21 An Exhausting Day All Round

21

An Exhausting Day All Round

‘How is it looking up at the Hall?’ Grandma asks, as she continues to place some clothes in the garment carrier boxes.

‘Chaotic,’ I reply, truthfully. ‘Daniela’s troupe will all have arrived by now. They’ll be using the toilets at the far end of the barn as changing rooms.’

‘I think we’re better off here today, out of everyone’s way.’ She pulls a grimace and I’m in total agreement.

‘Why is it that every time there’s a family birthday, they all descend on Elizabeth?’

Grandma smiles as she gathers another armful of clothes. ‘Because she’s a natural-born host, and after all this time, it’s a given. Still, at least it’s only a light breakfast and a few hours in the games room before the minibus arrives to take them off to the hotel for Yvonne’s celebratory birthday lunch.’

Yvonne is Stephen’s wife and Elizabeth gets on well with her. If only Stephen wasn’t so overbearing, but in his family what he says goes. His son and his daughter have, thankfully, grown up to be a little more relaxed, like their mother. But all of Elizabeth’s nephews and nieces are frequent visitors, simply because she loves them to bits and has always made them feel welcome.

‘I gather Stephen’s son’s wife is expecting a baby in the spring.’

‘Yes, and Yvonne, in particular, is so excited. It’s their first grandchild and she finally gets to be a grandma.’

Elizabeth’s other brother, Matthew, has two grandchildren already, so I guess it was just a waiting game.

‘Is there a reason you chose to absent yourself from the Hall today? I mean … we could have finished packing up this little lot any day of the week.’

She half turns to smile at me. ‘Oh, I was invited, Stephen is careful not to upset Elizabeth by snubbing her in any way, but they’ve had words about me moving in as her companion.’

‘Ah, I see.’

I guess it was only a matter of time until Grandma found out what was simmering away in the background.

‘I thought it was best to bow out graciously on this occasion, as the argument is still quite raw. Like every family upset, it will resolve itself in time. Elizabeth won’t take any nonsense and she certainly doesn’t intend to let Stephen meddle in—’

There’s a rap on the front door and I hurry over to the window to see who it is. ‘Oh, it’s Ruby. She’s probably on her way to the barn, as she’s the official prompt if anyone forgets their words. She’s also looking after Mrs Jessop’s two grandchildren, who have non-speaking parts.’

‘Oh, how wonderful! That’ll be the main topic of conversation for Mrs Jessop’s customers this morning as they buy their stamps and send their parcels.’

I hurry downstairs, swinging open the door with a bright and breezy, ‘Morning!’

‘Daniela said you’d be at your grandma’s. I’m just off to collect the kids so I can’t stop. She wanted me to check in with you to ask if it’s all right if we keep the cordon up all day? Just for the section of the car park you designated for the wardrobe lady’s and the lighting technician’s vans? They might both need to go and collect items and they don’t want to get in the way of Elizabeth’s other visitors.’

‘Yes, of course. That’s not a problem. How’s it going?’

‘They’re sorting the costumes first and Oliver is just undergoing his transformation. He looks really good with a beard,’ she laughs.

‘Is everything all right with you? You’re not in trouble at the pub for taking today off?’

‘I’m good, really good and no, because Ben owes me. I’m always swapping shifts for other people. I … um … bumped into Liam the other day when I was shopping in Stroud. He told me he did something stupid and asked me to tell you that he realises it’s too late. He said your message was loud and clear. Has he … um … been bothering you?’

I lean against the door jamb, letting out a sigh. ‘Liam just needed to hear me say it’s over and there is no going back. It was a shock, when he turned up on my doorstep unannounced.’

‘Well, you look perky enough today. Oh … did you hear the news about the new vet who’s starting on the first of February?’

‘Is it anyone we know?’ I grin at her, expectantly.

‘No, it’s a total stranger and Lottie has given in her notice.’

