In The Fast Lane

by Lotte Moore

  They drove back to the farm to discuss the cottage and Serena’s job. “Well, at least Jonty’s coming up to help me,” said Lang despondently.

  “You shouldn’t need anyone. You ought to be able to cope with your own children,” Serena retorted.

  “You have Maggie,” Lang shot back and Serena shot him a hard stare.

  “Well, because of you, I won’t have her anymore.” She crossed her arms. “Whether we like it or not, we’re taking the cottage, so we have to make a list of what’s going into storage.”

  *

  Serena awoke the next morning to a call saying that the evening flight to Rome was cancelled. She groaned loudly. She needed to get some space away from Lang.

  Chapter Thirty Three

  Chiswick

  “You look furious! What’s happened?” asked Vivi, when Serena arrived at her door with a tear-stained face.

  “You can’t go on blaming him forever,” Vivi said twenty minutes later after Serena had vented her frustrations. “His weakness drove him, and the shock has devastated you, but Sis, somehow you’ve got to ride the storm. It’s no use being angry with each other. You’ve got to try and build a new life for the children’s sake. Pick up the pieces. You’re a creator—come on.”

  After a few sobs Serena hugged Vivi. “Yes, yes, you’re right, but I wish I was calm like you.”

  Vivi chuckled. “Well, let’s face it, you never will be. You’ll always be running in the fast lane. That’s what your talent is. Let’s go out for a coffee in the park, it’s such a lovely morning and the fresh air will be good for you.”

  Chapter Thirty Four

  Kensington

  Lang opened the door to a beaming middle-aged lady dressed in yellow and a short man in a city suit standing behind her. After a short conversation, Lang showed them all over the spotlessly clean house (Maggie had been up at 6am polishing and tidying everywhere). The couple loved its long elegant sitting room, and the master bedroom, upstairs.

  “The garden is simply divine—it’s got such character. I love that big oak tree,” said the lady.

  “My children play hide and seek there,” said Lang.

  “We don’t have children. Only dogs and my elderly mother,” said the man.

  “Quite a convenient area for shops and for you to get to Mansion House,” said the lady in yellow.

  Lang cringed. Later that morning, he showed three more couples round the house. It got easier each time as he answered the same questions.

  Serena came back at midday. They had a brief lunch with Jonty who’d arrived to help out before Serena left a few hours later for a rescheduled afternoon flight.

  Lang had received a summons to the Financial Conduct Authority, which filled him with anxiety, but the next few days with Jonty lifted his spirits. Alicia and Freddie played up a bit, and Benjie missed Serena a lot, but Jonty always managed to get everyone laughing. The day before Serena’s return, Jonty was left to do school runs and homework. He loved it.

  On Friday, Lang was so terrified that he was incapable of seeing the kids, so he left early for his meeting in the City. Sitting on the crowded tube he realised what an outsider he’d become, no longer belonging to the business world and saddened by the chaos of the commute. He was deeply upset and incredibly alone.

  As he walked towards the tall imposing building, he became so agitated he had to stand still for a moment, while a choking sensation rose in his throat.

  Suddenly a hand patted his back. “Morning, dear boy! How nice to see you.”

  Lang turned to see an old friend. “Hello Adrian.”

  They exchanged small talk for a minute, then Adrian said, “Must dash. I’ve got a meeting at 10.30, but let’s meet for a drink sometime.” He touched his friend’s elbow and disappeared.

  The interview was merciless and lasted about an hour. Lang left the room wrung out and dejected.

  “Christ, I hope this doesn’t lead to a gigantic fine,” he muttered to himself, striding towards the lifts.

  He limped home, relieved that Serena wasn’t there to interrogate him. As he came through the front door, he could hear screams of delight in the garden, and found Jonty crawling round on all fours pretending to be Nana, the dog in Peter Pan, while Alicia and Freddie swung from a tree pretending to fly. Lang fell into the study and wept.

  After a couple of minutes Maggie knocked on the door. “Mr Jonty wondered, would you like to come and see the children while they have lunch?” she asked tentatively.

  “Yes, of course.” Lang put on a smile and ambled into the kitchen, where Freddie was standing on a chair, blowing through an empty loo roll while Alicia banged a saucepan lid and Jonty clicked two spoons together.

  “Here’s Daddy—now play him our tune.”

  It was riotous and ridiculous and it made Lang laugh. He felt like he hadn’t laughed properly for months.

