Meet Me at Willow Hall

by Carla Burgess

Some of the colour returned to Bobbi’s face and she started to smile. ‘Oh. Okay then.’

  ‘Especially as you’re always on about flower farming, and this could be our opportunity to try our hand at it. With Arthur’s support, of course.’

  Bobbi looked a little more hopeful than she had over the past few days. I asked her if she planned to move in with Jayjay or not and she said they’d talked about it but hadn’t decided on anything yet.

  ‘Hold on a minute!’ I said, as it dawned on me that we were forgetting the most important thing of all. ‘You’re having a baby! A real, actual baby! And all we’re talking about is boring practical details, like your job and where you’re going to live. Let’s take a moment to squeal excitedly about the fact you’re making a brand-new human being in there!’ Getting up from my seat, I gave her a massive hug. ‘This is amazing news, Bobbi! Congratulations! I’m sorry, I was too stunned when you first said. Were you upset when you found out?’

  ‘A little. It was a bit of a shock, but I’m happy now.’

  ‘Good.’ I stared at her, trying to see if she looked different in some subtle way I hadn’t noticed before, but I couldn’t really see anything. ‘Wow! A baby!’ I couldn’t believe it.

  Cath brought out more tea and we told her Bobbi’s news.

  ‘How lovely!’ she said. ‘Babies are always good news.’

  ***

  In the weeks that followed, Bobbi became much more enthusiastic about the move to Willow Hall. Always the creative, she had loads of brilliant ideas on how to make our website look great. She also made suggestions about the kinds of workshops we could offer. I knew it would take time to build the new business up, but I was sure we could do it. Especially as the brides-to-be who had already booked with us had been fine when I explained about the move.

  There was still lots to do, though. Packing up the shop was going to be a mammoth task, even with the removal firm we had booked. There was so much of our family history in there, I felt emotional every time I thought about leaving it.

  It was weird to feel so sad and so excited at the same time. When I was in the Chester shop, I felt sad, and yet when I was at Willow Hall, I couldn’t wait to move into our new space. And I was spending more and more time there. Despite saying I wanted to take things slowly with Anthony, I found myself there almost every night. I had clothes in his wardrobe and cosmetics in his bathroom. Though I denied it to everyone who asked, deep down I knew I’d practically moved in. I only returned to my house to do laundry and collect more clothes.

  I wondered what would happen when the business actually did move into the Brew House. Would I just stay at Anthony’s the whole time? Would that be weird for him, having me working and living in such close proximity?

  If he was worried, he never showed it. He seemed relaxed and happy to have me around, often begging me to stay with him if I suggested going home to Chester. On the occasions I did stay at my own house, he’d insist on coming with me. I couldn’t help but question where we were going. It felt serious. My love for him deepened every day. Had he really got over his fear of commitment? If he hadn’t, I was in serious trouble.

  He never gave any indication that he was less than one hundred per cent committed, though. He told me he loved me all the time, and he was so caring and sweet. He did thoughtful things for me all the time. One day I walked down to the Brew House and found a wrought-iron sign hanging outside. Shaped like a vintage birdcage, the words The Birdcage were written inside, with a swallow swooping above.

  ‘Did you do that?’ I asked, staring at it in amazement.

  He wrapped his arms around me from behind and kissed my neck. ‘Do you like it?’

  ‘Like it?’ I turned and wrapped my arms around his neck. ‘I love it! Thank you so much!’ I covered his face in kisses, hugging him tightly. ‘It’s the most perfect thing ever. Almost as perfect as you, in fact.’

  ‘Oh, no, I’m sure it’s not that perfect!’ Anthony laughed.

  ‘Well, no, nothing could ever be as perfect as you.’ Laughing, I kissed him again then turned to gaze back up at the sign. ‘Where did you get it made?’

  ‘There’s a metalworks not far from here. They do loads of signs like that.’

  ‘It’s beautiful. I couldn’t have chosen anything better.’

  A family of sparrows fluttered down from the hedgerow, pecking about in the damp grass. The air was full of the sound of birdsong and insects and smelt fresh from a recent shower of rain.

  ‘I can’t wait to move in.’

  ‘What, with me?’

  I laughed. ‘I’m practically living with you now, anyway.’

