‘Oh, just so you know, I’ve got Thom and Sennen coming down for the weekend.’
‘Aw, that’s nice for you, and Hilda will love that.’ Zenya secured the huge latch.
‘If she’s not fornicating in Eager Eric’s hot tub, that is. Right’ – Rita clapped her hands once, decisively – ‘let’s get ready for Easter and all the unpredictable, starry-souled maniacs it may bring.’
FIVE
Rita ran out to greet the pink WEDDINGS BY SENNEN van as it came to a crunching halt.
Stepping out and before Sennen had a chance to say a word, Rita gave her a huge hug and showered her with kisses. ‘You look great, darling. Your hair’s so long now and that darker colour really suits you.’
Sennen grinned. ‘Aw, thanks, Mum, and yes, I wanted a change. Of everything.’
‘Oh, really, why’s that?’
‘I dumped the photographer, far too needy, and literally every outing with him felt like I was on a photo shoot. I said “cheese” so many times, I started tasting Stilton.’
‘What are you like?’ Rita looked at her daughter lovingly, still finding it hard to believe that she was now twenty-four and a grown woman.
Sennen lifted her arms dramatically. ‘Anyway… I’m free to be me again.’
‘As long as you’re happy, Sen? That’s all that matters to me.’
‘Yes, Mum. I really am. Have never been so busy either; seems like this year is the year to be getting hitched.’
‘Or the year that the soon to be betrothed are realising that Weddings by Sennen is where it’s at.’ She picked up her daughter’s bag. ‘Have you eaten?’
‘No, a quick sandwich would be lovely. I’ve got a meeting at Rosecliff Barns shortly to discuss arrangements for the summer wedding I’m organising there.’
‘Ah, perfect timing, then.’ Rita held open the old, heavy front door to the farmhouse. ‘Come on in; your brother messaged to say he’s travelling down later. Hopefully, the Friday traffic out of London won’t be too crazy.’
Sennen stuck her head in the fridge and stuffed a couple of baby tomatoes into her mouth. ‘Things like that never bother him, do they? These country lanes in the dark terrify me, especially in that van of mine.’
Rita grinned. ‘At least it’s easier to see the lights at night. I just shut my eyes and pray in the daytime.’
‘Mum! And you drill into me about being careful.’
Rita pulled a couple of mugs from the cupboard. ‘So, have you met this new mystery woman Thomas is seeing yet? I don’t even know her name.’
‘Poppy, you mean. No, but I’ve stalked her on Instagram. She looks very precious.’
‘Oh.’ Rita rustled in the cutlery drawer for a spoon.
‘And seemingly likes to party.’ Sennen began to scroll her phone. ‘Here.’
She passed her phone to Rita, who nodded. ‘She’s very pretty.’
Sennen took the handset back. ‘More likely to bring Louboutins than wellies if she ever comes here, to be honest.’
‘Gosh. OK. I was hoping the next one would calm him down a bit.’
‘Mum, we are twenty-four and still allowed to be a little bit wild.’
‘You’re so right. Save growing up until you’re at least…’ She paused. ‘Fifty.’
‘If I asked Granny Hilda, she would say, never grow up.’ Sennen put her handset on the table. ‘Is she all right?’
‘Yep, still going to every funeral she can.’ Rita placed two mugs of tea on the table and sat down.
