The Secrets of Palmerston House

by Phillipa Nefri Clark

  Inside, Elizabeth, Sylvia, Belinda, and Angus worked on the food. Rows of platters covered the kitchen table and tiered plates lined one counter. The kitchen smelled divine with a curious mix of sweet and savoury. Delectable finger food and perfect pastries. Every time Elizabeth and Angus were close to one another, their eyes met with a smile. Belinda chatted non-stop.

  In the foyer, trestle tables against one wall were piled with folded white linen to be laid out and decorated before the guests arrived. Ice buckets dotted all the main rooms, from the foyer to the living rooms and out on the verandah.

  As Christie and Martin insisted Elizabeth be part of the wedding party, she’d allowed them to arrange for some of Lance’s staff to run things. Once she was changed, she would hand the kitchen over and enjoy the evening from a guest’s perspective. Before then, she had a lot to do.

  “Would anyone mind if I do a final check on all the guest rooms?”

  “Go and make sure everything is perfect, dear lady.” Angus looked up from the oven, a mitt on either hand. “We’ll have this done before you know it.”

  “That’s if we don’t eat all these preposterously fantastic creations.”

  “Child, if you eat one more—”

  “Joking, Mum. Joking.” Belinda giggled. “But wait until the reception and I will!”

  “And you’ll have deserved to.” Elizabeth patted Belinda on the back. “As you all do. Such tireless workers, I cannot thank you enough.”

  Sylvia smiled over her pastries. “Our pleasure. Go and check on your rooms.”

  Elizabeth draped her apron on the back of a chair and hurried out of the kitchen. From her small desk near the sweeping staircase, she collected her clipboard with its list of soon-to-arrive guests and their allocated rooms. The front door was wide open and a giant armful of flowers, carried by Christie, juggled through.

  “Oh, my! Wherever will you put all of these?” Elizabeth noticed one of the tables was already almost filled with flowers. “Shall I get someone else to help?”

  Christie carefully place the flowers down and straightened, brushing hair from her eyes with a grin. “Is anyone not gainfully employed?”

  “Perhaps Belinda might help. In fact, it may very well be good for Sylvia because she is... struggling, for want of a better word, with the endless talk.”

  “Send her out. Actually, I might get some water and some for Charlotte. I’ll grab her if you really think it’s okay? Thomas is doing the arch next.”

  “The more help you get the better. Watch the time, dear.”

  “I know. Once the clock strikes three I’ll be upstairs. Promise.” Christie sprinted off in the direction of the kitchen and Elizabeth went upstairs.

  Palmerston House was fully booked and all – except one room – were from Christie’s side. Her best friends and past neighbours, Ray and Ashley, were expected soon and Elizabeth couldn’t wait to meet them. They’d been there for Christie when she’d needed them in Melbourne and Elizabeth felt as though she already knew them herself, thanks to so many stories. There were also film producers and directors, names famous enough to make her heart flutter. On Martin’s side, the principal from the youth camp he sometimes helped at, along with his wife, were on their way.

  One of the front living rooms was already filling with wedding presents, off limits to Christie and Martin.

  Elizabeth went into each guest room and checked her list. The very last was Christie’s room. She’d stayed here last night and this was where she’d prepare for the wedding. At the very end of the hallway, it was actually two rooms, joined by a door. Perfect when couples stayed with children. The connecting door was a big, timber sliding one and was pulled back now. One side overlooked the front driveway, whilst the other provided pretty views through the trees to the glinting pond.

  Hanging on a portable clothes rail was the wedding dress. So simple yet absolutely stunning. It was a replica of the one Christie’s mother married in, at least as close as possible from the few photographs available. She’d opted for a circle of flowers on her head instead of a veil, and they matched her bouquet.

  She fussed a bit with the curtains, until noticing a car turn into the driveway. Guests, no doubt. Elizabeth collected her clipboard and closed the door on her way downstairs.

  By the time she reached the front door, Christie was racing to where the car had stopped. She threw her arms around a man with platinum, short cropped hair. A few second later, the driver climbed and she ran to him. Yes, it was all beginning. Tonight would be a wedding to remember.

