5 Surprises All Round

5

Surprises All Round

After a weekend away visiting an old friend from my uni days, I’m still munching on my toast, enjoying a leisurely Monday morning breakfast before I head off to Silverberry Hall. When my phone rings I press speakerphone, then realise I have a blob of jam on my finger.

‘Hello?’ As I swipe it with a napkin, I only succeed in smearing the sweet stickiness over the screen.

‘Is that Sienna Sanderson?’

‘Yes.’

‘It’s Richard Stuart-Adams. You left a message for me to give you a call?’

That focuses my attention. I draw in a deep breath before I speak, plastering on a smile to lift my voice, even though I’m nervous. ‘Hello, Richard, and thank you so much for getting back to me. I’m trying to make contact with your cousin Briony’s son, um … James. Before I go any further, I’m contacting you in response to a solicitor’s letter my employer received recently.’

‘Oh, I see. I tend not to respond to numbers I don’t recognise. I had a niggling feeling that it wasn’t a spam call but your second message confirmed that.’

Well, he hasn’t put the phone down on me yet, so that bodes well.

‘My employer’s late husband, and my late grandfather, were both members of the same golf club as Briony’s grandfather back in the day and—’

‘Let me stop you there, as you aren’t the first to ask; to my knowledge, James doesn’t have any contact with the family at all . I think my aunt and uncle made that quite clear when someone called round to see them a while back.’

I had no idea it was done in person. ‘What a shock that must have been for them, coming out of the blue like that,’ I reply, sympathetically.

‘It was.’

Goodness, I need to tread warily here. He doesn’t sound angry, but he’s edgy and naturally so. This is awkward as I have to be very careful what I say. I’m in two minds about which direction to go in and then I realise it’s best to keep it simple.

‘All I know is that it appears James was left some money in a will. I’m hoping to speak to him, or at least find some way of passing on the contact details so that he can get in touch with the Italian solicitors direct.’

There’s a moment’s silence. ‘Italian? And he’s been left some money, you say?’

‘Yes.’

‘As far as I’m aware, the person who came to see my aunt and uncle didn’t mention anything about that, although it wouldn’t have made any difference. The answer is that no one knows where he is.’

‘I’m afraid I have no knowledge at all about how investigators work when they’re trying to track down beneficiaries.’

I can’t get myself in too deep for fear I’ll unwittingly let something slip, but before I can make sense of my muddled thoughts, Richard begins to apologise.

‘Sorry if I was a little abrupt. I guess they’re reaching out to anyone who might have had any contact at all with my cousin.’ He sighs. ‘Our family was pulled apart over this, so it’s difficult to discuss, you know … it feels disloyal. Briony never disclosed the name of James’s father and that was her choice entirely. She was a very independent young woman and determined to make a good life for herself and her son as a single parent. I mean, this was thirty years ago, and my aunt and uncle felt strongly that James’s biological father should be held accountable financially.’

My palms are literally sweating. This is much harder than I thought it would be, but I can’t stop now. ‘Please believe me when I say that I’m simply a third party who doesn’t know the family at all. I think that by law the executors of the will have to make every effort to establish contact with beneficiaries.’

He sighs. ‘It’s ironic that something like this only surfaces after someone dies, isn’t it? I guess there’s no escaping one’s conscience when you’re facing your maker.’

‘It seems so.’

‘I was close to my cousin Briony right up until she moved away. After that I never heard from her again. It was her decision to cut all ties in the first place and I can’t blame her. There was a lot of unpleasantness that never really went away. Things were said that couldn’t be taken back and my uncle felt the gossip and speculation damaged not just Briony’s reputation but his standing, too.’

His tone implies that’s an end to it.

‘Yes, and I can fully understand that.’ I stop short of saying but …

There’s a short pause and then, to my surprise, he continues.

