by Lotte Moore
She was just flicking a comb through her hair when the doorbell chimed, and a gaggle of voices noisily arrived.
“Hello Dee. Wow, what a tan! Where have you been?” Serena asked.
They pecked on the cheek, leaving mild red smudges.
“Jed had a big photo shoot in Malta, so he dragged me along to help with the makeup,” she replied.
“Hello love.” Ash smiled as he hugged Serena. “Haven’t seen you since that crazy bash in Lambeth.” He winked at her.
Serena laughed. “I’ll just get the Champers. Could you open it for me please, Ash? Maggie dear, hand round the olives.”
They all wandered into the sitting room. Serena smiled as she looked at her friends. It was nice to have the house full of adult conversation.
“Cheers to us!” said Dee.
Soon gossip was buzzing from one animated face to another. Serena’s slim body manoeuvred between them, filling glasses.
“Yes, I’ve finally fallen pregnant.” Libby stroked her velvet-clad tummy.
“Congratulations. I’ll be able to show you all the best baby fashions and prams.” Serena gave Libby a brief hug as her mobile hummed. Her husband’s name flashed on the screen.
“Lang? Oh, you poor thing, still at it? Remember we’ve got friends here for supper. I’ll keep something warm for you. OK, bye darling.”
Serena briefly wondered why Lang was working so late, but dismissed the thought.
“Come on, let’s eat. Sit where you like.”
She lifted the turkey out of the oven. Maggie meanwhile had put all the veg on a large oval plate.
After serving everyone, Serena felt soothed by the warmth of friends and wine. She was a relaxed hostess, at her happiest when entertaining. Suddenly there was a thud, then a scream from above.
“That’s Freddie falling out of bed again. Excuse me.”
As she turned to go upstairs she caught sight of Ash rubbing Dee’s ankle with his foot. Strange, she thought. I barely see them talk.
Poor Freddie was lying sprawled across the floor with a bloody nose.
“I had a nightmare, Mummy. Three sharks were trying to eat me.”
Serena dabbed the messy nose and put him gently back to bed.
“I’ll leave the light on. Try and dream about something nice, like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.” She kissed him tenderly on the forehead.
The laughter downstairs grew louder. Ash was telling one of his risqué jokes no doubt. The phone in her own bedroom rang. She ran down to the hall and picked it up.
“Hello… Vivi, what’s wrong? Oh my God, how dreadful. Did they take anything? You poor darling and Theo’s away in Russia, isn’t he?” Vivi was sobbing at the other end of the phone. “Is your house keeper there? And you’ve called the police? I’m so sorry love, I just can’t come around. I’m in the middle of a dinner party and Lang isn’t home yet and the kids are in bed. I’ll send him a message to pop round when he’s back, shall I?”
“Yes, please do,” Vivi replied tearfully.
The phone went dead. Serena stared at it, wondering if she should cancel the dinner and attend to her sister but then she dismissed the thought. The police will be on the way. She sent a text to Lang explaining briefly what happened. He would be there to support her sister. There was no point upsetting her guests.
Serena went back into the dining room. Maggie was filling up everyone’s glasses and the conversation was bubbling. She started to relax and enjoy the evening.
Jed stroked Serena’s bangled arm and said, “This is a fab gathering.”
A short while later, Lang arrived in the doorway, his weary eyes gazing at the merriment.
“Hello there, you seem to be having a good time.”
“That was quick! Come and join us.” Serena got up and slid an arm round his shoulder. “You know everyone here; you met them all at the Lambeth do. How’s Vivi?”
Lang smiled and retreated to the kitchen feeling a little remote and shy at the boozy gathering. Serena came to join him.
“So, how is she?”
“Who?” Lang frowned.
“Vivi! I texted you to check on her. Poor thing has been burgled and she’s in an awful state. Theo’s in Russia.”
“Oh no! I’ll go and check if she and the kids are all right,” Lang suggested.
“Thank you love, I mean there is no way I can go, can I?” Serena said, gesturing back towards the full dining room.
Lang felt like falling into bed, but smiled and nodded realising that this meant he could avoid being at the dinner party a while longer.
