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"The audiences in New York justeat it up," Roxanne said, waving her hands dramatically. "Openingnight, they gave us a standing ovation that lasted almost five minutes!"
Charlotte laughed. "It soundsincredible. I can't wait to see it when I come to visit."
"You have to," Roxanneinsisted. "You—don’t miss New York at all? It’s so different from thislittle village. The lights, the crowds, the energy—it's electric."
Charlotte nodded, glancing back at thequaint cottages lining the beach. She loved the charm and peace of CheshamCove, but she couldn't deny the twinge of envy she felt hearing about Roxanne'sglamorous big city life. It had been hers once, too.
"Don't get me wrong, this place isadorable," Roxanne continued, as if reading her mind. "But it's justso...old-fashioned. Back in New York, I can get anything delivered at allhours. Here, everything closes up by five sharp."
"That's part of the appeal,"Charlotte said. "Things move at a slower pace."
Roxanne shrugged. "I guess. Butdon't you ever miss the hustle and bustle?"
Charlotte thought for a moment, gazingout at the endless horizon. "Sometimes," she admitted. "But thisnew life has been good for me. Calmer. After everything with Daniel, I neededto get away, start fresh."
As they continued their stroll alongthe windswept shore, Charlotte's eyes were drawn to an imposing structurerising in the distance. It was the grand hotel built by Thomas Windnell, itssleek glass and steel design standing out starkly against the weathered stonecottages dotting the coastline.
She had almost—almost—forgotten theunpleasant man and his hotel.
Charlotte frowned slightly. She knewWindnell wanted to develop this part of the village into an upscale touristdestination, complete with luxury shops and restaurants catering to wealthyout-of-towners. It would bring money into Chesham Cove, he’d argued, but at thecost of its old-world charm.
Over the summer, he had approachedCharlotte about buying The Crown. The offer was generous, more than she couldhope to make in years running the place herself. But she had turned him downflat, knowing The Crown would likely be demolished to make way for anotherglitzy boutique establishment.
Some called her foolish for passing upsuch an opportunity. But Charlotte loved the rambling, romantic old building,with its creaky floorboards, cozy rooms and Victorian wallpaper. It hadcharacter; it had history. She wanted to retain The Crown in its former glory,not toss it aside in the name of progress.
Roxanne gave her a playful nudge,pulling her back from her reverie. "Penny for your thoughts?" sheasked lightly.
Charlotte gave her a small, wistfulsmile. “Just thinking about the past,” she said. Charlotte's phone buzzed inher pocket, interrupting her nostalgic thoughts. Pulling it out, she sawAgnes's name flash across the screen - she had missed a call from her elderly,distant cousin earlier.
"Oh, Agnes called," Charlottesaid. "I should give her a ring back quick. She doesn't usually phone meunless it's something important."
"Or just for a chat and acatch-up," Roxanne pointed out. "You did say she loves to gossipabout the going-on in the village."
Charlotte nodded, though she suspectedthis was more than just a social call. Agnes had become a mentor of sorts sinceher move here, and often had advice or favors to ask. But there was the othertopic of conversation between them—one that Charlotte tried to avoid discussingwith Roxie, for fear that her brashness would spill over into upset. Agnes hadbeen helping Charlotte look for Henry. And Roxanne had made it clear in thepast that their absent father was the least of her worries.
She stepped away for a moment, hittingredial on Agnes's number. The phone only rang once before Agnes's warm,grandmotherly voice greeted her.
"Charlotte, dear! I'm so glad youcalled back..."
As Agnes launched into the reason forher call, Charlotte nodded along, making murmurs of agreement. Roxanne watchedher, arms crossed, a curious grin on her face.
When Charlotte finally ended the call afew minutes later, Roxanne pounced. "So, what did Agnes want? Let me guess- she needs you to set her microwave clock again."
Charlotte rolled her eyesgood-naturedly, wishing she didn’t tell Roxie everything. "No, nothinglike that. She just wanted to see if I could stop by tomorrow to look at herold steamer trunk in the attic. She thinks there might be some vintage hotellinens inside that I could use at The Crown."
Roxanne raised an eyebrow. "Morehand-me-downs? Really, Charlotte, I know you want to keep The Crown authentic,but at some point you need to invest in the place properly."
She linked her arm through Charlotte'sagain as they resumed their seaside stroll. "And, you know, maybe you werea bit hasty turning down Thomas Windnell's offer—or at least sending acounteroffer. He could have become an investor. That kind of money could havegiven you capital to make the rest of the house look like the bathrooms."
Charlotte sighed. Her sister meantwell, but didn't fully understand her connection to this place, and hercommitment to preserving its heritage.
"The Crown is my freshstart," she said firmly. "I don't need Windnell's money to make it asuccess."
Charlotte took a deep breath of thesalty sea air, feeling it cleanse her spirit. Despite Roxanne's doubts, sheknew in her heart she had made the right decision turning down Windnell.
“This is home now. As much as I lovedNew York, Chesham Cove is where I'm meant to be."
Roxanne frowned slightly. "Justpromise you'll let me know if you need anything. I do money for a living, youknow."
