Page 63 of Hope and Happiness in Bluebell Wood
‘We tried everything when we knew a building company was interested in purchasing the land,’ Jenny explains, ‘letters, meetings, demonstrations outside the local council offices. They kept saying they were listening to us, taking all our points and objections on board. But when it came down to the final decision it meant nothing. The land was sold and permission was agreed just like that!’ She snaps her fingers for emphasis, but the fur of her costume stops it making a clickingsound. ‘I reckon that Colin had someone in his pocket. It all went through far too easily considering the amount of objection there were to it from all us residents.’
‘What about the farmer who owned the land?’
‘Died,’ Jenny says pragmatically. ‘Left it all to his son who lives in Southampton. He couldn’t wait to get shot of it, if you ask me.’
‘I’m sure Mr Covey wouldn’t have left it to him if he’d known what his son was going to do with it,’ Jonah says kindly. ‘He was a lovely old man.’
‘He knew,’ Jenny says, not accepting this. ‘He’d have done it himself years ago if he could be bothered with all the legal stuff and the grief he knew everyone would give him.’
Jonah opens his mouth to protest, but Callum interrupts them both. ‘Whatever Mr Coveythoughtmight happen, it’s happened now, and it would seem we can’t do anything to change it. Even though I know how much everyone has tried,’ he adds when a few of the others begin to bristle again. ‘And we need to remember that the development company has agreed to reserve some of the land for green areas and that they’re going to build us a new village hall – which no one can deny we desperately need. So, it’s not all bad, is it?’
The others don’t look too convinced by this, but as usual when Callum speaks no one challenges him. ‘Look, guys, let’s not stand here and quarrel about this now. Do I need to remind you all you’re currently dressed as Easter Bunnies? We don’t want any of the children to see us dressed like this bickering with each other, now, do we?’
There are a few murmurs of agreement.
‘Let’s all go home and try to enjoy Easter with our families. I shall see some of you at the service later, I hope?’
Again, murmurs of ‘Definitely’ and ‘Of course, Father’.
‘Right, thank you all for your help this morning; you’ve done a wonderful job. Let’s not allow a little unpleasantness to ruin this special time of year.’
As everyone begins to disperse, Lonan comes over to me and asks if I’m going to be all right.
‘I’ll be fine now,’ I tell him, ‘really.’
‘I don’t like to think of you going back to your cottage alone,’ he says.
‘I won’t be alone; my daughter is staying with me for the weekend.’ I look at my watch. ‘She’ll still be in bed, I expect.’
‘Ah, good, it’s so very agreeable to have company for special times such as this.’
‘Have you anyone with you for Easter?’ I ask, suddenly realising that Lonan might be on his own.
‘Ah, sadly no. My children live over in the US with my exwife. I’ll just be using the time to research and hopefully do a little writing.’
‘Would you like to have lunch with us?’ I suddenly ask, surprising myself as much as Lonan with this suggestion. ‘Luckily for you I’m not cooking: my daughter is a great cook and is doing us a lovely roast today.’
‘Oh no, I couldn’t possibly impose on your time with your daughter.’
‘You’ll probably be doing us a favour. Hannah is likely to cook far too much for the two of us. She usually does.’
‘If you’re sure,’ Lonan says, looking extremely touched by my offer.
‘Definitely. We’ll see you later, then – say around one?’
‘Wonderful, I’ll look forward to it. Ah, Callum. Wonderful idea this,’ Lonan says as Callum walks towards us noweveryone has left. ‘Everyone looks marvellous dressed as bunnies – especially this lovely lady.’
Callum nods his agreement.
‘I’ll see you later, then,’ Lonan says, still smiling as he climbs back on to his bike. ‘I’ll bring a bottle!’
‘Someone’s pleased,’ Callum says, watching Lonan cycle off happily in the direction of his cottage.
‘He hadn’t got anyone to spend Easter with,’ I explain, ‘so I’ve invited him to have lunch with my daughter and me.’
‘Very charitable,’ Callum says approvingly.
‘Oh,’ I suddenly say, ‘you’re not alone, are you? I assumed you’d be spending today with Jonah after the service.’
