“But I thought they’d be happy.” Mum looked to me and Leo.
“Did you really though?” I asked, my frustration getting the better of me. “I mean, from day one you’ve wanted some big fancy wedding.” I felt my pulse race; the result of mine and Leo’s stupidity, as much as it was Mum’s actions. I gestured to her pile of envelopes. “Of course, it’s our own fault. For putting you in charge of invitations in the first place. Let’s face it, after the mood boards and that bloody dress, we should have seen it coming.”
“What’s wrong with my dress?” Mum asked. “And why’s Gregbrook Manor suddenly a problem? If you’re worried about money, Tess, your dad and I have covered it.”
I glared at Mum. I didn’t think I’d ever felt so insulted. “Have you listened to a single word I’ve said these last weeks? This has got nothing to do with…” Falling silent, I shook my head. “You know what. I give up.”
“I don’t understand,” Mum said.
“Then shame on you, Mum,” I replied. Desperate to keep my anger in check, I turned to Leo. “We need to leave.”
Leo appeared hesitant.
“Now.”
Chapter 41
The silence on the drive home was deafening. I wanted to speak, but every time I tried, I couldn’t find the right words to express the myriad angry thoughts running through my mind. Leo’s instinct clearly told him to give me headspace, something I appreciated and turning to him for the umpteenth time, I opened my mouth to tell him that, only to close it again.
“It’ll be okay,” Leo said, when we, at last, pulled up.
“Will it? Because I’m not so sure.”
After climbing out of the car, Leo unlocked the cottage front door to let us in.
Having left Otis at home snoozing after his long morning walk, we entered to find him wagging his tail at our arrival. I gave him a cursory fuss, before heading straight down the hall to the kitchen. I tossed my bag on the table and slumped down on a chair. “What was she thinking?”
“I’m sure she meant well,” Leo said. Coming up behind me, he wrapped his arms around my shoulders, but I shrugged myself free. I twisted in my seat to face him.
“The last thing I need right now is you defending her. What Mum’s done is unforgivable. Why can’t you see that?”
“I understand what you’re saying, but–”
“There are no buts, Leo. The whole thing’s ruined. The wedding that we talked about, that I thought we both wanted, has gone forever.” He stepped towards me. However, reassurance was the last thing I needed. I wanted him to tell me that he was as frustrated as I was, not that Mum’s heart was in the right place. “It’sourday, Leo. Not hers.” I waited for him to tell me he was on my side.
“I know that.” He put one hand on his hip, while running the other through his hair. “I also think she can’t help herself. Excitement takes over and she genuinely thinks she’s helping.”
I wanted to scream at Leo. Ask him why he had to be so nice about everyone and everything all the time. However, I knew that wouldn’t be fair. Leo might defend Mum, but he wasn’t to blame for everything that had happened. She was. “So that’s it? That’s all you’ve got to say on the matter?”
Leo stood there silent.
“And what about the knock-on effect? Like all the extra flower arrangements that we’re going to have to sort out. The extra photos. Extra everything when you think about it. You do realise September isn’t that far off, don’t you?”
“We’ll sort it.” Just like Mum, Leo didn’t seem to get it.
Realising I was talking to myself, I decided I was done with arguing. I shook my head, defeated. In need of some space, I headed for the back door. “If you want me, I’ll be in my workshop.”
Chapter 42
In no mood to create, I’d spent goodness knew how long organising the implements of my trade. I was surprised at how many pieces of equipment I’d accumulated over the years and methodically sorting through my various hand tools had helped ease my furious mind. A tap at the door interrupted me and expecting to see Leo pop his head round, I was surprised to find Sal making an appearance instead.
“Fancy a break?” she asked, indicating the mugs of tea she’d brought with her.
I smiled, pleased to see her.
Sal nodded to the wooden bench just outside. “Out here in the sunshine?”
Stepping into the fresh air, I sat down next to her. I closed my eyes for a moment and breathed in the scent of the garden.
