In The Fast Lane

by Lotte Moore

  Lang walked in with Benjie on his shoulders. Alicia and Freddie tore through the house to find Georgie who was hiding up a tree.

  “I thought we’d all go to the zoo. Yours have never been,” suggested Vivi.

  “Err, no they haven’t. Shall I stay here?” he said.

  “No, you’re coming with us. This will be your first step in looking after the children more, now you have the time.”

  Chapter Twenty Nine

  Moscow

  After Theo and Sergei arrived back in Moscow, they realised the Vienna concert had produced several enquiries and offers of even greater opportunities. There was even interest from London’s Festival Hall, and one of Paris’s leading concert halls had asked Sergei if Theo was free to play a Tchaikovsky concerto at the end of June.

  Theo discussed the latter offer with Murel who thought it possible to have the 1st Concerto ready and the orchestra could rehearse the Pathetique as well. Sergei was also negotiating about a possible recording contract for Theo.

  After an animated discussion over lunch, Theo and Sergei walked through the park, chatting and laughing enthusiastically.

  “I must go back and pack. I’ll be off to London in a few hours,” said Theo.

  Sergei checked his watch. “Yes, you must,” he confirmed, clearing his throat and gazing at a nearby bench.

  “I shall miss it here.” Sergei’s eyes widened and Theo added, “I mean the orchestra and Baba.”

  “Oh, of course,” Sergei said, looking at the floor.

  “And… you, of course.”

  They locked eyes. Theo felt his heart begin to race and he turned away not wanting to see Sergei’s hopeful face.

  Chapter Thirty

  Chiswick

  Arriving at Heathrow, Theo got a taxi to Chiswick and quietly opened his front door. He heard soft music coming from the sitting room and found Vivi humming a quiet lullaby to sleepy Jago in her arms. He stood transfixed by their beauty.

  Looking up, she smiled. “Ah, you’re back at last. He’s not feeling very well so I’m trying to lull him to sleep.”

  They kissed tenderly, then Theo gently took Jago upstairs and waited for Vivi in their bedroom.

  In the morning, Georgie and Jago raced into the room. “Daddy, Daddy, you’re back!” yelled Jago. They all lay in bed chatting about Russia, school, and Vivi’s work.

  “Sergei’s asked me to meet someone from the Festival Hall at 10am. After that, where shall we all go?” asked Theo.

  “We went to the zoo yesterday with Uncle Lang and Alicia,” piped up Georgie.

  “You should see the chimps, they’re such fun, and the lions were just sleepy and didn’t move,” said Jago, laughing.

  “Breakfast time!” called Bella.

  After the children had left the room, Vivi started to tell Theo the awful news about Lang. “Serena’s in Rome on a wonderful job for five days, so we had him and the kids here last night. He’s in a bad way. It’s so sad for them all.”

  “Oh no, I hope it all works out for them.”

  “Me too,” Vivi said, then she smiled. “I’m so happy you’re home my love. Hey, how about we drive into the country, have a picnic and get away from it all?”

  “That sounds good. I’ll be back here by 11.30.”

  “I’ll organise some food while you’re out. Goodness, I shall miss Serena when they move away.”

  “Well, maybe I’ll be home more often by then,” said Theo. “Depends if this morning goes well.”

  It was a glorious May afternoon as Theo drove the whole family down to a lovely wood near Oxshot.

  Georgie started singing Frere Jacques. “Come on Daddy, join in!”

  Everyone muddled along, then there were peals of laughter as Jago tried to sing. An hour later they arrived at the edge of a small wood with a nearby field filled with sheep. A tiny stream trickled across it.

  “This is beautiful,” said Vivi, spreading out the picnic rug.

  Jago walked over to the sheep, making ‘baaing’ noises to them.

  “Let’s explore the woods, Daddy,” said Georgie, dragging Theo off towards the largest trees.

  Vivi laid out the food and fed Jago some yoghurt with a banana sandwich.

  “You’re such a happy little fellow,” Vivi kissed his cheek. She could see Theo and Georgie running down the hill towards her. “Food’s ready!”