  They’d all eaten shepherd’s pie and were ready for Maggie’s surprise pancakes. Each one flew onto a plate. Maggie juggled two, calling Lang to put his hands out. He caught them both.

  “Oh Daddy, you are clever,” said Alicia, rushing up to hug him, making Lang beam.

  After the meal, Lang and Jonty sat down to discuss the most difficult morning in Lang’s life. As always Jonty had an amazing capacity for listening and did his utmost to comfort his brother-in-law.

  “Well, it’ll certainly be the start of a new life for you both, living in the country,” he said. “Days will drift, not rush, by. It will be good for Cheryl and me to have you living so near.”

  Lang welcomed those cheerful thoughts, but what about Serena? She never sits still and is happiest on the go. Will she be happy in the country?

  Chapter Thirty Five

  Moscow

  Murel was waiting patiently as Theo entered the rehearsal room. “We’ll be starting with the last movement, then doing a complete run-through,” the conductor announced.

  The rehearsal was vigorous, with constant stops so that Murel could improve phrasing and tempi. Theo was exhausted as the final climax ended with his fingers racing across the keys. Sergei took him back to Baba’s house to rest.

  “I’ll pick you up at 7pm for the cinema,” he said.

  As Theo walked into the sitting room, Baba was lying on the floor.

  “Oh Mama, what’s the matter?” he exclaimed in Russian.

  “I just collapsed. I can’t get up,” she whispered. Theo bent down tenderly and lifted her onto the sofa. “Oh the pain,” she cried.

  “I’ll call the doctor.”

  He came an hour later and diagnosed a possible stroke. Theo rang Sergei to cancel the film and instead spent several hours in the central hospital where it was discovered that Baba had indeed suffered a small stroke and needed to be kept in for a few days.

  Theo was distraught about his mother and would not go out anywhere, despite Sergei’s suggestions. He even cancelled two rehearsals. Murel urged him back, due to the upcoming visit to Paris. Sergei had arranged for his cousin to take care of Baba at home while Theo was working. She was an ex-nurse and very caring.

  Even though it gave Theo some comfort that Baba was in safe hands, he’d hoped to get home before Paris, and now it was completely impossible. He needed to see his wife. Vivi helped him sort out the muddle of feelings he had whenever Sergei was around.

  Chapter Thirty Six

  Kensington

  Serena arrived home in a flurry, having successfully completed her designs in Rome. The Count wanted her back in a month’s time. At the office, Gems had coped with various requests for Serena’s consultations.

  “Phew, life’s really getting hectic. I see the Qatar Embassy wants me to do the top floor, and what about the Russian millionaire in Princes Gate wanting a new banqueting room designed?” exclaimed Serena.

  “I know. How’s home?” asked Gems.

  “What’s left of it,” muttered Serena. “The house… oh, my lovely house is being looked over by people I don’t know—it’s a vile feelin
g. I won’t show them round. I can’t bear it, so I make Lang do that. I resent what he’s done to us—it’s unforgivable. To think one’s husband can cheat like that, it’s chilling.”

  “Perhaps he wanted to make more money for you and it just went wrong,” said Gems quietly.

  “It bloody well did! What on earth are we going to be like in the country? Anyway, I’m absolutely going to commute, even stay overnight when necessary,” Serena said bitterly.

  “What shall we say to the Qatari Embassy? Could you start next week? Or would you rather contact the Russian millionaire?” asked Gems.

  “I think it would be interesting to work at Princes Gate. Get me the number and I’ll speak to Mr Orlensky.”

  Serena spoke at length to her potential new client and was immediately challenged by the oligarch’s requests. She arranged to meet him the next day at Princes Gate. He suggested a fee which was double anything she’d ever earned before.

  Returning home to bedlam, Serena relaxed as she watched Jonty swinging from a branch dressed in a rug pretending to be Mowgli, while Alicia and Freddie rolled on the grass. They stopped their game and rushed up to Serena, welcoming her with hugs of delight.

  Lang wandered into the kitchen surprised to see her. “Hello, Fig Tree.” He put an arm round to hug her.

  “Hello,” said Serena stiffly and Lang moved his arm away.

  “Can we finalise the list of furniture going to Jonty’s barn next week?” Lang asked.

  “Well, the only problem is showing people round the house. If half the furniture has gone, the place won’t look good. Let’s postpone the removal van until next month,” Serena suggested.

  “All right, but we’d better decide on the list tonight before you go away again.”

