Page 50 of The Forever Cottage

‘No. Just a glass of water will be fine, thanks.’ She slumped down on the table, resting her head on her arms.

Tess pottered about the kitchen, making herself a pot of tea and a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch. It might be breakfast time for Hannah, but Tess had been up several hours and was ravenous. She chatted away to Hannah, wanting to bring some normality to the situation, telling her about everything that had been going on in the village, her trip to Annecy with the girls, how she’d become close friends with Dilly and she even mentioned Rob, the whole story, how she’d met him and how he came to be living in the garden room.

‘Wow! And what did Dad have to say about that?’

‘Well, he wasn’t best pleased when he found out, but then he’s not really in a position to pass judgement on what I do with my life now.’

Hannah shook her head sadly and Tess sat down at the table with her.

‘Oh darling, I’m sorry this has happened, but it has and we can’t do anything about it now. Your dad is desperate to make amends to you. Don’t let our break-up change the relationship with your dad because he loves you so very much. I know you’ve not been speaking to him, but he was worried sick when he found out that I’d not been able to contact you. He was all for getting the embassy involved.’

‘Really? You’ve been talking about me?’

‘Of course we have. We’re still your parents and love you dearly. That hasn’t changed, and nor will it ever. Come on, let me show you what I’ve done to your dad’s office.’

She took Hannah by the hand and led her into the orangery and then out to the garden, Barney running ahead excitedly towards the annexe.

Hannah stepped inside and gasped.

‘This is beautiful, Mum. You did all this?’

‘Yes. Initially, I thought it would be a great space for me to do my crafting, or where I could come and sit and read my book, but as soon as I got the daybed in, it made me realise how well it worked as a self-contained annexe. Rob lived here quite happily for a couple of months. I’m thinking of renting it out as a holiday let next year.’

‘That’s such a good idea. I’d happily live out here,’ she said, sitting down on the bed and bouncing up and down, trying it out for comfort. ‘I love this,’ she said, picking up the colourful llama cushion that Tess had bought from the gift shop in Bramlingham. ‘It’s so cute!’ Suddenly, she jumped up and went across to admire the painting on the wall. ‘Oh my goodness! Who did this? It’s amazing.’

‘Isn’t it? It was Rob. He’s very talented. He did it for me while I was away in Annecy. It was a lovely surprise.’

‘It’s beautiful. And it captures the garden perfectly. And I can see Barney’s bottom too; that’s so funny! Is that what Rob does for a living then?’

‘No, although his background is in graphic design so he’s obviously got a natural artistic flair. He’s actually working for a property company now.’

‘Right.’ Hannah nodded and smiled. ‘Are you two an item now then?’

‘No!’ Tess scrunched up her face in a look of disdain, wondering too late if she was overreacting to Hannah’s innocent comment. ‘We’re just friends. We found ourselves in the unenviable position of going through a marriage break-up at the same time.’

Hannah didn’t need to say anything. She simply widened her eyes, a smile twisting at her lips.

‘What does that look mean?’

‘Nothing, only that you can’t stop that ridiculous smile on your face every time you mention his name.’

‘That is simply not true,’ said Tess, turning away so that Hannah wouldn’t notice the heat she felt in her cheeks. ‘He’s just a friend. I think you’d like him. Anyway, what do you want to do today? I was going to suggest a walk, but we’d better not because someone is bound to spot you.’ Tess gestured her head towards Dilly next door. ‘We don’t want your dad finding out you’re home before you have a chance to tell him.’

‘Oh God, I don’t know what I’m going to do!’ Hannah dropped down onto the sofa again, putting her head into her hands. ‘Mum, I’m so, so sorry,’ she gasped, breaking down into tears.

‘Hannah! Whatever is the matter?’ She sat down next to her daughter and put an arm around her shoulder. ‘Nothing can be that bad. You’re home now and that’s all that matters. Whatever it is, I’m sure we can sort it. Do you want to talk about it?’

Hannah gave a hardly discernible shake of her head and gave into her tears which came in gulping sobs now. Tess pulled her daughter into her side, allowing her to cry, stroking her hair as she did.

They must have sat there for a good ten minutes before Hannah dried her tears and turned to look up at her mum.

‘I’m such an idiot, Mum.’

‘No, you’re not. You’re beautiful, bright and talented and don’t let anyone tell you anything different.’

This wasn’t like Hannah. She’d always been accomplished, self-assured and positive. Had her short-lived romance with Billy done so much to damage her self-esteem?

‘No, you don’t understand, Mum,’ said Hannah. ‘The thing is, I’m pregnant.’

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