The Mermaid Garden(140)
They said their good-byes and climbed into the vehicle. The driver started the engine. Marina, Rafa, and Biscuit stood back to wave them off. Just as they were drawing out of the drive, the brigadier’s old Mercedes swept round the corner, tooting the horn, demanding that they stop. “He’s late for breakfast,” observed Marina, glancing at her watch.
“I don’t think he’s come for breakfast,” said Rafa.
The brigadier leapt out of the car like a young officer, reached into the backseat, and extracted an enormous bouquet of white roses. The door of the people carrier slowly opened, and a blushing Jane stepped lightly down.
“I want to ask you to stay,” said the brigadier, presenting her with the flowers.
Jane pressed them to her nose, not knowing how to reply. She felt foolish in her awkwardness. “They smell wonderful,” she said. “How very sweet of you to think of me.”
“I went to a lot of trouble to find smelly ones,” he said. “I chose them because they smell like you.” A warm glow spread across her face, and she smiled self-consciously.
The brigadier rocked back and forth on his heels as he worked up the courage to deliver the short speech he had been rehearsing all night. He cleared his throat. “It’s been a long time since I’ve asked a girl out.”
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been asked.” Jane’s blush deepened.
“I’d like to marry you, Jane.”
“Marry me?”
“Well, of course. We haven’t got all the time in the world, why beat about the bush? I like you very much. Very much indeed, and I think you like me, too.”
“Yes, I do.”
“So how about it?”
Jane looked around her, embarrassed to be the center of attention. Marina put her hand to her mouth, stunned by the brigadier’s sudden proposal. They had known each other only a week. Rafa was smiling broadly. Veronica, Pat, and Grace were practically hanging out of the car in their eagerness to hear her response. Jane bit her bottom lip to stop it wobbling. “Well, yes,” she replied timidly. “Why not? Yes, please.”
“Sue McCain would be very proud of you,” said the brigadier, winking at Pat. “Her motto must be something like ‘seize the day.’”
Pat chuckled and shook her head. “Very funny, Brigadier. I’m not sure what her motto is, to tell you the truth. I’ll remember to ask her.” She climbed down to join them.
“Well, young man,” Grace barked to the driver, “don’t dillydally, take Jane’s suitcase off the bus! She’s staying right here.”
“Oh, lucky, lucky girl! She gets to stay in Devon!” gushed Veronica, dabbing her eye with a hanky. “Oh dear, now we have to say good-bye all over again.”
Finally, the people carrier disappeared up the drive. The brigadier carried Jane’s case into the hall as she looked on anxiously. “What do we do now?” she asked. “I’m going to have to go home at some stage to sort myself out and tell my family.”
The brigadier took her hand. “Don’t worry, my dear, you have all the time in the world for that. Right now, we’ll go and have a jolly good breakfast.”
“That would be nice.” Jane had hardly eaten anything earlier.
“It’s on the house,” said Marina. “So is the champagne.”
“Champagne?” Jane repeated in surprise.
“Of course. A champagne breakfast is the only way to celebrate an engagement.”
“A champagne breakfast, at our great age.” Jane laughed.
“Which is why we’re getting on with it,” said the brigadier heartily. “I suggest we tie the knot as soon as possible. Where would you like to go on honeymoon?” he asked.
“I’d like to stay right here,” she replied.
“Really? Right here, at the Polzanze?”
“Yes, Brigadier. I’m very happy here.”
“Then we’ll come back after the wedding. But this afternoon I’m taking you home.” He raised his fluffy eyebrows. “And I think it’s time to call me Geoffrey, don’t you?”
“Geoffrey,” she said softly. “It suits you.”
“Geoffrey and Jane. That’s got a nice ring to it.”
“Do you mind if I move you into a prettier room for your honeymoon, Mrs. Meister?” said Marina, thinking of the room Grace had just vacated.
“I’m very content where I am,” Jane protested.
“Well, I’m not,” Marina replied. “I’d be happier if you and the brigadier spent the first days of your marriage in our best suite.”