6 The Hard Work Begins

6

The Hard Work Begins

Having spent all day yesterday clearing out the stone shelter opposite the big barn, today I have the estate’s head groundsman, Victor, here to help me get it into shape.

‘You’re hoping to turn this into an outdoor kitchen?’ He starts belly-laughing.

‘No … just a food preparation and covered barbecue area.’

Victor scratches his head and I follow his gaze. Yes, all the piles of rotten wooden pallets have been taken to the tip and I’ve swept the floor clean, but it looks rough.

‘Where do we start?’ he asks, looking bemused.

‘I’ll go and change into my waterproofs ready to jet-wash the flagstones. Could you start brushing off the ceiling and the three walls? It has to be cobweb free.’

He looks at me as if I’m crazy.

‘I know …’ I reply, slightly apologetically. ‘I don’t like spiders, but they’ll get to live another day if you brush them off. Any that are still here when I get back are in for a cold shower they might not survive.’

Victor bursts out laughing once again, as I grin back at him. ‘I won’t be long.’

He heads off to the storeroom to get the equipment we need, and I make my way over to the boot room in the main house. I hear a car door slam, then a second, and the sound of two men talking. When I saw Elizabeth first thing, she didn’t mention she had visitors today. I thought Grandma was going to be here most of the day helping her pack up the boxes of decorations they sorted through to find the feathers and the snowflakes.

When I swing open the back door there’s no one around and it doesn’t take long to grab the waterproof all-in-one, an extra pair of thick socks and my sturdy wellington boots from my locker. As I stride back towards the shelter, I notice that the barn door is open. I pop my head inside and am surprised to see Oliver and another man carrying a sheet of the spare flooring that was stored in the stables.

‘Oh, hi, Sienna. This is my dad, Keith.’ A head appears around the side of the massive panel and the man gives me a warm smile. ‘I didn’t like to knock on the door up at the Hall and disturb Elizabeth, so no one knows we’re here. I collected the key from Daniela on my way over. I hope you don’t mind that we made a start, as I knew you wouldn’t be far off.’

‘No, that’s fine and it’s nice to meet you, Keith. I thought Daniela was giving you a hand today?’

‘Me, too. I called at the house and Ursula said she left early and won’t be back until mid-afternoon. She has an interview, apparently. I assumed you’d know all about it.’

‘It’s news to me. Anyway, I’ll be working in the courtyard most of this morning. If you need anything, just shout.’

‘Will do, thanks! Right, Dad, we need to turn this around and flip it before we lay it on the structure.’

I leave them to it and join Victor.

‘Watch out, there’s a few big ’uns scampering about. I wouldn’t want one of them tripping you up,’ he bellows.

I roll my eyes at him. ‘It’s not funny. It makes my skin crawl thinking about one of them falling down on me.’

‘Well, I’ve brushed that wall on the left, but it’ll need a quick flash over with the water to wash off any loose particles. I’ll continue working back this way, but I don’t think I’ll hold you up. It’s coming off easy enough.’

I unwind the cable and walk over to the side of the barn to use one of the outside plugs. As I lift the flap on the box, I catch sight of Oliver and his dad entering the stables. It’ll be good to use up some of the offcuts that have been hanging around in there for a few years now. Freddie always said that if you hold on to something long enough, you’ll find a use for it one day and he was right.

A while later I spot a movement out of the corner of my eye. Oliver is standing there with his hands thrust into his pockets.

‘We’re heading down to the pub to grab something to eat, Sienna, and wondered if you wanted to join us? You’ve had quite a morning, and you must be in need of a warm-up.’

It’s true to say that I’m feeling both a little cold and a bit damp from the exertion. Victor looks over at me, his face brightening, and I can tell he’s ready for a break.

‘Um … that would be nice, thanks. If you go on ahead, I’ll join you in about twenty minutes?’

‘Great.’

‘See you in a bit.’

Victor climbs down off the stepladder to rest his broom against the wall.

‘He’s been about quite a bit lately,’ he ponders.

‘Yes. Oliver is building an extension to the stage ready for a play that’s being performed on Christmas Eve.’

‘Oh, I see.’ With that, he gives me a funny look.

‘What?’

