So. Everyone’s gone – almost. My family, Freya, friends and all the christening guests, even Polly’s gone up to one of the cottages to sort out a heating problem for one of the guests.
Cal clears away the rubbish while Robyn and I clingfilm any spare food for later and empty the dishwasher.
‘That went well,’ Robyn says with a grin. ‘I mean, it really went well.’
‘Way better than I’d expected. I was so worried about it and I don’t know why really. Thanks for helping today,’ I say.
‘It’s fine. I enjoyed it, though that crow-like woman kept giving me funny looks. I can’t think why.’
‘Nor me,’ I say, smiling at Robyn’s Goth clothes, purple hair and studded nose and imagining Serena’s horror.
‘Imagine what she’d do if she knew I lived with a girl.’
‘Probably have a heart attack. Maybe you should have told her.’
‘Hmm.’ Robyn leans against the worktop, toeing the floor with her boot. ‘She’d definitely pass out if she knew my latest news.
‘What’s up?’
‘Andi and I have got engaged. We’re getting married.’
‘Wow? Really? That’s amazing. Congratulations … can I tell Cal?’
‘Of course. I didn’t mention it earlier because I didn’t want to steal your thunder, or Freya’s, and also it’s a secret.’
‘You mean Mawgan doesn’t know?’
Cal joins us. ‘Mawgan doesn’t know what?’
‘Andi and Robyn are getting married.’
Cal grins. ‘Wow. Big step. When?’
‘I don’t know. Early next year maybe when we’ve finished our uni courses. We’ve no money and we live in one of Mawgan’s houses though we do pay some rent. But we thought: why wait? We love each other.’
‘Does your dad know yet?’ Cal asks. ‘Are you worried about what he’ll say? I’m sure he’ll be pleased for you.’
‘It’s not my dad’s reaction that worries me, it’s Mawgan’s, and Andi’s father. They barely tolerate us living together.’
Cal hugs her. ‘I’m sorry they still feel like that. Did your visit to your mum change anything?’
‘We haven’t really had a proper talk about it. I feel sorry for Mawgan in one way. She’s never had a relationship that’s lasted more than a couple of months. Mrs Cade’s happy with her partner in Australia now and although Mawgan was on best behaviour over Christmas, I could tell she didn’t like seeing them together. She just can’t seem to stand seeing anyone happy. Andi worries about Mawgan, even though she also hates her sometimes. Mawgan secretly loves her mother but she was so upset and angry when Mrs Cade went to live in Oz. I was amazed when she decided to fly out with us.’
‘We wondered how you all got on together. There wasn’t a fight, then?’
‘No. Mawgan booked into a posh hotel nearby while we stayed with Mrs Cade and her partner. Mawgan travelled business class, of course, so we didn’t have to put up with her en route.’
I roll my eyes and Andi blows out a breath. ‘Phew, imagine being stuck with her for twenty-six hours? Anyway, it was OK and Mrs Cade was thrilled to have us there, after all this time. But Andi says Mawgan’s been acting strangely since we all got back to Cornwall. Even her dad has started seeing a new woman, who’s far too nice for him, and seems to be making him slightly more human too. It looks serious to me and I wouldn’t be surprised if Mr Cade’s girlfriend moves in at some point, so Mawgan won’t be First Lady in the house any more. Basically, she’s on her own and everyone around her is being happy.’
‘She’s only herself to blame.’ Cal says the thing I’m thinking.
Robyn shrugs. ‘Yeah, I know, but I think if we announce our engagement now, Mawgan might flip.’
‘You can’t hide your happiness away for the sake of someone else,’ I say.
‘True, but we need time to enjoy it first and make some plans, then we’ll sound out Andi’s dad and tell my mum and, maybe, my dad. Why does it have to be so difficult? We’re not hurting anyone else; we only want to be happy.’
‘I don’t know. Life and love’s complicated …’ I slide a glance at Cal. ‘What else can I say?’
‘Nothing. It’s been great to share the news with someone. I knew I could trust you both to keep the secret. Thanks.’ Robyn grins. ‘It’s getting late. I ought to get Ruby from your stable, Cal. I don’t ride her enough these days so today was the ideal opportunity. I should get home because Andi’s coming to Dad’s to pick me up and take me back to the flat.’
‘Shall I ride back to your dad’s with you? It’s getting dark and Dexter needs some exercise too. I can’t persuade Demi to learn to ride him, no matter how hard I try.’
I put out my tongue and they both laugh. They know I don’t like horses and I’m still scared of Dexter, no matter how much Cal insists his horse is ‘quiet as a mouse’. I’d rather ride a mouse, that’s for sure.
With final hugs and thanks to Robyn for her help, I lock up the cafe while they ride off together. In our darkest days and when I was new to Kilhallon, Robyn was always kind and friendly to me, and Cal loves her dearly. Mawgan has already tried to stop her sister being happy once and I’m glad I played a small part in getting her to at least tolerate her sister’s relationship with a Penwith. I can’t believe Mawgan would make real trouble now. Then again, who knows? If she’s bitter and twisted – and also lonely and hurt by everyone around her being happy – she could do anything. Let’s hope I’m wrong.