12 It’s Been a Crazy Week

12

It’s Been a Crazy Week

Considering the explosive start to the week, by Friday afternoon I’m feeling a tad more reflective. Elizabeth and Grandma have made some progress with their proposed plans, but as I’ve not been actively involved, I’m not sure what exactly they’ve been up to.

I’m hoping that Grandma will rethink the idea a little and decide the sensible thing to do is to stay at the Hall weekends only. It makes a lot more sense to me. River View Cottage is only a short walk away and it’s where she and Pops welcomed Mum into the world. It’s her sanctuary and so it should be.

There are so many ‘what ifs’ at the moment in the light of Freddie’s passing. What if Elizabeth gives in to her brother, Stephen, and appoints him as estate manager? He’d love that and I’d bet good money it wouldn’t take him long to insist he and his wife should live on site. Or maybe James will suddenly loom up out of nowhere, and who knows what changes would follow?

As I finish packing my suitcase, I keep an ear out for passing cars. I’m actually grateful that Oliver offered to drive us down to Cornwall. However, I’m feeling jittery. It’s not just nerves about sleeping under Mum and Greg’s roof for the first time, or even the search to find James. No. Everything around me feels like it’s in flux again and it’s unsettling.

When there’s a sharp rap on the front door, I glance out the window but I can’t see Oliver’s car. Hurrying downstairs, I ease the front door open to see Daniela standing there smiling at me.

‘I’m so glad I caught you! I wasn’t sure what time you were leaving.’

She steps inside and follows me through into the kitchen.

Glancing up at the clock, I notice that it’s almost four. ‘Oliver said he’d be here by four thirty at the latest. He’s driving down from London.’

‘It’s a shame he couldn’t get away a bit earlier. I’m aware that work has been causing him a few problems, lately.’ Her eyes flit around the kitchen and she looks a little edgy. ‘Anyway, I … um … thought I’d pop in just to say have a great time and do give your Mum and Greg my best regards.’

‘I will. Do you have time for a quick coffee?’ I indicate for her to take a seat.

‘Just for a few minutes, as I ought to get back. Nigel finished early and he’s looking after the kids. Clara is unbearably excited about having tickets for Santa’s first canal boat ride of the season, tomorrow. Honestly, you’d think it was Christmas Eve and I should have known better. Now, every morning will be a countdown to the big day!’

My face lights up at the thought. ‘It’s all about the kids. I didn’t realise the rides started this early.’

‘It’s the way the holidays fall this year. They run it for six consecutive Saturdays and the final Saturday before Christmas is the festive market, which is on the twenty-third this year.’

She’s still avoiding eye contact with me. ‘At least with Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday, more people are off work and able to enjoy it. Are you sure about that coffee?’

Now she’s fiddling with the placemat in the centre of the table, her fingers sliding it to the right a little, so that it’s square on.

‘Daniela, what’s up?’

‘I think I might have upset Oliver. Maybe I’ve asked too much of him, but he’s gone quiet on me.’

‘What makes you think that?’ A little chill begins to creep down my spine.

‘A couple of the cast members messaged me, asking whether I’ll be there next Saturday afternoon for the first run-through to test the set. I’ve assured everyone that of course I’ll be there. I sent out a round robin email yesterday afternoon inviting everyone back to the house for dinner afterwards, but Oliver hasn’t responded and—’

Thinking on my feet, I immediately interrupt her. ‘I think he assumed you couldn’t take part because the weekend is family time for you. I know he has a tight deadline to meet today, so he probably hasn’t been checking his emails quite as frequently as usual. Ruby has swapped shifts to make herself available.’

‘Oh, right; it’s my fault, then, for not confirming the date with him. I don’t think it’ll be necessary to pull our two youngest actors into the run-through, so it’ll be handy having Ruby there as she can be their stand-in. It’ll allow me to determine where exactly we’ll want to position them. It’s very good of her.’

‘She told me she’s looking forward to it.’

‘When he didn’t respond to the group email, I wondered whether he felt I was muscling in on his arrangements. He’s gone the extra mile to get everything ready and I don’t want him to think I’m not terribly grateful.’

‘I’m sure he’d say if he wasn’t happy about something,’ I assure her.

She looks relieved. ‘I’m glad that Oliver is accompanying you to Cornwall. It’ll make it easier … you know, the visit won’t be quite so intense having someone else there.’