‘The missus mentioned it; rumour is that he’s an old friend of Daniela’s.’

My brow wrinkles as I look at him questioningly. ‘Yes. They were at university together. So come on then, what’s the word on the street?’

He gives me a bit of a guilty look. ‘She overheard someone say that with Nigel often working away from home, he probably isn’t happy knowing that his wife is entertaining an old flame.’ Victor lowers his voice, conspiratorially. ‘To be honest, that annoyed the heck out of me. I don’t like to think of a nice couple like that being talked about behind their backs. No good ever comes of this type of silly gossip.’

‘Old flame?’ I splutter. ‘Someone had better put them straight pretty quickly. Oliver’s here because he designs sets and backgrounds for videos. Daniela called in a favour as Elizabeth wants to wow her partygoers this year. Putting on a play was my idea, not hers.’

He grimaces. ‘Ooh … I don’t usually get involved. I like to keep my head down, but I’ll definitely pass that on to the wife.’

‘Well, maybe this is one occasion when you can quote me.’ I grin at him.

‘Is that an order?’ He cocks an eyebrow at me, grinning from ear to ear.

Now it’s my turn to belly-laugh. The fact that he chose to mention this to me, is telling. I like Victor, he’s a good man.

When I hurry into The Sailor’s Retreat, I’m delighted to see that they’re all trimmed up and looking very festive. Even better, Oliver got here early enough to snag the table next to the log fire and the heat will be most welcome.

‘Well done, you!’ I exclaim, as I settle down into the chair he pulls out for me. ‘I’m sorry I’m running late but I had to jump into a hot shower to warm up a little. Where’s your dad?’

‘He sends his apologies, but he had to head back to the farm. One of the generators has stopped working, apparently.’

‘Oh, that’s a shame. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.’

Oliver’s face lights up as he hands me a menu. ‘Me, too. I like the sound of the fisherman’s pie. Have you tried it?’

‘Yes. It has chunks of cod and haddock, and large prawns, with a cheesy potato topping. I think I’ll go for that, too.’

He looks up, and almost immediately manages to catch Ruby’s attention. Was she keeping an eye out for him? I ponder.

‘Are you ready to order now or are you waiting for Daniela?’ she checks.

‘No, it’s just us,’ I confirm. I can’t help but wonder whether Ruby has heard the rumours, too. If Oliver knew, I think he’d be horrified.

‘What can I get you both?’ Ruby grins at me before turning her attention to Oliver.

He’s a handsome man and it’s no wonder she’s looking at him all starry-eyed.

‘Two fisherman’s pies and what are you drinking, Sienna?’

I glance at the empty coffee mug in front of Oliver and the half-full jug of water on the table.

‘Oh,’ he says, dismissively, ‘I just had a thirst on. I’m up for a glass of wine, or a beer. What about you?’

Ruby interjects. ‘You could be the first to try our festive hot punch. It’s certainly cold enough out there today to warrant it.’

Oliver looks at me and I nod my head.

‘Two for the punch as well, then, please. Thanks, Ruby.’

Her eyebrows lift a little and as she looks directly at me there’s a teasing glint in her eye. I’m guessing that she’s heard the rumours about Daniela and Oliver and is curious as to why I’m the one lunching with him today. I seriously hope I’m not the next in line for the rumour mill.

While we await our drinks, Oliver pours me some water. I will admit that it’s hard to believe this is the same man I sat here cautiously observing a mere two weeks ago. That day he was rather edgy and – dare I say it – a little stand-offish. Now he looks comfortable, wearing a grey marl, heavy knit jumper and an old pair of jeans.

‘Do you enjoy getting hands-on?’ I ask.

The corners of his mouth lift a little. ‘It shows, does it? Yes, I miss the old days. I mean, when I was still learning, and a lot of my projects were trial and error. Often done for free, as I worked with a lot of community amateur dramatic groups. Financial support for performances is patchy and, in some instances, non-existent.’

‘And now most of your time is spent in front of a PC?’

‘Yes.’

Ruby bustles over to us, setting down two tall latte glasses with handles. ‘Here you go.’

‘Are you allowed to tell us what’s in it, or is the recipe a closely guarded secret?’ Oliver enquires.

