7 Teamwork Triumphs

7

Teamwork Triumphs

It’s late evening and I’m relaxing in front of the fire when my phone kicks into life.

‘Sienna, are you sitting down?’ Daniela’s voice instantly brings a smile to my face. She sounds excited.

‘Yes,’ I groan, trying to ignore my aching muscles. ‘Sorry! I’m exhausted and I’ve got the mid-week slump; it’s been quite a taxing day. Come on then, tell me exactly what made you suddenly take off without saying a thing. Naturally, I’m intrigued.’

‘It came out of the blue and you won’t believe it; I’m still pinching myself as I keep thinking I must be dreaming! I sent out a few emails to some former contacts in the business. Several people responded to say they’d keep my details and pass them on if an opportunity arises, which is a polite way of saying don’t bother me again. After all, my track record ground to a complete halt after I gave up work. However, one old colleague mentioned a new project which he thinks might be of interest to me.’

‘Goodness, no wonder you just upped and left.’

‘With less than twenty-four hours’ notice to meet him for lunch, it was panic stations. If it weren’t for Ursula, I couldn’t have pulled it off and she agreed to cover until Nigel arrived home last night. I did warn her that sometimes he’s called away, so she was ready to stay overnight if necessary.’

I can tell the adrenaline is pumping, so great is her excitement.

‘It’s to do with the reopening of a grand old stately home; Inglewick Hall in Derbyshire is gearing up to welcome visitors again. The current owners are looking for a script based on the true story of the family who lived there until the nineteen eighties. They intend to film the performance, which will be a part of the official opening ceremony and future visitors will be able to sit and watch it in their small screening room.’

‘Oh, Daniela, that’s fabulous news!’

‘I was shown around and given free rein to take lots of photos. Edward, who is coordinating the event, is also going to send me a mass of files with old photographs and documents. He will also put me in touch with the family’s historian. It’s a huge task, as I have to wade through it all to piece together how best to tell the history of the house through the generations.’

I’m almost lost for words. ‘That’s incredible. What a coup!’

‘I know! It combines my love of history with my passion for creating a theatrical spectacle. You’ll love this bit. I asked him why he was taking a chance on me, when I’m only just tentatively dipping my toes back into the water. Edward told me that he saw the original performance of the short play that we’re going to be putting on for Elizabeth’s Christmas Eve party. He was on the board of the charity our drama club performed it in aid of, on the night.’

My jaw drops. ‘You must share this with Elizabeth tomorrow. She’ll be delighted to hear that!’

Daniela clears her throat. ‘The thing is … I have a bit of a problem.’

‘You do?’

‘I’ve agreed with Nigel that Ursula will work five mornings a week from now on, so that I can throw myself into this project. The fee isn’t huge but, as you said, it’s a coup. It’s the work I might get off the back of it that is important. The thing is, I won’t be around much to help Oliver.’

My face brightens. ‘Oh, that’s not a problem. His dad was with him today and I can always step in whenever he requires a second pair of hands. We … um … ended up having lunch together at the pub.’

‘You did?’ Her surprise is very evident. ‘I feared the two of you got off to a bit of a rocky start.’

‘We did. I thought he was rather offhand, to be honest, but I can see now that you were right, I think he was nervous. I was just a tad sceptical because he seemed to bend over backwards to charm Elizabeth. That irked me, as I thought he was merely sucking up to her.’

She starts laughing. ‘If he’s nervous it means he was trying to impress you. If he’s relaxed, as it sounds like he was with Elizabeth, it means he’s comfortable being himself.’

‘And he wasn’t with me that day the three of us had lunch together?’

‘I wonder why. It’s not like you were judging him, was it?’

I can’t suddenly blurt out that I felt he was disappointed it wasn’t a cosy lunch for two, can I?

‘What exactly did you tell Oliver about me, because you certainly didn’t say a lot about this mystery man from your past before we all met up.’

Daniela chuckles. ‘I simply told him that you’re my bestie from school and that you’re single, attractive and intelligent!’

Oh no. ‘You didn’t!’ No wonder he was nervous.

‘I knew this little performance for the Christmas Eve party wouldn’t get off the ground without his skills and, equally as important, he’s perfect in the role of Adam. But after we’d spoken, I …’ She pauses, ominously. ‘He’s a great guy and he’s sensitive, always was. I thought the two of you might hit it off.’ At least she has the grace to sound ever so slightly apologetic.