  Chapter Thirty-seven

  Martin and Thomas wandered along the driveway of Palmerston House toward the gate, each carrying a bottle of water. “You didn’t need to escort me off the property, Thomas.”

  “I’ll finish helping Trev and Barry with the lighting in the trees. Give you a chance to have a nanna nap.”

  Martin spluttered out the water he’d just sipped, making Thomas laugh loudly. He stopped once Martin threatened to tip the rest of the bottle over his head, but his eyes were alight with amusement.

  “Perhaps you should return to doing what you were doing, Thomas.”

  “I will, I will. But joking aside, maybe put your feet up for a bit, son. Sit out on the deck and let your mind wander for a while.”

  “Maybe. I have something to ask.”

  “Anything. Unless it entails an escape plan. Cold feet and all.”

  Martin stopped at the gates. “As you well know, I’ve waited my whole life for Christabel Ryan. There is no power on earth strong enough to stop me marrying her tonight.”

  Thomas nodded, his eyes suspiciously bright. “I’m proud of you, Martin. So very proud.”

  “Thomas... Granddad, for goodness sake.” Martin hugged his grandfather, and for a moment they stood locked in embrace. A lifetime of shared grief, loss beyond comprehension, created a deep wellspring of emotion. Today though was about happiness.

  “Right, then. Can’t have my bride seeing me this way.” Thomas let go and grabbed a handkerchief. “She relies on me to be tough as nails.”

  “Martha knows you’re a big softie.”

  “Rubbish. Now, what were you going to ask?”

  “Advise me. I’ve finished the painting and will give it to Christie. I’m stuck on timing though.”

  “It isn’t your wedding gift to her though?”

  “No, the counter and some paintings for the salon are.”

  “Then wait until after the honeymoon.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Better to sit down with her away from all the emotion and excitement of the wedding, in my opinion.”

  “Makes sense. But we’re not going away, Thomas. Our plans are to stay around and help put Palmerston House back to normal.”

  “Well, change them. Christie doesn’t know it yet, but she’s driving the two of you to Melbourne tomorrow afternoon.”

  “What?”

  Thomas grinned. “I’m going to be in so much trouble. Please tell Martha you forced this from me.”

  “Not a chance. Elaborate, please.”

  “Airport. Sydney for a few days. Plenty of time to visit some art galleries, do a show, soak up the harbour. You’re welcome.”

  “But...”

  “Don’t thank me now. Anyway, you need to get Christie out on the harbour. Remind her how much she loves sailing now, before Jasmine Sea arrives back in Willow Bay. Yes?”

  Martin reached out and again put his arms around Thomas. “I didn’t expect this. Just having you both here is enough, but thank you.”

  “Enough of this.” Thomas was impressed with himself as he stepped back. “Not a word until the official announcement. Now, go prepare yourself, son. I’ll go check Angus is okay to keep an eye on my dog so I can go home and get ready.”

  “My dog.” Martin walked away.

  “We should let him decide.”

  “Then he’d choose to be Christie’s dog, and she’s about to become my wife. I win.”
/>   As he watched Martin go out of the gate, Thomas smiled to himself. “We all win, son.”

  ***

  Daphne strolled around the pond, reciting the wedding vows aloud. Confident of getting all the legal bits right, as she called them, there was a phrase or two of the beautiful vows written by Christie which she still got caught on. Mainly because of the emotion in her voice every time she read them out.

  As the final touches were put on the arch, she’d decided to give the boys some space and surround herself with the relative peace of the opposite side of the stretch of water. But here the ducks quacked at her, following in growing numbers as she reached the far side. “I don’t have any crumbs, so go and find something better to do.” They took no notice.

  One more run-through. Then, she’d go home and rest for a short while before getting ready. A warm glow of excitement rushed through her. This was her very first act as a celebrant and what an occasion to choose! Two of her favourite people marrying, with her friends watching on. And John. Not to mention the famous people coming to share Christie’s special day.

