Coming Home

by Fern Britton

  Queenie dug out several packets and showed them to the children. ‘There’s some with bells and doves, some what’s coloured pink and blue – and hang on …’ She dug about in another box. ‘These ’ere, they’re rose petals. I think the vicar prefers these because they biodissolvable.’

  Aali grabbed a packet. ‘Can we have these please, Daddy?’

  Queenie clutched her bosom, ‘Lovely manners. Don’t see so much of that these days. Would the little boy want some too?’

  Sabu nodded shyly and took the packet she offered him.

  ‘That’s three pounds twenty-five please. And would you like a sweetie from old Queenie because you’ve been so good?’

  Aali and Sabu’s eyes were saucers as she showed them the rows of sweet jars on her shelves. ‘You point at what you fancy and I’ll get it out for you.’

  Aali chose a jelly snake and Sabu a lollipop.

  ‘’Ere look at that,’ said Queenie looking out of the shop’s windows, ‘that’s sunshine, that is. Looks like the rain has blown through. Now, I’ll just get me ’at and me fur coat and then I’ll close the shop. Would you mind escorting me over to the church?’

  The Churchyard

  Upstairs in Marguerite Cottage, Ella was staring at her reflection. She had to start on her eye make-up but her hands were shaking too much. She pulled nervously at the opening of her old dressing gown and saw her engagement ring catch the light. She had fallen for it the moment the jeweller had pulled the tray of antique rings out from under the counter. A circle of alternating tiny aquamarine and diamond stones. When Kit had put it on her finger it had fitted perfectly.

  ‘Aquamarines are said to be lucky for couples and travellers,’ the jeweller had said brightly. ‘This one is dated from the 1920s and is very special.’

  ‘I love it,’ said Ella running her fingers over it gently and letting it twinkle.

  ‘How much is it?’ enquired Kit crossing his fingers.

  When he was told the price, Ella swiftly took it off. ‘It’s lovely but too much.’

  Kit stopped her. ‘Do you like it?’

  ‘It’s beautiful.’

  ‘Then it’s yours.’

  There was a gentle knock at the bedroom door. ‘Come in,’ called Ella.

  It was Sennen still in her coat and carrying the box which she put gently on the bed. ‘Hello, darling, Henry said you were up here.’

  ‘Oh, Mum. I’m so glad to see you.’

  Sennen heard the catch in Ella’s throat, ‘Darling? Are you okay?’

  Ella nodded her eyes filling with tears. ‘Yes.’

  ‘Then why the tears? Are you having doubts?’

  ‘No … but, it’s all so overwhelming.’ Ella got up and went to Sennen who put her arms around her.

  ‘Of course it is. I felt the same on my wedding day.’

  ‘Did you?’ Ella snuffled.

  ‘Yes. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to marry him, it was just such a huge thing to do.’

  ‘That’s how I feel. I love Kit. He’s kind and gentle and funny and I don’t want anyone else but …’

  Sennen stood back and held her daughter at arm’s length. ‘I think this is all perfectly normal. He’s probably got the jitters too. Right now he’s wondering how someone as wonderful as you would want to marry him.’

  ‘Do you think so?’

  ‘I know so. Now, let’s get you ready.’ Sennen unbuttoned her coat and chucked it onto the bed.

  ‘Mum!’

  ‘What?’ Sennen turned and saw her reflection in the dressing table mirror.

  Ella was beaming, ‘You’re wearing a sari!’

  Henry popped his head round the door, ‘Mother, how do you take your tea?’ He eyed her sari, ‘Blimey. You won’t have to worry about anyone else wearing the same as you today, will you?’

  ‘It’s fabulous!’ exclaimed Ella, wide-eyed. ‘I love it! Granny always said she wanted to wear a sari. Now here you are in one.’

  ‘This was meant for Granny,’ said Sennen. ‘I bought it years ago. Too late now.’

  ‘God, she would have loved it. Can I try it on later?’

  ‘Let’s get you ready for this wedding first.’

  ‘Tell you what,’ said Henry, still loitering, ‘forget the tea, I’ve got a bottle of Krug downstairs.’

  Getting Ella dressed was the gift Sennen had given up hope of ever earning. But here she was helping with shoes and blusher, hairspray and buttons.

  ‘Let me look at you.’ Sennen drank in the vision in front of her. ‘You are lovely.’

