Page 35 of A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft

‘I know what you mean. I lost my husband, Frank, three years ago and the number of times I make a cup of tea for him or lay his place setting…’ She tailed off, her eyes clouding with tears.

‘I’m so sorry. I wish I could say the pain goes away. Time makes it a little less raw, though.’

She nodded. ‘We were married for fifty-five years, together for fifty-six. It’s been tough, but I’m fortunate to have a lovely family close by and Raven has been such a comfort.’

‘Animals are such a gift at a time like that. My parents had been married for sixty-three years when Mum died, and my dad really struggled. I wondered about a cat or dog to give him something to focus on but ruled it out as he was more into wildlife than pets. Just as well as he started going downhill pretty quickly not long after.’

‘You’ve lost your dad too?’ she asked gently.

‘Not physically, but he has late-stage Alzheimer’s and no idea who I am anymore.’

‘Oh, love, that must be difficult.’

‘It’s heartbreaking. He’s been in a care home for eighteen months and this is the first time I’ve allowed myself to take a break. I wasn’t going to but Sharon and Marnie – the manager where he stays – were both adamant that I needed it and, now that I’m here, I can definitely see it was the right thing to do.’

‘But you’re spending the time working?’ she asked.

‘I have to. I’ve got my own business so I need to keep on top of things.’ I laughed lightly. ‘I appreciate that probably doesn’t sound much like a break but believe me, it is when I’m usually balancing my days with work, visits to Dad and seeing to the bees.’

‘The bees?’

‘I’m a beekeeper. Dad took over from a friend when I was young, and I took over from him a few years ago.’

‘Sounds like an incredibly busy life you lead. I’m glad I could provide somewhere for you to slow down, if only for a week. I’ll have a word with Barney and Amber about the evening do and ask one of them to drop off an invitation for you.’

‘It seems really cheeky when they’ve never met me.’

‘Believe me, they won’t mind at all. A few guests can’t make it so I know there’s the capacity. I’ll ask about a plus one in case Phil can come a day early and join you. Right! I really am going now.’

She pushed open the door and stepped outside, waving as she headed back to her car. What a lovely woman and what an unexpected turn in the conversation. I still felt a bit weird about turning up at a wedding for people I didn’t know but, if Amber or Barney did drop an invitation off, I was definitely going to accept. Mum would have loved this opportunity and I was going to make the most of it for her and for me. If there was any way Phil could change his travel plans and be my plus one, that would be a lot less awkward, especially when he was used to being around celebrities and had a natural gift for chatting to anyone.

Closing the door when Mary pulled away, I settled on the sofa and messaged Phil.

To Phil

Mary says it’s no problem you staying on Sunday night but is there any chance you could be free on Saturday night as well or instead? Her grandson is getting married on Saturday to Cole Crawford’s daughter! She’s invited me – and you if you’re free – to the evening do. I can’t confirm it’s definite until I actually get the invite but thought I’d sound you out just in case

From Phil

Celebrity wedding! How exciting! I’m flying over to the UK on Friday and can probably adjust my Saturday plans to join you for that. Let me know when it’s official and I’ll see what I can do

I started another episode ofDarrington Detects, scarcely able to believe that I might get to meet the man himself at the weekend. What perfect timing my stay had turned out to be.

13

POPPY

I was immersed in my work at the dining table the following morning when a message came through from Wilf.

From Wilf

Hope you’re having a good break. Got back from the shops earlier to find Damon on your drive peering through your window. Told him to clear off but he demanded to know where you were. I told him you were on holiday but not where. Might have emphasised my police connections. Don’t think he’ll be back. Benji sends a high paw your way

He’d accompanied his message with a pawprint emoji which would normally have made me smile, but my stomach was churning at the thought of Damon loitering around the house. I’d just have to hope that my absence, Wilf’s refusal to give him any more information and the threat of speaking to one of his former colleagues would be enough to drive home the message that I didn’t want him in my life. And if it didn’t, maybe I wouldneed to involve the police myself. I didn’t want to go down that road but, if he wouldn’t leave me alone, I might have no choice.

To Wilf

Sending a high paw back to Benji and thanks to both of you for guarding my house. Fingers crossed he’ll stay away from now on. Having a lovely break – just what I needed

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