  From over here, she could recite away without disturbing anyone. Daphne planted her feet at the muddy edge, reeds tickling her legs. She closed her clipboard, took a deep breath, and began.

  “Love weaves its gentle way of... no. Come on, Daph.”

  She was tired. Too many practice runs. Besides, she had notes and a podium so she wasn’t going to make any mistakes, as long as she took her time. Perhaps the best course of action was a nice cup of coffee and one of the chocolate chip cookies she’d baked for John. In fact, he’d probably be home by now. After a full day helping here yesterday, he’d worked in the office this morning.

  With a sigh, she turned and stood on something with a loud crunch. “Oh!” Daphne stepped back with a start, then giggled when she saw it was only an empty water bottle.

  “My goodness, what are you doing out here?” With a grunt, she picked it up.

  There was no lid, and as she made her way back to the path, something about this bothered her. From the look of it, the bottle was crushed long before she stood on it. But it was otherwise in new condition, its label undamaged and no sign of being out here for long.

  Daphne mused over it, picking up speed once on the path. Crushed water bottles were hardly unusual. Most people did so before recycling them. But she’d never seen this cheap brand in Elizabeth’s fridge. In fact, she’d only seen it on the shelf of the little supermarket in passing. And one other time.

  “Trev! Barry!” Almost out of breath, Daphne called for them as soon as the arch was in sight.

  “Daphne? Are you alright?” Trev jogged to meet her, Barry not far behind.

  She stopped to draw in oxygen, holding the bottle out like an offering.

  “Do you want to come and sit?”

  “No... look what I just found.”

  Trev took the bottle and from his expression, Daphne knew he was thinking the same thing.

  “I think Bernard Cooper was here!”

  “Now?” Barry went to the edge of the pond and scanned the opposite side. “Did you see him?”

  Daphne shook her head. “Stood on the bottle. But it’s exactly like the one he threw on the pavement outside the bakery. I saw it after Jess picked it up. Remember?”

  “I do.”

  “So should we go searching—”

  “Hey, stop stressing.” Trev squeezed Daphne’s arm. “He really is long gone. No sign of him in the region and that includes using his credit card or his car being spotted. I’d say he’s back in Queensland.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Sure as I can be. Look, you go home and relax for a bit. You have a big event to attend!”

  “Well... if you think so.”

  “Tell you what, Barry and I will have a walk around. But Bernie’s not about to gate-crash a wedding and risk getting himself arrested.”

  Trev was right. Daphne summoned a smile. “I might go and see if John is organised.”

  “Would you like me to walk you to your car?” Barry offered.

  “How sweet, but no, I have to collect my bag and say goodbye. But I won’t say anything to upset the others, don’t you worry.”

  “We’ll see you this evening?”

  “Yes, Trev. And I look forward to seeing you both looking smart in your suits.” Daphne giggled when they mock-groaned. “You’ll both be so handsome.” She turned away. “Yes, I can see myself officiating more weddings very soon.”

  The sounds behind her might have been the men choking. Or just her imagination.

  ***

  It was all Trev could do not to call the Dog Squad to thoroughly check the grounds of Palmerston House, but he and Barry couldn’t find anything else to indicate Bernie was recently near the pond. Time was getting away from them and bringing police and dogs here was an overreaction.

  “I can call up a few of my men who aren’t coming to the wedding.” Barry leaned against a tree. “See if they’ll hang around tonight. At a discreet distance of course.”

  “Tempted to accept. But what do we tell everyone? No, we can’t buy into Daphne’s fear and intrude on what will be a perfectly safe and wonderful evening.”

  “Offer’s there if you need them.”

  “Thanks, mate. We’d better head back.”

  “Yep. I want to give Thomas a hand with the last of the lights then we’re done.”

  Back on the path, Trev’s eyes roamed the surrounds of the pond. “I might get a couple of uniforms over from Green Bay to cover for me tonight, assuming some are available.”

  “You can have a few drinks, if nothing else.”

  “Won’t have much. Need my wits about me.”

  “Why? In case one of the single ladies gets all emotional about the wedding and starts making plans for you?” Barry grinned widely.

  “More in case I say something I shouldn’t.”