  ‘Yes, but you keep going home too. Are you still going to do that when you no longer work in Chester?’

  ‘I’m going to have to pick up Bobbi.’

  ‘You can do that without living in Chester. Besides, your mum will help and there’s the train. It’s silly to live between two places when you could rent out your house and get some kind of income. You could even rent it to Bobbi and Jayjay.’

  I stared at the sparrows, thinking hard. In the end, there was no getting away from it. I had to say it. ‘But what if you change your mind?’

  ‘About what?’

  ‘Me.’

  ‘Oh, well, then you can stay with my mother. She’s got plenty of room.’ He laughed, and I felt his hot breath on my neck. ‘Just kidding. Rachel, I’m not going to change my mind about you. I learned my lesson last year and I’m not going to do that again. I love you.’ He turned me round so he could gaze into my eyes. ‘I don’t want to be alone any more. I want to be with you.’

  I’d never felt so happy. It felt like everything was slotting into place. Could life really be this good?

  ***

  Even the shop move went smoothly. We’d reduced the number of flowers we had in stock, and what we had left I transported in the shop’s van. I loved driving the van about. It was a little white Renault Kangoo and had The Birdcage Flowers written in scroll writing on the side. Bobbi and I filled the back with all the flowers, careful not to damage them. Their scent was almost overpowering in the confines of the small van.

  ‘It’s a good job neither of us has hay fever,’ I joked, taking my keys from my pocket and jingling them before locking the shop for the last time. I stared at the back door, memories crowding my mind. Now the time had come, I didn’t want to leave. Bobbi watched me press my hand to the door and then kiss it, her eyes full of tears.

  She’d been crying on and off all day, blaming her hormones, but now I couldn’t help but cry too. It was hard walking away from a place I loved so much. We climbed into the van and Bobbi passed me a tissue.

  I blew my nose noisily and started the engine. Bobbi kept her face turned away, staring out of the passenger window, a hand over her mouth. It was a sad day, and I knew that was why Mum had kept away. She would come back and say her goodbyes to the shop tomorrow when I was safely out of the way. For now, she had gone ahead with the removals van, which was carrying the big floral refrigerator, shelving units, Welsh dresser, and the oak table and chairs from the back room.

  It had been grey and dreary all day, but as we drew closer to Willow Hall the clouds parted and the sun came out. Everybody was there to welcome us and they all cheered as Bobbi and I climbed out of the van. I’d donned my sunglasses to hide my red, swollen eyes, but nobody was really fooled. Anthony smiled sympathetically as he passed me a glass of champagne.

  ‘Everything’s inside,’ Mum said cheerfully. ‘It looks good. Go and have a look.’

  I stepped inside and looked around. It was amazing, but all the furniture from the shop looked like it had been here for ever. The refrigerator hummed in the corner, and the shelves stood against one wall. The big oak table where we’d be arranging the flowers stood in the centre of the second room, and the shelving systems leant against one wall. The vintage birdcages that had hung in the shop were stacked neatly in one corner. ‘I think you’ll need more chairs,’ Mum said, her foots
teps echoing on the stone floor behind me. ‘And you could do with some sort of counter for the till. It was a shame we couldn’t bring our old one with us, but we’ll be able to find another. Don’t worry.’

  I nodded. Happiness was starting to filter back in and I reminded myself I needed to be looking forward, not back. I sipped the ice-cold champagne and stared out of the window towards the lake, shimmering in the afternoon sunshine. This was the perfect place for a new start, especially when I was surrounded by such friendly, positive people as Anthony’s family.

  ‘What work have you got booked so far?’ Julian asked, his blue eyes sparkling over his champagne flute. Anthony’s hand snaked around my waist and he squeezed me against his side.

  ‘She’s got a workshop booked already!’ he told his brother proudly.

  ‘Have you? Well done!’

  I nodded. ‘It’s next Wednesday afternoon. Five ladies who live not far from here.’

  ‘Great. We should put the word out in Mother’s WI group, too. You might get something from them.’

  ‘Brilliant. I have a wedding at the weekend, too, and one the following week, but they were already booked, so…’ I shrugged. ‘It’s going to be weird making up the bouquets in a different location.’

  ‘I’m sure you’ll be fine.’ Anthony squeezed my arm. ‘And if you need anything, just give us a shout and someone will help you.’

