Chapter 2

Richard and Mary then left to break the news to Richard’s parents. It was about fifteen minutes later that they arrived at the Reynolds family home. Richard opened the front door only to come face to face with Richard’s father, Harold Reynolds. He greeted them warmly and said: ‘What brings you both here?’

‘Well Dad’ said Richard. ‘We have big news for you.’

Harold called up the stairs: ‘Janet, leave whatever you are doing and come down.’

Janet came down straight away and said humorously: ‘Where’s the fire?’

They all went into the very well-appointed lounge. ‘Well’ said Harold ‘what is the big news, Richard?’

‘Well, Mum and Dad, Mary has agreed to be my wife in approximately five weeks time.’

Harold and Janet got to their feet and almost together said ‘Congratulations!’

Richard’s father then said: ‘This calls for a little celebration.’ He left the room and returned shortly afterwards with a bottle of Moët & Chandon, a tray and four elegant glasses. He then expertly opened the champagne and poured out four glasses. He raised his glass and said: ‘This is the best piece of news I’ve heard for a long time. To Richard and Mary from Janet and me, the warmest wishes to you both.’

He paused and said ‘When is the actual big day?’

Richard replied: ‘Five weeks tomorrow at St. Michael’s, Elmhurst at 3 p.m.’

‘There must be a lot of things to do before then. Firstly that’s a lovely church.’

‘To bring you right up to date, we are booked to get married at St. Michael’s church. We’ve seen the Vicar and the first of the wedding banns will be called this Sunday. We are proposing to hold the reception at Elmhurst Lodge Hotel, which is roughly only half a mile from the church. Now to other matters, I have had a word with the manager of the local branch of Finches about the possibility of renting a flat or house in that area. He told me he had something coming up that might suit. Apparently the property in question is being refurbished and should be available roughly the second week in June.’

Harold said: ‘Hold it right there. Now you are probably aware that over the years I have been building up a portfolio of investments with a view to giving me an enhanced pension pot when I retire. Now about eighteen months ago I purchased a house in Elmhurst which needed updating. I was advised that the owners just wanted to dispose of the house as soon as possible to clear certain debts. Hence the price I paid was a snip, and over the last year I have been using a local builder to renovate the house. So far a new kitchen has been installed plus a new bathroom suite, and to bring it into this day and age, an efficient heating system. The whole house has been decorated inside and out. I also contacted Finches and enquired as to what would be a fair rent for the property. I was pleasantly surprised at the figure they suggested. I suspect by now you realise we are talking about the same house.’ He went on to say: ‘I think it would suit your requirements. Obviously I would not expect you to pay the rent advised by Finches.’

‘Well’ interrupted Richard’ I think we could manage quite a reasonable rent on a house in that condition.’

‘Well that is very fair but, of course, as family you would be entitled to a discount. I think first of all you should go and have a look tomorrow. I have a spare set of keys and then if you like it, we can discuss it further.’

‘That all sounds very promising, don’t you agree Mary?’

She replied warmly: ‘It’s fantastic news.’

Harold, turning to Mary, then said ‘I would like to discuss a rather delicate matter. I know that by tradition the bride’s parents often pay for the reception. I have to say, however, that I know your mother has had a very difficult two years following your father’s death from that terrible car accident.’

‘If my father had survived that accident he would certainly have wanted very much to be involved in the wedding arrangements.’ At this moment Mary paused and said: ‘After long and provocative discussions, however, my mother was today informed by her own advisors that at long last there is a firm offer of an out of court settlement for substantial compensation. So her financial position will be considerably improved from what it is at the present moment.’

‘Well’ said Harold ‘I am more than pleased to hear that, but I have to say that whatever sum is paid cannot compensate for the trauma your mother has had to face over the past two years. With your approval, I would like to talk to your mother about this, and frankly, I would like to contribute something to the reception.’

‘That’s OK by me. I will have a word with mother when I get back.’

Harold then said: ‘Well we have covered a lot of ground tonight. There is just one other point I would mention which might be of interest to you. To cut a long story short - as you may know, your mother and I have had several holidays on a small island about fifteen miles east of Corfu. It’s got quite a long name but, roughly translated, means “paradise”. So most of the Brits who live on the island refer to it as Paradise Island. Well actually, we now own the villa. Your mother and I had a fifty percent share in it. The other fifty per cent was owned by someone we met many years ago. He was a painter, not very well known, who rented the villa from the previous owner. He sold most of the paintings at a reasonable price and eventually we went fifty/fifty with the villa. This provided him with the peace and quiet he longed for to enable him to paint all day. From day one, he always said this was where he would love to spend the rest of his days, so we came to an arrangement whereby I would buy fifty per cent of the villa, which he could use, and we became virtually sleeping partners. I’m sure fifteen years of his life on the island were happy. In fact, two weeks before he died he completed his last painting. He always said that if anything happened to him he would leave his share of the villa to Janet and me, and true to his word, that is what he did. So if you are looking for a nice quiet place for your honeymoon, you can use it.’

Richard replied: ‘That’s a lovely offer, but I have already booked a place and not even Mary knows where.’

‘Well, well!’ said Harold. ‘You really are a chip of the old block. When your mother and I got married, I never told Janet where we were going for our honeymoon until we were on our way. We did not have a car then and went by train. The surprise was - we went all the way to Cornwall and stayed at a lovely small hotel in Falmouth. So Richard, go ahead. I am sure you will be happy wherever you go.’

Richard then said: ‘There is one more piece of news which has nothing to do with the wedding. Perhaps Mary ought to tell you.’

Mary said: ‘I think you are referring to my job. In simple terms, one of the Sisters in the Maternity Wing at the hospital is retiring in the autumn and I have been asked to take over her role. I do have the right qualifications and all it would mean is spending a few weeks as her understudy before she retires. It also means I would be promoted to Sister.’

Harold said straight away ‘Congratulations Mary! I am sure you deserve the appointment. This calls for another drink.’

Richard then said: ‘I don’t think I had better have any more as I will be driving Mary home. Thanks all the same.’

‘Well’ said Harold, ‘I have an answer to your problem. I have an account with a small taxi firm around the corner. I will give them a call. What time do you wish to leave? Shall we say 10.30 p.m?

Mary said: ‘That would be fine by me.’

Harold then said: ‘If you like, Richard, you can escort Mary home and then return here in the taxi.’

‘OK Dad, that sounds fine.’

The taxi arrived on time. Mary made a point of hugging Harold and Janet in turn and thanked them both profusely. On the way to Mary’s house, they embraced one another and Mary then said: ‘I have a job to believe all the good news I have heard tonight.’

‘Yes, I have to say that my father has been very generous, and I know they both think the world of you.’

‘My Mum regards you as the son she never had.’

‘On that happy note, I will pick you up at about nine o’clock to go and see the house’ and added: ‘If you want to bring your Mum along that’s OK by me.’

With that they kissed. ‘See you tomorrow.’