Chapter 17

Four hours later they were strapping themselves into first class seats of a Boeing 747 bound for Barbados. Eight hours later they landed at Grantly Adams airport, it had been a good flight. They’d slept most of the way, in the comfortable bed that the seats converted to. When the door of the aircraft opened the heat of the Caribbean hit them like a fist, more so because they were dressed for Scotland in March.

Once they had cleared customs they were pushing the luggage trolley, with Robert cursing that he always got one with one wheel that had a mind of its own. Then he saw Jeremy, Pearl and little Tommy waiting.

Terry recognised Jeremy from the photograph in the cottage, but it was the first time she’d seen Pearl. She was stunning she realised. Her skin was of a light milk chocolate hue, with a heart shaped face. Her nose was straight and narrow, more Caucasian than Negroid. Terry reasoned that she had several European ancestors in her gene pool. She was about an inch shorter than Terry but with a more rounded figure. I bet she looks fantastic in a bikini Terry thought enviously.

Little Tommy seemed to share the best characteristics of his parents; as he came running towards them shouting “Uncle Bob!” Jeremy embraced Terry welcoming her to Barbados in a deep baritone voice, then gave Robert a bear hug, his face split in a wide smile of pleasure.

Pearl had kissed Robert on the cheek her dazzling smile reflecting the same pleasure. Then turned to Terry. “Hi I’m Pearl and I know you are Terry, Bob has spoken about you on the computer. Come to think of it, you’re the only thing he has spoken of!” She laughed then embraced Terry. Terry noticed she had a slight American accent.

Robert helped Jeremy load the cases into his Range Rover; the girls were in the back seat with Tommy between them already in conversation.

Their home was on top of a hill overlooking Bridgetown was formally a plantation owner’s house, built in the colonial manner with wide verandas surrounding the second floor bedrooms. They had added modern refinements to the inside but had managed to keep the exterior more or less in its original state. The only thing that was not, was the large swimming pool at the rear of the building surrounded by the equally large covered veranda.

To the side of the house facing the drive an extension had been added on, which Jeremy explained was Pearl’s studio. It was here that she designed prospective customer’s homes. Terry was surprised to learn it was all designed on computers using dedicated software. She also employed a team of four, who amongst them could arrange the building decorating and furnishing of a property through contractors they kept on their books. “In other words, she can deliver the full package to a client.” Jeremy ended obviously proud of his wife’s business acrimony.

Pearl showed them to their bedroom. It contained two wide single beds. Pearl whispered to Robert that they could always slide them together with a wicked smile. It had a large dressing table by the French doors and built in wardrobes arrayed on the opposite wall. Two easy chairs were placed near the walls alongside a chest of drawers, which took over one wall. All the woodwork was of a light almost white wood that Robert was unfamiliar with. A large fan hung in the middle of the ceiling was slowly revolving, just stirring the air.

Pearl led them through to the bathroom. It contained the biggest bath Robert had ever seen! Pearl explained that it was a bubble bath that worked on the same principle as a Jacuzzi. She then showed them how to work the shower that contained multiple showerheads before showing them where the towels were kept ending by saying: “Well I’ll let you guys get squared away. Come on down when you’re ready and we’ll have drinks.”

Terry had unpacked quickly not having brought much, but threatening that she would have to go shopping the next day. “I’m going to take a shower.” She told Robert, picking up a pair of jeans and a tee shirt.

“Need someone to wash your back?” He asked in a hopeful voice. “You can’t.” She replied.

“Why not?” She looked embarrassed, “Because it’s the wrong time of the month!” Was her reply as she disappeared into the bathroom.

After dinner that night they moved out to the patio for coffee and brandy’s. Little Tommy had been put to bed protesting that he wanted to talk to Uncle Bob about aeroplanes.

The two girls were deep in conversation. Eventually Pearl announced that she and Terry would be leaving after breakfast to do a little shopping and that Jeremy would have to take Tommy to school.

By the time Robert came down stairs the next morning breakfast was almost over. Jessie, Pearl’s full time housekeeper brought in a fresh pot of coffee for him. Her husband Tobias worked as gardener and odd job man for them.

Jeremy left first with a still protesting Tommy and then Pearl announced she was ready to go.

“Remember all you need is a pair of shorts and a bikini.” Robert said to Terry. She just stuck her tongue out at him. Then they were gone in Pearl’s white convertible Saab.

Jeremy returned two hours later. He’d had to pop into his office but explained that he and Pearl were taking the week off whilst they were there.

After getting a couple of bottles of the local beer, condensation frosting the glass they moved out to the patio. Jeremy was keen to know about Aventon, the people, and how the cricket team was fairing, so Robert tried to answer his questions.

It was late afternoon by the time the girls came back, giggling and chatting they approached the men festooned with boxes and bags.