  “Ah, this is really peaceful,” said Theo, tilting his head back and closing his eyes. “I remember coming here years ago with some cousins. We all slept in a big tent and had a huge camp fire.”

  Vivi watched Theo relaxing and wished he was always around instead of going to Russia so often. She chatted to him about Serena’s job in Rome.

  Suddenly Theo’s mobile rang out, interrupting the fun.

  “Just had some great news,” bubbled Sergei. “The EMI recording manager is coming to Paris to hear your performance.”

  “How exciting,” beamed Theo.

  “Can you come back to Russia a little earlier?” Sergei asked. “It’s not easy. Anyway, I’m having a picnic with the family.

  I’ll call you when I get home. The Festival Hall meeting went well by the way. Speak to you in a bit.”

  “I assume that was Sergei ringing from Moscow?” queried Vivi.

  “Yes, he said the EMI recording manager is going to Paris to hear my performance. Isn’t that splendid? Sergei is fantastic. I couldn’t do half as many performances without him.”

  Vivi looked away without saying a word.

  As they drove home, Vivi couldn’t help pondering on the relationship between Sergei and Theo. Sergei obviously adored her husband and kept him busy but why always so far away from home? Something didn’t feel right.

  “Why doesn’t Sergei organise concerts for you in London or nearer to where you live?” she suddenly asked.

  “He obviously has more contacts in Russia and Europe,” said Theo quietly.

  Vivi didn’t respond.

  *

  Jonty rang to ask Vivi and Theo to a family supper at Kensington. He sounded very domesticated, stressing, “You can’t come until the children are bathed and Cheryl has read them stories. She’s already made the supper. Honestly, it’s amazing, she’s loving the family routine.” He sounded delighted.

  They arrived at 7.30pm and sat round the garden table. It was a beautiful evening. Theo tried exchanging news with Lang but found him very subdued.

  “How’s work, Theo?” asked Jonty, his voice upbeat and trying to make conversation easier. Theo recounted his news about Paris and the possible EMI recording.

  “I think we might take Beady to Paris,” suggested Vivi. “She’s never heard my dear husband give a concert abroad.” A few minutes later, Serena excitedly rang from Rome. “The place is huge with marble floors, wonderful long windows and shrubs on balconies. It’s a real challenge for me. The Italian Count is very courteous and enthusiastic about my designs, but he flirts too much.”

  “Does he indeed?” mumbled Lang.

  “How are my chicks? Is Alicia doing well?” Serena asked fondly.

  “Everyone is fine,” Lang responded.

  “Yes, yes, everyone is enjoying a busy time, Serena,” said Cheryl. “I’m loving being here. Benjie does keep asking for you though.”

  “Give him a special cuddle from me. Anyway, I’ll be back shortly. Must dash, I’ve got to go to the Count’s party. I might pick up more work. Who knows!” Serena rang off.

  Everyone became more relaxed as the meal progressed and the wine flowed. Then, just as they were finishing the dessert, Beady phoned.

  “Jonty, someone called Bill Thane rang to say there’s a cottage to let up the hill near his hay barn. I don’t know what he’s talking about. Would you contact him as someone else is already showing interest?”

  “Yes, I’ll ring him tomorrow. He’s a lovely old man who has a big farm near Oving. Thanks so much Mum. How are you getting on?” he asked.

  “The house seems a bit empty but the kit
tens keep me company and I’ve been helping in the farm shop. How’s Serena doing in Rome?”

  “She’s having a great time and my Cherry Berry’s being a good substitute mother. The children love her.” Jonty smiled at his wife.

  Lang chose not to speak to Beady. He hadn’t faced his mother-in-law yet.

  “She sounded happy enough,” Jonty said, when he hung up the phone. “Mind you, I’ve got a hunch she’s thinking of returning to England full time.”

  “Yes, she hinted the same thing to me last week,” said Vivi wistfully.

  *

  Lang took the kids to school and came home to find a letter from the estate agent asking to show a potential buyer round the house.

  “That’s pretty quick,” he said to Jonty, showing him the letter.

  “Well, it’s a nice house and the area’s always in demand. You should be able to sell quite easily,” replied Jonty.