‘Um … red wine, apple cider, local honey, some orange juice and a mixture of spices.’

‘It sounds amazing. Great suggestion, thanks.’

‘Well, if the smell is anything to go by, Ruby, we’re in for a treat,’ I remark, raising my glass in Oliver’s direction.

‘It’s my pleasure; enjoy! Your food will be here shortly, guys.’

We cautiously chink before taking a sip.

‘Hmm … it’s lovely, although it’s a generous serving. I’m getting cardamom and cinnamon, for sure,’ I enthuse.

‘It’s not quite as potent as some I’ve tried,’ Oliver replies. ‘Adding apple cider instead of brandy, or orange liqueur, is a novel idea. I’ll pass that little tip onto my dad. Have you warmed up a little? You looked frozen earlier on.’

‘I was. Cold, wet and miserable, but the heat from that fire is bliss.’

‘It’s not the best day to be jet-washing an open-fronted building,’ he points out.

‘Tell me about it but it was either that or sweeping the walls and rafters. Victor doesn’t bat an eyelid at the size of the spiders, whereas I’d be screeching my head off.’

‘I see, and why are you cleaning it up at this time of the year?’

‘We’re turning it into an outdoor food preparation area for the party. The caterers will rock up with their state-of-the-art roasting kit. It’ll take nine hours to cook a whole hog to feed up to a hundred and fifty people. We can get them to spit-roast the turkeys too, for Christmas Day.’

‘This party must cost a small fortune.’

‘It does but it’s in aid of charity. The Blakesleys foot the bill for the evening. The tickets aren’t that pricey, considering the buffet is sumptuous and each year the entertainment is different. Because ticket numbers are limited, there’s an exclusivity factor.’

‘Ah, and that guarantees it raises a lot of cash.’

‘Yes, but people come from all walks of life and it’s not about those who can afford to pay an exorbitant amount. On the night, guests are free to make a donation, too. Envelopes are sealed and unmarked; I’m always surprised at how generous people are.’

Oliver presses his lips together. ‘I see. I think that’s a great idea. It certainly embodies the spirit of Christmas, you know … it’s not about receiving gifts, but the giving.’

Our food arrives and we’re both too hungry not to dig straight in. In fact, there are several minutes of silence only masked by the growing background noise.

After several satisfying bites, my stomach is feeling much happier and I’m as warm inside as I am out.

‘It was kind of your dad to come and help this morning.’

Oliver rests his knife and fork on the plate, but I notice that he’s already demolished a third of the luxury fish pie.

‘Mum insisted. She’s delighted to have her son home again for an unexpected stay.’

I look at him askance. ‘Oh, I assumed you were staying at Daniela’s.’

‘I … um … don’t want to impose. Daniela has her hands full as it is.’ He shifts uneasily in his seat and that’s a sure sign there’s something he isn’t telling me.

‘I thought you preferred the delights of London to the rustic vibe of the country?’

‘Maybe I’m warming to it. Plus, I can keep my parents happy as well as reducing my travel time.’ He gives an awkward little laugh. ‘This performance means a lot to Daniela, and I owe her, big time. Besides, I don’t cut corners and when I commit to something I give it my all. I want the props to grab the audience’s attention; it’s a wonderful, if short, Christmas story and it deserves the perfect setting to show it off.’ With that, Oliver begins eating again.

‘It can’t be easy taking time off work at such short notice though.’

‘Not for me, being self-employed. I’ve set myself up in my parents’ study. I don’t work normal office hours and never have. I often work through the night and catnap during the day when I’m really busy. That’s why I’m still single; as my mum points out, no one would put up with my erratic lifestyle. Besides, the drive to Darlingham is less than an hour, and as I’ll be back and forth for a bit until everything comes together; it makes sense.’

Or is it quieter without a wailing baby, a tantrummy toddler and … just maybe … treading warily around Daniela’s husband? I contemplate. After a couple of minutes, Oliver finishes eating and pushes his plate away, content to sip his mulled wine.

‘Anyway, it feels wrong that you know all about me, but I know nothing at all about you. Other than the fact that you work for your grandmother’s best friend, Elizabeth.’

Now he’s purposely changing the subject.

I grimace. ‘There’s not a lot to tell.’

