Chapter 27

The Grand Opening

People were starting to drift into the garden of Gallipot Cottage. Outside the shop, there was a ‘Welcome to the Wildflower Witch' handwritten notice and a big red arrow directing them into the shop.

At the side of the cottage, next to the open gate in the hedge, there was another sign. ‘Open day - Welcome to the Wildflower Meadow'. Yet another red arrow pointed them through, towards the patio. It was on this patio that Flora was running backwards and forwards with a certain degree of panic which was most unlike her. She just wanted everything to be perfect.

Freya sat on a low wall at the side watching Flora with the knowing eyes of one who was experienced at chasing their own tail. There was a certain patronising look too. Cats were like that. Though she seemed perfectly happy with proceedings and blinked at Flora as she dashed by, no doubt conveying subliminal messages of ‘What's the hurry? Take your time. Enjoy it. Prrr.'

On a table at the back of the cottage next to the back door, were leaflets printed by Ralph, detailing the history of the wildflower meadow. Of its origins with Hilde and of the story of the Wildflower Witch name that started with Sybil. Flora and Ralph had written them together.

Inside the shop, people were starting to congregate. It was only twenty minutes since it had opened and already it was full. Mary was serving but had been joined by Peggy. Not known for being a ‘people person', Flora had expected Peggy to refuse when she'd asked her to help in the shop. Peggy had surprised her by saying she would because she was so pleased that Sybil's legacy, along with those before her, was being carried on.

Mary's innocent enthusiasm in serving the customers was being tempered by Peggy's usual pragmatism, she was merely getting on with the job. She wrapped the products in pretty eco bags and took the money. She even smiled occasionally...

In the kitchen. Liv was placing her scones, cream cakes and fruitcake on plates as the orders came in. It was only 9:45 a.m. They had only expected to be serving hot drinks at this time. But people seemed to want the full experience.

The sun shone down on them. Flora's ‘good feeling' had manifested itself into a perfect day. Brilliant blue skies without a cloud to be seen and a warmth which didn't burn but caressed. The rain, which had fallen all the previous day, had painted all the wildflowers in even more vivid colours than normal and the grass in a brighter green. The effect as you sat drinking your coffee and eating your scones, was wonderful. The colours shone jewel-like shining in the sun's rays and providing a living visual experience which transcended any artist's painting.

The day went on with more and more people filling the shop and the patio. How had so many people got to know about it in such a short space of time, thought Flora? It exceeded her expectations by a great deal. Everyone was positive, sincere compliments were given and the stock in the shop went down so drastically that Flora saw herself wandering the meadow for eternity, gathering more supplies.

Many people said that they would be coming to her for the natural remedies and for the natural healing advice she advertised too. They were shown the consulting room by an eager Binky who extolled the virtues of Nature's healing. Her stellar performance had many people hanging on her every word. Flora wasn't sure half the tales she told were true but the idea behind them was - Nature had everything you needed. Whatever minor ailment you had - there was a cure in Nature.

She was glad to hear Binky tell everyone that of course, more serious problems couldn't be cured this way, but a good herbalist, like the Wildflower Witch was, would tell you this and point you in the direction of the doctor's surgery.

Meanwhile, outside in the wildflower meadow, Flora was kept busy explaining the names and uses of the flowers there to the people who wandered up and down the beautiful, colourful oasis. She loved how genuinely interested they were and loved even more that, in general, natural products seemed to be gaining popularity. She wasn't just happy for the sake of the business but for the sake of the world as a whole.

Flora, Ralph and Binky when she wasn't giving her performances, waited on the many customers from morning until they closed. When the customers heard Sir Ralph Peverel from Peverel Hall was serving them, they were tickled pink. The custom in both the shop and the makeshift cafe on Flora's patio was non-stop all day with no respite.

It was with considerable relief that Flora finally locked the shop door - nearer to 6:00 p.m. than the advertised 5:00 p.m. - took both the signs down and collapsed in one of Jen's borrowed chairs. Jen, who had kept the bookshop open all day on Flora's advice in case of opportunist sales, collapsed opposite her.

‘We've had our best day in months, you were right in telling us to keep it open' she said ‘I still feel guilty though in not helping you out.'

‘You helped us over lunchtime, the busiest period. It's been a fantastic day, hasn't it?'

‘Flora, I can't believe what you've brought to this village. You've brought a vitality that has energised the whole place. Never mind the joy you've brought to me personally.'

They exchanged happy smiles.

‘My back!' complained Peggy, ‘if I'd have known I was going to be on my feet all day...'

‘I brought you a stool to sit on behind the counter' protested Mary.

‘Didn't have time for sitting' Peggy said, starting to smile.

‘It's alright Mary, she's not happy unless she's complaining' laughed Jen.

‘You enjoyed yourself then, Peggy?' Flora asked.

‘If you call a bad back, aching limbs and people-overload enjoying yourself then, I suppose it wasn't too bad' she admitted grudgingly as Jen and Flora exchanged grins.

‘Glad to hear that because I was thinking of asking you to help out preparing the herbal products so that Mary can serve in the shop. That's second nature to you, isn't it? Reasonable rate of pay considering you get lunch and copious amounts of tea and coffee.'

Flora wasn't sure which way this was going to go.

‘Really?' asked Peggy slowly.

‘Yes, only one or maybe two days a week, whatever suits you. What do you think?'

Jen held her breath. She knew Peggy of old.

‘I reckon I could manage that.' Peggy looked as though she couldn't care less but Flora could tell she was secretly pleased. ‘And what will you be doing while Mary and I are holding the fort?' Peggy continued with a wink.

‘Don't you worry' laughed Flora, ‘I've got plenty to keep me occupied with my online business and preparing the products for that, as well as serving in the shop a couple of days a week.'

Binky came out onto the patio.

‘Shall we break open the champagne?'

Ralph and Binky had provided half a dozen bottles from their cellar in anticipation of the celebration afterwards.

‘I'd say that's a very good idea' said Flora, calling Liv through from the kitchen. Philippa had been helping Liv out in the morning, but like Jen, had gone on to enjoy a bumper day at the Peverel Arms, due entirely to the presence of Flora's customers.

Flora brought another two bottles through from the kitchen and looked around for Ralph's help to open them. She saw he was over in the far corner talking to Cal who had turned up a couple of hours ago. He had Finn with him who, although slightly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people around him, had taken it all in his stride. He kept firmly by Cal's side though. Rome wasn't built in a day.

She knew Cal would have to go back to his farmhouse before nightfall to settle Fury down. She accepted this but it would have been nice if he could stay... No- it was no good her wishing. She understood. Fury and Finn came first.