of us, although I wonder how many of the dusty old books, worn out furnishings, and unusual artifacts would spark any joy. Still, we boxed a bunch of stuff up, and it’s now tucked away out of sight, so that’s enough joy for me.
On top of getting the house ready to be seen, we’re hosting an invitation-only garden party to celebrate the house opening, and it’s only a matter of a week away, so there’s still a lot to do. Lucky for us, Jemima has taken the reins on organizing the day, with a very willing Jilly as her second in charge. Sebastian has agreed to speak, and we’re all getting dressed up in our garden party attire, including hats.
I don’t get any time with Sebastian alone to ask him about what Chris had told me. That and the fact I know it’s a sensitive subject, and I don’t want to upset him during a time when he’s so worried about losing his home, means I’m not rushing to do it, either.
But Chris’s words keep running through my mind, leaving their footprints to linger. Although I trust Sebastian one hundred percent, Chris is right that I’ve not known him all that long. Sure, I feel like I know him really well, but I can’t possibly know everything there is to know about him. We all have things in our past we’re not proud of. Perhaps the way he treated Chris is his? Perhaps he was in love with Jilly at the time?
I resolve to talk to him about it when the time is right, and then I shelve it and get on with the job at hand.
Midafternoon, a call comes through on my phone, and I welcome the chance to grab a few minutes break.
“I’m gonna get this,” I say as I walk out of the room and press answer. “Hello?
“Oh, ‘allo love. Is this Emma?”
“It sure is.”
“I’m Denise Johnson from Vestiti da Donna. Me bruvvah-in-law, Greg, gave me your number. Said you might have some things you’d like me to look at stocking?”
Although I know Denise only runs a small boutique that caters for a market we’ve not sold into before, the fact someone in this country is interested in stocking Timothy makes me want to leap for joy.
“Yes! Hi, Denise. Great to hear from you. I’ve got an activewear line called Timothy I’d love to show you.”
“How about this afternoon, say about half four? The shop’s usually pretty quiet then.”
I glance through the door at the others still working hard. “This afternoon? I’m not sure I can make that work. I’m sorry. Can you suggest another day?”
“I’m leaving for Ibiza for two weeks tomorrow, love. I’m rekindling love with my man. Things have been a bit quiet on the bedroom front, you see. You’ve got to do that when you’ve been married forever and a day, believe you me. You’ll see, once you’ve been married to that lord of yours for a few years.”
TMI, anyone?
“Thanks, I’ll, ah, bear that in mind.”
“So, what do you say? Half four?”
I know Sebastian needs me to help out here, but equally, I’ve been finding it impossible to get anywhere with stores here. I’m sure he’ll understand.
“Denise? You got it. I’ll be there then.”
“Lovely. TTFN.”
I walk back into the room where Zara, Jemima, and Sebastian are all sorting through linens. Man, are there a lot of linens. Hundreds of years' worth, I guess. Did these people never throw anything out?
“Hey, guys,” I say. “Do you mind if I shoot off for an hour or so this afternoon? I’ve finally got a shot at getting Timothy into a store here, and the woman can only see me today.”
Sebastian straightens up and walks the obstacle course of boxes toward me, grinning. “Brady, that’s amazing! Of course you have to go. We’ll manage without you.”
“Totally,” Zara confirms. “Go get ’em, Emma.”
“That’s wonderful news, Emma. Which shop is it?” Jemima asks.
“Vestiti da Donna. Do you know it?”
“Oh, yes. All my friends buy their Zumba clothes from there. They’ve got the best support bras and control briefs of anywhere in the county.”
“Mum!” Zara protests as Sebastian says, “Can we please not talk about your underwear?”
Jemima waves their complaints away with a flick of her wrist. “Believe me, once you get to my age, you need a little extra help in keeping things from going too far south.”
Zara exclaims, “Ugh!” and promptly holds her hands over her ears as Sebastian looks vaguely ill. Jemima gives a cheeky laugh, clearly