9 The Excuse

9

The Excuse

Late Thursday evening, I call Mum. ‘How’re you and Greg doing?’

‘We’re good, my darling daughter. The funny thing is, I was literally sitting here thinking about you. Your grandma was telling me how well the plans for the party are going. That’s lovely, but I know it means you’re even busier than usual.’

‘Yes, and there’s still a lot to do. Elizabeth has suggested I take a little break, so I’m thinking of popping down to Cornwall the weekend after next.’

Mum’s tinkling laugh echoes down the line. ‘Oh, that’s amazing news! Greg will be delighted when I tell him. He worries about how much I miss home … I mean … you and your grandma being able to pop in for a quick cuppa.’

‘I know,’ I reply, sadly. ‘But to be honest, it’s been crazy at this end for us all. Grandma is Elizabeth’s daily companion now and together we’re managing to keep everything ticking over almost like normal.’

Mum makes a worrying ‘hmm’ sound. ‘I guessed as much. Life must be hugely different without Freddie there.’

If it were only that … the issues with Elizabeth having a son and now a grandson few people know about, is a heavy burden to carry. Elizabeth and Freddie only became a part of mine and Mum’s lives when they moved back from London and settled in the village. Prior to that they were just friends of Grandma and Pop’s. They’d all meet up for weekends away at various hotels around the country, usually near a golf course. And they’d plan trips to London to see the latest play, or an art exhibition. Our paths rarely crossed.

I give a little sigh. ‘It is. Freddie used to help me, too. He’d come up with the craziest of ideas for the Christmas party and Elizabeth would often seek us out to check what we were up to. Do you remember the year he decided we’d build a tower of champagne glasses as a centrepiece for the buffet? He’d seen it in one of his favourite old black and white films.’

Mum giggles. ‘And ended up breaking a lot of Elizabeth’s treasured collection of glasses. He was mortified and so was everyone watching!’

‘I did tell him at the time that I thought it wasn’t the best idea. Although, it did look awesome that night … well, until he started pouring the champagne.’ Even I manage a little laugh, although it had been a nightmare to clear up.

‘Still, I’m glad you’re taking a bit of time off. The trouble is, Greg and I are committed to help with running the village’s Christmas Fayres. They’re being held every Saturday throughout November and December in the local church hall. I’ll be flitting between stalls to lend a hand wherever I’m needed, and he’ll be setting up the tables. For the rest of the day, he’s one of a group of men who will be running the refreshment counter.’

‘Oh, that’s lovely, but if you don’t mind—’ I grimace to myself ‘—I’d, um, rather like to do a bit of sightseeing while I’m there.’

‘Perfect. Can you get away early on Friday and I’ll cook something special for dinner? There are some wonderful restaurants in the area, though, and I know how much you love fish. I’ll see who’s free to join us on Saturday night for a meal, shall I? It would be nice to meet up with some of Greg’s family. They’re down-to-earth people. Both his father and his late grandfather were fisherman, and—’

I stop Mum before she can map out the entire weekend.

‘Oh … um … maybe we can plan that for the next trip? If it’s OK with you, I’d like to bring a friend with me. Unless that puts you out?’

‘Not at all,’ she replies, albeit sounding a tad surprised. ‘We have three spare bedrooms. In that case, I’ll book somewhere for the four of us on Saturday night and we can walk the cliff path on Sunday, then stop somewhere nice for lunch.’

‘That would be awesome. I’m returning a favour, you see. I thought to myself, why not make it a trip to Cornwall so that I can tie it in with a visit to see you both.’

‘I know it’s been a difficult time for you, my darling. I just hope that’s the only reason you haven’t made it down here.’

‘Of course it is, Mum! I don’t want you to think I’m not interested in your new life.’ Gosh, that came out sounding a little awkward. ‘But Elizabeth has needed my help more than ever. You know what she’s like, stiff upper lip and all that. She doesn’t want anyone to think she’s letting anything slide, but I can’t lie, it has been a struggle. It’s hard for me to take time off when I know that Elizabeth needs me more than ever.’

I did feel guilty haring off to spend time with my friend Marissa, recently. She and her family moved away from Darlingham just before we started senior school. She was shy, just like me, and the bond I have with her is very different to the bond I have with Daniela. We might not speak as much but in times of need we’re always there for each other.

Fortunately, Mum understood when I explained that Marissa had been made redundant. The independent florist’s shop she worked for closed down and she was gutted. With overheads rising rapidly, they just couldn’t compete. She was, naturally, feeling despondent. Grandma said Mum would be fine about it. My conscience, however, was telling me that I should have made the effort to get down to Cornwall way before now. There’s only so long I can use Freddie’s passing, coming to terms with the split with Liam and moving into Oakleigh, as an excuse.

‘Besides, you won’t want to spend every single minute you’re here with us, anyway,’ Mum laughs. ‘It’s nice to think you’ll have some company and will be able to get out and about with a friend.’

