The Golden Oldies Guesthouse (ARC)

by Dee MacDonald

  ‘Thank you for everything,’ he said, hugging Tess and shaking Simon’s hand. ‘It’s been a wonderful six weeks and I’ve got half a book written, with enough information from Jed to write the second half when I get home.’

  Tess gave him an extra hug. ‘It’s been a pleasure, Dominic. And I hope everything works out for you.’

  Did she know, or was she just referring to the book? Dominic glanced at his watch. It was twenty minutes to ten and there was still no sign of Gideon.

  He waved his hosts goodbye, drove slowly down Seagull Hill and stopped outside The Portmerryn Arms for five minutes, but there was no sign of life. Dominic took a few minutes to digest what he’d rather suspected; that his dream was not about to come true. But, he’d finally let go of Patrick, he’d almost finished his book, and he was ready to face the new chapter in his life.

  Dominic accelerated up the hill and out of the village. Soon he’d be on the open road again, where he could put his foot down and get home to Hampstead.

  42

  DOUBLE DEALINGS

  Celia waited until Dominic had departed before she checked out. She’d seen him briefly at breakfast when they’d said to each other how nice it was to have met and wished each other a good journey home. She had no wish whatsoever to be hugged and kissed as she loaded her car.

  Tess Sparrow was in chatty mood. ‘Isn’t it awful about Clarice D’Arcy’s house being burned down? Did you see it on the local news last night?’

  ‘Awful,’ agreed Celia, who hadn’t the faintest idea who Clarice D’Arcy might be. ‘Anyway, it’s been a wonderful break, and thank you.’ She slammed the boot shut.

  Both Tess and Simon shook her hand and wished her a good trip home. ‘Hope the M5 isn’t too busy,’ Simon added.

  I don’t care if it is, I’m not going to be on it for very long, Celia thought. She couldn’t determine the caravan through the thick foliage and she’d have liked to see it again, perhaps taken a photo of it. She thought briefly about her few hours of happiness there, then reminded herself that this was no time for sentiment.

  An hour and a quarter later she was leaving the M5 and rejoining the A30, heading for the A303 and London. Hopefully en route she’d find somewhere with a decent selection of vehicles for sale. She’d try Basingstoke.

  The young salesman admired her car.

  ‘I’m glad you like it,’ Celia said, ‘because I’d like to trade it in for something more sensible.’ She envisaged the single-track roads snaking their way across Shetland’s bleak terrain. She’d always wanted a sporty red car, and she’d had that and she’d enjoyed it, but now it was time to move on.

  Celia knew she could most likely have got a much better deal and more money for the BMW if she’d had the time and energy to look around, but she hadn’t much of either. She traded in the BMW for a green Fiat Panda 4X4 and a wad of cash. The salesman was grinning ear to ear so he’d obviously done much better out of the deal than she had.

  But she didn’t care. She transferred her belongings from one car to the other, and now she just needed to get used to driving this completely different type of vehicle and try to find the M1. It would be a long drive to Aberdeen.

  * * *

  At four o’clock on the Friday afternoon when Tess and Gina had just finished doing the rooms and the laundry in preparation for the new guests arriving in the morning, Tess looked out of the window and saw a police car pull up and a uniformed officer getting out.

  ‘What on earth…?’ she said to Gina before heading downstairs to open the front door. Simon, who’d been gardening, got there at the same time as she did.

  ‘Good afternoon,’ said the tubby, red-faced policeman who was looking as hot and tired as Tess was feeling. ‘We’re trying to locate a woman who may have been staying in this area and her car’s been seen around here so we’re having to check all the accommodation she may have used.’ He wiped his brow. ‘Her name is Margaret Osborne.’

  Tess shook her head. ‘No, we’ve had no one of that name staying here.’

  The policeman produced a photograph and handed it to Tess, who stared at the close up for a moment and then asked, ‘What’s she done?’ before handing it to Simon.

  ‘She’s embezzled a great deal of money from someone she used to work for,’ the policeman said. ‘More than that I cannot tell you. Have you seen this woman?’

  Simon handed back the photograph. ‘I’m afraid not, officer, only wish we could help you.’

  ‘Thanks for your time,’ the policeman said wearily, and drove off.

  ‘Bloody hell!’ said Simon.

  ‘Haven’t we just committed perjury or something?’ Tess asked.

  ‘Probably. Do you suppose they’ll find her?’

  ‘No idea. But Orla always reckoned Celia was a dark horse.’

  ‘Orla was right,’ said Simon, rolling his eyes.

  43

  SEPTEMBER

  Tomorrow, 14 September, would be the first anniversary of the day Tess and Simon took possession of Over and Above and began the arduous process of transforming it into The Sparrows’ Nest. They’d survived the chaos and the upheavals and – not least – the motley selection of guests. They were still busy but they could see an end to it now, and Simon insisted they must have a holiday before the Christmas season so he’d booked a week at the beginning of November to go to Crete. Tess had spent a day there once as part of a cruise she’d done with Orla shortly before she met Simon, and had always hankered to go back and explore the island properly. It would be cool in November, if not cold, so no need for the cruise clothes she’d chosen with such care when she and Orla had been there in high summer.