  ‘Aww, thank you!’ I kissed him. ‘And thank you to everyone here, too,’ I said, raising my glass. ‘I couldn’t have done any of this without you. I may be sad to be leaving the shop, but I’m really excited to be making a new start here.’

  Chapter Twelve

  Anthony was right about me being fine making up bouquets in a different location. It was just the same except that I had a wonderful view of the lake through the window and was surrounded by beautiful nature and the constant sound of birdsong. Bobbi loved it too. We had more bookings for workshops and they were great fun to do. I was really enjoying myself.

  The weeks leading up to Elena and Daniel’s wedding seemed to melt away. I had been really nervous about doing her wedding flowers as well as being her bridesmaid, and was sure I would mess up one or the other, or even both. But the beauty of making the bouquets and table centrepieces at the actual wedding venue was that we could place them in situ and relax, knowing they were ready for the wedding the following day. It was far more relaxed than I’d anticipated, and the flowers were all done by the time Elena arrived at Willow Hall with her family. I was really looking forward to having a lovely gossipy evening together.

  Most of Elena’s family were staying in the converted stable block so we all went for tea in the village pub together. Elena’s brother had returned from Australia specially to see his little sister get married, so it was a real family reunion. Growing up, I’d spent so much time around Elena’s house that her mum, Rosa, was like a second mum to me. It was lovely to spend time with her again. I could tell she was really nervous about being in such a big, grand house, not to mention the fact that her daughter was getting married the following day; but Cath was so lovely and welcoming that she soon relaxed. I couldn’t believe Cath had been living at the hall with Arthur on their own for so long when she was so sociable and warm and welcoming. They should have started this wedding business years ago.

  After our meal, we went back to the bridal suite, and Elena produced her Daniel Box. It was a shoebox she’d filled with souvenirs from the crush she’d had on Daniel when we were at school together. I shrieked with laughter at the sight of it.

  ‘I can’t believe you’re marrying him after you spent all that time stalking him!’ I said, taking it from her. ‘And I really can’t believe you’ve still got all this!’ I rooted through the poems she’d written about him, the pencil sketches of his face and the leaf from his drive. A nail clipping got stuck to my finger and I shook it off with a shudder. ‘Surely you can throw this rubbish away now you’re actually getting married to him. I mean, you’ve got free access to his dirty boxer shorts. Why on earth do you need leaves off his drive and chewed-off nail clippings he left on his desk.’

  Elena laughed and shrugged. ‘I still can’t bring myself to throw it away. I don’t know why.’

  ‘I think you should. What if he sees it?’

  ‘He knows about it,’ she laughed. ‘I won’t actually let him read the poems or anything, but I don’t want to get rid of it. Looking through it reminds me of how lucky I am to have got him at last.’

  ‘Oh, God, Elena, that’s the soppiest thing I’ve ever heard.’ I made retching noises over the side of the bed.

  ‘Hey! You must know how I feel, now you have Anthony!’ She rolled over on to her stomach and propped herself up on her elbows. ‘You seem to really love each other. I saw those lingering looks you give each other all the time. I’m so glad you’re back together again.’

  I blushed and plucked at the bedspread with my fingertips. ‘I know. Me too.’

  We turned off the light and climbed into bed, whispering in the darkness like we’d done so many times when we were growing up. After a while, I heard her breathing slow and even out, and I knew she’d fallen asleep. I fell asleep soon after and awoke the following morning to the sound of Elena singing in the shower.

  The hair and make-up artist arrived just after nine. I couldn’t believe how calm and organised everything felt. All I had to do was sit while someone else did my hair and make-up, and then get dressed. I didn’t even have to worry about what to eat because Cath prepared breakfast and lunch for us and brought it up to the room on a tray.

  Elena’s beautiful, long, dark hair was put into an elaborate up-do with loose strands that curled around her face. Her silver tiara sparkled as it was pinned into place. She already looked amazing and she hadn’t even got her dress on yet.

  ‘I suppose we ought to get you into your dress,’ I said, trying to stop myself from getting all teary.

  ‘Ooh, don’t cry!’ Elena pulled me into a hug. ‘You’ll ruin your make-up.’

