A New Chapter

Whatever lay ahead, Rina knew they’d face it together . . .

ONE English, no baked beans, one with extra mushrooms.” Rina handed the full plates to her husband. “Our last two breakfasts. Soon we’ll be free in the mornings.” Andrew grinned.

Rina was not sure she wanted to be free. She was excited about retiring to the coast, but she enjoyed her life now. They were happy. Over the years they had developed a loving, companionable marriage.

When life was dark this Edwardian guest-house overlooking Lake Windermere had been her lifeline. It became part of her identity.

Catering for people’s needs was what she did well. She found it satisfying when people appreciated her perfect English breakfast: crispy bacon, plump farmer’s sausages, free-range eggs . . .

“Rina, keep an eye on the toast,” Andrew called on his way to the dining-room.

After serving them well for years, their ancient toaster was on the blink, but there was no point in replacing it now.

“I’ll make fresh coffee, too,” she said with false cheerfulness.

When breakfast was finished she called their retriever.

“Andrew, I’m taking Tilly out. Will you be all right here?”

It was a silly question. Andrew had been all right for over twenty years.

****

Walking across the meadow, Rina enjoyed the sun on her face and reflected how much she liked September.

She took her favourite path leading to the woods, enjoying trees blazing with autumn colours, berries crimson in the hedgerows.

The berries were plentiful, warning of a harsh winter in the hills, but she and Andrew would not be here.

On the south coast a converted barn with mezzanine, log burners and a range cooker was patiently waiting for them.

Rina released Tilly, who snuffled through the undergrowth as usual, but today she paused as though making sure her mistress was still there.

“You sense something, don’t you?” Rina fondled the dog’s ears. “You know things will change.”

Halfway through the woodland walk was a peaceful spot with a seat amongst the trees. It was a perfect thinking place.

She loved Andrew dearly, but although she was trying not to be selfish, her daily walk was precious.

Either she or Andrew had always made a point of being home, should a problem arise or people arrive unexpectedly. It led to them almost having separate interests, but they were both content. Or so she thought.

Her two boys had been small when her first husband, Russ, lost his life in a road accident. Through the following dark months an unexpected light shone in the shape of the Edwardian guest-house overlooking the lake.

She had always wanted a B&B so she invested Russ’s insurance, borrowed the rest, and the following spring she opened for business.

She named it Rina’s Roost, and sensed that Russ would have approved. It became her lifeline and the boys thrived in the countryside. She settled for contentment over excitement, routine over romance.

Then a quiet, unassuming man called Andrew booked in to stay. Rina was struggling with all five rooms full and a cooker that gave up the ghost just at breakfast time.

Andrew got the hob to work and, with the help of the microwave, breakfast was eventually served.

As a thank-you she invited him to supper, and friendship began. It led to affection, then love. They married the following year.

Andrew was a great stepfather. He accompanied the boys to football matches, helped them with their homework and took them fishing.

Coming from a background in hospitality, he was happy to invest in Rina’s Roost. With his business acumen and Rina’s ability to produce a good breakfast, the guest-house went from strength to strength and developed a regular clientele.

When the boys left home it seemed like the perfect moment to step down.

“We need quality time,” Andrew advised. “It’s what getting older is all about; enjoying life. Staying in bed until half past seven!”

It was true that dragging oneself out of bed at six o’clock in winter was challenging, especially when frost was on the ground.

“Why are beds more comfortable in the morning than at night?” Rina grumbled.

“Maybe because we’re not as young as we were,” he replied.

****

Rina gazed down to the calm water far below, to autumn trees reflected in the tranquil blue lake, making ripples of red and orange and gold.

Rabbits scampered through the brambles, bobbing their white tails. Squirrels danced amongst the trees, enjoying the sunshine as they replenished their store of winter food.

“I wonder what the future will hold,” Rina mused. “I don’t think anything will ever compare with this view.”

It would be nice to live by the sea. There would be early morning strolls along the sand, to the sound of waves lapping on shingle. But it would be the three of them from now on.

She closed her eyes, trying to block her confused emotions.

“So this is what you call exercise?”

Tilly barked joyously and Rina’s eyes flew open. Andrew sat down. “All the guests have checked out. There’s no hurry today for us to get clean and tidy, is there?” “I suppose not.” “Just think, love. No more making beds, no more getting up while it’s still dark. We can do things together more, find interests we both enjoy.”

“I don’t have any interests!” A tear trickled down her cheek.

“I’m not sure we’re doing the right thing,” she whispered. “We’re too young to retire. I’m sorry, I’m being silly.”

Andrew didn’t answer right away. He always liked to think carefully about his words.

“No, you’re being honest, and that’s good.”

He carefully bent down a branch from an overhanging tree.

“Look, Rina. There’s a mark here where the leaf has fallen off. A new leaf is already growing in its place. It won’t be the same as the other leaf but it will be just as good.”

A sudden gust of wind sent leaves swirling at their feet. They brought to mind countless loving moments they’d shared and more joy to come.

She gave a watery smile then kissed his cheek.

“Oh, Andrew, I do love you!”

“I’m a wise old owl.” He smiled. “Do you know what this wise owl would like? Full English breakfast for my lunch!”

“Good as done.” She laughed. n