The Winder Path by Lyn Dowland

Author:Lyn Dowland [Dowland, Lyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781594935404
Google: 27EPvgAACAAJ
Barnesnoble:
Goodreads: 32072904
Publisher: Bella Books
Published: 2017-05-09T03:00:00+00:00

A lull in the proceedings had ensued, so after a word with her brother, Sandi took to the small stage and the microphone, clattering her beer glass with a teaspoon to attract attention. The noise level subsided to a murmur and faces from all over the hall turned towards her, people drifted back from the garden or outlying banquet rooms to listen.

“Right…well…” she began tentatively, “it’s not my usual line of work t’make speeches, as yer know. I’m better off with sheep and cattle than people.” This raised a sympathetic laugh, which gave Sandi courage to continue. “First, I want to say thank you t’yer all, for being here, not just to celebrate my brother’s engagement to this very lovely lady, Lisa, who we have all known and loved for a long time…” This raised a small cheer.

“But also…sheesh, I promised meself I wasn’t goin’ to well up…” But she had to pause briefly and wipe one eye with her sleeve, taking a mouthful of beer to encourage herself. “…but also, I want to thank you all for your support these past years, since we lost our folks. It hasn’t always been an easy time…” A hush had settled on the audience, “…because, well, Mam and Dad they were good folks who worked hard.” At this point there was an ‘aye’ or two in agreement from the crowd and a few ‘here, here’s’. “And John an’ I have had to learn fast. But I really thank you all for everythin’ you’ve done to help us with that. We couldn’t have managed without your advice, contributions, friendship, hard work and sometimes shoulders to cry on.” She managed to pick Mel out of the audience and give her a shrug and a smile. “I don’t want to mention you by names, because I’d be here all night trying to remember everyone and being afraid of having left someone out. But anything you’ve ever done, from major things like helping out at lambing and shearing, to the smaller things like a friendly smile or a hello, have all made a difference. And well now, here we are, wishing my brother John and Lisa a good future together and a new chapter in our family history. And I know that Mam and Dad would have been really pleased for you both. And really proud of you. And would know that the future of our farm and our little contribution to the future of our village and the countryside around here was going to be safe with you, and with me too. I’ll still be a part of things! You’re not getting rid of me that easily!” There was a laugh at this and John yelled out, ‘Blast—naw, I’m only jokin’, who’d want to get rid of you?’ Which continued the laughter.

“Okay, someone help me out here, I’m not going to last much longer.” To which there was scraping of chairs as John and his father-in-law-to-be headed towards the stage in rescue, “…just to say

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.