Lost and Found

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

The church was going to be packed, Amelia knew that. Sophie, the bride, was a distant relative of the Royal family, so everyone was there expecting a view of someone remotely resembling the Queen. In fact all they got were a few Earls and Dukes, but some were dressed in military uniforms and designer dresses, so even if the faces weren’t familiar, they seemed important. That explained why so many locals had turned out.

Amelia drove them to the church, managing to park her car fairly close. Her father needed a steady arm to hang on to, then he didn’t need a stick or anything to walk. In the courtyard, he tugged her to the left, “this seems a good time to go and see your mother, what do you think?”

Smiling she nodded, “I think this is a perfect time. Good choice Dad. 

Her simple unadorned headstone was to the left of the church.

‘Here lies Camilla Parkin nee Griffin.

Survived by beloved husband Max

and darling daughter Amelia.

Watching over you always.’

It was the first time in years that she’d been in the churchyard, or seen the grave, and by the tense emotion in her father she guessed that was the same for him. Watching as he unpinned his floral buttonhole, he handed it to Amelia.

                “Put it for Cam, will you?”

Amelia nodded, reciprocating with her own flowers and bending to rest them in the recently trimmed grass. Smiling at her father she suddenly felt closer to him than she had since her childhood.

                “Come on, we’re going to be late!” she offered, breaking the silence.

At the church door, they were directed to a pew near the front and watched the slightly nervous Alex pace, then the veiled Sophia glide down the aisle. The service passed quickly, and Amelia was helping her father back into the car.

As they drove to the Manor, her father looked at her.   “You’re quiet Amelia. Was I wrong to go to your mother’s grave? Is this a bad day for you?”

The question stunned her; it was probably the first question he’d directed at her these last few months. Everything had been about getting him home, getting him better, making things good. She was going to wait until this evening to tell him, but as he’d asked she slowed the car and turned to him.

                “I wasn’t going to say anything until later. But I’m going to find Sol after this wedding...” He made to speak but she raised a hand to silence him, “no Dad, let me finish. I don’t want to spoil today for you; I know that Alex is very important to you. But I have to do this, ideally with your blessing, but if not I’m going to do it anyway. I love him and I can’t go on pretending I don’t.”

                “Amelia!” she looked at her father’s face but couldn’t bear to hear rejection, him not accepting Sol.

So she shook her head, “We can talk tonight, ok?” With that she accelerated to their family home.

There were dozens already gathered in the marquee that graced the largest lawn of the family home, and hanging onto Amelia’s elbow, it took them both a long time to get into the beautifully decorated room. Immaculate waiters circulated with champagne in expensive crystal flutes, and intricate canopies that were a geometric marvel.

Knowing her father loved smoked salmon; she guided him towards the right tray, then took him to his seat. He looked tired; more than an hour on his feet seemed to exhaust him. So she led him through the maze of tables to sit.