26 Do Dreams Really Come True?

26

Do Dreams Really Come True?

Oliver and I stand, gazing out over the orchard and zipping up our coats as it’s numbingly cold. Even though it was forecast, and I heard the lane being gritted in the early hours of the morning, having four inches of snow overnight was a bit of a surprise to wake up to.

‘If we’d had this yesterday it would have spoiled all our plans, wouldn’t it?’ I remark.

‘You can say that again. But doesn’t it take your breath away? A coating of snow turns the ordinary into the magical, and it allows us to see everything through a different lens.’

‘It does. But if Freddie were here he’d already have had everyone outside for a snowball fight,’ I laugh and then heave a big sigh. ‘After the excitement of last night’s party, Elizabeth is really struggling today. The realisation that Christmas is never, ever going to be the same again has suddenly hit her full force and it’s heartbreaking.’

‘I had noticed. She’s been very subdued. The trouble is, Silverberry Hall was made for entertaining, wasn’t it? What she really needed today, was a quiet little gathering. Just a couple of people who understand what she’s going through.’

‘Yep. Instead, everyone descends on her because she can’t say no. It certainly brings the place to life and it’s what drew Freddie and Elizabeth here. But now he’s no longer at her side, the future is going to be different and I’m worried about what’s to come. She’s locked into a life that isn’t easy to change. For her, or for the people whose expectations she has to contend with.’

Oliver grimaces. ‘That’s a big burden to carry, isn’t it?’

‘I’m afraid so.’

‘It’s certainly been a Christmas Day I’ll always remember. Both chaotic and fun, but for a grieving widow … well, I don’t know how she’s managed to get through it. There were a lot of chefs in the kitchen today, but they all pulled together. Is it always like that?’

‘Pretty much. If I’d realised … I’d … I’m sure Elizabeth would have invited Ruby along.’

Oliver looks at me rather sheepishly. ‘She’s working at the pub. I’m meeting up with her a bit later. Something happened between us yesterday and it shook us up a bit.’

‘I did notice,’ I reply, softly. ‘I’m pleased for you both, Oliver.’

‘When it hits you – out of the blue – that’s when you know it’s the real thing. It’s rather exciting and scary at the same time, to be honest. How are you doing after all the drama?’

He turns his head to look at me and I can see how much he cares.

‘It was touch and go for a moment here and there, but it ended on a high.’

‘Honestly, from a guest’s point of view it was a massive success. Heck, look what ended up happening to me!’ He roars with laughter. ‘But seriously, you managed to diffuse that little incident with Stephen, very adroitly. I think it was lost on most people that he’d tried to take control of the microphone.’

‘I don’t know about adroitly , but did you notice that he had a piece of paper in his hand? He had a speech all planned out, despite the fact that Elizabeth had made it clear that Grandma would simply commend our star performers for the marvellous play, thank everyone for coming and formally announce that the buffet was open.’

‘I’ve never seen Elizabeth looking so angry, but it was the expression on your face when he interrupted your grandma that was a classic. Honestly, the last thing he expected was the way you yanked the microphone out of his hand before he could even figure out how to turn the thing on.’

‘If I’d been further away, I might have done a flying tackle!’ I admit.

‘Hmm … I don’t doubt that. So, why did you want to come out to grab some fresh air? Your mum flashed me a look of surprise and I gave her a nod to let her know it’s all OK. I’m right, aren’t I?’

‘Yes and no. Ugh …’ I groan, pulling my hood even tighter around my head as the chill courses through me. ‘I’ve done something really stupid. Something I might live to regret.’

‘You? No, I don’t believe it. You’re just a little shaken up after the events of yesterday.’

‘I’m being serious here. It’s the reason why I suggested you go on ahead to the Hall for breakfast and tell everyone I’d join them a bit later. I didn’t want Elizabeth to delay things because of me.’ The air is cold on my teeth as I draw in a deep breath before continuing. ‘I had a missed call from Ash early this morning and I couldn’t just ignore it.’

The look on Oliver’s face as his head whips around to look at me again is one of shock. ‘He rang you on Christmas morning? Why?’

When I explain about the day I was shopping in Charlestown when Ash sought me out to talk, I can almost see the pieces slotting together in Oliver’s head.

‘That’s why you were upset on the journey back. He decided he didn’t want anything to do with Elizabeth?’

‘Yes. However, I told him he was wrong, and that he was in danger of making a huge mistake. We’ve spoken several times since actually, but this morning he was emotional.’

‘It must have been quite a long and difficult conversation for you. By the time you joined us everyone had finished eating. I was tempted to come and find you, but everything you do is for a reason and I knew whatever it was, it was important.’

‘Thank you for understanding. I couldn’t have eaten anything after that, anyway.’

‘So why did you make the call, if you feel so uneasy about it now? Is it wise to get pulled into this even further? You did what you were asked. Can’t you leave it at that?’

‘There’s something about Ash and his situation that just touched my heart. Do you think it’s wrong of me, because it’s none of my business, even though it feels like it is?’

Oliver isn’t the sort of person to answer a question like that blithely and I watch as he mulls it over. ‘No, if you felt that strongly about whatever it was you had to say, then you just needed to get it off your chest.’

I let out a huge sigh. ‘Thank you. I trust your judgement implicitly. He asked for my advice and I answered truthfully. It means a lot to hear you say that, as there isn’t anyone else I can have this conversation with. Not Daniela, Grandma or even Mum.’

