‘Do you think she will like Glitterbug?’ Tilly asked quietly.
‘Miss Bromley will love Glitterbug, and she’ll love you! How could she fail to adore you both, you little cherub.’ Audrey gazed at Tilly and Ethan saw his daughter flush with pleasure. She’d been a bit quiet recently and he was worried that not having a mother around was affecting her, so being around a positive and loving female role model like Audrey would surely be good for Tilly.
‘Can I have more cake?’ Tilly asked.
Ethan took in her chocolatey mouth and chin, and was about to say that perhaps one piece was enough for now, but then he relented. They’d just arrived and another piece of cake wouldn’t hurt for once.
‘What’s the magic word, Tilly?’ Ethan asked.
She pouted, then her eyes flashed as if taking up a challenge, and he held his breath. There was mischief rising in her now, he felt sure, and whenever she got mischievous, she always made him laugh.
‘Abra… cadabra!’ she exclaimed, sending Audrey into fits of giggles.
‘I meant the other magic word, Tilly. You know… please, but you got me there, didn’t you?’ Ethan shook his head.
‘Ha ha, Daddy, I did. I got you.’
‘You must play that joke on Uncle Gary, Tilly. It’s very funny. More tea, Ethan?’ Audrey stood up and reached for his mug.
‘That would be great thanks. I’m parched.’
He handed his mug to his aunt then relaxed into the squidgy sofa, feeling some of the tension in his body ebbing away. They’d been here less than half an hour but his aunt’s warm welcome meant that his daughter was relaxed enough to start teasing him. It wasn’t a side of his little girl that he’d seen for a while and it lifted his spirits.
This move could well be exactly what he and Tilly needed.
* * *
Fran settled back on the sofa and closed her eyes. It had been a busy day and she was glad to finally put her feet up. She’d given the bearded dragons their salad, fed the cats and the dogs and picked up after them all in the garden, then deposited the waste in the bottomless buckets where it would drain into the soil.
The patter of dog paws on flagstones made her smile. Seeing as how her golden lab, Crosby, was snoring in front of the log burner and her mongrel, Dust Bunny, was on the sofa at her side, it must be her whippet, Scamp, who’d got up to visit the kitchen. She hoped he’d only gone for a drink of water.
Fran reached out and ran a hand over Dust Bunny’s fluffy white fur, enjoying how soft it felt under her palm, and the dog gave her hand a lick of thanks. The pitter patter of feet returning to the room made Fran open her eyes, and Scamp dropped to the rug in front of the log burner near Crosby. The dog was chewing something.
‘Decided to clean your teeth, did you?’ Fran asked, assuming that it was one of the dogs’ chew toys. But as she looked more closely, she saw that Scamp actually had a box and was pulling something thin and white out of it.
‘What the hell have you got there?’ Fran jumped to her feet. ‘Have you been in my bag, Scamp?’
The dog looked at her as if surprised at her tone, then continued chewing.
‘Give me that!’ Fran lurched at the dog and grabbed the box. ‘You bloody mischievous dog.’ She held out what was left of the pregnancy test box then reached down and took the test from Scamp’s mouth. ‘What made you think this would be tasty? Or that it was yours to take?’
Scamp peered up at her, his brown eyes pleading innocence, but then he started rubbing his face with his paws, suggesting that he knew he’d done wrong.
‘This wasn’t even mine, Scamp; it was for Holly. And… why did you have to take the more expensive one?’
Scamp let out a whine and Fran immediately felt guilty for scolding him. He didn’t know that it wasn’t for him and she had left her bag hanging on the back of a kitchen chair. Scamp had come to her as a rescue dog with some issues and one of them was that he stole things from bags and chewed them up. He was calm and happy now, but his old habit sometimes reappeared, especially if something smelt particularly interesting.
She leant over and rubbed his ears then kissed his soft head. ‘It’s okay, boy. I’m not angry, not at all.’
He wagged his tail then flopped onto his side next to Crosby and closed his eyes. Clearly, after all the excitement, it was nap time.