‘As a youngster growing up, James was obviously curious. At one of our family gatherings he asked me once what sort of man abandons a woman carrying his child and when I didn’t answer him, he said, “A man who can’t face up to his responsibilities, that’s who,” and I felt for him. He was still a boy, a mere eleven years old at the time but in some ways he’d had to grow up fast. It was always awkward when we all got together for Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries because my uncle felt Briony had shamed the family. James was growing increasingly protective of his mother and beginning to notice the disdain with which she was often treated. Briony was always on edge because she was there out of duty and feared that one day it would all erupt. She left before that happened.’

Thank goodness I haven’t let Elizabeth’s name slip. None of this is her fault and she’s only trying to do the right thing, out of respect for her late son and James, not reopen old wounds.

‘I’m not saying that money will change anything,’ I reply, cringing as I say the words, ‘but the fact that James is a beneficiary means he wasn’t entirely forgotten.’

‘Hmm, well the whole family suspects that Briony was eventually paid for her silence,’ he replies, rather caustically. ‘But it was the way she was treated that angered them.’

‘Really?’ I’ve read the solicitor’s letter and the investigator’s report. There’s no mention of that at all.

‘Briony suddenly came into some money. Sadly, it’s the only logical explanation. How else could she afford to go from renting a flat, to being able to achieve her dream of buying a place in Cornwall?’

If that’s true, no one else seems to be aware of it.

‘Do you know where in Cornwall they settled? And how long ago are we talking about?’

There’s an exasperated sigh. ‘Umm … twenty-something years. At the time, James was in his first year at senior school. Briony told me that her son was the only person around her who made her smile, and she was determined that was all going to change.’

‘Was that the last time you spoke to her?’

‘Yes. They’d had a week’s holiday, and on their return, she broke the news that they were moving. My dad told me that she’d had a big argument with my aunt and uncle, and I dropped by to see Briony at her flat to check that she was OK. The boxes were already packed. James was excited, and when she was out of earshot, he mentioned a harbour with tall ships, and he kept going on about the sea view from their new home. Oh, and that place with the domes.’

‘The Eden Project?’

‘I assume that’s the one; I’ve never been there myself. It was just about to open its doors and he was looking forward to going there.’

‘Did he say anything about the property itself?’

‘No, it was Briony who mentioned that it was a small B James was in his early twenties back then. He rang me one day wanting to know if his grandparents were still alive. Whether it was guilt, or he knew at that time his mum wasn’t well, I don’t know. He didn’t say much. I did keep his number but when I tried to call him a while later, it was no longer in use.’

And breathe. Anything is better than nothing. ‘I really appreciate you sharing that with me, Richard.’

He gives a little laugh. ‘It’s not much, so good luck if you manage to get anywhere!’

I only have one question left to ask. ‘I don’t suppose you have any idea whether Briony and James changed their names?’

‘If either of them had still been using her original surname, the investigator would probably have found them. My aunt and uncle received an unsigned letter telling them that Briony had died; they assumed it was from James, but there was no return address.’

It’s hard not to feel deflated. ‘Well, thank you for sharing that with me and for your honesty. If he doesn’t want to be found, then that’s his right. I really appreciate your call and I’m sorry to have troubled you.’

As I’m about to disconnect he blurts out, ‘The day James got in touch, I heard someone in the background shout out “Ash”, but I can’t say for sure they were calling for him. Sorry.’ And with that the line goes dead.

I stare at the phone feeling dejected. Instead of real clues what I have is a conundrum. I was hoping Richard could get a message to James and simply give him my number, or email address. It will take one heck of a lot of research to try to pinpoint where they might have settled and there are no guarantees James hasn’t moved on since his mother’s death.

Elizabeth will be disappointed, so I jump online and look for B however, I can see Grandma’s expression and we can both feel her sense of disappointment.

‘What if we bring the pre-party carolling on the green into the courtyard this year? Most of the local families bring their children along and we can have mince pies and hot drinks, as usual, and we could put on a little entertainment, too.’

