Page 24 of Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay

‘Let’s just say, he got a classic reminder of me at my most elegant best.’ She flashed Florrie a wide smile as she shared the details of how they’d run into one another, Florrie spluttering with laughter as Jasmine described her ungainly tumble over Ernest.

‘I wonder if he’s here for good, or just a quick visit?’ said Florrie, slowing down at a set of temporary traffic lights where roadworks were taking place.

‘Didn’t get the chance to ask. I daresay we’ll find out if he drops in on my parents.’

‘It’d be nice to have a catch-up with him. I remember him as a sweet lad, always so upbeat despite his circumstances.’

‘He was.’ Jasmine’s thoughts drifted to the times they’d played together, his worse-for-wear clothes and wild curls. ‘I hope he’s had a happy life, heaven knows he deserves it.’

‘I wonder if he’ll run into Scraggo?’ said Florrie. The traffic lights switched to green and she pressed down on the accelerator.

‘I wonder.’ From the glimpse she’d had of Max, she’d noted an impressive set of biceps under his short-sleeved shirt. She guessed he’d be pretty good at looking after himself now. The small, skinny kid had long gone.

TWELVE

‘Oh, look, there’s Danskelfe Castle up ahead!’ Jasmine sat up straighter in her seat, her eyes roving over the imposing building, a flag fluttering from one of its turrets. It appeared to rise from the precipitous crag it had been built upon, which afforded it an ethereal quality. On a cloudy day, Jasmine could imagine it would appear quite foreboding.

‘Wow! Imagine getting married there,’ said Florrie.

‘Don’t fancy it for you and Ed, do you?’

‘Much as I think it would be fabulous, I’m more of a low-key lass. I think Ed and me’ll stick to our plans for a small do in Micklewick Bay, that’s more our vibe.’

Ed had surprised Florrie with a proposal last Christmas Eve and, with all the work and plans they had for the bookshop, including the conversion of the upstairs flat to a tearoom, they’d decided to wait until next year to get married. That way, they’d be able to give it their full attention.

‘Hmm, maybe. I could see Stella getting hitched there, though, couldn’t you?’

‘Definitely! Mind, there’s a slight problem with that: Alex would need to propose first.’

‘True,’ said Jasmine. ‘Maybe we could get Ed to have a word with him, give him a nudge in the right direction.’

‘Maybe we should.’ They exchanged conspiratorial smiles.

‘I never thought we’d be talking about our Stells getting married.’ Florrie laughed.

‘Yeah, I know what you mean. I’d love to make her wedding cake, I’d do something elegant, understated and sophisticated, just like her.’ The thought of being the wedding cake creator and supplier for an upmarket venue like Danskelfe Castle was mind-blowing for Jasmine and she sent a silent prayer heavenward, hoping with all her heart the meeting would go well.

‘Yikes!’ Florrie slammed on the brakes as a pheasant shot out in front of them, its colourful feathers glowing in the sunshine. ‘Daft bird appeared out of nowhere,’ she exclaimed as it raced off into the bracken, cackling angrily.

‘Hazards of the country roads, I expect.’ Jasmine’s heart was thudding after the emergency stop.

‘Aye, that and the free-roaming sheep. They have no road sense.’

Before long, the car was rattling over the former drawbridge and nosing its way into the courtyard of Danskelfe Castle – as per Lady Caro’s instructions, rather than using the public car park – parking up alongside a brace of four-wheel drives, including the new-style Land Rover Defender that had been used to transport Maggie to hospital when she’d surprised everyone by going into labour with baby Lucy.

They’d just climbed out of the car when the great oak door to the castle was thrown open and Lady Caro stepped out. She was an image of countryside chic in a pale blue polo shirt, the collar turned up, and a pair of well-cut jeans and expensive-looking suede loafers. She was closely followed by a trio of waggy-tailed Labradors that spilled out onto the age-worn flagstones, apparently thrilled to greet their visitors.

‘Jasmine, darling, welcome. It’s so wonderful to see you.’ Lady Caro’s cut-glass accent bounced around the ancient walls. She rested her hands on Jasmine’s shoulders and delivered a noisy kiss to each cheek, her chestnut ponytail swinging from side to side. ‘Mwah, mwah.’

‘Hi, Lady Caro, I’m so sorry we’re a bit late but?—’

‘It’s Caro, and there’s absolutely no need to apologise, darling. I’ve just finished a Zoom meeting and hadn’t noticed the time.’ She waved Jasmine’s concerns away with a manicured hand.

What a relief!

Lady Caro turned to Florrie, smiling warmly. ‘Hello there, you look awfully familiar, have we met before?’

‘We have,’ said Florrie, holding out her hand. ‘I’m Florrie Appleton, I was part of the infamous sleigh ride party with Jasmine and Maggie.’

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