Fran went to the kitchen and threw the remains of the test in the bin then washed her hands. She glanced at the clock. Her parents and Nonna were due to Skype her soon from Italy, so she’d make a cuppa to drink while she spoke to them. After that, it would be a baked potato for one with cheese and beans and something on Netflix, along with doggy cuddles.
It sounded like the perfect evening.
* * *
Ethan tiptoed down the stairs and into the lounge of the stone cottage at Rosewood Farm. A smaller version of the farmhouse, it was located on the opposite side of the yard from his aunt and uncle’s home and just behind the tea shop. It had a small private garden and a wonderful view of the fields that stretched out for what seemed like miles. The coast was just visible in the distance, with flashes of blue-grey sea reflecting the November weather.
He’d put Tilly to bed in the single room where the pretty pink and lilac bed linen smelt of floral fabric softener, and where Tilly had clung to Glitterbug as if her life depended on it. That had worried Ethan so he had stayed with her, reading her stories and stroking her hair until she’d fallen asleep. It was daunting enough for him being in a strange cottage, let alone for his six-year-old child. He’d left a nightlight on and her door open so he could hear if she called for him. It was clear that his aunt had bought the pretty bed linen especially for Tilly and she’d added touches like some books on the white shelves and a small lamp that matched the bed linen. It all looked and felt fresh and new and he appreciated her thoughtfulness. Tilly had looked around the room in awe when they’d come to take a look around, but at night, when darkness fell and bedtime arrived, it was harder to be so positive. However, he had reassured himself that she would soon adjust and that this cottage could easily become home, as long as they were together.
Now, he sat on the damask velvet cushioned sofa and curled his legs up under him. The room was warm and cosy with the curtains drawn and the log fire burning in the hearth. There was a large flat-screen TV in the corner and the cottage had Wi-Fi, so he knew he’d be able to sign up to Netflix or Sky or some other form of relaxing distraction. To survive the long winter nights, plenty of good TV would be essential, although Audrey had told him that he and Tilly would always be welcome to join them at the farmhouse.
He’d eaten dinner there this evening and met his uncle and cousins again for the first time in years. They had been warm and friendly and Tilly had responded well to them. Dinner hadn’t been a long affair, as his uncle still had jobs on the farm to complete and his cousins, Harper and Scarlett, had prior social engagements. Being a fair bit younger than Ethan, they still lived at home and weren’t yet settled with children or partners. Like most twenty-somethings they seemed to have an active social life, which they chattered about throughout the meal. Tilly had been quiet at first when everyone was introduced, but she’d soon come out of her shell with gentle coaxing and some strawberry ice cream. She’d also been fascinated by his cousins’ names and kept repeating them, emphasising the syllables and smiling each time. In turn, his cousins had found Tilly’s behaviour amusing and they’d seemed enchanted with her. Ethan could only hope that this would be a good thing for Tilly. She’d gone from having no female role models around – other than teachers and classroom assistants – to having three female family members.
He wriggled down so that he was lying flat and he watched how the glow from the fire created shadows on the wall. It would be nice to have a partner now, to have a woman to snuggle up to and to talk with, to plan with, even to sit in comfortable silence with. It would be soothing to have the reassurance of another adult around. But then, if he had that, he’d also have the fe
ar and the vulnerability that came with being in a relationship. He didn’t think he’d be able to handle all that again, especially now that it wasn’t just him he had to worry about. Tilly needed to have a stable home life, she needed to know that she was loved and cared for and he could never allow someone to come into her life in case they left it again. His baby girl had lost one mother; he couldn’t bear for her to lose another. She deserved far better than that and Ethan would ensure that she was never hurt again.
Chapter 3
Fran pushed open the door to the tea shop at Rosewood and stood back to allow Holly to enter before her with the pushchair. She closed the door behind them, appreciating the warmth inside after the icy bite of the wind swirling around the yard outside. They headed for a table near the log burner and removed their coats before sitting down. She’d picked Holly up after delivering some pottery olive bowls to Greenacres, and she’d been worried when she’d seen how pale her friend was. The first thing they needed to do was to get some tea and cake into Holly, then they could continue their discussion about whether or not Holly was pregnant and, if so, what her next move would be.