‘Oh, don’t give me that. I suspect your life is way more interesting than mine.’

‘Hardly,’ I gasp. ‘You must meet some fascinating people in your line of work.’

I finish my meal and settle back in my chair, contentedly.

‘It’s all video calls these days. When I am required to be onsite for something it’s usually sorting out the hitches. If you’re imagining me rubbing shoulders with some famous names and having a blast, I usually arrive when everyone is tired, and fed up because something has gone wrong.’

‘What sort of problems crop up?’

‘Music videos have a lot of working parts on the day, although some elements and special effects are added after the filming is done. But no matter how detailed the designs I submit are, it’s down to the execution. If it’s not done right, it can be a bit of a disaster and that’s when I get a call and the clock is ticking. It’s my job to come up with a quick fix.’

He stares at me, tilting his head to indicate it’s my turn.

‘What can I say? I was born in a thatched cottage a short walk from here but now I live in a two-bed cottage on the Silverberry estate. I’ve worked at the Hall for a little over seven years and I love my job.’

Oliver continues staring at me. ‘And?’

‘That’s me in a nutshell. I lead a quiet life.’

‘The day Daniela introduced us you mentioned that you went to university in Bristol, too. What were you studying?’

I shift uneasily in my seat. He’s got a good memory. ‘A BSc in marketing.’

‘Ah, that’s why our paths never crossed. You didn’t hang around with the drama club lot. I would definitely have remembered you if we had ever met! I bet that was interesting.’

‘Hmm.’ I shrug off his comment, as it’s a touchy subject.

Unfortunately, he doesn’t take the hint. ‘If it’s not too personal a question, what brought you back to the village to be a personal assistant at Silverberry Hall, rather than following a career in marketing?’

Oliver has been honest with me, but this is tough.

‘I quit after the end of the first year.’

‘You did?’ He looks shocked. ‘I vaguely recall Daniela telling me about one of her room-mates moving out when they were looking for a replacement. So that was you.’

His reaction confirms that she didn’t go into details. It was an awful time leading up to my departure, but Daniela always had my back. I was difficult to be around at times and the last thing I needed was getting dragged out to noisy pubs and gatherings, and she understood that.

‘I wasn’t into socialising much back then. I wasn’t enjoying the course and I was worried about my father. He hadn’t been well for a little while. He was eventually diagnosed with leukaemia and died eighteen months later. I was angry with life and just about everything else, but most of all I wanted to spend some time with him.’

Well, that’s put a damper on a relaxing lunch.

‘I’m really sorry to hear that, Sienna. It must have been harrowing for you and your family.’

‘It was. And what followed was a very troubled year, during which I tried everything. From waitressing to dog-walking. I don’t know how my family and friends put up with me if I’m honest. I should have been supporting them in their grief, not the other way around.’

He sits forward in his seat, leaning in and lowering his voice. ‘Look, everyone reacts differently when they lose someone. That’s nothing to feel guilty about.’ His expression is full of empathy and it’s rather touching.

‘In hindsight I see that now, but at the time I was a mess. It was Freddie, Elizabeth’s late husband, who convinced me they needed a personal assistant and keeping busy did the trick. I turned myself around, but without that encouragement I dread to think what might have happened.’

‘So, aside from your year in Bristol, you meant it when you said you’ve always lived here. That’s quite something.’

‘Not here , as in Darlingham. I was engaged for two years and lived with my partner in a little hamlet the other side of Frampton on Severn. We broke up at the start of the summer.’

He does a double take. ‘Oh. Goodness, no wonder you want a quiet life now. That’s quite a roller coaster of a journey you’ve been on.’

‘And some,’ I reply, sounding rather jaded. ‘Liam cheated on me, and I found out.’

Oliver lets out an ironic chuckle. ‘How on earth did he think he was going to get away with it? The problem with living in a small community is that it’s almost impossible to keep a secret. Honestly, I don’t know the guy, but he certainly wasn’t deserving of someone like you.’

I’ve been in receipt of people’s sympathy, compassionate hugs and kindness, but for a virtual stranger to say that after a short acquaintance, it really hits home. Oliver is right … I didn’t deserve Liam’s betrayal. I just have to keep reminding myself of that.