Page 16 of The Runaway Wives

Dee nodded. ‘Tea for me, please.’

‘And me,’ Babs added.

The two friends studied the menu whilst Andi went back to get the teas. She and Moira seemed to be the only ones serving and the café was half full, even though it was only mid-morning. They must be run off their feet at lunchtime, Babs thought. She glanced at the menu.

‘Is it too early for a cream scone, do you think?’ Babs asked.

‘We’re on holiday so you can have whatever you want whenever you want,’ Dee told her. ‘I think I’ll go for a couple of toasted crumpets though.’

When Andi came back with the teas, they gave her their order, which she wrote down on her notepad. ‘It’ll be a few minutes.’

‘No rush,’ Dee told her.

As they both sipped their drinks, glancing out of the window at the passers-by, Babs noticed how relaxed Dee looked. More relaxed than she’d seen her for a long time.

‘It’s nice here. I think we chose the right place for our holiday, don’t you?’ Dee’s eyes rested on Babs then she frowned. ‘Is everything all right? Have you heard from Geoff again?’

‘No, but Lennon phoned me. He’s going to speak to his dad today, try and talk some sense into him.’

Dee reached over and patted Babs’ hand. ‘It will all work out. Geoff won’t sell the house and go to Spain without you. He’s bluffing.’

‘Well, I’m calling his bluff. Let’s see who holds out the longest,’ Babs replied. Her eyes lit up when she saw Andi coming towards them with their order on a tray. ‘Wow, that scone looks amazing!’

‘Enjoy,’ Andi said taking the plate containing a large fruit scone, knife and small pots of cream and jam, and placing it in front of Babs. ‘Where are you both staying?’

‘Sunset View,’ Dee replied as Andi placed the crumpets and butter in front of Dee.

‘Ah, I know it! That row of cottages is lovely. You’re near Edna, she’s at Primrose Cottage, a really nice lady. I know her quite well. She often pops in for a cuppa and a chat.’

‘Oh, we’ve met her cat, Snowy. He paid us a visit this morning,’ Babs said as she sliced her scone in half and started to butter it. ‘He was all over Dee.’

Andi nodded. ‘He’s a sweetie, and he’s not one to wander far. Edna spoils him.’

They both tucked into their breakfast. Then asked for another drink to wash it down.

Andi brought some leaflets with her when she returned with their second cups of tea. ‘I thought you might want to look at these, some local places of interest. There’s a good bus service to them if you don’t have a car.’ She put the leaflets on the table.

‘How kind of you, thank you.’ Dee smiled at her.

They both looked through the leaflets, deciding that they fancied visiting the art gallery which showcased the work of local artists, the house where a famous writer had once lived, and the Maritime museum, as well as a trip to St Michael’s Mount. There was also a guide to local cliff walks.

‘Also, if you’re still around, there’s a big garden party at the Manor on Saturday afternoon, to raise much-needed funds for the new Artists’ Studios – the money will go towards the conversion of an old warehouse into individual working spaces for local artists and craftsmen,’ Andi told them as she came to collect their plates. ‘There’s plenty of stalls, an auction and Simon Hemingford, fromWhat’s it Worth?is officially opening it and giving free valuations if people want to bring their “family heirlooms”.’

‘Simon Hemingford! I think he’s gorgeous. It’s a shame we didn’t know, Dee! We could have brought some things down with us. I’ve got this lamp that was my mother’s, and I always thought it was worth something, but Geoff scoffed at the idea.’ Babs finished her drink and put the cup on the saucer. ‘Shall we go?’

‘Yes, lets, it sounds fun,’ Dee agreed. ‘I could ask him about the brooch my grandmother left me, I have a photo of it on my phone.’ She’d been meaning to get it valued for years.

‘There’s a £5 entrance fee, which goes towards the conversions,’ Andi told them. ‘It starts at one thirty. I’m going to pop in for a couple of hours.’

‘Thanks for the tip. It sounds interesting,’ Dee replied.

‘You’re welcome. Enjoy your holiday.’

‘How about we go to the art gallery today then drive to St Michael’s Mount tomorrow?’ Dee suggested as Andi walked away.

‘Sounds good to me,’ Babs agreed. ‘We can have a paddle in the sea too. Good job we’re both wearing shorts.’

They strolled up the hill to the art gallery. ‘I wouldn’t mind coming down here again. Maybe Annabel and Gareth would like to bring Hallie down, too, she’d love it here. Although they both prefer to go abroad nowadays.’

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