Kathy wondered how Milly had found out about the boots. Before she had time to ask her Bert said 'Do you fancy coming out for a drink Kath. I've got things to tell you.'
'Okay- you're on.' Kathy didn't fancy the Saracen's Head or the Pig and Whitle so they went to the Wheatsheaf. When she had her favourite gin and tonic in front of her she said 'Well Bert- what is it?'
'I've missed you Kath. I know we didn't part on the best of terms but I would so like us to go back to being good friends. I've got a proposition to put to you. You see I've put the tea stall up for sale and I've bought a cafe in the Albert docks area- nice little place with it's own living quarters. I'd like you to help me run it and live there rent free.You wouldn't have to worry about any bills- I'll take care of the lot. I won't be living there as I'm keeping my own flat on.We'll have to take someone else on to help us but I reckon we could make a go of it. So what do you say? I'd like to have it open by the end of June, there'll be a lot of hard work to be done before then. It will only open on weekdays 8-5pm.'
'I suppose this means you'll be going back on Monday. I would like to stay until Dora and Steve get back from Scarborough on Tuesday but I could do with getting a lift with you.'
'I'm actually planning on leaving early Sunday morning- will you do it though Kath? The living quarters are all ready apart from linen on the beds. I promise I won't interfere in your private life unless you seem to be heading for real trouble.'
'You've done it before- that's when we fell out, when I was dating Jerry.'
'He was a gambler, and a loser. All he would have done was to get you into debt all over again. I know I told him to clear off and leave you alone and I'm not going to apologise for that. If he'd been a man and thought anything of you at all he'd have stood his ground and told me to go to hell but he just sloped off with his tail between his legs. Let's put it all behind us and start again eh- what do you say? I need to know because if you wont help I'll need to find someone who will'
'Well, I do miss Liverpool, I like working in cafes and with you- most of the time so okay, I'll give it a go.'
'We could drop Milly off home on the way to save Steve a run. We'll tell Dora and Steve tomorrow- best not leave it till Saturday.
Friday was going to be largely taken up with last minute wedding arrangements at the colonel's. Afterwards the house would be put on the market Steve got up extra early in order to get as much as possible done before breakfast. He felt in need of a ride so when the first wave of chores were done he saddled Alex 'Come on Fella- I feel like a gallop' he said urging his friend on, letting him have his head. He came back feeling exhilarated and talked non stop to his horse as he rubbed him down 'Last time we can do this till next week mate- other things to do this weekend.' He spoke to Copper, Diadem and Flamenco too telling them he'd find time to exercise them later if he could. Hazel was taking care of Folly.
When he went indoors no-one else was up. Dora was still not eating fried breakfasts so he toasted thick rounds of bread, made tea and added blackcurrant jam for Dora and marmalade for him to the tray.She opened her eyes as he went in to the bedroom. Her face was pale and he felt a bit worried.Setting the tray down he asked 'Are you okay darling?'
'I'm nervous and the baby's playing football.'
'What are you nervous about? you're mother has everything organised.' he said massaging her tummy.
'That's partly why I'm worried. If I get anything wrong she'll feel I've let her down- and I just know she's going to hate my dress!'
'Leave your mother to me- I'll be really nice to her today. It won't be hard because I'm so happy.' He gave her a loving kiss 'Here have a cup of tea.'
'I want a cuddle first.' Steve eagerly complied and kissed her again.
'Well- that settles it. There's no way I'm going off and leaving you alone tonight. To hell with tradition and protocol. Your wellbeing is much more important and I'm not having you worried when it's not necessary. They'll have to kick me out to the loft room when you need to get ready. I'm so cross with myself for not seeing how stressed out you were yesterday.'
All of a sudden Dora felt better and liberally spread a slice of toast with jam. 'Can I walk Copper round for a bit of exercise this morning? It will be one less thing for you to do before we go out- mummy wants us over at the house by ten.'
'Yes, that's a good idea. Copper knows he has to behave himself with you. Ron and Hazel can sort the others out while I deal with Diadem and Flamenco.' He swallowed the
last of his tea. ' Take your time getting up.' he said picking up the tray. Downstairs Slugger was cooking.
'I've had toast and marmalade Slugs but I could go a bacon butty.'
'What no eggs?'
'No ta- Dora's had breakfast, we're in a bit of a hurry this morning'
'Goodness knows what tomorrow's going to be like' said Slugger.
'Wonderful!' replied Steve picking up his butty and going outside.
Milly walked over from the bungalow because she was going with them today to help. Bert was going to take Kathy to work.Callie arrived to help with the chores, she and Hazel got on surprisingly well together.
Prudence had insisted on hiring a marquee with tables and chairs. The original guest list numbered only twenty but she had cajoled them into doubling this to include people they did business with and their families.
During the morning Arthur and Steve set up tables and chairs. Prudence and Milly carefully unpacked glasses, set them on silver trays and put freshly laundered white cloths on the tables. Mrs Porter set out the cutlery and Dora the place cards and serviettes. Mr Plum arrived with the cake he had made for them and bouquets, buttonholes, corsages and table decorations arrived from the florist. The outside caterers would arrive tomorrow and take care of the hot buffet.