‘Well, I don’t know about hitting it off , but he was friendlier today.’ It wasn’t just friendly; we got on really well. However, I don’t want to let her off the hook that easily. Daniela knows how I feel about people matchmaking and I’m no lost cause; I’m just not ready to think about dating again yet.

‘Oh, Sienna … just give him a chance. He might continue to grow on you.’

I tut. ‘Oliver said he owed you big time . What exactly did he mean by that?’ My heart is thumping in my chest, and I don’t know why.

‘I told you about Wendy. What I didn’t mention was that he started having anxiety attacks shortly after they broke up. I was the person he turned to because no one else was aware of what he was going through. Oliver admitted that he felt foolish and I decided that there was no way I was going to let him fall apart. He’s a great guy and he deserved better. We’d spend hours chatting late into the night, and he often ended up crashing on the sofa bed at the house. Gradually, he put himself back together. We were what … twenty years old? Egos are fragile at that age, and everyone we mixed with at uni was talking about it. It turned out that the man also happened to be one of the tutors, which is why it became such a big thing.’

‘So, when he graduated and headed straight to London and the bright lights, it was to escape?’

‘Not really, although there’s a lot to be said for bright lights and anonymity when you’re heartily sick of being talked about. He slept on a friend’s couch until he got on his feet. He had talent, and it was only a matter of time before someone offered him a job.’

‘Oh, I see.’

‘Oliver has succeeded in building up an impressive portfolio of clients and, usually, he’s fine with strangers. He’s just a bit of a … a loner, let’s say.’

‘So, it’s not that he’s allergic to the countryside, he just doesn’t like people knowing his business. Village life must feel a little claustrophobic to him.’

‘Precisely! Beneath that professional facade Oliver likes to present to the world, he’s still a sensitive person. I thought that the two of you might … well, that it might develop into something a little more than a casual friendship.’

The woman who dropped out of uni, whose fiancé cheated on her and who ran home to hide in a tiny village as far away from a main road as you can get. I guess Oliver and I do have a thing, or two, in common – like wanting to hide our true selves away. I just didn’t have the courage to distance myself from everyone I knew. Oliver and I chose to deal with our problems in two very different ways and I can’t help wondering which was the easiest option. People I’m close to are still trying to interfere on my behalf, albeit with the very best of intentions, but some things in life you have to work out for yourself. There are no short cuts.

The door to the study opens and Grandma’s head appears. ‘Good morning, Sienna. Are you terribly busy on this bright, but chilly, Thursday morning … oh, that’s a silly question isn’t it?’ She laughs.

‘No, it’s fine. You caught me just in time, I’m about to head outside to work on the stone lean-to,’ I reply, returning her warm smile. ‘Come in and take a seat.’

‘I was just wondering how it’s going … you know, with regard to James.’

My brow furrows: Elizabeth doesn’t like to chase me about it, and I suspect that she’s asked Grandma to check whether there’s any news.

‘Look, Grandma, I will be honest and say that I don’t think he wants to be found. Richard was the last person he spoke to and that was quite a long time ago. When he tried to call James back a while later, the number was no longer in use.’

She heaves a regretful sigh. ‘Ah, I see. So, there’s nothing to be done?’

Grandma is clearly disappointed and now I feel like I’ve failed both her and Elizabeth.

‘With the limited information Richard was able to give me,’ I continue, ‘I’ve been doing some online searches and have narrowed it down. Based on the scant information I have, I’ve mainly focused on larger B I need an excuse to show someone around and do a little sightseeing of my own.’

‘Ah, yes! If you’re taking a few days’ holiday with a friend, it’s only natural you’d want to go exploring. Daniela might be up for that.’

Hmm … I doubt it. ‘Given what she’s just taken on there’s no point in even asking her, but I have a couple of options.’

‘It’s kind of you to throw yourself into this,’ Grandma continues. ‘I know it doesn’t sit well with you.’

I look at her, solemnly. ‘I owe Elizabeth and Freddie so much, it’s the least I can do.’

She reaches out to place her hand on my arm. ‘I’m proud of you, Sienna. You’re made of strong stuff. As Pops would have said, “That’s my girl, she never gives up.” I can actually hear his voice saying it in my head as I’m talking to you!’

Several hours later, the now pristine outdoor food preparation area is ready for inspection.