‘That’s what I’m hoping,’ I admit. ‘Are your little troupe all staying overnight?’

‘Yes. I’ve offered the use of my two spare bedrooms, and I’ve booked some rooms at the pub. They said they’d toss a coin on the day to decide who sleeps where.’

‘Oh … um … I don’t know if Oliver mentioned it, but I’ve insisted that whenever he’s in Darlingham I put him up. All I’ve done is a little painting and aside from the time he’s put into getting everything ready for the play, he’s also organised a fairground ride at the Hall for free on Christmas Eve afternoon. And now he’s going to help take the pressure off me this weekend. Honestly, I owe him big time.’ She stares at me for a moment. ‘What?’

‘Is he the first man you’ve had under your roof since you moved into Oakleigh?’

I roll my eyes. ‘The first friend ,’ I emphasise. ‘If Marissa, had been free to go with me, he’d be all yours.’

‘All mine?’ she questions, laughing. ‘He never was mine, Sienna. But after you returned to Darlingham he was the person I turned to, and likewise I was there for him.’ She eases herself up off the chair. ‘When he stayed with us I think he found the kids a bit noisy, but I think your offer would have been hard for him to refuse, kids or no kids.’ She smiles. ‘Besides, it makes me happy to think of you having some male company.’

There she goes again. ‘The only company I need at the moment is someone to get me through this weekend!’

Daniela steps forward to give me a hug. ‘Don’t fret. The first trip was always going to be hard on you. I do feel guilty for not stepping up, but Oliver is a knight in shining armour. I know you’ll be in good hands. Anyway, I’d best get back to the bedlam.’

I can see by her expression that she feels she’s let me down. ‘Hey, I’ll be fine. Now go and rescue Nigel; and have a wonderful trip on the Santa Express cruise.’

We stroll through to the hallway, and she does a half-turn to look at me. ‘I’m going to give Santa a list of my own. Item number one is a Christmas miracle, that the performance is as good as the set that Oliver has built. Everyone is talking about it, and if anything goes wrong, I’ll never forgive myself.’

Daniela is really anxious, and I don’t think I realised how important it is for her morale. Especially given how awful the timing is, now that she’s taken on a huge task that could kick-start her career again. ‘The stage is looking awesome, and everything will be simply fine. Oliver knows what he’s doing.’

‘And you helped to get it to this point, Sienna. I won’t forget that, my dear friend.’

For the last couple of minutes all Oliver has done is apologise, after we ended up setting off an hour later than planned.

‘You can’t control the traffic, or this dreadful rain,’ I interject. ‘And, besides, there’s a reason I’m not too concerned.’

‘There is?’

‘Yes. It means I can text Mum and tell her we’ll stop for something to eat on the way.’

Oliver frowns, as he checks left, then right before pulling out on to the main road. ‘Won’t she be disappointed?’

My throat is dry, and I give a little cough to clear it. ‘I want her to be happy, I really do,’ I state, firmly. ‘But this is hard for me.’

The silence is awkward, but where do I start to explain how I’m feeling right now?

‘Your mum sold the family house to set up home with Greg. That must have been a wrench for you all, including your grandma.’

‘It was and I felt bad about it. Mum didn’t want to sell up, but renting would have meant a whole host of strangers coming and going. That was too much for her to bear. I know she would have loved for me and Liam to move in. She even offered it to us rent free, but he said it’s too out on a limb and would have added another twenty-plus minutes to his daily commute. It was a huge blow for me, because Mum wanted to give us a chance and money was never a driving factor for her. Maybe it was the final straw that made me realise Liam wasn’t the one. She was prepared to forgo having a comfortable nest egg, for my happiness.’

‘That’s quite something, Sienna.’ He glances at me for a second or two, before refocusing on the road ahead.

‘In hindsight, I think I already knew that something wasn’t right, but I’d convinced myself that Liam and I were just going through a bit of a stale patch.’

Oliver shrugs his shoulders. ‘You weren’t to know what was going to happen a few months down the line.’

‘Logic doesn’t really come into this. Our family home is gone forever because of me.’

We’re queuing at traffic lights, and he turns to face me. ‘That’s a crazy way to look at it! Have you ever stopped to consider that it might have been better for your mum to make a clean break? A house is only bricks and mortar, after all. The memories remain forever.’

