10 Feeling Appreciated

10

Feeling Appreciated

As soon as lunch is over I head out to the stables to see if the final coat of white paint I put on the carts is dry. As I’m surveying my handiwork, I hear footsteps and turn to see Oliver grinning at me.

‘Wow! You’d never think they were destined for the tip, would you?’

‘It’s a bit shabby chic, as I didn’t want to sand back the wood too much. I wanted the grain to show through. I think they’ll look wonderful filled with bags of roasted chestnuts, trays of hot chocolate and mulled wine.’

‘And the one with no wheels is mine?’

‘It is. Thank you for cleaning off the others for me.’

‘Oh, it’s the least I could do. They’ll take quite a bit of weight, and they wheel pretty easily. It shouldn’t take me long to reattach the wheels to the third one.’

‘I’m going to stencil some ivy on the two for the courtyard. If you think the one for the stage will look a bit plain, I could add some colourful roses, or maybe paint a name on the side for you.’

‘That would be great. As for names, hmm … that might take a bit of thinking about.’

‘Where is the play set?’

‘Christmas Lane.’

Why am I not surprised? ‘How about Christmas Lane Barrow? It has an old ring to it.’

His eyes light up. ‘Perfect! Thanks, Sienna.’

‘Oh, and Daniela dropped by to see you this morning. She managed to track down two vintage sledges you can borrow, and you now have two child actors eager to join the group.’

‘The troupe,’ he corrects me, smiling.

‘And I’ve spoken to Ruby. She’s more than happy to stand in and read some lines if Daniela can’t make any of the rehearsals.’

‘Ruby from the pub?’ Oliver asks. I can’t help but notice he looks a little disappointed.

‘Yes. She’s quite outgoing and I thought it would be the sort of fun thing she’d enjoy doing.’ Plus, Ruby instantly took a shine to him, but I can’t really say that’s why I asked her. I just didn’t intend getting press-ganged into it.

‘Oh, I see … um … that’s great.’

Hmm. That sounded rather jaded to say the least. Was he really expecting me to jump in and help? It’s true to say that it’s been nice working alongside each other, but Ruby is more outgoing and I think she’ll do a much better job of reading from a script than I would.

‘Did you meet your deadline without any hitches?’

A hint of a smile plays around his lips. ‘I did and I think taking a break away to come here and get hands-on allowed me to see the wood for the trees, as my mother often says.’

That makes me smile. ‘And I thought there wasn’t a smidge of the country boy in you!’

‘There isn’t,’ he insists. ‘I swear that when I was growing up, visits to my grandfather’s farm were my least favourite thing to do. Animals and I don’t seem to have any affinity at all. Even the sheep ran at me, threateningly, although Granddad said I was imagining it.’

Oliver slips off his heavy jacket and dons a sleeveless body warmer he keeps on a hook just inside the door. I admire the fact that he’s as happy getting hands-on and doing physical work, as he is beavering away on his PC. He certainly has the physique for manual work, with those broad shoulders of his and arms that lift heavy weights with ease. I suppose once this weekend is over I won’t be seeing quite so much of him. The majority of the rehearsals are going to be done via video calls.

I kneel down on an old cushion to begin drawing around the outline of the ivy leaves on the first cart.

‘Are you nervous about the performance?’ I ask, out of sheer curiosity.

‘A bit, but I’m playing a character, so it’s different. I won’t look like me.’

I let out a rather girly giggle. ‘You’ll be in disguise?’

‘No. I’ll be wearing a costume. That’s part of the fun. I’ll have a moustache and a full beard, too. It’s not period specific, but it’s supposed to look like a scene set in a little hamlet, back in the day when ordinary people didn’t have a lot. Albeit my character, Adam, is a solicitor, so he has money.’

Oliver is already threading a bolt through one of the wheels and we lapse into silence. My work requires concentration, and he ends up having to go off and rifle through a box of old bit and pieces in search of some nuts that will do the job.

