Page 43 of The Forever Cottage

‘It’s been no trouble at all and it’s helped me out too, having someone about the place. I’ve not been used to living on my own. I’d been with Charles for all of my adult life so to suddenly find myself alone in the house was a shock to the system. It might sound pathetic but I had to quickly find out how the house worked, which keys fitted which doors, making decisions about the upkeep of the cottage on my own. Something as simple as choosing the colour of the front door,’ she said, with a sense of satisfaction. ‘And pink was definitely the right choice there!’

‘Absolutely,’ he agreed, nodding. ‘In a marriage, you take on different roles. I’m sure there were plenty of things you did that Charles would have had no clue over.’

‘That’s true! Pretty much everything else about the place.’ She laughed. ‘You being here though has helped see me through that period of transition. I now feel comfortable living alone; in fact, I’ve really come to enjoy it, especially now that I’ve made some of those changes to the décor which make it feel more like my home, rather than the marital house.’

‘This is a really special space,’ he said, looking all around him. With the flickering tea lights and the fresh flowers dotted around the room, and the table laid for dinner, the cottage, with its light oak beams, looked especially inviting tonight. ‘It’s beautiful and I will certainly miss the little oasis in the garden.’ He gestured with a sweep of his head to the annexe. ‘It’s been like living in a log cabin off-grid.’

‘Well…’ She faltered for a second, realising she’d been about to admit how much she’d miss him too, catching herself at the last moment. ‘I know that Barney will miss you hugely, that’s for sure. I do hope you’ll keep in touch. You’re welcome to pop round whenever you want. I’d love for you to meet Hannah when she returns, if you’d like.’

‘Sure thing. We’ll have to get something organised,’ he said non-committally.

‘Anyway, I’ve been dying to hear about this new job of yours. Come and sit down at the table. You must tell me all about it.’

They wandered across to the table with their drinks where Tess had laid out some pistachios and olives. The windows were ajar, inviting a wisp of a breeze inside to lift the humid heat of the day.

‘Yes, well it kind of fell into my lap really. It came about through someone I met at the walking group. I was telling them about my situation and they put me in touch with a local property-development company who were looking for someone to look after the maintenance side on their rental portfolio. They’ve got a number of houses and cottages in the local area which they let out to farm and estate workers, and those who have fallen on hard times for whatever reason. It’s a varied role, working outdoors mainly, which will suit me just fine. I’m relieved to be quite honest, not to be having to go into an office and dealing with all the nonsense that comes with that. I’ll be pretty autonomous, managing my own workload. The bonus, which I hadn’t been expecting, is that it comes with a two-bedroomed cottage which means I’ll be able to have the kids come to stay. Eventually, when things are settled, and I know what I’m doing with the rest of my life, I’ll buy my own place, but this is the perfect solution in the meantime.’

‘That sounds ideal. Have you told your children yet?’

‘I have. They can’t wait to come round.’

‘I’m so pleased for you, Rob. You know we should have a toast to that.’ She lifted her glass to his. ‘To your new job and to your new home. Wishing you every success and happiness.’

‘Thanks. I appreciate that. And wishing you every happiness as you carve out a new future for yourself. You’re smashing it already,’ he said with that half-smile that she’d always found so becoming.

Tess fetched the plates of smoked salmon and prawns, which she served with a dill and lime sauce, wedges of lemon and slices of thickly buttered brown bread.

‘This looks great, thank you,’ said Rob tucking in. ‘I’m being spoilt tonight.’

The rest of the meal went down just as well with Rob, who commented on the succulence and flavour of the steak, and the mouth-watering taste of the meringue, strawberry and cream concoction that Tess served for pudding.

‘Honestly, Tess, the more I get to know you the more I realise you are a woman of many talents. Cordon-bleu cookery, interior design, gardening, crafter extraordinaire – the list goes on and on.’ He raised his eyebrows, a smile playing at his lips and she couldn’t help but smile in return, feeling a heat rise to her cheeks.

‘Stop it! Although, I must admit, when you say it like that, it sounds pretty impressive,’ she said, laughing at herself. ‘To be honest with you, it’s only the things I love to do. I guess you can’t get away from your inherent personality, but if I can utilise those skills by letting out the annexe on a bed and breakfast basis, then I know that’s something I will get some pleasure from.’

‘Well I can heartily recommend the place if you need an endorsement. A definite five stars from me! You know, I’m more than happy to pay you the going rate for the time I’ve spent here.’

‘Absolutely not! You’ve stayed here as my guest and I wouldn’t have it any other way. In fact, you’ve been my guinea pig for the accommodation, as to what works and doesn’t work, although if you’ve got any suggestions as to how I can improve the room then do let me know.’

Rob cupped his chin between his thumb and forefinger, narrowing his eyes, clearly considering the question.

‘Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing, and I’m not just saying that. The accommodation is great as it is and has everything someone would want looking for a home from home.’

‘That’s good to hear. Although I won’t start advertising or taking bookings until next year, so if you have second thoughts about the job or the cottage, then there’s always a back-up plan here.’

‘No.’ Rob shook his head firmly. ‘I won’t have second thoughts. I’m ready to move on with my life. The job is a stepping stone and I need to make the most of it and make up for lost time too. I’ve had enough negativity to last me a lifetime.’

‘Well, I’m glad you’re feeling so positive about the future,’ she said genuinely, hoping she hadn’t offended him. Rob was a proud man who was used to being in control of his life and didn’t like accepting help from others, unless it was absolutely necessary. She noticed the change in him from the guy she’d first met in the café all those weeks ago. Then he’d been cavalier in his attitude, fatalistic even about his future, but now there was a determination and focus that had previously been absent.

‘Should we go and sit in the orangery for our coffee?’ Tess suggested. ‘We’ll be more comfortable.’

‘Great.’ Rob looked down at the detritus of their meal on the table, the empty plates and their empty glasses. They’d managed to get through a whole bottle of champagne between them, but then this was a celebration and Tess didn’t have anywhere she needed to be first thing in the morning. ‘That was splendid,’ said Rob, standing up. ‘I can’t thank you enough.’ He stood up, collecting the dirty dishes and taking them across to the dishwasher.

‘You’re very welcome. And don’t worry about that. I will sort it all in the morning. Come on through.’

Tess led the way into the orangery, closing the double doors on to the garden as there was now a cool nip to the air. In the garden, solar lights lit up the pathways, casting an enchanting glow. Rob sat down on the squishy sofa and immediately, Barney jumped up beside him, curling up into his nook and Rob naturally laid an arm on the dog to stroke him.

Tess laughed. ‘Oh Barney, what are you like? I think I was supposed to sit there. You don’t mind, do you?’ she checked with Rob.

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