I tilt my head back, letting a weary sigh escape from my lips. ‘I get it. My problem is that with Grandma adamant she’s going to move into Silverberry Hall to be Elizabeth’s permanent companion, it feels like nothing is ever going to be the same again.’

‘Ah … more change and upheaval. It’s obvious Elizabeth is desperate for company, and I think the same might apply to your grandma. The two of them have been best friends forever, haven’t they?’

‘Through thick and thin, and even when they were living miles apart,’ I concede. ‘But Grandma’s cottage is all my family has left of the past and I’m not ready to take it on.’

‘Nothing stays the same forever, Sienna. If your mum still lived here, would you have turned down Oakleigh and simply gone back home to live?’

I find myself chewing my bottom lip as I give it some thought.

‘No. I’m used to my independence and that’s why I didn’t take up Grandma’s offer to stay with her.’ Even if I had moved back in with Mum, it wouldn’t have been enough to stop her feeling lonely. ‘Greg has given her a new outlook on life.’ How can I even begin to explain the tangle of emotions I’m dealing with right now?

‘I was shocked when my parents ended up moving to the farm to look after my granddad. It was his lifestyle choice, not theirs. Then I realised that it held a lot of wonderful memories for my father. He spent most of his career in banking but when he returned to his roots, he was a different person. If I’d spent the best part of thirty years cooped up in an office, maybe I’d feel as he did at the time. My mother loves it. Every single one of their chickens has a name and I have a sneaking suspicion that the sheep do, too!’

We both give a little laugh.

‘But it’s not your thing?’

‘Definitely not …’ He grimaces. ‘I don’t mind a brisk walk in the countryside, but farming holds no interest for me and, fortunately, my parents both accept that. They don’t understand the electronic world in which I work, and why should they, but they don’t judge me for it. They know that I won’t be following in their footsteps but they’re happy knowing that I love what I do.’

‘Isn’t that a little … sad?’

‘Why should it be? I’m sure the farm will end up in the hands of someone who has the right skills to keep it going and probably expand the operation. As I said, life doesn’t stand still – for anyone, or anything.’

Am I desperately trying to cling on to the past out of some sort of misplaced sense of loyalty? ‘I miss my dad and I miss the old days.’ There, I’ve said it.

‘That’s only natural,’ Oliver replies, his voice full of empathy. ‘I miss my granddad. He was funny, straight-talking and didn’t suffer fools gladly. How I wish I’d turned out more like him; he made me feel special in my own way. He said some people were meant to work with their hands and others with their brain. He said I was one of the latter, and it was a blessing. But I doubt he’d be happy about where I’ve ended up.’

That’s quite a telling statement to make. ‘Why on earth would you think that?’

‘The honest answer is that I’ve had more pleasure getting the stage ready for this play, than I have about anything else I’ve worked on recently. In fact, the project I’m involved with now isn’t a flashy set for a music video, but the backdrop for an exciting new play we hope will end up in the West End.’

‘Really? That’s awesome news, Oliver.’

He sounds pleased.

‘There isn’t as much money in it, but I’m doing a heck of a lot more socialising. Anyway, it’s going to be at least an hour, or two, before we’re likely to find a place to eat. Talk me through my role in this visit.’

I reach for my backpack and pull out two energy bars, tearing off the end of one and passing it to him. ‘I simply said that you’re an old friend of Daniela’s. Mum already knows, from Grandma, that we’ve been working together in the barn getting the props ready for the play. I explained that it’s been a while since you visited Cornwall and we’re going to do a bit of exploring.’

‘Old?’ He laughs.

‘You know what I mean. I wasn’t looking forward to kicking off the visit with us all sitting around the table this evening, sharing a meal and facing the usual questions. Arriving later will cut that short and it would be impolite for them not to ask what you do. I’m sure they’ll be fascinated, so don’t miss anything out.’

I wait a few moments while Oliver finishes eating. ‘Oh, so you’re using me to take the pressure off you! I get it; it’s like that for me whenever I visit my parents. They want to know everything I’ve been doing but it’s always more of the same. I often feel that in some ways I’m a bit of a let-down to them.’

‘I’m sure you’re not! I’m grateful that you understand, though. Tomorrow won’t be too bad. There’s a Christmas Fayre being held in the local church hall and both Mum and Greg are committed to being there all day. Aside from breakfast, as long as we pop into town to say a brief hello, the rest of the time will be ours until we meet up in the evening. Mum has booked a table for us all for Saturday evening; by then, hopefully, it’ll just be general chatter about where we’ve been and what they’ve done.’