Audrey Sanders approached the table with a small notepad and pencil. ‘Hello, ladies.’
Fran met the woman’s kind green eyes and returned the smile. ‘Hi, Audrey. How are you?’
‘Very good, thanks.’
‘I have a box of mugs in the car for you so you can check out the sample designs. I’ll bring it in before we leave.’
‘Thanks, Fran.’ Audrey smiled. ‘How are you, Holly?’
‘I’m fine, thanks, Audrey.’ Holly smiled at the older woman but Fran noticed that her eyes were guarded.
‘Glad to hear it. And how’s this beautiful little boy of yours?’ Audrey asked, leaning over the pushchair and smiling at the sleeping Luke, who hadn’t even stirred as he was transferred from car seat to pushchair.
‘He’s an absolute joy.’ Holly nodded. ‘Rich and I are very lucky.’
‘I don’t doubt you’ll want a little brother or sister for him at some point,’ Audrey said, still cooing over Luke.
Holly blanched and pushed her chair back then stood up. ‘Excuse me for a moment.’
As Holly hurried to the toilets, Fran met Audrey’s concerned gaze.
‘Must’ve been a sleepless night,’ she suggested. ‘Luke’s probably teething.’
Audrey nodded but Fran wasn’t certain that she was convinced.
‘I remember losing lots of sleep with my two girls when they had teeth coming through. Thankfully, it passes. Although then you lose sleep for all sorts of other reasons, like worrying about their school reports, if they’re eating enough vegetables, if they’re spending too much time on social media and if they’re safe when they go out on the town with their friends.’ Audrey shook her head. ‘Being a parent is wonderful but, between you and me, it’s incredibly stressful too.’
‘I can only imagine,’ Fran said as she pushed her glasses up her nose, hoping that Holly wouldn’t reappear in time to hear how having more than one child doubled the stress and worry.
‘Do you know what you’d like to order or shall I come back when Holly returns?’
‘I’ll order for us, thanks. She always goes for your delicious lemon drizzle cake, so I doubt she’d choose anything else.’
After Audrey had gone to make their drinks, Fran looked up to see Holly returning. She sat down slowly and placed shaky hands on the table in front of her.
‘Sorry about that. I think it could be just anxiety or it could be anxiety making the morning sickness worse, but I’ve been sick three times this morning already.’
‘Oh god, Hols.’
‘I know.’ Holly grimaced. ‘It’s exhausting. I went off wine when I was expecting Luke and I had some queasiness early on in the pregnancy, but I thought I had a bug or something and had no idea I was pregnant. This time though… if it definitely is because I’m pregnant… I feel even worse.’
They fell silent and Fran made a point of tidying the sachets of sugar in the small purple bowl on the table. When they were all neatly lined up, she took a deep breath.
‘Are you still unsure about whether this could be a good thing?’
Holly worried at her bottom lip and her eyes darted from side to side before she replied. ‘Yesterday, I was worried it was a possibility, then last night, I was sitting next to Rich on the sofa as he gave Luke his bottle and watching the two of them together just filled my heart with so much love. Granny and Dad were there too, and we’re such a happy family unit now. It all feels so secure and settled and I know how lucky I am. It made me think that having another baby wouldn’t be a bad thing at all. Yes, it’s true that the timing could have been better but then, it doesn’t make that much difference really. I mean… a new baby would surely bring more joy with him or her?’
Fran nodded then reached across the table and took Holly’s hand. ‘Of course it would. And yes, this is a bit of a surprise… as Luke is only just ten months old, but at least he and his sibling will be close in age.’
‘True.’ Holly nodded as she gazed down at her sleeping baby.
‘Hello.’
Fran turned to find a little girl with long blonde hair and big brown eyes standing next to her. She was wearing jeans embroidered with flowers and a long-sleeved pink top and she had a purple headband in her hair. Clutched in her hand was a brown toy dog with white spots on its fur.
‘Well, hello there.’ Fran smiled. ‘Who are you?’