  ‘Thanks, Mum.’

  ‘Just one more thing.’ Sennen collected the small box from the bed and gave it to her daughter. ‘For you, from me,’ she said simply.

  Ella opened it and gently lifted the gossamer veil from its safe keeping.

  ‘Oh, Mum. It’s perfect. Help me put it on?’

  As light as thistledown, its crystal dewdrops spinning rainbows around the room, Sennen placed it carefully on Ella’s hair.

  ‘There.’

  Henry was waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs, three glasses of Krug on a tray, and his phone ready to take photos.

  ‘Ells, you look really beautiful,’ he said, taking her hand to help her down the last two stairs. ‘We’d better do a selfie of the three of us.’

  Putting his free arm around Sennen’s waist he crammed the three of them into half a dozen laughing selfies.

  ‘Now let me take one of Mum and daughter. Smile … gorgeous.’

  ‘Let me take one of you and the bride,’ said Sennen. Henry took Ella’s hand proudly and smiled broadly as Sennen took the shots.

  ‘Let me see them,’ asked Ella. They all crowded around the small screen and for the first time saw photographs of them all together.

  ‘My children and me.’ Sennen wiped her eyes. ‘It’s a miracle.’

  Henry pulled his mother to him and kissed her hair. ‘Don’t go wobbly now, Mother, we’ve got a whole day to get through.’

  He solemnly handed out the glasses of champagne. ‘This is a very special day. Not just for Ella but for all of us. It’s a day to enjoy ourselves as a family. The Three Tallons.’ He lifted his glass: ‘To us.’

  ‘Thank you, Henry,’ Sennen said softly. ‘Thank you.’

  Sennen knew she wouldn’t be able to keep her emotions at bay much longer so she swallowed some champagne and said briskly, ‘Right, I’m off. Henry, don’t forget to help Ella pull the veil over her face before you leave the house.’

  ‘Yes, Mother.’

  ‘Good. Right. Let me have a last look at you both. Oh, I love you so much.’ She stepped towards her children to give them one last hug, but Henry stopped her.

  ‘Now, no more crying, and no more hugging. We can’t get all creased up at this stage!’

  ‘Love you, Mum,’ said Ella.

  ‘See you in church.’

  She blew a final kiss and left.

  Now, with a deep breath, shoulders down, head up, she walked towards the church.

  She heard the squeak of children’s voices and saw two young children running at her across the churchyard. She stopped dead in her tracks, unbelieving as Aali and Sabu ran gleefully towards her.

  ‘Mummy! Mummy!’ they shouted.

  She felt her stomach lurch and her pulse quicken as she tried to take in what was happening. They were with her now, clinging on to her legs, Aali kissing her hand, Sabu with his arms up, pleading to be carried. She bent down and drew them to her, kissing them and saying their names over and over again.

  Then she heard Kafir’s voice and looked up.

  He was coming towards her, controlled and calm and so very handsome.

  ‘Hello, Sennen.’

  She stood up quickly and black dots swam in front of her eyes. Her breath came in short pants. She knew she was going to faint but as she faltered he caught her. ‘Are you okay?’

  ‘Yes. Yes. It’s you. You came. You got my message?’

  ‘Only when I got to London.
I was already on my way. Here, you need to sit down.’ He led her to a long bench next to an ancient yew tree.

  ‘Sit,’ he ordered.

  She sat, Aali and Sabu climbing up next to her. ‘We’ve come to surprise you.’ Aali said.

  ‘Well, y-you have,’ Sennen managed. She looked up at Kafir. ‘You all look so lovely.’

  ‘I like your sari,’ Kafir said.

  ‘Thank you. I thought I’d be the only one in Indian dress but now …’

  ‘We look like a family,’ Kafir finished for her.

  ‘Yes.’ Sennen held her hand out to him. ‘Oh, I have missed you. Thank you for being here.’

  ‘Can we open the carfetti now?’ asked Sabu.

  ‘Not yet.’ Sennen kissed him. ‘We have to wait until the bride and groom are married.’

  Queenie came breathlessly to join them. ‘I’ve asked the vicar to save some seats for us. Front row.’