It’s extra work I could do without but it’s worth it to see how it’s lifting Elizabeth’s spirits as she replies.

‘I can feel a new tradition beginning, Sienna. Maybe Santa himself could put in an appearance!’

It’s like watching a tiny snowball rolling downhill and seeing it grow exponentially before my eyes, but I grin back at her indulgently. ‘I’ll try my best.’

Grandma sighs, happily. ‘Without a doubt you are a shining star.’

Hmm … I don’t know about that, mad is the word that’s running through my head right now. As if I don’t have enough on my plate already!

‘Hi, Oliver. Elizabeth suggested I pop in to see if there’s anything I can do.’

It’s quite a surprise to see him wearing a pair of old jeans and a thick, navy-blue Aran jumper that looks well loved.

He turns his head, raising an eyebrow. ‘I never say no to a little help. Actually, I’m glad you’re here, as I wanted to check that you’re happy this addition I’ve built to the stage doesn’t extend out too far. I did ask Elizabeth, but she said you’re in charge.’ He flashes me a silly grin.

Great! It’s not exactly little but rather begrudgingly I have to admit that not much thought went into building the original podium. The rectangular raised area simply allows large gatherings to see what’s going on. A lot of charity events are held in here throughout the year and it’s multi-functional; from auctions to the annual flower shower, it’s simply a focal point in the cavernous space.

I stare at the oddly shaped framework he’s working on. ‘Can you show me how it’ll look when it’s finished?’

‘Sure. I might need a hand butting it up to the edge, as it’s a bit unwieldy to move around until I fix the top on.’

‘That’s not a problem.’ I’m always happy to roll up my sleeves.

However, when we start trying to move the carcass, it’s a lot heavier than I expected.

‘Sorry, it has to be sturdy as it’s going to take a lot of weight,’ he explains.

The fact that Oliver is apologising is a surprise. I thought he was rather stand-offish when we were in the pub. Is he being overtly friendly because it’s in his interests to do so? I wonder.

After a bit of grunting and groaning, we manoeuvre it into place and stand back. Now I understand what he’s trying to do.

‘Right, I get it.’

He nods his head. ‘The main prop is circular and has to be big enough for someone to step inside it. But the other actors need to be able to pass either side of it. I’m creating a wedge-shaped extension to keep it to the minimum. The problem I have is how to attach it to what you have there already, given that it’s a temporary fixture. Safety is my biggest concern, with eight people moving around, two of them under the age of ten.’

‘Once you’ve put on the top, won’t the weight alone anchor it?’

He rubs his hand along his chin. ‘I’ll source the heaviest chipboard I can find, but I wouldn’t like to take the risk of having it free-standing, to be honest.’

‘What if you made it a part of the permanent structure?’ I suggest.

He looks surprised. ‘Well, that would be easier, obviously.’

‘Come with me. I think we have some of the flooring we used on the main stage stored in the stables.’ His face immediately lights up. ‘I will warn you, though. If Elizabeth, or my grandma, ask you for your comments when we’re walking through about which Christmas tree you prefer, it’s better to say they’re both wonderful.’

He pulls a grimace. ‘Thanks for the heads-up, Sienna. It’s appreciated!’

If Oliver keeps this up, I think we’re going to get on just fine.

It’s early evening when there’s a knock on my door and I’m shocked to see Daniela standing there with a cool bag in one hand.

‘This is a surprise!’ I gasp, wondering what’s going on.

‘I hear that you were working alongside Oliver today. I thought you deserved a little treat,’ Daniela muses.

I step back and indicate for her to go through into the kitchen.

‘Bribery?’

There’s a soft chuckle and she talks as she walks. ‘He didn’t make the best first impression when we had lunch together at The Sailor’s Retreat, did he? The truth is that he was nervous.’

She puts the cool bag down on the table and lifts out a crock pot.