‘I’m Tilly.’ The little girl stared down at her glittery blue trainers.
‘I’m Fran and this is Holly. We’re very pleased to meet you.’
‘Pleased to meet you too.’ Tilly smiled shyly at them.
‘I really like your trainers,’ Fran said.
‘Thank you. I like glittery things, which is why my dog is called Glitterbug.’
‘You have a dog?’ Fran asked. ‘I like dogs.’
‘Not a real dog.’ Tilly held up her toy dog. ‘This is Glitterbug.’
‘Ah, I see. Well hello, Glitterbug.’ Fran smiled at the toy.
‘Is this your baby?’ Tilly stepped closer to the pushchair.
‘This is Holly’s baby, Luke.’
‘He’s very small.’ Tilly sniffed. ‘Glitterbug says she likes him.’
‘I’m sure he’d like her too,’ Holly said.
‘Can I wake him up to find out?’ Tilly asked.
‘No!’ Holly exclaimed. ‘What I mean is… please don’t. He’s taking his nap and if you wake him he’ll be grumpy.’
Tilly giggled. ‘Like my daddy when I wake him up too early.’
Fran smiled. Tilly was so cute. ‘Who’s your dad, Tilly?’
‘Ethan. He works here.’
‘Does he?’ Fran frowned. ‘I don’t think I’ve met him. How long has he been here?’
Tilly shrugged. ‘Since yesterday. We came from our home in Bath. I like it here but I do miss my home and my friends from school.’
Fran didn’t know what to say. ‘Are you staying here then, Tilly?’
Tilly nodded. ‘I’m going to the school to be with Miss Brom… Miss Brom–w–ley.’
‘Miss Bromley?’ Fran asked.
‘Yes. My aunty said she’s very nice.’ Tilly returned her attention to the pram and lowered her face so her nose was almost touching Luke’s.
‘Tilly!’
She jumped at the sharp tone and Fran looked up to see a man hurrying over to them. He was tall and broad-shouldered with floppy blonde hair and a strong square jaw. In jeans and a grey T-shirt, he was casually attired but with that effortless style that only really handsome men seemed to pull off.
‘Tilly, I told you not to harass people. You’ll scare Audrey’s customers away.’
Tilly stepped away from the pushchair and hugged her toy dog to her chest. ‘I was just saying hello,’ she replied, her brown eyes so wide they seemed to dominate her tiny face.
‘She really was just saying hello.’
Fran stood up. ‘She wasn’t doing any harm, honestly.’
The man’s eyes darted to Fran’s face and she almost gasped at how green they were, reminding her of springtime ferns and freshly cut grass and sparkling rock pools all at once. Her heart pounded in her chest and she opened and closed her mouth as she struggled to take a breath.
‘She certainly wouldn’t have meant any harm,’ the man said, ‘but she was told not to wander around.’
‘She’s only young,’ Fran retorted, feeling a bit irritated now by this handsome stranger’s insensitivity. ‘And curious. Besides which, she was very polite.’
He blinked hard then sighed. ‘I’m sorry. I just… I was in the kitchen and I looked up and she’d wandered off and I… I panicked.’
Fran watched as his expression softened. Her own irritation faded away and was replaced with curiosity and a hint of compassion.
‘I’m okay, Daddy. See?’ Tilly held out her arms and turned around. ‘No harm done.’
The man smiled as he gazed at his daughter, then he swept her up in his arms and kissed her cheeks. ‘Yes you are, thank goodness. Now let’s go and sieve that flour or the scones will never be ready.’
‘Yes, Daddy!’ Tilly giggled.
‘Sorry.’ The man, who Fran guessed was Ethan, flashed an apologetic look at Fran then at Holly before carrying his daughter away.
Fran watched him go, wondering why her heart was still hammering in her chest. It was like she’d had too much caffeine today or like she’d just gone for a run, which she didn’t do that often because she rarely had time and she wasn’t that keen on running anyway – too much jiggling up and down. She’d prefer a good brisk walk or a bicycle ride any day.
The Christmas Tea Shop at Rosewood Page 3