I’m actually looking forward to helping him get everything ready this weekend. He’s already warned me that the ball won’t be easy to assemble, and the air might turn a little blue at times. I can’t even begin to imagine how he’s going to take strips of plastic and make them durable enough for Daniela to stand inside the structure. It’s a novel idea creating what in effect will look like a huge Christmas bauble. I can’t wait to see Daniela’s costume. I wonder if she’s an angel? I laugh to myself ever so softly, as I begin colouring the stencilled leaves in a vibrant green. I’m looking forward to doing the finishes touches on the flower cart next. I want everything to look perfect!

Breakfast on a Saturday morning is often leisurely, but today I’m up and out of the cottage early. I grab my backpack and step out into the chilly morning air. Filling my lungs, I can almost taste the woodsmoke from a log fire somewhere close by.

I’ve always loved the colours of autumn, as nature begins its transition into winter mode. Weekends for me are usually all about brisk walks to clear my head and I look forward to my cosy evenings in front of the fire.

But this year is different. I’m feeling emotionally drained and wondering how cosy it will actually feel, sitting there all alone. My life has changed in ways I couldn’t even have imagined this time last year, and it’s been a protracted period of adjustment. I’m hoping that this year’s Christmas party at the Hall will lift my spirits so I can head into a new year with more positivity than I’m feeling right now.

As I cross the car park I spot Grandma up ahead. She’s carrying an overnight bag in one hand and has a large box clasped to her chest.

‘Morning,’ I call out. I quicken my pace to catch up with her. ‘Here, let me take that for you.’

She rewards me with a smile. ‘Thank you, Sienna, this box is heavier than I thought.’

‘Are you staying overnight?’

‘Yes. It’s time to get all the Christmas cards written and I told Elizabeth I’d give her a hand with hers.’

‘Ah, that’s lovely. Well, there’s a huge pile ready for her to sign on my desk in the study. I’ve printed off the addresses, so it’s a case of sticking on a label and popping the card inside. Everything’s all right with her, is it? She seems a bit brighter this week.’

Grandma leans in a little closer, lowering her voice. ‘We’re joining some old friends for dinner this evening at The Park Lodge Hotel. Elizabeth is using it as an excuse to avoid family descending on her again this weekend.’

‘Lovely! I hope you both have a wonderful time. Do you need me to arrange some transport?’

‘No, it’s all sorted. One of the couples are going to do a bit of a detour to pick us up. You look full of energy this morning. You’ll need it by the sound of things.’

We glance across at the barn, as the reverberation of a hammer rings out around the courtyard.

‘Oliver is keen to do a test run of the set with the cast as early as possible. I’m away next weekend and Daniela isn’t available, either. So, the bulk of the work has to be completed over the next two days.’

I open the door to the boot room, and Grandma steps through. ‘Shall I take your bag upstairs?’ I check, but she shakes her head.

‘No. Put it in the corner for now. Breakfast is for eight sharp and it’s already ten to; I don’t want to upset Veronica. Elizabeth wanted us to kick off our weekend in style, so no doubt Veronica will be in a flap. I’ll pop into the kitchen first to see if there’s anything I can do to help.’

It’s wonderful to see Grandma so excited. ‘Well, I’d best go and see what Oliver is up to. Have fun!’

‘Oh, we will!’ she replies, with gusto.

As I hurry past the stable block, I can’t help chuckling to myself. With Grandma by her side, I hope that it will boost Elizabeth’s confidence. Apart from their regular ladies’ lunches, she has declined every invitation she’s received since Freddie’s passing. It’s about time she started to pick up the threads of her once busy social life again.

I’m so deep in thought that as I open the door to the barn, I literally bump into Oliver, who is on his way out.

‘Sorry!’

‘Sorry!’

We stand there smiling apologetically at each other.

‘I wasn’t expecting you to appear before at least nine o’clock.’ He grins at me.

‘Oh, I prefer an early start when there’s a lot to be done.’