My jaw drops. ‘Why? She’s a great office manager and I thought it was her dream job.’

‘Well, the dream has changed. Xavier is off to a practice in Norfolk and she’s going with him. They’ll be throwing an engagement party before they leave.’

We gawp at each other. ‘It must be something in the air,’ I chuckle. ‘I had a text from my old friend Marissa inviting me to her engagement party in January.’

‘There’s hope for us yet!’ Ruby exclaims. ‘I must go. The kids will be eager to try on their costumes and practise the snowball fight. Oh, and Daniela asked if you could add my name to the attendees list on the night, as I’m now officially one of the team.’

‘Of course. I’m glad you mentioned that actually, as we’re pretty close to our limit on numbers. I’ve been meaning to warn Elizabeth and Grandma, as they’ve already added a few new names, but I think we have to draw the line now.’

‘Great, thanks for that, Sienna. I must admit that I’m thrilled to be a part of it. It’s so exciting. Anyway, we must have a proper catch-up real soon.’

‘Definitely!’

‘Don’t keep me in suspense any longer, were there any problems?’

Oliver is sitting opposite me in The Sailor’s Retreat, and he looks shattered.

‘Not bad for the first dress rehearsal and proper run-through. The lighting took a bit of adjusting to get it right, but we got there in the end. And the twinkly lights in the panels you painted look just like stars from the front of house.’

‘How were the kids?’

He stops to take a hefty swig of his pint of Old Spot, and I wait as he savours it. ‘I really needed that. They were amazing and had us all in fits of laughter. Ruby was brilliant organising them. In between people popping off to see the seamstress to adjust a few things, she did numerous run-throughs with them.’

‘I didn’t think they had speaking parts?’

‘Well, they didn’t but orchestrating a snowball fight without some sort of dialogue didn’t work. Now they have a few “You missed” and “Got you! Ha! Ha!” and that sort of thing. We’re assuming we can have access earlier in the day on Christmas Eve to do a couple more rehearsals?’

‘Of course. It’ll be free until noon without interruption. After that there’ll be a couple of deliveries with people traipsing back and forth. I’ll also be organising the helpers to get the buffet tables in situ, put out the floral arrangements and generally get things ready for the caterers. We’ll trim up the inside of the barn the day before, so that’s one less job to do. Obviously, the courtyard will be crazy from two o’clock until five and it’ll be noisy. I’ll put a “Staff Only” sign on the barn door in case anyone is tempted to wander off limits, but it’ll be unlocked in case you need access.’

He smirks at me. ‘Why am I not surprised to hear that you’ve literally thought of everything?’

‘That’s exactly what Elizabeth pays me to do, but it will be a relief when it’s over. I just want everything to go smoothly as I’d hate to disappoint her.’

‘It will and I seriously doubt you could ever do that. You’d do anything to make her happy … and you’ve certainly gone that extra mile for her.’

Ruby appears with our food.

‘The local lamb looks amazing, thanks, Ruby!’ He glances up at her and they exchange beaming smiles. ‘You did great, today. Everyone appreciated your input.’

‘Aww, thanks, Oliver. It was fun. Enjoy your meal!’

However, I find myself staring at Oliver, surprised that he was referring to our first trip to Cornwall. But we’re both starving and eager to tuck in. It isn’t long before I can feel his eyes on me.

‘Greg texted me today with two potential dates for the fishing trip. He’s canvassing all the guys to see which one works best.’

‘I’m not sure who arranges the spa day, but Mum hasn’t mentioned it to me.’

‘You’re still up for going, then.’

Sitting back to sip my glass of buttery Chardonnay, I nod my head. ‘If I’m free, it’s a yes.’

‘I can accommodate either date, but I’m not sure I should go if you don’t.’

‘Why?’

‘I don’t want to impose on your family, it doesn’t seem right.’

‘You’re Greg’s friend now, as well as mine,’ I point out.

He beams at me. ‘I guess I am.’