  The church was filling up but as the splendidly dressed Kafir Singh walked down the aisle with his wife and children the chatter muted as all eyes turned to them. Kit and Adam were waiting nervously by the pulpit, eyes front, but sensing something unusual was happening, turned and saw them.

  Kit beamed at Sennen. She looked so exotic and so happy and he came to greet her with a kiss and then shook hands with Kafir. ‘Hello, sir,’ he said respectfully, ‘Kit Beauchamp. I’m the groom and this is Adam, my cousin and best man.’

  Kafir bowed his head. ‘It is a pleasure to meet you. I hope you don’t mind me joining you without notice?’

  ‘Not at all. You are very welcome.’

  The congregation watched the drama unfold in front of them, and as this new and exotic family took their seats, the babble of conversation rose higher than before.

  The organist had been playing a medley of classical background themes but on a hidden signal struck up Mendelsohn’s ‘Wedding March’ and the congregation stood as one, their heads swivelled to the main door.

  Ella, proudly supported by Henry, began the long walk down the aisle.

  Jenna toddled ahead, chucking handfuls of petals at everyone she knew, shouting, ‘Hello, hello, hello.’

  38

  The ‘Wedding March’ finished on a flourish, its final notes ricocheting around the church’s vaulted roof.

  Kit felt Ella come to his side and dared to glance at her. Her red curls were muted by her veil, but he could see the light in her eyes.

  Jenna turned her flower basket upside down and banged it on the bottom to make sure it was empty before Ella gently nudged her and reminded her to take her bridal bouquet to Penny, who would look after it. Ella watched her go and then looked for her mother. There she was, surrounded by Kafir, Aali and Sabu.

  Sennen gave her a look of, ‘I know, I know!’ and a shaky thumbs up. Ella almost giggled but returned the thumbs up. And whispered to Kit, ‘You see who is here?’

  ‘Yes. I met them earlier. Really nice. And by the way, you look amazing.’

  Simon, dignified in collar and stole, coughed. ‘Please be seated. We are gathered here today in the sight of God …’

  The wedding was simple and all the more emotional for it.

  As Simon pronounced them man and wife and said, ‘You may kiss the bride …’ the congregation applauded loudly. If euphoria is contagious it would explain why Ella and Kit floated down the aisle on a raft of joy.

  The sun was shining brightly as they stood for pictures of every permutation. Ella, being drowned in confetti by Aali, Sabu and Jenna, had only the briefest of moments to say hello to Kafir and welcome him.

  When the pictures were eventually done, the guests trooped after the bride and groom and into the garden of Marguerite Cottage where trestle tables sagged under the weight of food.

  A local lad, who ran a mobile disco, played ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ and the prosecco began to flow.

  Henry introduced himself to Kafir. ‘I’m Henry – Sennen’s first son,’ he said rather pointedly, if not a little proprietorially.

  Kafir inclined his head in respect. ‘I am very happy to meet you. I am Kafir Singh, Sennen’s first husband.’

  Sennen disengaged herself from Queenie and hurried to Kafir’s side. ‘You have made your own introductions?’

  ‘We have,’ said Henry. ‘But I should like to meet my half-brother and sister too.’

  ‘Oh, they are with Ella. Sabu has fallen in love with her. He thinks she is a Royal Princess and Aali won’t let go of her hand.’

  ‘You didn’t tell us they were coming,’ Henry said to Sennen, pointedly.

  ‘I didn’t know. It’s a wonderful surprise and a bit of a shock too.’ Sennen began to feel anxious. ‘It’s okay, isn’t it?’

  Henry ignored her and addressed himself to Kafir. ‘But how did you know there was a wedding today? You got to the church at just the right time. Someone must have told you? Or was it an extraordinarily lucky coincidence.’

  Kafir replied calmly, ‘Sennen asked me to come.’

  Henry looked at his mother in false surprise. ‘Did you? But you said you didn’t?’

  Sennen said awkwardly, ‘I didn’t think he would come.’

  Henry turned back to Kafir. ‘To quote Mrs Merton, when were you first attracted to the soon to be wealthy Sennen Tallon?’

  ‘Stop it!’ hissed Sennen.

  Kafir stood between mother and son. ‘That is enough. This is the wedding of your sister. Do not speak to your mother in that way.’

  Henry smirked. ‘Mother, didn’t it even cross your mind? Is he here for you or the money he thinks you’ve been left?’

