Page 32 of The Runaway Wives

‘Where’s Moira?’ Dee asked Andi, walking over to the counter with Babs.

Andi finished serving the customer then replied, ‘She had to go up to Swindon early this morning. Urgent family business. So I’m holding the fort alone until she returns.’ She put her hand to her head. ‘And I’ve got a stinking headache. A hangover from last night.’ She smiled. ‘It was a fantastic evening though. I haven’t laughed so much for ages. Thanks for inviting me.’

‘Our pleasure. And as it’s our fault you’re hungover, let us help,’ Dee offered.

‘Oh no, it’s fine—’Andi started to protest but Dee and Babs were already clearing the tables and loading up the dishwasher, leaving Andi to take the orders. Then they helped her make up the orders and take them to the customers. Finally, when all the customers had been served, the three of them sat down for a break.

‘Thanks so much. Moira had to leave so suddenly, she wasn’t able to organise any extra help. I’ve called an agency to arrange for a temporary assistant.’ Suddenly a guilty look passed over Andi’s face. ‘I was hoping to see Edna this afternoon but I’ll have to go tonight.’

The door chimed and Kenny stepped in. ‘Hello, you two. What a lucky coincidence,’ he said as he came over. ‘Mind if I join you?’

‘Hi, Kenny, sorry but I’d better get back to work. Hopefully the temp will be here soon.’ Andi stood up. ‘I’ll leave you all to chat.’

‘Where’s Moira?’ Kenny asked as he pulled out a seat and sat down. ‘And how’s Edna?’

‘Edna is recovering well.’ Dee quickly explained about Moira. She would have liked to confide in Kenny about Edna and Martin but decided it was best not to. She was leaving on Saturday after the fundraising event and she didn’t want to cause any trouble or unpleasantness for Edna.

‘How’re the plans for Saturday coming along?’ she asked.

‘Quite well actually, we’ve got a few artists willing to give a demonstration of their craft. That was a fantastic idea of yours, Dee.’

A glow filled Dee at his praise.

After chatting with Kenny for a while, Dee suggested that they visit Edna before going to St Michael’s Mount. ‘I’m anxious to see if she’s managed to contact her sister,’ she said.

When they got to the hospital, they found Edna in good spirits. ‘I’ve spoken to Mabel, it’s all arranged. I’m going to stay with her for a couple of weeks when they discharge me tomorrow. Andi called too, she’s offered to look after Snowy for me, and keep an eye on the house.’

She looked so much happier than yesterday.

‘How are you going to get to Brean?’ Babs asked.

‘Mabel’s driving down to get me, then we’re going to get some of my things from the cottage, lock it up safely and give Andi the keys. I’d love to take Snowy but he might run away. He’s best left here and Andi has promised to pop in on him twice a day. It will only be for two weeks or so until my ankle and hip heals.’ She leaned forward and clasped first Dee’s then Babs’ hands. ‘I guess I won’t see you two again, but thank you so much for what you did for me. You saved my life. I’m so very grateful.’

‘We’re glad to have been able to help,’ Dee told her.

Babs nodded. ‘You take care of yourself and give that son of yours a run for his money!’ she said, patting Edna’s hand.

‘Don’t you worry, I will. Martin’s gone back to Yorkshire now he knows I’m going to stay with Mabel. He’ll be back though once I’m home, trying to persuade me to sell up. Well, he’s got no chance!’

* * *

When they arrived in Marazion they discovered that the tide was out so they could walk along the cobbled causeway to the island. Dee had already booked the tickets online. It was a warm, calm day with a clear blue sky and she felt very relaxed as they walked over to the island. ‘I came here years ago when Annabel and Hugh were young, so it will be interesting to see how it’s changed.’

‘It’s one of those places we always intended to go to but never did,’ Babs told her. ‘It’s very quaint, isn’t it? Did you go into the castle at the top of the hill?’

‘We did, but it’s a bit of a climb, so if you don’t fancy it, we can just look around the village,’ Dee told her.

‘Oh no! We must go up. Let’s do it now before we’re too tired then we can maybe look around the village and stay for afternoon tea in the Harbour Café too? It’s mentioned on this leaflet.’

‘Wasn’t there a story about a giant living here once?’ Babs asked as they trudged up the hill. ‘Phew! This is a steep climb!’

Dee nodded. ‘Legend says that a giant built the island and terrorised the people of Marazion, stealing their cattle, until one day a lad named Jack killed him. Apparently Jack dug a big hole, covered it with straw, then blew on his horn to summon the giant who ran down the hill and fell into the hole. I remember walking up to the castle with Annabel and Hugh and a guide pointing out a heart-shaped stone saying it was the giant’s heart and if they knelt down and put their ear to the stone, they’d hear the giant’s heartbeat. They were fascinated.’

‘That’s a bit gruesome, but kids love stuff like that, don’t they?’ Babs said. ‘Where is this stone?’

‘I’ll show you when we come to it.’ Dee panted, stopping for a rest. ‘It’s been a few years since I’ve climbed his hill!’

‘Maybe we don’t need to go all the way to top,’ Babs gasped.

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