked up like a constantly ticking clock. Having sold his valeting business for a satisfying figure, Ruari was enjoying his new role.
‘A glass of champagne?’
Mary turned to see Ruari beside her.Goodness, he was easy on the eye!
‘You’re miles away,’ Ruari said, handing her the drink.
‘Not really, I’m just thinking how lucky I am to have such a great family,’ Mary said.
She caught the scent of his skin and felt the warmth of his arm as it snaked around her waist. Strangely, she’d lost weight without even trying, and her Bounce Buster Briefs were a thing of the past. Mary even enjoyed the Ladies’ Lunch Club and discovered that the ladies were surprisingly supportive. To her amusement, she discovered that they disliked Lucinda too and were delighted when Una set them straight about the bitchiest member of their club.
Mary turned to Ruari and as she stared into his eyes, her heart almost skipped a beat. She’d no idea where this relationship was going but here, right now, she adored the man who was slowly rebuilding her broken heart.
Atticus turned to Britta. ‘It’s time to go, my love. Have you got all our paperwork?’
Britta tapped the bag on her shoulder. ‘Ferry tickets to Santander and passports for you, me, and Ness, safely secured,’ she said, smiling.
Guests, aware that departure was imminent, began to gather outside.
As Atticus and Britta made their way out of the pub, Jake ran ahead to give Winnie a final polish and ensure that the tin cans he’d attached to her rear bumper were secured. A ‘Just Married’ banner fluttered in Winnie’s rear window.
Atticus secured Ness and helped Britta to her seat, then turned to thank everyone for their well-wishes.
‘See you on the other side in Spain!’ Cheryl and Ruby called out.
‘Safe travels,’ said Erik, his arm around Ali, who beamed and waved.
‘Good luck, Dad.’ Mungo smiled as he stood beside Helen. ‘We’ll be out to Spain again to see you both very soon.’
Atticus caught Mary’s eye. Blowing her a kiss, he thought of the day Mary had marched him into the barn, and they’d discovered Winnie. It had marked the beginning of the rest of his life. He cranked Winnie’s engine into gear and tooted her horn. To applause and cheers, Atticus and Britta set off for Spain.
As they drove away, Atticus looked up at a passing cloud and thought he saw the shape of Clara’s smile.
‘Well done, my dearest,’ came a ghostly whisper, ‘you didn’t let the old man in.’