‘I’m the same. It beats lying in bed thinking about it. I’m just going to get a few materials from the stables. I’ll only be a couple of minutes.’

Once inside, I keep my jacket on while I light a couple of the heaters towards the top end of the room.

I see that he’s already carried some bundles of wood and plastic strips through, and all of the panels, which will make up the screen at the back.

‘Oh, some heat … well, done!’ he exclaims, as he walks towards me carrying a wooden box with some folded dust sheets balanced on top.

‘It’ll soon warm up. How on earth did you manage to carry that lot in here on your own?’

‘I crossed paths with Victor first thing. I was struggling a bit and he very kindly stopped to help. It took no time at all to shift it between the two of us. And while I remember, he said to let him know if you need any additional helpers for the afternoon party on Christmas Eve.’ I stare at him blankly. ‘For the children’s thing?’ he prompts.

I slap my hand against my forehead. ‘I forgot! Oh, heck. I’m hoping he’ll agree to be our Santa Claus on the day. I still have to organise some entertainment.’ That’s in addition to drafting in help to man the carts with the hot drinks and the mince pies and muffins, of course! But as Elizabeth’s family will be staying at the Hall, it should be easy enough to rope them in if I give Elizabeth a list of the help I’ll need on the day.

‘Sorry to be the deliverer of bad news,’ Oliver says, pulling a sad face.

‘No, it’s fine. I’m glad of the reminder. It is on my list, but I haven’t gotten around to checking it this week.’

‘It’s no wonder,’ he replies, frowning. ‘And now I feel guilty for commandeering your time this weekend. I’m sure you’ve plenty of other things to do.’

‘I offered and I meant it. Now, what’s my first task?’

He stands there with his hands on his hips, while he formulates a plan of action.

‘If we lay out the panels, do you mind painting them with a roller?’

‘Now that’s something I can handle,’ I confirm.

‘Great. Let’s spread out the dust sheets and get you started. If we place the panels on the floor in front of the heaters they’ll dry pretty quickly and then you can do the edges afterwards.’

It doesn’t take long to get everything sorted and I’m glad that it’s an easy task, although it’s going to take a while.

From time to time my eyes stray over to the stage, where Oliver is totally engrossed in what he’s doing. There’s a bit of grunting and groaning, and I think he’s struggling. After about an hour, my back is aching a little and I stand to have a good stretch.

‘I brought a Thermos flask if you fancy a coffee,’ I offer.

He instantly looks up. ‘You’re an angel. A caffeine hit is exactly what I need right now. This is turning into a nightmare of a job.’

I grab my backpack and saunter over to the wooden steps, then pull out two thermal mugs and empty the entire Thermos into them. ‘Here you go.’ I join him, as he sits crossed-legged on the stage. He grabs a mug and I lower myself down next to him, extracting the plastic box tucked under my arm. ‘I brought some gingerbread men. Help yourself.’

His face brightens. ‘Thanks. I’d forgotten what it’s like turning a 3D plan into reality,’ he remarks, as I put the box in front of him and ease off the lid. ‘This will do the trick and kick-start my brain, I’m sure.’

‘What’s the problem?’ I query.

‘I’m making the centrepiece for the top of the ball that the plastic strips will slot into. The problem I have is that they’re a little too flexible and I don’t think it’s going to be stable enough, no matter how heavy I make the base. I think I’m going to have to add a central pole, but I fear it will totally spoil the illusion.’

‘Ah, it’s tough being a perfectionist.’

He gives a dismissive laugh. ‘I’m supposed to be a professional!’

‘You are. But a professional designer, not a professional handyman,’ I point out.

‘True.’

‘Why will it spoil it?’

‘Because a ball doesn’t have a central support. The first time we performed this it was made out of narrow metal strips, with a hinged section for access. It was originally used in a circus act, apparently. It was perfect because it was so heavy; it took a bunch of guys to move it.’

‘But your version won’t work without something to stabilise it?’