‘It’s beef in red wine. Just reheat it in the oven for about thirty minutes. It’s the least I can do.’

‘Nerves … hmm. Anyway, he seemed more relaxed today.’

‘Oliver was just telling Nigel how helpful you’ve been, and this is by way of a thank you for jumping in and getting hands-on when it should have been me rolling up my sleeves.’

‘It’s my job to be helpful. Besides, after getting Elizabeth excited about featuring a live performance, you came to my rescue when my hopes had been dashed.’ I give her a rueful smile. ‘Do you have time for a glass of wine, or do you have to rush back?’

She’s already slipping off her coat. ‘No. I left the guys to crack open a beer as the kids are sound asleep, so I’m good for a bit.’

As I grab two glasses and a bottle of wine from the fridge, I talk over my shoulder. ‘How did it go last Thursday with the nanny?’

‘We spent the entire day playing with the children. Ursula is going to be a godsend; they warmed to her immediately and Pixie has a new best friend. Her aunt lives in one of the Georgian houses up by the cricket green and she’s recently moved in with her. She’s twenty-eight and gave up her full-time job in tele sales, which was based in Plymouth, to follow her passion. She’s doing a BA in photography with the Open University. If it goes well, she’s willing to do more than just two days a week.’ Daniela is clearly excited about that prospect.

‘It sounds like you have a plan in mind.’

‘Honestly? I’d love to have my mornings free so I can work on a few projects and spend my afternoons with the kids. If all goes well, I think she’d be up for that.’

‘And Nigel is in agreement?’

She grins at me as I pour the wine. ‘He simply wants a quiet life and I get that, given how hard he works.’

‘But he promised you he won’t get pulled away at weekends quite so often?’

She gives me a sober look. ‘Promising is one thing, making that happen is another. He’s paid to troubleshoot the problems and it’s what pays the bills. Having Ursula around will take the pressure off me, and I won’t feel so gutted when he does have to drop everything and go.’

Her eyes are shining; she has her sparkle back and it’s good to see. ‘I’m so pleased for you, Daniela.’

‘I know I’ll be a better mum if I’m not quite so stressed,’ she admits, as I hand her a glass. ‘I was at the end of my tether and beginning to take my frustration out on Nigel.’

It’s true to say that I had noticed a little tension creeping in between them. I’d assumed it was just tiredness and it would pass in time. ‘I should imagine it’s hard to go from having a job that fires you up, to being at home all day.’

‘Working at The Old Playhouse in Stroud was my dream. I loved directing the productions, but I also love writing plays. Nigel is wonderful, and he understands I’m lost without some sort of creative outlet. But he also needs a wife who can run the household and take care of the family. This way we’re both happy. There are no guarantees the plays I write will sell, but who knows? If I don’t try, I’ll always wonder what if? and that’s no example to set our children, is it?’

‘No,’ I state, firmly, ‘it isn’t. I think that deserves a toast!’

‘Here’s to a bright future for us all,’ she replies as we chink glasses. ‘And Oliver was certainly singing your praises when he finished for the day.’

I look at her askance. ‘I was just doing my job. Elizabeth said I should give him a hand. To be honest with you, she and Grandma are still sorting out the Christmas decorations and I’d rather say my piece and leave them to it.’

Daniela gives me a knowing smile. ‘They’re such great friends, but poles apart on some things, aren’t they?’

‘Tell me about it.’ I smile back at her. But there’s a question I need to ask. ‘You and Oliver get on well. You never mentioned him to me, after I returned to Darlingham.’

Daniela looks at me rather blankly. ‘He was just one of the crowd of people I hung around with.’

‘But he was in your play.’

‘Yes. For an amateur, he’s a great actor and I was delighted when he said he’d take on the role. Actually, it cemented our growing friendship. He brought a lot more than just his passion for acting to the table. He brought his design ideas, too.’

‘Was there ever anything romantic going on between the two of you?’ I venture to ask.