  “Charlotte?”

  Trev nodded.

  “She’ll come around. She likes you.”

  “As a friend.”

  “If you say so.”

  “Well, what about Sylvia?” Time to turn the tables.

  Barry almost blushed. “Nothing to tell.”

  “Right. Noticed you’re getting a little... wide around the middle. Wouldn’t be from too many handmade pastries?”

  “I’m trim and taut. But she does cook like nobody else.”

  “Better watch for the bouquet later on. If she catches it...”

  “There’s Thomas.”

  “I’ll ask his opinion.”

  “About Bernie? I wouldn’t.”

  “Nope. About you and Sylvia. Hey, Thomas—”

  “Shouldn’t you be doing some police stuff?”

  They passed the arch and met up with Thomas, busy wrapping fairy lights around a tree. He viewed them with suspicion. “Where have you two been? Going to miss afternoon tea if we don’t get this finished.”

  “Can’t have that. Come on, I’ll do the other side. Trev’s got to go and make himself beautiful.”

  “Need more than a few hours.”

  “Thanks, Thomas. Thought we were friends,” Trev said.

  “And friends tell the truth to their friends. What were you doing over there?”

  “Seeing what it all looked like from a distance. For photographs.”

  Thomas stopped what he was doing and stared at Trev. “For half an hour?”

  “Those two will only get married once. Got to make things perfect. I do have to go so I’ll see you both later on.”

  The further he got away from Barry and Thomas, the more Trev worried. He’d spend some time in the station, make a few phone calls. Bernie Cooper must be somewhere and it better be a long way from here.

  Chapter Thirty-eight

  “You’ve done a beautiful job, Belinda!” Christie stepped back from the mirror. “Absolutely flawless, sweetie.”

  “Really?” Belinda peered over Christie’s shoulder. “I do rather like the
eyes.”

  “You do rather like sparkles!”

  “Oh, is it too much? I’ll fix it—”

  “Joking.” Christie turned and cuddled Belinda. “I’m proud of you.”

  “You’re not very funny.”

  “I know. But I am rather nervous.”

  “Now, how silly are you?” Belinda gently kissed Christie’s cheek. “How can you of all people be nervous? In a short time you’ll be walking along the path down there to meet one of the most handsome men in the region.”

  “Country.”

  “If not the universe. And in front of your closest friends and family you’ll become Mrs Christabel Oliver Ryan Blake. Kind of a nice ring to it. Speaking of rings, I hope Thomas doesn’t lose yours.”

  “Belinda!” Elizabeth stood inside the doorway, hands on hips. “Don’t say such a thing!”

  “Sorry. Sorry, Christie.”

  Christie laughed. “He isn’t going to forget the ring. And with or without a ring, nothing will stop me marrying Martin.” She squeezed Belinda’s arm and then went to Elizabeth and dropped a kiss on her cheek. “Everything is perfect, okay?”

  “You look so beautiful.”

  “All thanks to Belinda. And now it’s your turn, so let her work her magic.”

  “Where are you off to?” Elizabeth asked as Christie slipped through the doorway.

  “A cup of coffee and a sit on the verandah. Belinda, use the soft plum lipstick. Suits Elizabeth’s lovely skin.”

  “Good thinking. Now, please join me here at the mirror and make yourself comfortable.”

  “Thank you, dear.”

  “What are your thoughts about glittery eyes for splendiferous occasions such as the one we are preparing for today?”

  Christie almost turned back until she heard Elizabeth giggle. They’ll be fine. Passing a mirror, she glanced at herself. Her hair was in a gorgeous, slick chignon. Small curls fell out around her face and would frame the flower garland she’d put on after the dress. For now she wore jeans and a loose buttoned shirt, her feet bare.

  She almost skipped down the sweeping staircase, its mahogany balustrade colourful with flowers and fairy lights. In the foyer, the tables were set up ready for food and drinks, which would be brought out by Lance’s staff during the ceremony. Everything was going according to plan. Even the arrival of Ray and Ash was perfect, except she longed to introduce them to everyone and show them every part of River’s End.