Free Cherry Blossoms by Patricia Keyson Page A

Mrs Talbot?” Cherry asked. She just wanted the woman to go, but didn’t want to be seen to be hurrying her out in case she became suspicious about Oliver’s explanation.
    As Mrs Talbot and Cherry settled down at the table by the window once again, one of the waitresses appeared and deposited a bounteous tray in front of them.
    “ What’s this?” gasped Mrs Talbot. “I only wanted a cup of tea.”
    “ Mr Fingle’s compliments, madam. He thought you both deserved a full cream tea.”
    They looked at the warm scones, pots of cream , and strawberry jam. “This looks scrumptious,” said Cherry, despite feeling it was a little late to be serving up a cream tea. But she was delighted to see Mrs Talbot reaching for a plate. Cherry picked up the large teapot and poured a cup of steaming tea, handing it across the table.
    “ These scones are delicious. It’s ages since I had a cream tea,” said Mrs Talbot. “In fact, it’s ages since I had lunch.” She took a large bite of scone, leaving a trace of cream and jam on the end of her nose. Cherry laughed and passed her a napkin. Maybe she wasn’t such an awful woman after all. She must have to deal with all sorts of people and Cherry was certain that it was the child’s welfare which mattered most to her.
    Cherry took a deep breath. “I’d like to thank you for keeping an eye on Jay. I know it’s your job to make sure that the children are looked after properly. I’m sorry if I’ve been less than helpful to you in the past.”
    “ Believe me, Cherry, I’ve come across a lot worse people than you.” Well, that was a backhanded compliment if ever there was one, but Mrs Talbot didn’t seem to realise her gaffe. “As a matter of fact, I remember my own father taking me shopping in order to improve my arithmetical skills. I became very accomplished at mental arithmetic. Won a prize for it.”
    Even having moved forward with her opinion of Mrs Talbot, Cherry still had difficulty trying to pictu re her as a schoolgirl.
    As she grinned, Mrs Talbot said, “Cherry, since you’ve been living here, you seem a lot happier. I never did like the idea of you both living on a boat. It didn’t seem suitable somehow. And, of course, the water can be so dangerous.” A small frown clouded her face. Leaning forward, she confided, “I had a very nasty experience in a boat once, you know.”
    Cherry didn’t know, and couldn’t imagine. All she could think of was the wonderful time she’d had in boats. First of all living on one and then with Oliver earlier that day.
    “ And that little lad of yours seems very happy and settled here,” continued Mrs Talbot. She took another giant bite of scone and settled back in her chair.
    Cherry l ooked over at Darius and Jay. Her mouth fell open as she saw Oliver sitting on the edge of the table, chatting and laughing with them. Considering how annoyed he’d been with his brother not long before, Cherry could only suppose that Oliver was putting on a show for Mrs Talbot. Oliver caught her look and gave a thumbs up, along with a brilliant smile. Cherry’s heart soared.

Chapter Twelve
    Oliver was enjoying sitting in the office with Cherry after all the ups and downs of the previous day. It was a sunny afternoon and beams of sunshine caught the motes of dust dancing in the air. He was still very angry with Darius and his attitude to the hotel and the conference, but felt good about his interception of Mrs Talbot and the happy outcome. Cherry had an extra spring in her step. He was hoping her good mood would include him. He wondered if he should invite her for dinner that evening. They could go to a quiet restaurant in town and get to know each other better. Although he already felt he knew her well, it would be good to spend some proper time together.
    Cherry was reading through her notes. “So I ordered the boats this morning, the fishing rights are being dealt with by your solicitor, and I’m taking delivery of ten bicycles tomorrow