“You must have bought Bridgetown.” Robert said in mock horror. “Ignore him Terry, he’s just a man.” Pearl replied before continuing, “We’ll go up and unpack. Will you make us a drink lover?” She asked Jeremy. By the time they returned Jessie had placed nibbles on the low glass topped table.

After they were seated sipping one of Jeremy famous rum punches, Terry announced that she had sorted out her part of the wedding. “My bridesmaid will be Marge, Sue, Julie, Carol and Pearl and little Tommy will be pageboy.” She said in triumph.

Robert had no idea who Sue Julie and Carol were but asked Pearl, “Are you sure you want to be roped into this?” “Stupid, it’s a great honour! Thank you Terry for asking me!” She reached over and clasped Terry’s hand.

Jeremy had booked a table at The Restaurant at Southsea for dinner, which according to Jeremy was rated in the top dozen restaurants of the world. Robert had to admit that the food had been fantastic and the service impeccable.

Later they were having a nightcap by the pool. Terry was sitting with her foot tapping to the rhythm of a steel band playing below the hill in one of the hotels whilst watching the fire flies flashing around like missiles, listening to crickets adding to the sound of the band and enjoying the heady smell of jasmine and mimosa wafting on the breeze. She suddenly sat up. “Bobby could we have our honeymoon here in Barbados? We could hire a villa for it, please?” She asked, while pleading with her eyes.

“Why hire a villa? he could build a place on his own land!” Jeremy interjected. “You have land over here?” Terry asked. Robert frowned searching his memory. “Oh yes! I recall you had bought a plot about three or four years ago. You said it was a good investment at the time.” Jeremy threw his hands up in frustration, “Bob do you never ever read your portfolio reports?”

“Where is it? The plot I mean” asked Terry. “It’s a beautiful small cove. It has to be one of the best spots on the island!” Pearl murmured. “Could we see it?” Terry asked, excited. “Why not!” Pearl replied. “We could take our costumes and have a picnic on the beach!”. After making arrangements for the following day, Terry excused herself saying she was going to bed. Jeremy looked at Robert with a puzzled look. But Robert merely shrugged his shoulders. Both men missed the knowing smile on Pearl’s face.

They left early the next day in Pearls convertible driving to the North part of the island. They turned off the road onto a sandy track pulling up at a wire fence with a sun-bleached sign stating Private Property. Jeremy opened the gate that had been locked with a key.

He explained as they walked, that the plot was an acre and a half enclosing the small cove. The land was fairly flat with weeds growing here and there, but at the end of the plot by the sea there were mature palm trees were growing along with a cluster of Aloe Vera plants. The beach was four or five feet below the bank of the plot. White coral sand glistened in the sunlight.

They stumbled down the bank onto the beach. At either end of the small compact cove, could be seen the reef that enclosed it. Jeremy explained to Terry that there were no private beaches in Barbados. By law, any one could walk along any beach below the high water mark. But because of the reef at either end of the cove few ever came here.

“Oh, it’s beautiful!” Terry enthused. “Yes, but I’m afraid it’s beyond my pay scale to build a home here” Robert muttered.

“Bob” Jeremy said quietly, while the girls were spreading a blanket, “Do you have any idea how much you’re worth?” Robert shook his head. “With the current exchange rate, you have in excess of seven million pounds sterling.” “How much?” Robert was dumb struck.

“Tom was no slouch on the stock exchange and the insurance money from the airline has helped. You have never taken anything out so it’s just been building up. I’ve bought and sold shares as and when the markets have been favourable for you. If you decide to build a home here you would hardly dent what you have.” Jeremy concluded.

Robert looked at Jeremy, “I don’t know what to say, and thank you seems so inadequate!”

“Forget it, you and your parents made me a part of your family, so isn’t that what family’s do? Come on let’s join the girls.”

Robert looked down at Terry lying on the towel, “So would you like to have a home here?” “It needn’t be too big or elaborate, but yes I would darling.”

He turned to Pearl, “Could you design her dream home? Money’s no problem I’m told.” Pearl looked at Jeremy who just nodded. “No problem at all, and it would be part of our wedding present to you both.” She replied. Terry squealed and threw herself at Robert. “Are you sure Bobby? I can help pay for it.” “No need, it seems I’m a wealthy man. But there are conditions!” She looked puzzled. “I don’t get involved with the design or furnishing it. You and Pearl work it all out between you. It will be my wedding gift to you.”

“Oh thank you darling.” She said, giving him a long lingering kiss. “If we are in the way you will let us know” said Jeremy laughing.

Terry looked at Pearl. “Would there be any chance it would be ready for our honeymoon Pearl?” “Terry, if I have too bully, threaten, beg or plead, you shall have it ready by November!” Terry hugged Pearl her face aglow with happiness. They had their picnic and then swam in the warm waters of the cove.