Page 7 of Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall

‘Fine. You go ahead,’ said Jackson with an indulgent smile, knowing full well that there would be no stopping Pia even if he’d wanted to. The new regime might take some getting used to.

‘I’ll take the dogs round the gardens, and I’ll probably pop over a bit later.’

‘Great!’ Pia said. ‘Tom was asking if he might see you.’

As she stepped outside, closing the kitchen door behind her, Pia was encouraged to see signs of activity over at the stables. People had already begun to arrive and were milling around, while more cars were coming along the main driveway. The old vintage coffee van was in place and already a small queue had formed and Pia felt a sense of relief that it looked like they had a good day in store.

‘Hey, how’s it going?’

After a leisurely mooch around the stalls, her attention taken by all the pretty items on sale, and a chat with the various traders, Pia had ended up at Sophie’s unit.

‘Good, there’s been a steady flow of customers. I’ve sold a couple of pieces, which is great. I’m just really pleased to be here. I’ve had some business cards made up so I’ve been handing them out when I can. Who knows, maybe the time will come when I’ll be able to give up the day job. That’s the grand plan, anyway!’ Sophie’s laughter rang out, her hazel eyes sparkling, and Pia was reminded how much Sophie had changed since the first time they’d met. Then Sophie had been reticent, fearful even, her whole being filled with sadness. Now, there was a positivity and lightness that radiated from her that was heartening to see.

‘Talking of the day job. How is it going?’ Pia asked.

‘Yeah, great. The people seem really friendly and the work’s quite varied so time goes quickly. It pays the bills, which is the main thing, and it feels really good to be back in control of my life again. Especially now I’ve moved into my new place in Wishwell. The cottage is small but perfectly formed and justright for me. It feels as though everything is falling into place at last.’

‘I’m really pleased for you, Sophie, and Wishwell is a lovely spot to live. I have another friend, Abbey, who lives there, with her husband Sam, and their springer spaniel, Lady. You’re bound to bump into them.’

‘Is that Abbey from Rushgrove Lodge?’

‘That’s right. Do you know her then?’

‘I’ve met her. My mum lives at the home so I’ve spoken to her a few times. She’s always been really friendly and helpful. It’s nice to know that she lives in the same village. I’ll look out for her there. Anyway, how’s life with you?’ Sophie asked.

‘Good,’ said Pia beaming, instinctively looking at the sparkling ring on her left hand. ‘We’ve actually set the date for the wedding now.’

‘Have you? That’s so exciting. When is it going to be?’

‘Not for a little while yet – 21 December, after we’ve completed all the social events lined up for the year. It will be perfect because it’ll be the anniversary of our engagement.’

‘A winter wedding! How lovely. That will be so romantic and something to look forward to, that’s for sure. Are you having it here?’

‘We are. Jackson was talking about eloping, but I didn’t fancy that. I want all my friends and family around us when we take our vows and that includes you, of course!’

‘Really?’

‘Yes! We’d love you to be there. There’ll be about fifty or sixty people in total, I think, so it should still be nice and intimate. So keep that date free, won’t you?’

‘You bet I will.’ Sophie was delighted and surprised that Pia would even invite her to the wedding because although they got on really well, they hadn’t, in reality, known each other that long.Not that it mattered. With some people you hit it off straight away and that’s how it had been for her and Pia.

Just at that moment, Tom joined them.

‘I thought it might be a good idea to arrange a semi-regular get-together for the traders at one of the local pubs. I was thinking the Three Feathers in Wishwell. The first one will be this coming Friday at about 7p.m. There’s no obligation to attend, but if you’d like to then you’d be most welcome. What I’ve quickly learned from being here this morning is that there’s really not the opportunity to chat amongst ourselves as invariably there are constant interruptions. Not that I’m complaining, of course. It’s what we’re here for. We want to give our full attention to our visitors and customers while they’re here, but it would also be good to have the opportunity for a proper catch-up, then if there are any issues or queries we can chat them over in a relaxed environment.’

‘That’s a really good idea,’ said Pia. ‘I’m not sure why I didn’t think of it myself.’ She laughed.

‘Well, you’re obviously welcome to come and join us too, if you’d like to.’

‘Thanks, Tom. Jackson and I are out to dinner this Friday, but I’d definitely be interested in any future get-togethers, so keep me posted, won’t you?’

‘I will.’ Now Tom turned his attention to Sophie, gracing her with a wide smile. ‘Come along, if you fancy it, Sophie. I think Katy and Roger said they would try and make it, and I’ll see if I can gather a few more recruits.’

‘Great. I should be able to come. I’ve recently moved to Wishwell so it’s literally within staggering distance for me.’ Not to mention the fact that her social diary was depressingly empty at the moment. ‘I’ll look forward to it.’

Tom laughed.

‘I think the last time we shared a drink you led me astray and we got merrily tipsy together, do you remember? So I can see that you’re probably going to be a bad influence, or maybe a good influence, in that respect.’

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