Chapter Two
Chiswick
Twenty minutes later, Lang drove hurriedly into Chiswick Mall, noticing the full moon stretched across a low tide. He parked under some huge willow trees and rang the gold Venetian bell beside a large oak door, which was opened almost at once.
There was Vivi in a deep purple gown, her long black hair falling over her right shoulder. The vulnerable pain in her eyes almost made him gasp.
“Oh Vivi, you poor girl. You must have been terrified. Tell me how it happened,” said Lang, putting his arm round her shoulders.
They walked into a beautiful high-ceilinged room with richly brocaded curtains and scarlet and gold wallpaper. Lots of urns and carved tables gave the huge room an ornate atmosphere. A grand piano dominated the back of the room. He sank into a vast sofa.
Vivi, who looked exhausted, remained standing and immediately started retelling the events in a quavering voice, “I was lying in the basement Jacuzzi meditating. I’d lit candles to give a soft light. Suddenly, I saw a face at the long French windows. A man was waving a knife in the air, threatening me. I screamed and pressed the alarm bell. Bella came rushing in, asking, what was the matter and handed me a towel. I yelled at her to call the police.”
“What time did all this happen?” Lang asked gently.
“Oh, about 8.30. I haven’t finished. The police arrived as soon as the burglars had left. They surrounded the garden and found a single trainer.” Vivi explained, with panic in her voice. “Georgie and Jago were up there while the thieves ransacked our rooms. Can you imagine what might have happened to them?” She started sobbing quietly.
Lang took her hand. “What did they take?” he whispered.
“Two very valuable Russian miniatures that came from Theo’s mother and some of my jewellery.”
“Have you rung Theo?”
“Yes, but I couldn’t get through, so I sent a text instead.”
The housekeeper, Bella, knocked on the door and came in with a tray. “Your husband rang on the upstairs line to say he couldn’t get through to you, Ma’am. Is the phone off the hook?”
Vivi replaced the handset that had been knocked out of place in the commotion. Bella hastily scuttled out of the room.
“Tea?” offered Vivi.
“No thanks, but I do wish I could help you in some way,” Lang replied.
She turned away. “You’re very kind to have come over, let alone listen to me.”
There was an awkward silence.
“This is the most beautiful room; such vibrant colours, yet so peaceful.”
“Yes, I don’t see my clients here. I’ve got a calmer room upstairs.” Vivi pointed upwards, a slim arm extending from her gown. “A lot of my people seem to need me at present.” The phone rang. “Hello Theo…”
Lang got up, kissed her on the forehead and mouthed, ‘I’ll ring you tomorrow,’ as he left, not wanting to be in the way.
“Hello, Vivi dear, what’s happening? You sounded very stressed in the text I got,” Theo said.
Over the next five minutes Vivi described the incident again. “Thank goodness Lang popped over. Serena was entertaining and couldn’t leave her guests. It was such a relief, just to talk to someone. I’m pretty scared here tonight. I just wish this hadn’t happened while you were away.” Vivi was weary and feeling vulnerable. They carried on talking; about what the police had said, about changing the locks on va
rious doors. “I do miss you, and little Georgie wakes up asking if Daddy is back.”
“I’ll be home soon after the Tchaikovsky concert. Take care darling, I love you.” Theo added, “And please stay safe, Vivi. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Come home now, Vivi wanted to say but instead she replied, “I will darling. Speak soon.”
Chapter Three
Kensington
Serena’s hangover made her even more flustered than usual.
“We’re going to Aylesbury this evening to stay with Jonty and Cheryl. Did I mention it last night?” she said to Lang, which annoyed him because that meant he’d have to leave work early.
The school run was ear-shattering, each child snatching something from the other. Serena parked the car outside the school gates just as her mobile rang. She blocked one ear as she held the phone up to the other.
“Vivi! How are you and the kids after last night?” She shouted over the noise.
“Not good. Georgie’s come out in spots and Jago’s got a cough. Could you pop in today? I’d so love to see you,” asked Vivi hopefully.
