When Flora looked up again, she saw thatEdie had the kittens with her as well. She was led into what was once the boardroom but was now set for a party.Louisa, grinning like mad, was protecting the plates of food.
Having put Imelda down, Flora huggedeverybody, even people she realised she'dnever met before, and Geoffrey opened more champagne. Everyonecongratulated Charles, who was holding his kitten. They were kissing him, patting him on the back, and generally behavingin a way that they never would have done before.
‘We'renot actually married, you know,' said Flora, taking a glass of champagne fromGeoffrey.
‘Just as well. The whole choir islooking forward to singing at your wedding. By the way, can you ring yourmother? She's a bit worried.’
Flora stifled a scream, found her phoneand the cupboard under the stairs, and rang her. 'It's all fine! I'm so happy.Charles came and found me in London and tookme to a hotel and - well, you can guess the rest.'
‘And areyou engaged?'
‘Not officially, but we have discussedit.'
‘Forone dreadful moment I thought you were going to say you were married.'
‘No, no. The choir want to sing at thewedding.’
When her mother had enough details to begoing on with, Flora reappeared from thecupboard to find everyone assembled for toasts.
‘ToFlora,' said Charles, 'who's not only put the sunshine in my life buthas had some jolly good ideas for the business as well.’
Everyone laughed.
‘ToStanza and Stanza,' said Geoffrey, 'which I suppose could either meanCharles and Flora, or the auction house. Butwhatever, may it go from strength to strength.'
‘I'll drink to that,' said Charles.
‘Oh no, Imelda's stolen a sandwich,'said Flora.
‘No, she didn't,' said Edie. 'I gave itto her. No reason why she shouldn't join in the celebrations, is there?'
‘By the way, Virginia,' said Floralater, 'do we know what happened to Annabelle?'
‘Well,about half an hour after Charles left, Annabelle stormed about, clearingher desk, slamming cupboards and generally being very upset. But then, a coupleof days later I saw her in the ironmongers, looking so different I almostdidn't recognise her.'
‘I did give her a make-over,' murmuredFlora.
‘But it was her whole body language that was different. She seemed all dreamy and disorganised and was carrying awicker basket.'
‘Oh my God,' muttered Charles.
‘Well,'broke in Louisa, thrilled to be the bearer of good gossip. 'I've gotmore recent news!'
‘What?' chorused everyone.
‘Mymother met hers at a fête. She was furious! Annabelle'smother, I mean. Apparently Annabelle's run off with an artist and isliving in a gipsy caravan in the woods!'
‘William!' said Flora, looking aghast atCharles who had started to laugh.
‘Goodfor Annabelle,' said Charles. 'Who said she was inflexible?'
‘Not me, darling,' said Flora, trying toscoop up the black kitten and failing.
Charles picked it up without difficulty and presented it to Flora.It sat on her chest, between them, looking bemused.
‘Will you, Flora, take this black kittenas a symbol of my undying love?'
‘No!' said Flora, trying not to becomesentimental, 'I gave you the kitten.'
‘Have this instead then.' He rummaged inhis pocket and produced a twist of tissue paper.
Inside was a tiny diamond and jetbrooch in the form of acat. It had emerald eyes and a distinct look of Imelda. Flora looked at the brooch and then up at Charles.
She nodded. She couldn't speak. Hekissed her nose. 'You think he'd have got her a proper ring,' someone murmuredin the background.
‘They'llneed to choose that together,' said Geoffrey and then, a moment later, 'If thiskissing's going to go on much longer, I think I'll get back to work.’
Ifyou enjoyed Flora'sLot, why not try Katie Fforde's irresistible new novel .. .
~Practically Perfect
*
Anna, anewly qualified interior designer, has decided it's time to put her money and herexpertise where her mouth is. She's risked everything on buying a tiny butadorable cottage so she can renovate it, sell it on, and prove to her familythat she can earn her own living.
*
Outside,the chocolate-box cottage is perfect, but inside all is chaos: with a ladderfor a staircase, no downstairs flooring, candles the only form oflighting and a sleeping bag and camping mat for a bed, Anna'ssoon wondering whethershe's bitten off more than she can chew.
*
Her neighbourChloe comes to the rescue, providing tea, wine and sympathy - and a recentlyrescued greyhound, Caroline.But just as Anna's starting to believe she's found the perfect idyll, thegood-looking yet impossible Rob Hunterarrives on the scene, putting up more obstacles than the Grand National.Can Anna get over all of life's hurdles?