  Orla! Tess was still recovering from the news that Orla might well be becoming a neighbour again. Orla and Danny were inseparable at the moment; she was either visiting him in his caravan (‘It’s got a proper loo, Tess!’) or he was hotfooting it up to stay with her in Milbury. And the barn conversion was almost complete in Polcarrow and now she was talking about moving in there on a permanent basis.

  Orla was in love. She had to be, Tess thought, to even consider living in Cornwall, which she herself had once described as being ‘in the middle of nowhere’.

  Tess and Simon had become fond of her beau and had visited Polcarrow Farm where Danny had cooked them an impressive lunch in what turned out to be a very spacious caravan, twice the size of Windsor Castle. And the barn conversion was something else! Straight out of Grand Designs! If Orla could tolerate country living she’d really landed on her feet!

  Just yesterday she’d phoned to say she’d put her flat in Milbury on the market, so things were moving fast. Tess refrained from commenting, having done the same thing herself when she met Simon. After all, life is short, she thought.

  As if all that excitement wasn’t enough, on the local news two nights ago, it was reported that a certain Titania Terry had been arrested in London on suspicion of an extremely serious arson attack on the house of Clarice D’Arcy on the Lizard. The barman at The Fiery Witch remembered both her eccentric outfit and her car, and that she’d asked where Black Rock Cove was. She’d also been seen by a young couple at the Black Rock Cove car park, who’d been amused by the registration number of her car which began with T1T.

  And it also came to light that there had been a long-time rancour between the two women, due to Clarice stealing Titania’s man. And, if that wasn’t enough, one of Titania’s earrings had been found on the patch leading to and from The Hideaway.

  Titania, of course, vehemently denied any knowledge of the whole incident, knew nothing whatsoever about any of it. The media loved it; all these ancient has-beens stealing each other’s lovers! Old photographs were resurrected of both women in their prime. Titania had found fame again at last! And notoriety.

  Simon reckoned that had been the one and only reason for Titania’s visit to Cornwall, and it was lucky for her that Clarice had been away overnight, otherwise she’d be facing a murder charge as well as arson. The police
had no idea where she’d been staying, so best to leave it that way, particularly after the Celia business. They’d probably be charged with harbouring criminals.

  There was no further news of Celia, who wasn’t Celia, of course, but was Margaret Osborne, who’d fleeced her employer of his money, it turned out, after years and years of working for a pittance.

  But, as Simon said, ‘They all booked, they arrived, they caused no trouble, they paid and they left. That’s all that needs to concern us.’

  They’d also had a letter from Dominic Delamere – their very first guest – to inform them that he’d found a publisher for his book, which he was now completing, and he thanked them for their hospitality and for the inspirational setting for his writing. He’d be sending them – and Jed – a copy whenever it was published.

  * * *

  At five o’clock on the morning of 14 September, Simon, already dressed, woke Tess up from a deep sleep. ‘We’re going out!’ he announced.

  Tess rubbed her eyes. ‘What? Where?’ she muttered, convinced that her husband had gone bonkers. ‘Why? What about breakfasts?’

  ‘We’ll be back in plenty of time to do breakfasts,’ Simon soothed, ‘but come, I want to show you something.’

  Grumbling, Tess reluctantly got out of bed and flung on a sweater and jeans. She walked out into the hallway to see Simon emerge from the kitchen carrying a torch and a cool-bag.

  ‘Don’t ask!’ he teased, taking her hand. ‘All will be clear dreckly!’

  He led her down Seagull Hill, past The Portmerryn Arms, along the beach and up to Penhennon Cliff in near darkness, a path it would have been impossible to follow were it not for the bright light of the full moon. It was all a good half hour’s walk from Sparrows’ Nest. Tess was panting and mystified as they reached the top. It was chilly, but there was the beautiful moon which sent a silver path across the placid sea towards the beach.

  Simon patted the old wooden seat onto which Tess sank gratefully and watched as he produced a bottle of Bollinger champagne, two glasses, and some smoked salmon sandwiches from the cool-box.

  ‘Breakfast,’ he explained.

  ‘What on earth is this all about?’ Tess asked.

  Simon popped the cork. ‘This, my darling, in case you’ve forgotten, is the first anniversary of the day we moved to Cornwall, to Over and Above, to our Sparrows’ Nest.’

  Tess laughed. ‘It’s a lovely idea, Simon, but could we not have celebrated the occasion in the nice warm kitchen rather than trailing up here?’

