Chapter 7... Whitstable Love

Lola drove her car through the winding country roads, her heart beating with excitement as she made her way to Whitstable. She had heard so much about Darcy's second home, but this was the first time she would be seeing it. The anticipation was almost too much to bear.

Finally, she arrived at the gate of a beautiful cottage, nestled in the midst of a lush garden. She parked her BMW, applied her lipstick before walking over to the front door marketed 36. She pressed the buzzer, and Darcy’s charming and playful voice crackled through the intercom. "Hellooo?" 

"It's me, Lola." She said.

"Coming sweetheart" Darcy replied.

 As Lola waiting for Darcy to open the door, she was struck by the beauty of the place. The cottage type house was small and quaint, with a thatched roof and ivy creeping up the walls. The garden was bursting with life, with colourful flower, chirping birds and aggressive seagulls. It was a peaceful haven, far from the hustle and bustle of Central London.

Darcy had a warm smile on his face. "Welcome to my humble abode," he said, taking her hand and leading her inside.

The interior of the cottage was just as charming as the outside. It was tastefully decorated with antique furniture, plush cushions, and soft lighting. Lola felt instantly at home. Darcy showed her around, pointing out the different rooms and their features. The living room had a roaring fire in the hearth, and a cosy sofa that begged to be snuggled on. The kitchen was small but well-equipped, with a rustic wooden table and chairs. As they made their way up the stairs, Darcy opened a door and revealed a breath-taking view of the sea. The water was a deep blue, and the sun was just beginning to set.

Lola gasped at the sight. "It's beautiful," she whispered.

"I'm glad you like it," Darcy said, wrapping his arm around her waist. "I

wanted to share this with you, to show you another side of me."

Lola turned to him, her eyes shining with love. "I love it," she said. "I

love you." Darcy pulled her close and kissed her deeply, the passion and tenderness of the moment overwhelming them both.

As they broke apart, Lola smiled up at him. "This is going to be a perfect

weekend," she said. Darcy grinned back at her. "It already is."

Darcy had an exciting and busy weekend itinerary for Lola, which included reservations at some of the top-rated restaurants in Whitstable. They would start by visiting Wheelers Oyster Bar, a historic seafood spot that has been serving fresh oysters since 1856.

Next, they would head to Samphire, a contemporary restaurant known for its selection of modern British cuisine, with a particular emphasis on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Finally, they would visit The Sportsman, a

Michelin-starred pub that specialises in serving up modern British fare made with locally sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood caught from the surrounding.

But before that, Darcy took Lola for a long walk along the beach. Lola couldn't help but take in the breath-taking views around her. The warm sea breeze carried the scent of saltwater and sand, mixed with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers and the freshness of sea air. Darcy guided her towards his favourite pub, The Old Neptune, where they found a table outside, right by the water's edge. The sounds of the waves crashing against the shore and seagulls squawking in the distance created a serene atmosphere.

They ordered their drinks and sat there, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Darcy took Lola's hand in his and looked into her eyes. "I'm so glad I get to share this with you," he said, his voice full of emotion. “I have a little surprise for you," he said, pulling out a small box.

"I hope you like it," he said with a smile. Lola opened the box to reveal a beautifully scented candle, with a label that read "Whitstable Love". The scent of bergamot, orange, coconut, jasmine, amber, and vanilla wafted out of the candle, creating a warm and inviting aroma that immediately filled her with a sense of comfort and relaxation. It was like a warm sea breeze.

Lola's heart swelled with love as she gazed back at him. "I'm so lucky to have you," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I never want to leave," she said, looking up at Darcy. "I don't want you to," he replied, taking her hand in his.

"Whitstable has a way of captivating people and making them feel at home. And with you by my side, it's even more special." Darcy said.

They finished their drinks, savouring the moment and the beauty of their surroundings, and headed back to Darcy’s second home, hand in hand, ready to continue their weekend of adventure and romance in Whitstable.

The fragrance of the Whitstable Love candle stayed with them even after they returned to their London home, infusing their space with a feeling of comfort and warmth. The notes of bergamot, orange, coconut, jasmine, amber, and vanilla intermingled to create a captivating aroma that brought back memories of their weekend in Whitstable. The cosy and inviting scent made them feel as if they were still surrounded by the quaint seaside town's magical atmosphere, even in the heart of the bustling city of London.