‘Oh my! This is incredible.’ Elizabeth marvels at the sight of the freshly scrubbed walls, beams and floors in the old stone lean-to. ‘Are you still thinking of painting, or sealing, the walls?’

I glance across at Victor.

‘No, Mrs Blakesley. The stonework soaked up a lot of water during the jet-washing so I think we’re best off doing that in the spring. Paint would be likely to flake off, but sealing it is the best option if this isn’t a one-off for this year.’

‘It’s certainly a bonus and I think that’s the best way forward by the sound of it, so that would be wonderful, Victor. We’ll be guided by you.’

He looks pleased with himself.

‘Elizabeth, we originally intended to build a long wooden workbench against the back wall and maybe put a stainless-steel worktop on it. However, Victor says anything permanent will probably rust up during the long winter months, as the shelter is open to the winds and weather.’

She purses her lips. ‘Ah … yes.’

We stare at each other for a few seconds, acknowledging that Freddie’s wish was that next Easter Silverberry Hall would host a big community celebration with an Easter egg hunt and family-orientated games.

‘Is there a solution?’

I smile at her. ‘There is, but it would cost around twelve hundred pounds, whereas we have a good supply of wood and offcuts that could be used for free. We’d only need to buy the stainless-steel covering but it would deteriorate over time.’

‘I’m listening,’ she replies, sounding interested.

‘You can get stainless-steel workbenches and preparation tables on wheels. It would require maybe a half a dozen of them to give the caterers enough working space. We’d have to store them in the stables when the outdoor food preparation area isn’t in use, but it would be easy to bring them across when needed.’

‘It’s a one-off cost and it makes sense, Sienna. Please go ahead and order them. I love the idea of an outdoor facility and I can see us using it at Easter, and for summer barbecues as well. You’ve both done well to tackle this project, given how cold it’s been, and I thank you for what must have been a damp and dreary task to undertake. But we don’t have to worry about rain, sleet or snow now – the chef will be in the dry.’

‘And with that hog roasting on the spit, the helpers will be warm, too!’ Victor laughs and we both join in.

As I follow Elizabeth back to the house, she does a half-turn to look at me. ‘You’ll be needing some time off, I hear.’ Her smile is a knowing one.

‘Yes, a little trip to Cornwall is in order.’

‘I know it’s not the most convenient time of the year for you, as there’s still so much to be organised for the party, but I appreciate it, Sienna. Take as long as you need.’

‘It might require two trips to whittle down the list. It’s not easy asking strangers questions. If I get what I think is a good lead, I may have to do a follow-up visit to see what else I can glean.’

Elizabeth nods her head in agreement. ‘It means so much to me, although I realise it would be foolish to get my hopes up.’

I’m relieved to hear her say that. ‘Let me do what I can, and we’ll see what happens.’

Her smile is warm. ‘Oh … yes, I nearly forgot. Daniela phoned first thing to tell me her good news. It presents Oliver with a problem, though.’

I nod my head in acknowledgement.

‘I wonder how he feels, now that’s he’s taking over her role as stage manager? He’s not about this morning, which is a shame. I was hoping to have a word with him. Do you think it will put him off?’

Why on earth didn’t Daniela mention that when we spoke? I assumed she was simply dropping hints that he’d need help building and painting the props. Unless she’s embarrassed, after admitting that she was hoping we’d hit it off . I did sort of tell her to back off, didn’t I?

I know she has her hands full at the moment and she’s so excited to get back to work, but I do think it’s a little unfair to expect Oliver to pick up the slack. ‘Um … I don’t know, Elizabeth. I hope not.’

It simply confirms that Oliver just can’t say no when it comes to Daniela.

‘It would be a real shame if it does. If you think it’s asking too much of him, will you let me know?’

This play has become a bit of a buzz word in the village, and it would be embarrassing now if it doesn’t go ahead as planned.

‘Yes, of course.’

‘Good. I’ll leave you to it, then, as I suspect you have something pressing to attend to.’

‘Oh, yes … today I’m off to Brentwood Farm to inspect a pile of old farm carts and see if any of them can be salvaged.’

Elizabeth bursts out laughing. ‘Only you could say something like that, and my instincts immediately tell me we’re in for a treat! Don’t overdo it, will you, my dear? You have a big heart but make some time for yourself. It’s such a … romantic time of the year.’

Oh no! Not another person who thinks I should start socialising with intent. Intent to find a man!