  “Serena’s due back this afternoon. It’s been such a help having you both here,” said Lang.

  Cheryl smiled. “I’ve loved it, especially bath time. Jago seems to be a bubbles fan. Did I tell you what happened… ?”

  There was a loud bang on the front door. Lang went to open it.

  “I’m back! I’ve lost my key, everything fell out of my handbag and I’ve got a headache.” Serena fell through the door, hair flopping over her tanned face. “Phew! What a gathering.” She laughed as everyone stared at her in astonishment. “Where are my chicks?”

  “Still at school, except for the tiddler, of course,” said Lang quietly.

  “Let’s go together and pick them up,” Serena suggested. “How are you Cheryl and JJ? Thanks for being here.”

  “Mummy!” Benjie ran and hugged his mother’s knees. She scooped him up and covered him in kisses.

  “Well, since you’re here now, I think we’d better be off,” said Cheryl.

  “We’ll drop you at the tube station,” said Lang.

  “Thank you and say goodbye to Alicia and Freddie. I will miss them.”

  “You’ve been so helpful with the kids, thank you.”

  Lang pecked Cheryl on the cheek. Ten minutes later, Serena stopped their massive car outside Turnham Green Station.

  “See you soon Jonty, hopefully with the removal van at your barn next week.” Serena waved as JJ and Cheryl walked into the station.

  As they drove off Lang mumbled, “I suppose you’ll want a divorce now that I’ve completely messed up our lives and let you down.”

  There was silence for a while, then glancing at Serena he saw her eyes were full of tears. He handed her a hanky as her nose dripped onto the steering wheel.

  “Whatever happens, we’ve got to stay together for the children’s sake. Somehow, we must comfort them as they move home and change schools. You should have told me what was happening from the get-go, so as for us—”

  They were cut off by Alicia and Freddie rushing out of the school gates and hugged Serena. They both burst into chatter about school news. She watched their eager faces vying for attention. Arriving home, they fell into their usual routine of tea, homework, then play.

  “Early bath time for everyone tonight, I’ve got a lot of phoning to do,” called Serena. She laughed as they all chased her upstairs, squealing with delight.

  “Is Daddy coming to read us a story?” asked Freddie, padding around, covered in soap.

  “Not sure,” said Serena. “Why don’t I read you one?” They snuggled round her on the bed. Little Benjie lay on the pillow.

  A few minutes later Lang appeared. “Someone from Rome’s on the phone for you.”

  “Ask them to ring back in ten minutes, thanks.” “They said it’s urgent,” he replied.

  “Alright, you take over the story.”

  Lang hesitantly lay on the bed and soon found himself wrapped in wriggling arms and legs.

  Later in the evening, over supper, Lang told Serena about the estate agent’s visit on Tuesday.

  “Gosh, that’s quick; we haven’t got anywhere else to live yet.” Her voice was anxious and brusque.

  Supper was fairly tense. Neither Serena nor Lang knew how to handle the situation and she was still in shock.

  “I don’t know how we’re going to decide what to keep, or what to pack, or what to sell,” she said sadly.

  “I’ll help with it all, once we’ve found a place in the country. Shall we make a list of all the furniture going into storage at Jonty’s?” said Lang.

  Ignoring this question Serena suddenly announced, “By the way, I may have to go back to Rome—it’s part of the contract, and we certainly need the money now.”

  “When will you know?” Lang said anxiously. “Only someone’s coming to look at the house tomorrow.”

  “I’ll leave you to show them round. I can’t bear the thought of anyone living in our beautiful house,” replied Serena tearfully.

  Maggie popped her head round the door. “Little Benjie’s crying, and there’s an Italian on the phone for you, Miss Serena.”

  “Thanks Maggie. Lang, you go to Benjie please, while I take the call from Rome.”

  Having comforted Benjie, Lang disappeared into his study, praying that he could make it up to Serena—somehow.

  Chapter Thirty One

  Moscow

  Theo’s week with the family came to a tearful end, as Georgie hugged him desperately, begging him not to go away again. Jago clung to his knees and Vivi bravely waved him off in the taxi.