We continue eating and it isn’t until we’re leisurely sipping our coffees that he looks at me pointedly.

‘This other thing you went down to Cornwall to sort out. Is that all settled now?’

‘I think so.’ It’s a strange thing to ask, out of the blue like that.

‘That’s good. I just thought I’d mention it in case there were developments, and you needed a listening ear.’

Goodness, it’s like Oliver can read my thoughts. I was sitting here thinking of Ash.

‘You know when you get talked into doing something, but deep down you have this misgiving? Well, I think it’s all sorted now, but in hindsight I think it was wrong for me to get involved.’

His forehead puckers up. ‘And you feel guilty?’

‘Regretful is probably a better way to describe it. I think the outcome might have been different if I’d refused. Oh, maybe not now, but at some point in the near future. The problem is that I made the decision based on the information at hand, so I was going in sort of blind.’

‘And it’s what you didn’t know that might have led to a different result?’

‘Possibly, but it’s too late now.’ I feel a yawn coming on and I do my best to stifle it. ‘Sorry. It’s been a long day.’

‘And a physically and emotionally draining one for you, I should imagine. How’s River View Cottage looking?’

I pull a sad face. ‘It wasn’t too bad when our local man with a van and his mate finished loading up, ready to deliver the boxes and a few of Grandma’s treasured pieces to Silverberry Hall tomorrow. But after one of the local charities called to take away some of the furniture Grandma hopes will go to good homes, it looked bare. There isn’t much left now.’

‘I bet it was a poignant moment for you both.’

‘In one way, yes. We talked a lot about the past and we did laugh at times, but it was tinged with sadness.’

‘The place is ready for a fresh start,’ Oliver replies, cheerily.

‘Yes, I suppose it is.’

He glances at me, frowning. ‘You don’t feel excited about making it yours?’

I shrug my shoulders. ‘I thought … I thought it would still feel the same, even without the old things in it. When we shut the door, Grandma turned the key and handed it to me, and I hesitated. She pressed it into my hand, saying that it would take a little while to sort out the paperwork and she was meeting up with her solicitor in the new year. I just felt … numb.’ To my horror, I feel a tear trickle down my cheek.

‘Come on. Finish your coffee while I go up to the bar to pay and we’ll head back to Oakleigh. I think we both need more than a single espresso before we retire, don’t you?’

I force myself to smile through watery eyes. ‘Definitely. And thanks, Oliver.’

‘For what?’

‘For understanding.’

If anything were going to happen between us, tonight is not that time. Yet again, it’s as if life is conspiring against us. Or slowing things down, because every time there’s an opportunity to test our feelings, something puts a damper on it. Maybe patience is a virtue, or maybe we simply aren’t ready.

It was a night I spent tossing and turning, slipping in and out of a dream that at times felt like a nightmare. All I could think about was Elizabeth and Ash, but Freddie also put in an appearance, and it all felt very real. At one point, I walked into the dining room at the Hall and the three of them were having breakfast together. Freddie looked up at me with the biggest of smiles and said, ‘Our grandson, James, is here. Pour yourself a coffee and join us!’

I awaken with a start, unable to get back to sleep. After a long while I end up grabbing my phone, with the intention of diverting my mind by looking at some interior design ideas for River View Cottage. But when it kicks into life I notice there’s a text from Daniela. Worryingly, it was sent about an hour ago.

I’m playing night nurse, walking up and down to soothe a poorly baby with a bad cough. How was your meal with Oliver at the pub? ??

Aww … she must be shattered after the day she’s had. She’s a great mum but doesn’t she have anything else to think about?

Fine. Poor you, and poor little William. Sending him a hug! x

The moment I press send I groan to myself. I hope she has the volume turned off if her phone’s still at hand. Less than a minute later, there’s a ping.

What are u doing checking your phone in the early hours?

My fingers get tapping.

I can’t sleep.

Her response is almost instant.