‘No! He was fun to be around, that’s all.’

I glance at her, and I can see there isn’t a hint of hesitation in her eyes.

‘He was involved with a classmate, though,’ she confides. ‘I don’t know if you remember Wendy?’

Oh. ‘The party girl?’

‘Yep. That’s the one. Except that Oliver thought he was in love with her. It kicked off big time. He felt that he made a bit of a fool of himself when he discovered their relationship was an open one.’

My jaw drops. ‘Open for her, but not for him?’

‘Precisely. He was devastated. I can tell you that it took a lot to get him back on track. She lived close to his parents, although they ended up moving.’

It seems I missed a lot of drama, and I’m not talking about a staged performance. ‘That was a bit drastic, wasn’t it?’

Daniela sighs. ‘Oh, she wasn’t the reason. His grandfather had a small farm on the outskirts of Bath. His grandfather’s health was failing and his father took early retirement to keep it running. Oliver was going home at weekends, but his head was all over the place. I fear that it reminds him of some of his darkest times now and that’s why he dreads going back there. He’d never admit it, of course, so keep this to yourself. He’s very stiff-upper lip in that regard, like his father.’

Daniela certainly seems to know an awful lot about Oliver and his family, given that they were just friends .

I pull a sad face.

‘Oliver loves his life in London,’ she continues. ‘It was the fresh start he needed and it’s where he found success. It was the place to be for an up-and-coming set designer. Now, of course, he prefers working on videos. A lot of what he does involves digital backgrounds and layered screens, not that I really understand much about how green screens and holographs work.’

‘It sounds complicated.’

‘It is … he knows his stuff.’

I look at her, pensively. ‘You kept that friendship very quiet,’ I tease. I can’t recall even Nigel ever mentioning Oliver’s name. ‘And you remained in regular contact?’

‘Not exactly … regular , but our interests are very similar and we’ve run ideas past each other from time to time. He was a great contact to have once I got my first job,’ she admits.

‘I guess that planning your engagement party and then the biggest wedding of the year around here, while overseeing the redecoration of that beautiful old house of yours, meant you had your hands full.’

‘I don’t do things by halves, do I? Having found the man of my dreams, it was all a bit of a whirlwind. But Oliver understands and it’s always been quid pro quo . I put him in touch with some of my contacts at work and as a set and stage design consultant, he appreciated the leads.’

The question I can’t ask but that I am starting to wonder about is how he took the news when Daniela told him she was getting engaged … I’m still surprised she was able to talk him into getting involved in the play as a favour. When it comes to Daniela, it seems that he can’t say no and, quite frankly, I do find that a little strange.

‘It’s good of him to come to our rescue,’ I reflect, soberly.

‘I knew he wouldn’t leave me hanging. I know that the city suits him,’ she replies. ‘It’s easy to be anonymous and successful, which he is. His private life is just that – private.’

‘Does he have a significant other?’

She gives a dismissive laugh. ‘From what I gather, girlfriends come and go. None of them last longer than a few dates. I fear he’s a confirmed bachelor because having had his heart broken once, I’m not sure he’ll risk it again.’

We lapse into silence. Daniela and I have never kept secrets from each other, but I can’t help wondering whether she’s simply choosing not to tell me everything.

‘Well, thanks for the casserole. And I can’t wait to meet Ursula.’

‘She’s such a sweetheart but my, do Clara and William sit up and pay attention when she talks. I’m actually learning a lot of parenting tips from her. She said her mother wouldn’t take any nonsense from her and while she hasn’t said it in so many words, I’m sure she thinks I’m a bit of a pushover.’

‘You are,’ I laugh, good-naturedly.

‘I know, but I do try. Ursula has eight siblings, and she says she was a quasi-mum to the four younger ones.’

We sit in silence, sipping our wine while we consider how lucky we are. And yes, I did long for a little sister, or a brother, but eight is incomprehensible.