  ‘I know!’ I fanned my face with my hand and tipped my head back, trying to blink away my tears. ‘It’s being in this bedroom with all our old teenage memories and that bloody Daniel Box. And here we are, getting you ready for your big day, and you’re actually marrying Daniel Moore! It’s amazing. Do you remember how many times you practised writing your signature as Elena Moore? At least you’ve got that down to perfection before you’ve even started your married life.’

  Elena laughed. ‘I know! Come on, then, help me into my dress. I’d better call my mum.’ She went to the door and called Rosa, who bustled in, wearing a lovely pale-pink dress and jacket.

  ‘Ooh, gosh! Is it that time already.’ She fanned herself with a magazine and anxiously touched the mottled red patches that were growing on her neck.

  ‘Calm down, Mum. It’s going to be fine.’ Elena hugged her tight and I laughed.

  ‘I can’t believe you’re so calm, Elena. It’s usually the bride that’s freaking out, not the bride’s mum and the bridesmaid.’

  ‘Are you freaking out too, Rachel?’ Rosa asked.

  ‘No, I’ve just had a bit of a cry, that’s all. I’m fine now. Right, let’s get this dress on you, Elena.’ I took down the big ivory gown that was hanging on the wardrobe door and removed the plastic cover while Rosa unzipped the back. Elena slipped off her dressing gown and stepped into the dress.

  ‘Oh, my God!’ I covered my mouth with my hands and stepped back to look at her. The sweetheart neckline with lace sleeves and bodice suited her perfectly, and the ivory silk swept down to the floor ‘You look amazing!’

  ‘Oh!’ Rosa covered her mouth too, her eyes filling with tears as Elena stepped forward and looked at herself in the full-length mirror. ‘My little girl. All grown-up.’

  ‘Aww, Mum.’ Elena hugged her. ‘You’ll set me off if you’re not careful.’

  ‘Daniel’s a very lucky man.’

  ‘He is indeed.’ I smiled at Elena, my heart overf
lowing with love for my best friend.

  The wedding photographer came to our room and took photographs of Elena. He was a happy, enthusiastic man and I liked him immediately. He took a number of natural poses of Rosa and I helping Elena get ready, adjusting her veil and doing up her dress. Then he took photos of her sitting on the window seat and gazing out over the parkland, and then some of her standing at the top of the stairs.

  A white Rolls Royce adorned with white ribbons pulled up in front of the house and Elena’s dad held her hand as she walked carefully down the steps. The wedding photographer continually snapped photos until the car carried them away down the drive to the church.

  ‘I take it that’s our car,’ Rosa said, pointing to a burgundy Jaguar that was parked in front of the steps. ‘Shall we go then?’

  ‘Yes.’

  I smoothed down the skirt of my dress. I really loved it. My hair had been done in a smooth, shiny chignon, and I felt very glamorous. I couldn’t wait to see Anthony. I hadn’t seen him since yesterday morning and, although I’d had lots of fun with Elena last night, it felt like ages.

  The car drew up outside the church and we climbed out. The bells were peeling loudly and the guests were already inside waiting. The vicar was standing beneath the lychgate, his robes blowing in the breeze. My heart started up a slow, deliberate thump as I followed Elena and her father up the path to the church door. The warm breeze lifted her veil, and I straightened the train of her skirt as she paused in the doorway, waiting for the organ to strike up ‘Here Comes the Bride’. Goose bumps rippled up my arms and I took a deep breath to suppress the emotion welling up inside me. I couldn’t follow my best friend up the aisle sobbing my eyes out.

  The polished pews were filled with friends and relatives all dressed in their wedding finery. Anthony was seated on one at the very back of the church. Spotting him immediately, the hairs on the back of my neck prickled. Glancing behind, his eyes locked on mine and he winked. I smiled, my tears receding as suddenly as they had started.

  Daniel was waiting at the altar, looking handsome and nervous in his silver-grey suit and blue tie. As soon as he saw Elena, his face flooded with colour and he visibly filled with emotion. Elena took his hand when she reached him and looked up into his eyes. Their love for each other shone out of them as they exchanged their vows, and I had to fight to hold in the tears, so moved was I by the whole ceremony. As the vicar proclaimed them man and wife and they kissed, a beam of sunlight shone through the stained-glass window and illuminated them.