  Kafir was thunderous and took a step closer to Henry.

  ‘Okay, okay!’ Henry backed off. ‘Keep your turban on. I’m was going to find another drink anyway.’

  ‘I am so sorry,’ Sennen said, watching Henry retreating, ‘I-I don’t know what to say.’

  ‘Maybe I shouldn’t have come after all.’

  She put her hand on Kafir’s arm. ‘Thank God you’re here. I can never thank you enough for coming. I have missed you so much.’

  He placed his hand over hers.

  ‘Can you forgive me?’ asked Sennen. ‘Am I still your wife?’

  ‘Let us talk later. For now, I would like you to introduce me to everybody.’

  Henry had topped up his glass and was now searching for Deborah amongst the familiar faces. He found her being chatted up by Adam and, walking up behind her, pinched her bottom.

  ‘Ow.’ She spun round. ‘Oh, it’s you. Henry, this is Adam, he’s Kit’s cousin.’

  ‘I know. He’s also the best man.’ Henry glowered at Adam. ‘Debs is my girlfriend,’ he said.

  ‘Am I?’ asked Deborah. ‘News to me. Since when?’

  ‘Now.’

  She held her hand to her throat. ‘This is all so sudden. And so romantic buuut …’

  ‘What?’

  She turned to Adam. ‘Would you care to dance?’

  ‘I’d love to.’ Adam took Deborah’s hand and guided her to the patch of lawn designated as the dance floor, while throwing a wink over his shoulder to Henry.

  Henry seethed and went in search of another bottle of prosecco. Rosemary found him sitting in a heap under a tree as the sun started to go down.

  ‘You all right?’

  ‘Tip top,’ he said acidly.

  ‘Then why aren’t you dancing with Deborah? I know you’re seeing her.’

  ‘How?’ he sneered. ‘Private detective, are you?’

  ‘No, but my partner is in the police force and … well, let’s say that you have been seen coming and going from Miss Palmer’s house.’

  ‘It’s a free country, isn’t it?’

  ‘Of course, but Trevay likes a gossip.’

  Henry crumpled. ‘She’s dancing with the bloody best man.’

  ‘And you’re jealous.’

  ‘Pah. Not a jealous bone in my body.’

  Rosemary raised her eyebrows. ‘Really? Then why were you so rude to your mother’s husband
?’

  He frowned. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

  ‘No need to lie to me. Sennen told me what you said.’

  Henry looked small. ‘I worry about her, you know? Who is this bloke and why is he here?’

  ‘He’s her husband and he’s come to support her and, I think to confront their marriage problems head on. Like adults.’

  ‘I don’t want her going back to India with him.’

  ‘Why not?’

  ‘Because,’ his voice trembled, ‘because she’ll go again, like before.’

  ‘When you were young?’

  Henry dashed a tear away with his fist. ‘Uh huh.’

  ‘Did you know she came back to see you, when you were little?’

  ‘No she didn’t.’

  ‘Your grandmother sent her away. Wouldn’t let her see you or Ella or your grandfather.’

  ‘Granny would never have done that,’ Henry said, picking at a knuckle.

  ‘But she did. For good reasons, I think. Your grandmother had been left with two tiny children and a husband who had a nervous breakdown. She was angry. I think she must have regretted rejecting her only daughter every day after.’

  ‘I don’t believe you.’

  ‘Maybe you should ask your mother.’

  Henry stood up. ‘That’s exactly what I’m going to do.’

  ‘Not now.’ Rosemary stood up too. ‘Tomorrow.’ She tried to stop him but he threw her arm off him and strode off to find Sennen.

  Deborah saw him and stopped him. ‘Henry, where have you been? I’ve been looking for you.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Yes, really.’

  ‘I thought you were having a lovely time dancing with dreamboat Adam.’

  Deborah laughed. ‘He’s very nice but too smarmy for me.’ She stepped closer to Henry and pouted. ‘I wanted my caveman Henry to come back to me.’ She slid her arms around his waist and spanked one of his buttocks. ‘Or is naughty Henry sulking?’

  ‘No.’ He felt his resistance lowering.

  ‘I think he is and I think I will have to punish him.’

  He pushed himself closer to her. ‘You are a naughty girl.’

  Their passionate kiss was interrupted by Adam with a microphone, ready to deliver his best man’s speech.