Dream Cottage by Harriet J Kent Page B

following weeks ensuring all the property negotiations between him and the Rev Oli ran smoothly. The structural survey report, which had been conducted a couple of weeks earlier, indicated Greenacres had suffered historic structural movement but concluded there were no ongoing problems with subsidence. It was recommended that a damp and woodworm survey also be carried out but it was sufficient enough to satisfy Reggie Peabold with the finances and the mortgage company, so he gave Max the green light to instruct his solicitor. Rev Oli was keen to proceed as quickly as possible, which made Max think the sale wouldn’t take long to progress through to exchange of contracts. Thankfully there was no onward chain involved. Much to Max’s relief, they would have enough funds to retain their house in London, whilst purchasing Greenacres. This gave him plenty of leeway if his employment arrangements should change in the future.
    Greta had begun to plan her preferences for the new kitchen and bathroom that would adorn Greenacres. She spent hours poring over countless glossy home improvement magazines and tirelessly trawled the Internet. She had even taken out a subscription to Country Living with its ideas and tips on the perfect home and life in the countryShe and Max had arranged for another visit to the cottage the following weekend. Reverend Oli would meet them there with the keys. Max asked if he could bring along his architect to take photos and measurements. This was met with great enthusiasm.
    A phone call to Jeanne was made by Greta to arrange another overnight stay on the Island.
    “This is so exciting, darling; the father and I are so happy for you both!” The ferry trip seemed to take even longer than before as Greta was desperate to be at Greenacres again. She felt very impatient as she watched another ferry full of holidaymakers idly talking in excited, raised voices about the seaside and their plans for their week away.
    “I don’t care about their holidays; I just want to get back home again,” she thought. She glanced over to Max who was staring at her, shaking his head.
    “Won’t be long now, Greta. Stay calm; if you can.” He stroked the top of her head like a dog.
    “I like the fact that you always know what I’m thinking.” She took hold of his hand and squeezed it. She played with his wedding ring. “I am so glad we are married,” she whispered.
    “Don’t! You’ll start crying again in a minute. I can’t be doing with that in front of all these people,” Max drew Greta closer to him. “But you can give me a kiss, if you want to!”
    Greta reciprocated; she planted a long and meaningful kiss on Max’s lips and they hugged each other hard.
    After what seemed like a very long, drawn out hour had passed, Greta and Max reached the Island and were heading to Greenacres. Greta kept looking at the speedometer of the car; urging Max in her mind to drive quicker. She decided against telling him to put his foot down. She didn’twant to annoy him. Anything to do with his driving skills was a pet hate to Max. Reverend Oli was stood waiting for them outside Greenacres; he was staring into space.
    “Look, Rev Oli’s staring up at the sky again; what do you think he’s doing?” Greta was puzzled.
    “Probably looking for divine inspiration!” Max drolly remarked. “Or perhaps there are some loose roof slates he hoped we haven’t noticed! I don’t know, love, you will have to make the point of asking him!”
    They joined the Reverend and he held out his hand to greet them.
    “So glad to see you once more, Maxim and Gretel. You must be getting very excited!”
    Max took hold of the Reverend’s hand and squeezed it jocularly.
    “Yes, particularly Greta ; she can’t wait to get started the renovations, can you dearest?” Max emphasised the ‘a’.
    Greta smiled inwardly and indicated with a sweep of her hand, for the Reverend to walk forward.
    “After you, Reverend Oli. Lead on!”
    Reverend Oli