The Golden Cup
Page 37
He straightened up and Joss caught a glimpse of the sudden movement and glanced across the meadow. She raised a hand in greeting, walking over the grass towards him, smiling with delight. Gone was the air of wariness he’d first noticed about her and in its place was confidence and joy.
‘You haven’t been properly introduced to the donkeys, have you?’ she asked as she came up to him. ‘Rumpleteaser and Mungojerrie. They’re rather elderly but they like to meet new friends.’
He laughed, letting himself into the field. ‘The names sound familiar – but weren’t they cats?’
She shrugged. ‘Don’t blame us. We just get what we’re given by the donkey sanctuary. Are you ready for some tea? Mum’s been cooking all morning so I hope you’re hungry.’
‘How is Emma?’ He hadn’t forgotten how drawn to her he’d been at their first meeting; that strange sensation of recognition and affection. ‘Is she … coming to terms with things OK?’
She smiled at him, appraising him with something of her old uncompromising look, and nodded. ‘She’s getting used to adjusting to the truth,’ she told him. ‘We all are. Actually, it’s rather liberating. We have you to thank for that. There’s so much to talk about, and to remember, and we’ve read the letters over and over. She gets very emotional about it all – and sometimes very sad – but I’ve promised her that when George and I have our first daughter we shall call her Charlotte. Lottie for short.’ She shot him a more mischievous glance. ‘Or maybe Charlotte Vivian in memory of your grandmother. What do you think?’
‘Sounds a great name to me.’ He couldn’t resist her infectious happiness. ‘Grandma Viv would have been thrilled at the idea.’ He grinned, becoming bolder. ‘Am I missing something here? I thought you told me you and George couldn’t hope to be married until the autumn?’
‘That’s quite right and no, you’re not missing anything,’ replied Joss with a pretence of severity. ‘I’m just doing a little forward planning. Perhaps you’ll be able to get down for the wedding? After all, we are family, although we don’t know you as well as we’d like to, Cousin Dan.’
‘I’m sure that can be remedied, Cousin Joss.’ He gave her a little bow. ‘There’s a whole raft of people out in the States who want to meet you and Emma. And George, of course,’ he added quickly.
‘And Mousie and Bruno,’ she prompted him teasingly. ‘And don’t forget Rafe and Pamela and Olivia and Joe. You take one of us, you take us all; we’re that kind of family.’
‘I shall be honoured to.’ He answered her with a quaint formality, yet with the oddly joyful feeling that the barrier was finally crossed. ‘Thank you.’
They stood together – Madeleine’s granddaughter and Vivian’s grandson – smiling at each other for a moment in the sunshine, then she led the way across the meadow and he followed her through the gate into the Paradise gardens.
About the Author
Marcia Willett was born in Somerset and now lives with her husband in deepest Devon. A former ballet dancer and teacher, she is the author of sixteen novels including The Children’s Hour, The Birdcage, The Golden Cup and Echoes of the Dance, all available in Corgi paperback. Her new novel, Memories of the Storm, is now available from Bantam Press.
For more information on Marcia Willett and her books, see her website at www.marciawillett.co.uk
Also by Marcia Willett
FORGOTTEN LAUGHTER
A WEEK IN WINTER
WINNING THROUGH
HOLDING ON
LOOKING FORWARD
SECOND TIME AROUND
STARTING OVER
HATTIE’S MILL
THE COURTYARD
THEA’S PARROT
THOSE WHO SERVE
THE DIPPER
THE CHILDREN’S HOUR
THE BIRDCAGE
ECHOES OF THE DANCE
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