  “I’ll see you in Paris, darling,” Theo called out to her, as the car disappeared from her view.

  Vivi sighed, then brightly suggested, “Let’s go to the park— that’ll make us all smile.” She didn’t want to cry in front of Georgie and Jago.

  Five hours later, Theo arrived in Moscow. Sergei was patiently waiting, eager to see him.

  “I’m dying to get back to the piano. I’ve not had a chance to practice much at home,” said Theo.

  “Well, Maestro, the orchestra is keen to rehearse too.”

  Theo arrived at his familiar and welcoming studio to work on the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto all morning. Murel came in briefly to suggest the orchestra rehearse with him in the afternoon. After lunch, various players gave a cheer as he walked in. Murel was quite strict with Theo during their three-hour session.

  When the rehearsal was over, Sergei walked in as Theo sat at the piano. The Russian lent his tall, lean body over Theo, enthusiastic as ever, and told him how well the rehearsal had gone.

  “Shall we have a meal at our usual restaurant?”

  “Yes, I’m famished.”

  Without thinking Theo wrapped his arm around Sergei’s waist. He watched Sergei carefully who slowly smiled. Theo felt his heart quicken. It felt like the most natural thing in the world to be so close to Sergei.

  “I love working for you,” said Sergei. “And watching you gain confidence in your wonderful playing.”

  En route to the restaurant, Theo glanced at Sergei who was whistling as he walked. There was something about him that just made him feel… good.

  I don’t understand, I’ve never felt like this before, he thought. “Come on Theo,” called Sergei. “I’ll order your favourite pie.”

  Theo walked on, disturbed yet elated, by his feelings.

  Chapter Thirty Two

  Aylesbury

  Jonty and Cheryl found their house unbearably empty after being with the children fulltime. Jonty arranged to meet Bill Thane at his Oving farmhouse that afternoon. Cheryl came too as she didn’t want to listen to the silence of her home.

  Bill was a charming, elderly, rather deaf man with a long beard. The cottage was set in an orchard surrounded by fields and grazing sheep. It had three bedrooms, a kitchen with an Aga and several outhouses.

  “They could be turned into more bedrooms if necessary,” said Jonty.

  “Oh yes, you can do what you like with those old barns,” replied Bill.

  “I think my sister will love the place. I’ll give her a ring and
let you know when she can visit.”

  When they got back to the farm, Jacob was standing by the back door with two dead rabbits.

  “I reckon them poachers ’ave been ’ere again. They must’ve been disturbed. I found these near the oak trees.”

  “You take one home,” Cheryl said.

  Meanwhile Jonty rang Serena to tell her about the cottage. “Could you come tomorrow? It’s very nice. I think it might be just what you need.”

  “Well I could come in the morning with Lang, after I drop the kids at school and get there by midday,” said Serena hesitantly.

  *

  Jonty, Serena, Jago and Bill walked up the hill to see the cottage lit by the afternoon sun. Serena walked in first, followed by Lang, and felt an immediate cosiness. Thankfully it was bigger than she’d expected. The previous tenant had added an extension.

  “We could put the upright piano in here and make it a big playroom,” she said, as her phone rang.

  Meanwhile Bill, Jonty and Jago walked outside.

  “Yes, of course,” she murmured a few moments later while Lang stood looking at her. “But I can’t possibly get a plane until tomorrow evening.” Her husband frowned. “I’ll ring you as soon as I’ve got a flight.”

  She hung up as Lang asked moodily, “You’re off again?”

  “Lang, I have to work. We have no bloody money because of you! I’ve got to work non-stop so we can survive. You’ve left me no alternative. I have to be the earner and you’ll have to help with the kids more. I’m under contract for the Rome job so I must fulfil the work.”

  “What am I going to do about the furniture?”

  “You can surely sit in the van and guide it into Jonty’s barn, can’t you? I’ll be off tomorrow night anyway for about five days. Do you want Jonty and Cheryl to come up? If so, ask them now,” Serena said emphatically.

  Lang remained silent.

  “Come on, let’s have proper a look around,” said Serena and Lang followed behind her, staring at the floor.