“I can’t. This famous actress has asked me to start a big job on her penthouse. So sorry my love, but then we’re off to see Jonty and Cheryl tonight. Why don’t you come down too?”
“Goodness, what fun that would be, but I’ve got a client on Saturday morning and the kids are too ill to leave. Give them my love. By the way, they’ve caught a suspect whose trainer matched the one left behind,” said Vivi.
“That’s quick work. Must dash, darling. I’ll ring from Aylesbury. Big hug!”
Serena suddenly realised that Alicia and Freddie had crept out of the car and into school during her brief conversation. She whisked Benjie up and rushed in to see if they were actually in their classrooms. Freddie was in his class lying on the floor with five other boys, blowing bits of paper about. When Serena peeped in Alicia’s class, she was sitting on a desk and locked in a gossip with three giggling girls. Serena knew she ought to tell them both to sit properly and be quiet, but really weren’t they now the teacher’s problem?
After a very hectic day seeing several clients, Serena arrived home around 6pm, threw various clothes into a suitcase, then packed a large box full of toys and wellies. As she finished packing, Lang arrived looking dishevelled and ashen. The children rushed up and hugged him, twining themselves round his knees.
“Good day?” asked Serena.
“Had better,” muttered Lang under his breath.
Serena wanted to push for more details, because something about Lang’s expression tugged at her nerves, but there were the children to round up and the car to load.
Later, she promised herself. Once we’re in Aylesbury and the children are in bed, I’ll get to the bottom of this…
Chapter Four
Aylesbury
Their drive to her brother’s house in Aylesbury was long and tedious and they arrived at Jonty’s just after 10pm. A roaring fire greeted them. Outside, the gusty April wind whistled through the lattice windows and made the low-beamed ceiling seem heavy and dark. It was a cosy room to relax in, as the steaming logs crackled and spurted in the huge fireplace.
“How was your journey?” asked Jonty, after they’d bundled the sleeping little ones off to bed. He smiled through his shaggy beard.
“Rather slow. We saw an awful accident on the other carriageway, just after Berkhamsted,” said Serena.
“Have you heard about Vivi being burgled?” Lang asked. “Yes, I’ve just talked to her on the phone. She sounded quite shaken, poor thing,” said Jonty.
“I saw her last night. Went over to try and comfort her. She’s a remarkable person. So serene. It must be the job she does—counselling people all day,” said Lang.
“I tried to persuade her to come down here, but she’s got clients tomorrow—so dedicated,” Serena said.
Cheryl carried in a tray of glasses and some homemade elderflower wine. Lang took a glass. “This will warm you up. It’s Jonty’s latest brew and quite potent.”
Serena settled in a chair by the fire and looked fondly at her brother. “How’s the lambing, JJ?”
“Good but it’s been really hectic,” said Jonty
“Oh, and we’re also looking after a couple of two-day-old lambs whose mother died!” added Cheryl. “We keep them warm by the Aga and bottle-feed them.”
“And the pony club?” enquired Lang.
“That’s very busy,” Cheryl continued. “About twenty disabled children come to ride every day.”
“Yes, she’s a wonderful teacher and the kids adore her,” said Jonty radiantly.
Lang and Serena felt mellow after the third glass of homemade wine.
“What about the great forest? How many trees have you planted this year?” enquired Lang sleepily.
“It’s coming along well. I’ve planted one hundred oaks, three hundred alders and two hundred ash. Of course, I’ll not see them in my time, but your children will.” There was a sad tinge in his voice in the knowledge that he and Cheryl could never have children themselves.
A squeal came from upstairs.
“That’s Freddie. I’ll be off to bed when I’ve seen to him.” Serena hugged Jonty, then Cheryl, and went upstairs. Lang had fallen asleep on the sofa.
*
The next morning, Alicia and Freddie were competing to see who could smash their eggshells into the smallest pieces. Bits were flying everywhere. Cheryl was at the back of her large kitchen preparing animal food. Serena and Lang had enjoyed early morning pleasures (uninterrupted) and were languidly getting dressed. Benjie was singing to himself in his cot next door.
Downstairs, Jonty plonked his muddy wellies by the back door.
“Would you like to have a tractor ride later?” he asked Freddie and Alicia.