‘OK. Do you have an itinerary planned?’ Oliver questions.

‘That’s where the other reason for my trip takes over.’

‘This search for a friend of a friend?’ he asks, his brow wrinkling.

‘Yes.’

‘You’re not going to tell me what’s really going on, are you?’

‘I can’t.’ My tone is apologetic.

‘Fair enough. I understand. What’s Greg like?’

I smile to myself. ‘He’s a nice man, kind. He loves my mum, and he loves boats and fishing. Unfortunately, that means the conversation between us so far has been rather limited.’

‘Boats? Right up until my teen years, we’d often take weekend trips down to Cornwall. My dad’s boss had this huge house and a thirty-two-foot, open wheelhouse boat. We’d take a little ride along the coast doing a bit of fishing, in between anchoring up and heading inland to go for some long walks.’

Is this an omen? I seriously doubt either my first or second choice of companion for this weekend could have boasted about that.

‘The plan is that we arrive late enough to have a hot drink together before we turn in for the night. There’ll be just enough time to let Mum and Greg get acquainted with you and for me to bring them up to date on some of the latest goings on in Darlingham.’ Then tomorrow morning, after breakfast, the detective work begins.

Hopefully, on the way there tonight we’ll stumble across a nice little pub, or inn, where Oliver and I can enjoy a leisurely meal. I want to tell him about Daniela’s visit, as he needs to reassure her everything is fine. She has no idea he cares enough to make sure he doesn’t upset Nigel. I can’t help wondering whether it’s Oliver’s imagination though, as Nigel isn’t the jealous sort. And, as far as I can see, he has no reason at all to feel that way. Daniela only has eyes for her adorable husband.

Mum swings open the front door to Anchor House and her face instantly lights up. ‘At last! Come in, come in.’ She steps back, turning her head to call over her shoulder, ‘Greg, get the kettle on.’

‘Sorry, we’re later than expected – there was a huge flood and nothing could get through.’

She shakes her head, sadly. ‘Oh dear! We guessed as much. The rain has been torrential at times. Did you manage to find somewhere to stop and grab something to eat? If not I can rustle up something hot for you.’

Greg appears and we’re all crammed into the narrow hallway. ‘Don’t stand around in a huddle, come on through to the sitting room.’

As we filter inside, the warmth is very welcome. We follow Greg into a wonderfully cosy room which has a roaring log fire.

Mum throws her arms around me, hugging me so tightly it makes me catch my breath. ‘Oh, it’s so good to see you, my darling daughter!’

‘Same here. Sorry it’s taken so long. Anyway – this is Oliver, Oliver Townsend.’

‘I’m Helen and this is Greg; it’s lovely to meet you!’ Mum beams at him.

They all shake hands and Greg looks at me rather nervously. It’s the first time I’ve seen him in person since last Christmas. He approaches and I smile as I accept his hug.

‘Right,’ he says, rubbing his hands together. ‘Let me take your coats and come and sit by the fire to warm up. Are we going for hot drinks, or a nightcap?’ he asks.

‘Both would be very welcome after that drive!’ Oliver smiles, gratefully.

‘That was one convoluted detour,’ I explain. ‘At one point we were driving through single-track lanes and ended up drawing to a complete halt. There was a stream of cars coming towards us but we were heading up a long queue that stretched way back. It was a total impasse, until a farmer heard the honking car horns and opened up the gate to his farmyard. We were like the proverbial Pied Piper leading a convoy off road to clear the lane.’

‘We’d heard on the news that some parts of Devon had serious flooding when a river burst its banks,’ Mum remarks. ‘I’ve been worried sick, so it’s a huge relief now that you’re here. Greg, you pour the drinks and I’ll make the coffee.’

Greg heads off to hang up our coats as Oliver and I take a seat on the sofa facing the fire. After what turned out to be quite a stressful journey, we both look a little haggard.

‘You certainly kept your calm, Oliver, which was more than I can claim.’

He gives a chuckle. ‘I did notice at one point you had your eyes closed.’

‘Oh, yes … when that van came towards us and forced you to mount a bank. Seriously, I thought we’d get stuck and end up stranded overnight!’

‘Some people like to bully their way through, and it was obvious he wasn’t going to back down.’ Oliver sighs, sinking back into the sofa and stretching his legs out in front of him.