‘No.’

I sit and ponder for a few moments.

‘What if you used a tree?’

Another dismissive laugh. ‘A tree?’

I nod my head. ‘We have a whole forest of them within walking distance. I’m sure we could find a wind-damaged one sturdy enough to suit your needs and light enough to carry over here. There’s are a couple of chainsaws in the stable block.’

Oliver demolishes the second half of his gingerbread man, a pensive look on his face. ‘That might work. I mean, it would make for a good background image and it’s better than having just a pole anchored to the floor.’

‘When we’ve finished our little break, let’s get togged up and see what we can find.’

In truth, I’m feeling pretty pleased with myself for coming up with what I think is quite a clever option. And if it gives me a break from bending over painting, my back will be extremely grateful.

‘It’s only me,’ Ruby calls out, as she steps inside the barn. ‘Your food is here. Two steak sandwiches and two cans of beer. Goodness, you have been busy.’

When I rang The Sailor’s Retreat to order a takeaway working lunch, Ruby kindly offered to drop it off at the end of her shift. I know she’s curious about what we’ve been doing in the barn and the fact that I’m the one helping Oliver.

She gives him a beaming smile. ‘How clever!’

‘It doesn’t look much now, but when it’s finished I think it’ll do the trick,’ he replies, rather modestly. ‘And thank you for offering to step in to read Daniela’s lines when we do the first trial run to test out the props.’

Maybe Ruby was a good choice, after all. Any sign of disappointment seems to have totally evaporated.

‘It’ll be a blast! I bet she’s sorry to be missing out on this.’ Ruby gives me a sideways glance.

I nod my head. ‘Yes. But now that Daniela is working part-time from home, it’s too much to juggle.’

‘Ah, right. The grapevine doesn’t know that yet! I saw Nigel loading up the car this morning on my way in to work and he waved. I thought maybe they were going away for the weekend.’

‘The family are, but Daniela is up to her eyes in her new project, so she’ll be beavering away at her desk.’

‘Poor Daniela, being home alone and working sounds rather dull. Anyway, chef wrapped the sandwiches in foil, so eat them while they’re still hot. If you’re both here tomorrow and want lunch delivered, let me know mid-morning and I’ll drop it over before the rush, around noon. I’m there all day.’

‘Thanks, Ruby. Appreciated!’

She hands the large paper bag to Oliver, as she smiles up at him. ‘Have fun!’

When the door shuts behind her, he looks at me, puzzled.

‘The grapevine? What was all that about?’

‘Oh,’ I reply, nonchalantly, ‘gossip about you and Daniela. People put two and two together and make five.’

He pulls a face. ‘I hope Daniela doesn’t catch wind of it.’

‘We’re used to it. Any time a handsome stranger comes into the village it causes a stir.’ Ugh. Did I just say handsome?

‘Really?’

I can’t help but start laughing. ‘Don’t worry, you’ll be old news as soon as they realise they’ve got it wrong. The fact that I’m here helping you in the barn and not Daniela should scotch that rumour. Our poor locum vet, Xavier, will then be the hot topic once again.’

‘Xavier, eh? I can imagine anyone with a name like that attracting attention, but not me.’ Thank goodness he finds it funny. ‘I’ll grab two chairs if you want to unwrap this,’ he says, passing the carrier bag to me. But as he walks away, he calls over his shoulder, ‘Don’t you merit a little gossip, too?’

My chuckle is dismissive. ‘No. Having gone through an embarrassingly public break-up I’m allowed a breathing period. You know, as a sign of respect … like after a bereavement. People are still in the feeling sorry for me mindset.’

‘Poor Sienna.’

‘Precisely.’

I lean against the steps, taking out the two cans to stand them on the edge of the stage before pulling out the hot sandwiches and a couple of paper napkins.

‘Here you go.’ Oliver places two chairs side by side, facing down the full length of the barn. ‘Oh, we’re not having Old Spot beer today.’ He sounds a bit miffed.