‘I’ll always be here to listen if you need me, Sienna. I told you things about my life I’ve never shared with anyone else. And you know that I’ll always talk frankly. Now, put it to the back of your mind and let’s head back inside. Nothing will change things between us, will it? I mean, it won’t be awkward that we’re just friends?’

‘No, of course not! I hope that date in February is in your calendar because I have no intention of going on my own. Maybe Ruby would like to join us, too.’

He’s unable to hold back his smile. ‘Really?’

‘Yep. Although she might surprise you. I think she’ll be up for the fishing, more so than the spa.’

Oliver shakes his head at me. ‘She’s going to change my life completely, isn’t she?’

‘She most certainly is!’

Timing, as they say, is everything. It’s late afternoon and who doesn’t need a long walk after a hearty Christmas dinner? With stomachs full, everyone disappears ready to congregate in the car park, eager to make the most of the winter wonderland. I manage to catch Elizabeth as she’s just about to go upstairs and steer her into the study.

‘I … um … I have a surprise present for you,’ I half-whisper as we step inside.

Elizabeth narrows her eyes, frowning. ‘What have I done to warrant two Christmas presents?’ She laughs, as we both take a seat.

‘This one’s a bit different, it doesn’t come wrapped in paper and a bow.’

Her eyes widen. ‘Oh, my … is it one of the puppies from the farm?’ She breaks out into a huge smile. ‘Your grandma and I have been talking about getting a dog. All that walking will be good for us.’

‘No.’ I shake my head, as my pulse begins to race. ‘Your grandson is here, and he’d like to talk to you. He arrived about half an hour ago and he’s sitting outside in his car with the engine running. The drive here was quite an ordeal.’

Her hands instantly fly up to her face as she sits there staring blankly at me, blinking. ‘James?’ she gasps.

I nod my head and she appears to be holding her breath. A few seconds later, she expels it noisily, as the enormity of what’s about to happen sinks in.

‘He hasn’t used that name in a long time, Elizabeth,’ I remind her, gently. ‘It’s Ash now – short for Ashley – remember?’

She presses her hands together, curling her fingers into a ball and I watch as her knuckles start turning white. ‘Ash. Yes. Ash. But what do I say to him?’

‘His visit wasn’t planned but the fact that he texted me to say he was here, well … I took that as a good sign. He was at a Christmas party with longtime friends, but he drove here just to see you. He said that he realised today would be tough on you and he wanted to reach out and reassure you that he’s fine, just fine.’

She gives a shaky sigh and a little laugh catches in her throat, as she beams from ear to ear. ‘Oh my goodness, what a thoughtful young man.’ She swallows hard and it’s painful to witness. I know what a struggle today has been for her and oh, if only we could turn back the clock!

‘Ash has a good heart, Elizabeth, he really does.’

She smiles, and despite her tears, her eyes start to light up. ‘It was both a joy and a sorrow to discover that Peter had left us a wonderful gift. I just didn’t dare to hope this day would ever come and yet the impossible has happened.’

We sit in silence, as we both swipe at our cheeks. I watch Elizabeth take a few slow and calming breaths.

‘I’ll have a quick check that everyone is gone and then I’ll bring him inside to leave the two of you to talk. You’ll have an hour at least, without any interruptions whatsoever. I’ve told him that he can’t possibly drive back to Cornwall this evening, so he’s going to stay overnight at my place on the pull-out sofa.’

‘Thank you for everything you’ve done, Sienna. This wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for you and I feel so blessed to have you in my life, my dear. And Freddie would thank you, too, if only he were here.’

‘Aww … but I think at some point Ash would have sought you out, Elizabeth. When you hear what he has to say, I’m sure you’ll be proud of both your son and your grandson.’

I hurry away, conscious that Ash probably has the car heater on full while he agonises over whether he did the right thing jumping in the car and driving here, or not. But in my experience, if you go with your heart, then you’ll never find yourself wondering what if . And I meant it when I said that Ash has a good heart. He said that my words gave him the courage to take a risk and he told me I was his Christmas angel. That made me smile to myself.

As soon as he spots me, he opens the car door and eases himself out of the seat. Ash is so nervous that even from here I can see the pallor on his face as he zips up his coat. I indicate with my hand for him to come inside and he clicks his key fob, then strides forward.

‘Is she alone? So many people streamed out of the house, and they were all chatting and laughing, eager to enjoy walking in the snow. I really don’t want to spoil—’

‘You aren’t spoiling anything, Ash. Elizabeth is about to get the best Christmas present anyone has ever given her! Trust me; it’s an emotional day for her and this might be exactly what she needs to help her to get through it.’

He reaches out to grab my hand, and as he looks into my eyes, I find myself catching my breath. To my utmost amazement his reaction mirrors mine. In that split second something happens between us, but Elizabeth is waiting. Today is about two people meeting up for the first time and putting right a wrong that neither of them were a party to.

‘Thank you, Sienna. Somehow you seem to understand the feelings I’ve kept buried for so long. Your phone call changed everything.’

He’s still holding my hand and we both give a nervous little laugh as he reluctantly releases it.

‘Every single day of our lives is the chance to have a new beginning, and this is yours, Ash. I’ll show you where to find your grandmother.’

‘When we’re done, you’ll still be here … I mean, at the Hall?’

I feel as if something inside of me has suddenly been lit. It’s like a fire … a warm feeling that makes me feel weak at the knees and I know I’m grinning at him like a mad fool. ‘Of course, I will … I’m not going anywhere, I promise.’