“Oooh, yes please!” they cried.
Hearing a loud clattering of hooves in the stable yard they looked out of the window.
“Look, that boy’s only got one leg,” said Freddie in amazement. Large blobs of egg were dripping off his spoon and dribbling down his T-shirt.
“And that little girl with bunches has only got half an arm and she’s riding sideways,” exclaimed Alicia.
“Yes, that’s seven-year-old Mandy and Olly who’s eight. They’ve been coming here for nearly two years and love the rides. How they squeal when the ponies go through puddles and splash them,” Cheryl said. “Perhaps you can help me put on the other children’s hats and boots?”
Their eager faces giggled with excitement as Cheryl handed them a cloth.
“Here, wipe your hair. Egg seems to be tangled in your curls,” she said to Alicia.
Jonty walked over clutching a lamb under each arm. “Would you like to see these two feeding?”
“They’re so sweet! Can I hold one?” asked Alicia. She clutched a quivering lamb and stroked its forehead.
“Come on, let’s go to the ponies,” suggested Cheryl as she led both children out to the yard. “This is Lara who helps me every day and that’s Ed who only works here at weekends. He’s showing your mummy the best pony.”
Serena was holding Benjie who wriggled hard, trying to pull the tail of the pony Ed was grooming. Cheryl was busy pulling on riding boots for the waiting children. Alicia handed out hats and made sure the straps were fastened tightly.
The cool sun stretched across quiet fields, which seemed to be openly waiting for spring.
Later, after the students had gone, Alicia and Freddie were helped onto the ponies. Ed led Freddie, and Cheryl guided Alicia to the paddock. Suddenly, Freddie’s pony was startled by a rabbit racing across his path. He swerved to the side and Ed had to stop him sliding off. Everyone laughed as Ed pulled him from the pony, handing him to Serena to help comfort him. Alicia was learning to trot and beamed with pride as Cheryl coaxed her on. She seemed a natural rider. After an hour, everyone wandered back to the house and tucked into shepherd’s pie.
Meanwhile, Lang, who had gone for
a walk, reached the edge of Jonty’s forest. It was breathtaking. He gazed at the various trees, not planted in rows but scattered randomly. The oaks already dominated the whole area. The closer he got to nature the more Lang eased up. Right there, tranquillity pervaded his soul as he absorbed the silence for a while. Reluctantly, he headed back to the farmhouse where Benjie was running about the yard chasing kittens.
“Can we have a kitten Daddy?” he exclaimed excitedly.
Lang smiled and walked into the large sitting room to hear Serena on the phone to Vivi.
“Oh, you poor thing! Everything seems to be happening to you while Theo’s away. Can’t you persuade him to come home early? A visa problem? So, it’s a torn ligament? How on earth did that happen? At her gym class. Poor Georgie… does it mean plaster?”
Lang intervened and took the mobile. “I know someone in the Foreign Office. Would it help if I spoke to him?”
“Yes, yes please, anything that will get him back home soon,” replied Vivi anxiously.
“I’ll speak to Robert on Monday and see if he can pull any strings. I do hope Georgie recovers quickly.” Lang handed the phone back to Serena.
Alicia rushed in. “Daddy, I’ve been trotting on a lovely pony.”
“And I nearly fell off because of a silly rabbit,” interrupted Freddie.
After an enormous roast lunch, with no television in the house, everyone either read or played games. Cheryl took Alicia to her Arts and Crafts shop where Hilary, Ed’s mum, was working. Cheryl demonstrated the process of spinning wool, then taught Alicia the basics of knitting. Alicia was amazed and began to knit slowly all by herself.
Cheryl was so clever at engaging the kids and she was especially fond of Alicia who she hoped would come and stay more often as she grew older.
On Sunday afternoon, Lang sat in the drawing room waiting for a chance to talk with Jonty who sauntered in, hay sticking out of his hair and jacket.
“The children loved the tractor ride. They so enjoy this place and we love having them,” he announced. “Try this homemade brew, it’s got quite a kick.”
After a couple of drinks, Lang loosened up. “Can I tell you something?”