‘I’m happy doing what I do, Elizabeth. And it’s a real bonus that I can go and stay with Mum and Greg. They can’t wait to show me the house.’

‘Now that puts a huge smile on my face. Make sure it’s a bit of a holiday as well as …’ She sighs. ‘As well as a massive favour to me.’

‘It’s not a problem. I’ll firm up the arrangements, but weekends work the best for me anyway as it’s less disruptive.’

‘If you’re sure. We can manage here without you for a little while, if necessary, you know.’ She gives a tinkling little laugh. ‘That’s the royal we , of course. I’ll be pulling in your grandma for support. She won’t let me get myself into any trouble and if there’s anything you want us to do, or oversee while you’re away, you can leave a detailed list. Together we’ll make it happen.’

My eyes widen. ‘Goodness, the two of you are a force to reckon with and it would be a very brave person who dared to upset your day!’

It’s good to see her smiling and hear her laughing. Not many people could survive what she’s been through over these last few months. Elizabeth and Grandma hail from a generation with gumption and being around them makes me try harder. And it’s high time I got my act together on this trip to Cornwall because I can’t keep putting it off forever.

‘Am I intruding?’

It’s early afternoon when Oliver appears, as I’m sorting through some of the old items stored in one of the horse stalls.

‘No, not at all. I’m due up at the farm shortly. I’m hoping to salvage a few items but I wanted to see if there were any little treasures buried among this lot first.’

‘What – tins of paint and pieces of old metal and wood?’ He grins at me.

‘Well, we need a few carts for the courtyard, and they’ll probably be shabby. You never know what I might find to brighten them up.’

He rubs his hand along his chin, in thinking mode. ‘If you’ll give me a hand offloading my dad’s van, I’ll run you up there in case you find anything. We can bring it straight back.’

‘That’s a deal!’ I reply enthusiastically.

‘Great.’

We traipse over to the car park and when he opens the back doors I can see why he needed a large vehicle. The bed of the van is covered in narrow strips of white plastic and to one side, there’s a stack of panels. ‘None of this is excessively heavy, it’s just awkward for one person to manoeuvre,’ he explains.

It takes more than a dozen trips to carry everything over to the barn, and never having thought about backdrops and props, I’m curious about what he’s building.

‘Do you think you’ll use all of this?’

‘Hmm … not all, but I got it for free, so it’s better to have more than I need, rather than not enough.’

I slip into the passenger seat, and he fires up the engine.

‘Free? I like the sound of that.’

‘Yes. The plastic came from a window company; the owner is a mate of my dad’s. The panels were left over from a big production at a playhouse that recently shut down.’

Well, it saves on cost so I’m all for that.

Brentwood Farm is just a few minutes’ drive away and I indicate that he should take a right turn. ‘It’s through that gate. I’ll just jump out and open it.’

As Oliver pulls into the farmyard, Harry appears from one of the old sheds and I wave to him. ‘You’ve come prepared, I see,’ he gives me a thumbs up.

We park up and hurry over to join him. ‘Harry, this is Oliver who is designing the set for the play at the Christmas Eve party.’

They shake hands and he leads us back into the shed he was working in. ‘I’m sorting out some of the old stuff.’

Oliver gives a little whistle. ‘You’ve certainly got your work cut out for you, Harry.’

‘I do. But now I’m taking a back seat, my son has given me my orders.’ He breaks out into a huge smile. ‘My time is my own, but it’s good to have something to do besides helping out with the deliveries. It sounds like you have quite a task on your hands too, Oliver.’

‘Yes. And it seems to grow by the day.’

The two men exchange a mirthful look.

‘That’s life for you. Never a dull moment. Sienna here can attest to that.’

But I’m too busy to reply. My eyes are darting all over the place. ‘Ooh!’ I gasp.

‘I pulled out some stuff that was buried that I thought might be of interest. It’s all got to go at some point,’ Harry confirms.

‘This is like Aladdin’s cave!’

‘What … wonky old carts, dusty wooden wine boxes and weathered pallets?’

I look at him askance. ‘Yes, yes and yes! What do you think, Oliver? Will this little lot fit into your van?’

He looks at me and nods his head.

‘Let’s get to it, then.’ Harry’s voice echoes around the hollow space. ‘It’ll save me a few trips to the tip in our old Transit.’

I’m delighted. It feels like Christmas has come early; how sad am I, getting excited over a haul of someone else’s junk, but it’s made my day.