I take a moment to gaze around the room. It’s homely, comfortable and, with waxed floorboards and rugs, practical.

‘Are you all right?’ Oliver straightens, leaning in and keeping his voice low.

‘Yes. I’m fine. It’s just different … not quite what I was expecting.’

Greg’s voice announces his arrival as he re-enters the room. ‘Right, I have just the drink to warm you up from the inside out, as my granddad used to say.’

Oliver glances at me rather apprehensively. I think he was expecting a beer.

‘Helen tells me that the two of you have been working together preparing for a play at Elizabeth’s Christmas Eve party?’

‘I’ve been doing a bit of painting: nothing complicated, just background panels. Oliver designed the set and is making the props. He’s also one of the two lead characters.’

Greg seems genuinely interested and engages Oliver in conversation while I glance around, surreptitiously. It’s a strange feeling being here, as I feel like a visitor … but he’s family now.

Mum enters with a tray. ‘Greg, can you grab the footstool for me, please?’

He hurries over to drag it into place in front of the sofa and then draws two wing-backed chairs closer.

‘There you go. I made it black so help yourself to milk and sugar,’ Mum says, laying the tray down in front of us.

Seconds later Greg carries over two glasses. ‘Same for you, my dear?’

Mum nods her head. ‘Please.’

It’s an interesting-looking drink served in a small tumbler with a thin slice of lemon floating on the top. Oliver and I wait until we’re all seated, and Greg raises his glass. ‘To rod and line, may they never part company!’

Mum giggles like a schoolgirl. ‘Greg! These two aren’t interested in fishing,’ she berates him. ‘Here’s to a wonderful Christmas and New Year!’

We all take a sip and, to my surprise – and Oliver’s too, judging by the look on his face – it’s very palatable.

‘Now this is very pleasant indeed,’ I comment. ‘What is it?’

Greg raises his eyebrows. ‘You can’t guess?’

I pause for a moment, taking another sip. ‘Mmm … gingery and something fruity … cranberries?’

‘Close enough,’ he confirms. ‘It’s home-made sloe gin with ginger ale and a dash of lemon.’

Bless him, Oliver is quick to respond. ‘Well, it’s a real winter warmer.’ At which, a little smile plays around his lips. ‘And, as a lad who acquired his own rod and reel at a young age, I think that was a perfect toast!’

Mum looks directly at me, smiling. ‘Maybe we missed out, Sienna, what do you think?’

I give her a horrified look. ‘Taking a hook out of a fish’s mouth? I think not …’ To which everyone begins to laugh.

The ice is broken, and we spend a very pleasant hour during which Oliver seems content to explain what he does in more detail, and I give an update on the plans for the big party. But it isn’t long before tiredness threatens to overwhelm me. It must be obvious to Mum because she stands and begins loading up the tray. I grab a couple of the glasses that won’t fit onto it and follow her through to the kitchen.

To my surprise, she immediately puts the tray down on the island in the centre of the rather charming kitchen and shuts the door behind us.

‘I … um … made up two rooms for you and Oliver. Is that all right? You said he was Daniela’s friend?’ Her voice is low.

‘Yes. Sorry, I should have been more specific. It’s just a fun weekend away and he was at a loose end. Oliver has taken time off work to transform the stage in the barn and it’s good of him, as he’s self-employed. He used to spend a lot of time here in the summer with his parents many years ago.’

She breathes a huge sigh of relief. ‘I see.’ But there’s a little lift in her voice. ‘It’s just that the two of you seem very comfortable together.’

‘Oh, working side by side recently has formed a bit of a bond. Daniela is panicking, as she literally dumped everything into his lap. But he’s back in London now, and after this weekend, our paths probably won’t cross again until the party.’ That’s not strictly true, but I don’t want to mislead Mum into thinking there’s anything going on between us.

‘I see. Well, he’s a nice young man and I won’t feel so guilty now about Greg and me being tied up most of tomorrow. If you get a chance to pop in and see us, great, but if you’re sightseeing and having fun, don’t worry about it. I’ve booked a table at our favourite restaurant in Charlestown tomorrow night for seven thirty.’

Suddenly, I’m feeling emotional, and I throw my arms around her shoulders. ‘I’m glad you’ve settled in so well here, Mum. I really am. But I do miss you.’

When she replies, her breathing is a little uneven. ‘Me, too, Sienna, me too!’