Zac turned into the driveway, aware they were both looking out of their windows at the passing fields and paddocks, which although fairly dry and less lush than during rainier seasons were still beautiful. Zac slowed and pointed to fields on either side of the track. ‘All this is us, over to the other side of that wooded area over there.’
‘It’s very pretty,’ Melody said.
He slowed down even more as they neared a pretty granite farmhouse surrounded by a wall and what seemed to be two barns and a couple of other smaller outbuildings. The car pulled into the yard.
‘Look, Gran. All those hollyhocks and in so many colours too.’
He looked at the mass of his mother’s favourite flowers – their pink, yellow, dark purple, white and red colours like gently swaying gems growing up against the house and barn walls.
‘It’s very beautiful,’ Patsy said, the awe clear in her voice. ‘I can see why it’s called Hollyhock Farm.’
‘It is impressive at this time of year, I suppose.’
‘It’s glorious,’ Melody said.
He smiled to himself.
‘I love hollyhocks.’ Patsy sighed. ‘I hadn’t realised this place would be so colourful and, well, picture-perfect.’
‘It’s not at its best at this time of year,’ Zac admitted. ‘But even I can see why people react like you’ve both done the first time they see it. I find myself being surprised too some of the times I return after being away for a while.’
Zac saw Melody’s hand reach forward and rest on Patsy’s shoulder from the corner of his eye. He was glad they were happy and knew his mother and sister would be too. They were both proud of the farm and it was always nice to watch someone seeing the place for the first time. It helped make giving up thepast few months of his life to help here all the more worth it, when he witnessed reactions such as these.
He parked the car. ‘Shall we go inside? I’m sure my sister will be only too happy to show you both around the place, although it might be better to wait until later when the temperature lowers a bit.’
Lettie appeared from the larger barn, smiling and waving to them.
‘Hello. I’m Zac’s sister Lettie. I run this place. Or at least I do my best to do that.’ She held up her hands. ‘I’m a bit mucky from cleaning the barn, so I’m going to have to ask Zac to show you to your rooms. I hope you like them.’
‘I’m sure we will,’ Patsy assured her.
‘I know we will.’ Melody laughed.
‘I do hope so.’ She smiled. ‘I’d better carry on here for a bit and then when you’ve had time to freshen up you can come and find me and I’ll show you both around, if you like.’
Spud ran out of the house and immediately started sniffing the women’s legs, wagging his tail. Zac saw his mother walk out of the house drying her hands on a tea towel.
‘Welcome to Hollyhock Farm,’ she said proudly. ‘I’m Lindy Torel.’ Lindy tucked the cloth under her left arm and reached out to shake their hand. ‘It’s wonderful to meet you both.’
Zac left his mother chatting to them and lifted both rucksacks from the boot of the car.
‘I’m sorry but my husband Gareth and I will be rushing off in a few hours on holiday. I’m sure Zac and Lettie will take good care of you while we’re away though.’
‘I’m sure they will,’ Patsy said. ‘We’re very grateful to your family for taking us in and look forward to paying our way by helping out in whatever way you need us to on the farm.’
‘This is Spud. He’s nosy but harmless, unless you decide to steal one of our sheep.’ Lindy patted her right thigh. ‘Leave heralone, Spud. There’s more than enough time to get to know our guests.’
‘He’s no bother, Mrs Torel. I love dogs.’
‘Please, call me Lindy. We can’t be formal with each other, especially when we’ll all be living under the same roof.’ She waved for them to follow her. ‘Let’s get you inside; it’ll be much cooler in there.’
‘Thank you, that would be lovely,’ Patsy said, taking off her hat and wiping her forehead with the back of her hand.
They followed his mother inside and, as Zac knew it would, the temperature instantly dropped.
‘This is lovely.’ Melody sighed.
‘That’s one of the best things about this house,’ Lindy said. ‘It’s always cooler in here. Now, take a seat and I’ll pour us all something refreshing.’