  Simon filled a glass and handed it to her. ‘No, we couldn’t. I’ve brought you up to see something special. Look!’ He pointed at the moon which was just beginning to sink into the ocean to the west, and then to where the red sun was emerging from the horizon to the east, painting the clouds orange, magenta and gold.

  Tess was enchanted; to see the full moon and the sun in the sky together for a few minutes was spectacular, and breathtakingly beautiful.

  ‘Here’s to our first year just gone, and to many more successful years ahead,’ Simon said, and they clinked glasses.

  Then the moon sank gracefully into the ocean and the sun rose higher in the sky.

  If you enjoyed The Golden Oldies Guesthouse, you’ll love The Runaway Wife – a laugh-out-loud, feel-good novel about second chances. Available now!

  The Runaway Wife

  ‘OMG!… It made me howl with laughter and it made me sob my heart out… I absolutely adored every single step… had my jaw dropping!!… one of my favourite books of the year.’ My Chestnut Reading Tree, 5 stars

  * * *

  Get it here!

  * * *

  One evening in early August, while mashing the potatoes for dinner, Connie McColl decides she’s had enough…

  * * *

  Connie is tired of solving one family crisis after another – usually involving her unruly grandchildren – while her husband Roger spends all day at his beloved golf course. Surely it must be time for her to shake off her apron and start living again?

  * * *

  So Connie packs a bag, gets in her little green car and drives off…

  * * *

  As Connie journeys from England to Scotland on an unexpected adventure, she finally begins to rediscover herself. And she starts to wonder, will she ever be ready to return home? Or will this summer change her life forever?

  * * *

  The Runaway Wife is an inspiring and joyously uplifting novel about being true to yourself. If you loved The Kicking the Bucket List and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry this book is for you.

  Hear more from Dee

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  Books by Dee MacDonald

  The Runaway Wife

  The Getaway Girls

  The Silver Ladies of Penny Lane

  The Golden Oldies Guesthouse

  Available in Audio

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  The Runaway Wife (Available in the UK and the US)

  A Letter from Dee

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you so much for reading The Golden Oldies Guesthouse. I hope you enjoyed meeting the Sparrows and some of their more unusual visitors. As always, I’ve stretched my artistic licence to its full capacity and can assure you that most people who come to Cornwall are normal holidaymakers, and very welcome, too!

  If you’d like to keep up with my books, you can sign up to the following link:

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  And, if you enjoyed The Golden Oldies Guesthouse, I’d appreciate it if you could write a review because I love to know what my readers think and your feedback is always invaluable. And you can get in touch via Facebook and Twitter.

  Dee x

  The Getaway Girls

  One morning, Connie McColl wakes up and decides to swap her ordinary life, for an extraordinary adventure…

  * * *

  Connie McColl is finally free to make her own decisions for the first time in decades. And when she meets glamorous Gill and downtrodden Maggie, at a rather dull flower arranging class, it seems that she’s not the only one dreaming of adventure. The three very different women all agree it’s about time they had a holiday to remember.

  * * *

  So they make a pact for this summer to be their best yet – and drive off into the sunset together…

  * * *

  As they meander their way along the beautiful beaches of France and onto the glorious delights of Italy in their luxury campervan, the new friends have plenty of fun and frolics in the sunshine. But the vacation isn’t quite what they expected…

  * * *

  Gill will do anything to have one last holiday romance, Connie has a surprise inheritance awaiting her in Italy, and Maggie has a secret that is going to catch up with them all…

  * * *

  In the end, all three women discover that the journey they thought would be their last really is just the beginning…

  * * *

  From the bestselling author of The Runaway Wife, The Getaway Girls is a laugh-out-loud, life-affirming journey of friendship, romance and living life to the full. If you loved The Kicking the Bucket List and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry this book is for you.

  * * *

  Get it here!

  The Silver Ladies of Penny Lane

  ‘Dee MacDonald’s books are so heart-warming. They make you laugh-out-loud one minute, and then have you crying the next… they’re really emotional and tug at the heart strings but are fun, life-affirming reads!’ Stardust Book Reviews

  * * *

  Get it here!

  * * *

  Tess and Orla have been best friends throughout most of their adult lives. So when life gave them lemons and their loved ones let them down, they
pooled their resources and bought a dressmakers shop on the corner of Penny Lane. And they’ve been doing just fine ever since.

  * * *

  But one day, while studying her tired eyes and shapeless figure in the mirror, sixty-two-year-old Tess realised that she doesn’t want her life to be just fine anymore. She wants it to be extraordinary. For as long as she can remember she’s put everyone else first. Now she wants to rediscover herself – and experience the kind of whirlwind adventure that will have the power make her smile when she’s confined to the armchair of a retirement home.

  * * *

  With the encouragement of fun-loving and quirky Orla, Tess joins an over-the-hill dating agency and the two friends book a singles cruise around the Mediterranean. And that’s when their adventure of a lifetime really begins…