Chapter 29

The car drew up outside Keeper's Cottage and Tilly let out a gasp of delight. The gate had been re-hung and was freshly-painted its original cheerful leaf green. The garden had been weeded and the lawn restored. The hollyhocks, released from the stranglehold of the weeds, were standing proud in the sunshine. They had even weeded between the slabs of crazy paving. The bricks were pointed, the shutters mended and the woodwork re-painted. The house looked as splendid as it had on that first day, their wedding day.

Tilly shot a delighted glance at Kim.

"I must say, Old Chap, it's looking in really good nick," Johnny said, with an affectionate look around the garden.

Kim and Tilly helped him out of the car and up the garden path. Then Johnny took out his key and unlocked the door.