Page 127 of Best Summer Ever

‘Um, not really,’ she said rather elusively. ‘But it is sort of related.’

It wasn’t like her to be secretive, so I didn’t ask further because it must have been something private for her not to elaborate.

‘You’re coming to the manor tonight, aren’t you, Penny?’ Josh asked, once we were all settled and well on our way to being fed and watered.

‘Yes,’ she said. ‘Nick said to be there for six, but not why.’

‘Well, at least you knew that much,’ I tutted, giving Josh a nudge and almost dropping my sandwich as a result. ‘I didn’t even know a gathering was happening.’

‘Well, you do now,’ Josh countered, but didn’t provide us with further details.

‘A Wynbrook family gathering,’ I grinned, ‘I like the sound of that. It makes us all sound like one special clan, doesn’t it?’

‘That does sound good,’ Penny agreed, ‘though I’m not really a part of the family, am I? Does fiancée status count?’

Josh gave her a look I couldn’t fathom.

‘Of course it does,’ he said earnestly. ‘You’re definitely part of the family, Penny.’

She flushed at that and when I winked at her, she blushed an even deeper shade.

‘I don’t suppose I could get a lift with you guys, could I?’ she asked. ‘It would save Nick having to drive out to pick me up.’

‘Of course you can,’ I nodded, ‘but where’s your car?’

‘With Nick,’ she told me. ‘His is playing up again, so he’s using mine.’

Nick’s car was about as reliable and as old as mine.

‘Grandad has said he wants to get me on the road soon,’ said Josh, sounding terrified. ‘I’m dreading it. He reckons the best thing to go out in is the Bentley because everyone gets out of the way for that, but I just know I’ll put it in the verge or something.’

He looked scared but comically so, and I could see Penny was trying not to laugh at the thought of him and Algy heading out to conquer the tourist traffic together.

‘I tell you what,’ I said, ‘why don’t we get you going in my car before you tackle the Bentley? A few more scratches on mine won’t matter and we’ll wait until the holiday season is over too.’

Josh visibly relaxed.

‘I would prefer that,’ he said keenly. ‘I’ve never really been a fan of driving, so that would make me far happier.’

‘And as you know,’ I said, leaning over and kissing him, ‘your happiness is very important to me.’

‘And your happiness is very important to me too,’ he said, kissing me back.

‘In that case,’ I smiled, ‘how about you treat me to a bag of Kettle Chips. A packet would be the perfect accompaniment to the other half of this sandwich.’

By six o’clock that evening, we were all gathered in the conser- vatory at the manor. Light rain was falling and, in the distance, towards the sea, there was an occasional rumble of thunder. Itwas blissfully cool but not everyone appreciated the change in the weather.

‘Was that Luna?’ Algy asked me, as a bundle of black fur rushed out from under one of the wicker chairs and through an open door into the manor.

‘I think it was,’ I said in surprise.

It wasn’t like her to venture right inside, but the weather had rather forced her hand. Or forced her paws…

‘She’s finding her place at last,’ said Dad, looking to see where she’d scuttled off to.

‘That she is,’ Algy agreed, as Mum and Josh arrived with trays of food from the kitchen and set them down on the table. ‘And she’s not the only one.’ He winked at me. ‘In fact, that’s the perfect thought to start this meeting with, isn’t it, Josh?’

Josh hadn’t heard what Dad had said, but Nick spoke before he could point that out.

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