Perfect! Now all I need to do is to give Marissa a call. I’m sure she won’t be able to resist the lure of a couple of days near the coast. If she can wangle the Friday afternoon off work, we can take our time driving down.

The call ends on a high, with Mum excited about having house guests. I check the time before I dial. It’s getting late, so I’d better make it a quick one.

‘Hey, it’s only me. How’s the job search going?’

Marissa groans. ‘I’m still waitressing to pay the rent, but I’ve applied for four jobs in the past ten days. And … wait for it … I have an interview on Monday week! It’s for another independent florist but working from an indoor market. They supply a lot of floral arrangements for hotels.’

‘That’s brilliant news, Marissa. I’m so pleased for you, and I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed.’ In my head I’m already revising the weekend’s schedule. ‘I’m calling to see if you’re free the weekend after next for a trip to Cornwall? We’d be staying at Mum and Greg’s place. It would be nice if we could set off the day before, if that works for you.’

She sucks in a deep breath. ‘Uh … oh …’

That’s not a good sign. ‘You’d be back by Sunday evening, ready for your interview the next day,’ I assure her.

‘It’s not that. I won’t be around. I’ve been invited along to one of these hiking weekends; it’s at a posh country hotel in the Lake District.’

My eyebrows shoot up into my fringe. ‘That sounds like … fun.’ And so not something Marissa would normally do.

‘It’s not exactly my cup of tea, but I’ve met someone. His name is Tim and I think it’s his idea of a romantic weekend away.’

It’s hard not to let out a gasp. ‘You have?’

‘I know what you’re going to say. I always rush into things and end up getting disappointed, but this time I think it’s different. He’s rather shy, which I find endearing, and I honestly believe he couldn’t think of any other excuse for the two of us to spend a weekend away together. We’ll see how it goes, but he’s nice, really nice.’

‘Then go for it. Do you even own a pair of hiking boots?’

‘No, I don’t so I’m borrowing some.’ She giggles, but there’s a fizz of excitement in her voice. ‘I mean, if it becomes a thing , then obviously I’ll be kitting myself out properly.’

‘Well, have a truly wonderful time and I can’t wait to hear all about what you get up to.’

‘Oh, you will! Maybe Tim has a friend, and we could make up a foursome in the new year?’

We both burst out laughing. ‘I’m more the wind in my hair next to the beach sort of girl,’ I muse.

‘Aww. For all his faults, Liam knew that didn’t he?’

‘Yes, that was one thing he did get right.’

Argh! Heading down to Cornwall isn’t easy for me, and now I have to find someone else to accompany me. A person who won’t ask awkward questions when I’m nosing around to glean any information I can about James. Marissa would have been perfect, as she would have just gone along with it. It’s back to the drawing board, I guess!

Friday dawns and I’m up and out early. I’m surprised when I see Daniela hurrying towards me as I cross the courtyard on my way to the barn.

‘Morning,’ I call out. ‘Why the long face?’ Her frown, together with an enquiring look makes me groan inwardly.

‘All work and no play – you know what they say!’ She pants, slightly breathless from her exertion. ‘It looks like it’s the same for you, too.’

‘I’m working this weekend, but at the end of next week I’ll be spending three days in Cornwall with Mum and Greg.’

‘That’s great news and well overdue. You are in need of a break and it’s time to accept that Greg is in her life. He’s not trying to replace your dad, Sienna, he’s just—’

I put up my hand. ‘I know. He’s turned Mum’s life around and given her purpose again. I get it and I do appreciate that.’

‘Then why aren’t you sporting a huge smile?’

‘Oh … it’s hard to explain.’ It’s not just about getting pulled into Elizabeth’s woes, but staying under the same roof as Greg and Mum in their home is … difficult. ‘If I go on my own then it’s a lot of pressure for the first visit.’ I know that’s only part of the truth, but my hands are tied.

‘I really wish I could say I’ll come with you, but we have tickets to take the kids to see Santa on the Saturday up at the canal. It’s a thirty-minute narrow-boat ride, a cup of hot chocolate and gingerbread muffins. We get to sing Christmas songs and Santa tells the children a story before handing out a little gift.’

‘Aww … it sounds lovely. I’m envious.’

Daniela gives a little chuckle. ‘It sounds magical, but William doesn’t like strange men, so he’ll probably start wailing; and Clara will probably ask Santa for a pony. Then I’ll have to explain why just asking for something doesn’t mean it’ll appear on Christmas morning.’ She grimaces.

‘Yes, but it’s memories like that you’ll remember forever,’ I point out. ‘I wonder if I’ll ever be in a similar position? It’s the sort of thing I can only dream about.’

‘Of course you will! When your Mr Right comes along you’ll enjoy every single minute of it. I’m not sure I fully appreciated what I had when I met Nigel. Now I look back on it, everything happened so quickly. Maybe too quickly, as I don’t think I was ready for what was to come.’ Her eyes widen and I’m inclined to agree with her. ‘His charm dazzled me, that’s for sure. I think I was fixated on the thought of being in love and it’s sheer luck he turned out to be a keeper. But even so, I really wish I could be by your side for what could be a bit of an emotional visit.’