You’re not in bed with Oliver?

Ugh. Why didn’t I leave it until the morning to send a reply?

No! It’s too soon.

Don’t give me that. If you wait until you’re ready, you’ll never take that leap.

I’m not falling into that trap, so I ignore Daniela’s comment.

How’s William?

We’re on the sofa and he’s asleep with his head nestled against my chest. I can’t lie him down as he just starts coughing again. No sleep for me so I’m surfing the net!

I’m free tomorrow once Oliver leaves. I’ll pop round for a couple of hours so you can get your head down if you like. Nigel will have his hands full with Clara.

You’re the best friend ever, do u know that? And just a tip … serving a man coffee in bed is the perfect start to the day. Then have breakfast … afterwards.

Enough! I’ll see you mid-morning. ??

When I do, eventually, drift back to sleep, I’m standing on the ramp that leads down to the pebbled beach at Charlestown. I’m looking across at two people sitting on the low concrete wall, chatting. As I get closer, I realise it’s me and Ash. I can’t hear what’s being said. I begin to run across the pebbles and the masses of seaweed, but I keep slipping. A sense of overwhelming panic starts to consume me. If only I could stop them talking, everything will be OK, but they keep getting further and further away …

‘Sienna, you sound a little out of breath.’

‘Hi, Mum, I’m on my way to Daniela’s house to look after William for a couple of hours. He has a bad cough, and she was up with him most of the night. She rang the helpline and they said it’s probably croup. Her mum is taking over later. She told Daniela to turn the shower on full and to sit in the bathroom with the door shut. I didn’t even know that was a thing.’

‘Yes, it’s an old wives’ tale but it works. It helps to open up the airways. Anyway, I won’t keep you long. I’m going to text you two dates in February for this get-together. You know … the fishing trip and the spa visit. Let me know your first and second preference and I’ll report back.’ She gives a little laugh. ‘I think Greg texted Oliver yesterday, but he hasn’t responded yet. Jasmine’s mum only got in touch with me this morning.

‘There are a couple of potential parties coming up after Christmas, but hopefully they won’t clash.’

‘Ah, I hope not. Still, we’ll be seeing you and Oliver on Christmas Eve, anyway. I assume he’s staying overnight at your place?’

‘Yes, that’s the plan.’

‘Is everything good between the two of you?’ she asks, trying to sound nonchalant and I know she’s hoping that we’re growing closer by the day.

‘I guess so. Oliver suggested I visit his place in London sometime in the new year.’

‘That’s a good sign, but you sound hesitant. Liam’s visit hasn’t given you second thoughts, has it?’

‘No. I just need to get the party and Christmas out of the way before I can start making plans, that’s all.’

‘Well, that’s understandable, my darling. It’s OK to take time out to catch your breath and get your head sorted; don’t say yes to anything if you’re not up to it.’

Is Mum referring to the fishing/spa trip, or Oliver’s invitation? I wonder. ‘I won’t. Anyway, I’m at Daniela’s front gate now. Have a relaxing rest of the day and give my regards to Greg. Love you!’

‘We love and miss you, too.’

Has Mum done that before and I just haven’t noticed? Or was the slight emphasis on the word ‘we’ a reminder that Greg is now a part of our family? As with my feelings for Oliver, it’s early days; you don’t just wake up one morning and feel comfortable using the word ‘love’. Or at least, I don’t – whether that’s the significant other in Mum’s life, or someone I’m becoming increasingly comfortable sharing my innermost thoughts with.

Oh well, I tell myself firmly as I hurry along the path to ring the doorbell, a couple of hours of cuddles with William will probably sort me out. He’s such a cutie and he beams whenever I sing him nursery rhymes. Mind you, I can only do that when no one else is within earshot, as singing isn’t one of my natural-born gifts. But hey, children don’t care about a song being pitch perfect, do they? It’s the love and attention they appreciate, and I have a lot of that to give.