‘I thought you might like to try the Severn Boar. It’s mellow, with an interesting fruit flavour, but it does have a bit of a kick to it.’

As I hand him a can and his lunch, he gives me a mirthful smile. ‘This I have to try!’

I sit down next to him, placing my can on the floor, as I’m ravenously hungry and my stomach is beginning to make embarrassing rumbling sounds. The instant I open up the well-wrapped parcel, the aroma of caramelised onions and steak fills the air. Seconds later, I’m munching away. It’s been a long morning, and this definitely hits the spot.

Oliver cracks the tab on the can and takes a hefty swig. ‘Smooth, balanced and I like that touch of lingering fruitiness. Hmm … I’d definitely go for this again, even though if I’m drinking beer I prefer it from a keg.’

All thoughts of beer soon disappear once he bites into his sandwich, and he lets out an appreciative groan. ‘Now that—’ he stabs his finger at it ‘—is the perfect steak sandwich. You should let me pay for lunch today and tomorrow.’

‘No, it’s my treat. You’re doing Elizabeth – and me – a big favour. Not only are you giving your time for free, but it would have been quite a headache to think of some other form of entertainment. And, like I said, I didn’t have anything specific planned for today and tomorrow, so it’s not a problem. But I’m away next weekend and I think Daniela is tied up, too, so the timing is perfect.’

‘If you’re stuck when it comes to organising something for the afternoon of the party – you know, for the kids – there’s a guy I recommend to clients who rents out props. He’s based in the Cotswolds on an old airfield. He bought up some of the hangars to store his collection. I could run you over there to see if he has anything suitable. I know for a fact he has fairground equipment and, as it’s in aid of charity, he might lend you something for free. I put a lot of business his way.’

My eyes widen. ‘It would certainly be one less headache for me, but then I’d be in your debt again.’

He gives me a serious look. ‘I owe you more than you know, so it’s not a problem.’

Just as I’m about to quiz him on that statement, the door opens and Daniela appears.

‘Caught you! Why on earth are you eating in here?’

Oliver immediately jumps up, popping the last of his sandwich in his mouth. He strides over to give her an affectionate hug. ‘We wanted a quick break. There’s a lot still to do.’

‘But it’s going well, by the look of it. The two vintage wooden sledges have been delivered and I got the driver to drop them off by the stable block. They’re well wrapped as they come from a top-end antiques shop in Tetbury. The owner is an old friend of Nigel’s and it’s from his personal collection. He often uses them as a window display, but this year a stag is going to be the focal point.’ She gives a little shudder. ‘He is a mighty beast, but I hate stuffed animals.’

‘Well, please pass on our grateful thanks and say that we’ll take great care of them.’

She rewards Oliver with a warm smile. ‘I know you will. And thank you both for covering for me. You know I’m not one to volunteer for something and then pass off some of the work to other people. But this opportunity I have is too good to turn down and while I can’t wait to get back on stage—’ Her face is glowing and it’s obvious she feels she’s found herself again. The bit she feared was lost; the spark that adds that little something to her life.

‘Hey,’ I interrupt, leaning in to wrap an arm around her and give an encouraging squeeze. ‘You did the hardest part, writing the play. And I think Oliver might have solved the last of my more pressing problems, one I’d actually overlooked, so there are no complaints from me. Wielding a paintbrush is a small price to pay.’

She grins at me. ‘Only a best friend would say that. Once the madness of Christmas and New Year are over, the four of us should get together at the house and I’ll put on my hostess hat. I might cheat a bit though, as my cooking isn’t quite at chef level.’

‘That would be nice,’ I reply, but Oliver remains quiet.

‘Anyway,’ she continues. ‘I must get back to work. I wasn’t expecting the delivery and they’re too heavy to carry down from the house, so I jumped into the passenger seat to show him where to drop them off. Apologies for interrupting your lunch and thank you, guys – you’re both going that extra mile for me and I’m so incredibly grateful!’