‘Hey, I didn’t mean to put you on a guilt trip.’

‘How about asking Marissa, or Lottie?’

‘Marissa is otherwise engaged, and Lottie still hasn’t forgiven me for chickening out of that blind date.’

Lottie is the office manager at the local vet’s surgery, and she was one of our little posse when we were at school. We’re friends, and she is fun to be around, but she has a tendency to gossip. I’m convinced that some of the rumours about Xavier are down to her, as she talks about him all the time. I certainly wouldn’t want to risk her getting wind of the other reason why I’m heading down to Cornwall.

‘You could always ask your grandma to go with you if you think it’s going to be awkward.’

Goodness, the last thing I want is for Daniela to start dropping hints to her. ‘No. Weekends are tough for Elizabeth. If her family decide to descend upon her, she’ll need rescuing. And if they don’t, then Grandma is good company for her.’

‘Are Elizabeth’s brothers behaving themselves? At the funeral I noticed that her eldest brother hardly left her side. At times I could see that he was getting on her nerves. She’s a proud woman who hates being fussed over. I thought it was a little … undermining.’

‘Well, that’s Stephen for you, but the youngest one, Matthew, is content to give Elizabeth the space she needs to get used to the new normal.’

Daniela frowns. ‘Freddie was active right up until he had that fall, so I’m sure she’s feeling his loss in more ways than one. It’s obviously had an impact on your job.’

Actually, it was noticeable to Elizabeth, Grandma and me several months before the fall, that Freddie was slowing down. Mentally, as well as physically, and he hated it. Over a protracted period, we began taking as much work off his plate as we could, without eroding his confidence. Grandma too has had an increasing, if informal, role at Silverberry Hall. Between the three of us we keep everything running, but I suspect there will be some significant changes in the not-too-distant future.

My role is more on the financial side now, parties aside, making sure the bills are paid in a timely fashion and keeping the accounts up to date. In a way, it helped to prepare us all for what was to come, but the end for Freddie was so abrupt that it was a huge shock.

I shrug my shoulders. ‘Stephen and his wife, Yvonne, would dearly love to move in to look after Elizabeth , but as much as she dotes on them all, that isn’t her style. She isn’t frail and she isn’t an invalid; besides, above all Elizabeth values her privacy.’

It’s the truth, and the last thing she needs right now is people trying to run her life, no matter how well meaning they are. When she’s ready, I’m sure she’ll appoint some sort of general manager to take charge of the grounds and general maintenance of the estate. It will probably include overseeing the finances, too. She’s dropped a few subtle hints here and there, enough to wake me up to the fact that at some point I’ll have another boss to replace Freddie. But it won’t be the same.

‘I only popped in to say that Oliver mentioned he was looking for some old-fashioned sledges to use as props. I found someone who has two that he can borrow. The barn’s all locked up, so I guess he’s not here today?’

‘Not until lunchtime. He told me that he had a deadline to meet this morning before he can head over.’

She gives me a suggestive smile. ‘The pair of you are working well together and having fun, I hope?’

I give her a sobering glance. ‘He’s pushing hard to finish setting up the stage ready to get the cast together to make sure the layout works.’

‘Oh, I see. He didn’t mention that. Can you give him the heads up on the sledges and tell him that I’ve found two local children – not mine, I hasten to add – who are delighted at the prospect of doing a little acting. If it’s a trial run, they won’t need to be there.’

Daniela certainly knows how to delegate, that’s for sure. I really am beginning to feel like Oliver’s assistant. ‘And how is your deep dive into the family history of an iconic family going?’

‘Don’t ask. Nigel has kindly offered to head off with the children and Pixie to his parents’ house for the weekend to give me some peace. I’m going to empty out the boxes I brought back from the Manor and sort everything into piles on the sitting room floor.’

‘It sounds like fun,’ I muse, and she grunts.

‘Not. I’ll be scouring through old photographs and handwritten letters. If I can home in on a couple of noteworthy events throughout the ages, hopefully I’ll find some anecdotal bits that will add some authenticity to my words. I half wonder whether I’m not the first person that Edward asked, but I think I’d rather not know if other people were sensible enough to turn down the job!’

Despite her words, she’s buzzing, and this is just the sort of challenge she needs to boost her confidence. ‘Anyway, I must get back. My mornings seem to fly by way too fast, but I felt a bit guilty and thought I’d pop in to check that Oliver’s coping and it’s all good here.’

She’s looking for me to confirm that. ‘Don’t worry. He has it all under control and things are going well.’

A look of relief spreads over her face. ‘Brilliant! I knew I was leaving him in good hands. And it’s wonderful that the two of you are spending so much time together; it’s heartening to see!’

With that she hurries out the door before I get a chance to reply. When she’s in matchmaking mode she’s not one to give up easily!