  They had an amiable drink and went through every room in the house. Serena couldn’t bear to sell anything so at least half would have to be stored. The smaller items would go to the cottage.

  “I’ve got a fantastic new job at Princes Gate with a Russian millionaire called Mr Orlensky, so I’m not going away for a bit,” said Serena enthusiastically.

  “Oh good, but you won’t be here much either, so I’d better carry on doing the school runs, hadn’t I?”

  “Yes, of course, because they’re sending a car to pick me up every morning and I won’t be back until late. This is a big contract, Lang, I’ve never had such an offer,” Serena said excitedly.

  “I’m glad for you,” said Lang truthfully.

  “It’s for us, for our survival.”

  “Yes, I realise. I do realise it’s all my fault,” Lang said sharply.

  “Excuse me, Miss Serena. Freddie’s calling for you,” Maggie said anxiously.

  “Poor boy, he’s having such nightmares lately,” said Serena, hurriedly going up to comfort him.

  Chapter Thirty Seven

  Aylesbury

  Jonty returned home from Kensington exhausted. He recounted all his adventures to Cheryl and Beady who were greatly amused at his imagination with Alicia and Freddie.

  “I knew they were missing Serena, so I had to entertain them. Lang’s not in a good state either.”

  Beady asked various questions about his firm and how much money Lang owed. “Might there be a big court case? Or could he even go to prison for fraud?” she asked.

  “No, I don’t think so, but every penny from the house which doesn’t go towards paying off the mortgage must go to the firm. Then somehow he must pay back the deficit,” explained Jonty.

  “Poor Serena. She’s having to work so hard now,” said Beady, she waited a beat. “I was thinking about Madeira. I’m wondering whether to move back to England. Vivi’s offered to build a flat at the end of her garden but she would need to discuss with Theo once he is back. I must admit I do feel lonely out there sometimes.”

  “Well, that sounds like a splendid idea if you really want to leave Madeira, Mum. We’d all see so much more of you,” Jonty said.

  “I was thinking about the money from selling the house. I’d want to give all three of you a share, but maybe slightly more to help Serena,” said Beady.

  “That’s a fantastic idea. You must suggest it to them now, it’ll certainly alleviate some of their anxiety. Do you want to ring tonight when Serena gets back from work?” suggested Jonty.

  After supper, Jonty rang Serena asking how the Princes Gate job was, then passed the phone to Beady, who suggested selling her Madeira house. “Some of the money would help your dreadful situation, darling.”

  “Are you sure? Goodness, that would be marvellous because the sale of our house won’t be enough to pay back the wretched debt. Thanks Mum! What a fantastic offer. It would be lovely to have you back, especially living at Vivi’s too,” Serena said happily.

  “Well, I’d better return to Madeira and put the house up for sale now, hadn’t I?” Beady chuckled.

  Chapter Thirty Eight

  Moscow

  Baba was recovering well. The young nurse had been encouraging her to walk and do special exercises. Theo was working all hours to perfect Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1. He felt more nervous than usual about this piece, and Murel sensed it.

  “Come on Theo. Push yourself. You can play this so well. Where’s your spirit gone?” he asked gently.

  “I just don’t know. I can’t get into it.” Theo sighed. “Let’s sit down quietly together and go through each part in turn.”

  They spent a whole day in the studio, playing through each movement. No one was allowed to disturb them. After several hours, Theo gained confidence and began to play with greater enthusiasm.

  A massive problem for Theo was that Murel would not be conducting in Paris. He was frightened of the artistic interpretation being different with another conductor, Gilberte.

  That night, Vivi rang up for a chat and soothed his anxiety (as she always did) and suggested that Beady come back to London and live with them in a garden flat. Theo had always liked his mother in law so had no issues with it.

  “We’re so excited to come to Paris!”

  “I can’t wait for you see hear my performance. Is Serena going to come? Will she have time with this contract?” asked Theo.

  “She’s working Saturdays on this particular job, but I’ll see if she can get the time off,” said Vivi. “Georgie’s composed a piece for the piano called ‘Happy Daddy’s Day.’ It’s being played in school assembly. We’ll make a recording of it.”

  “How exciting, I knew she was musical like me. Give her a good luck hug.”

  “I will. How’s Baba now?” Vivi asked.

  “Much better. The nurse caring for her is wonderful—she’ll come and live here while I’m in Paris. She’s a cousin of Sergei’s, actually. If all goes according to plan I hope to come home after Paris for a while.”

  “Oh good, I hope it’s for a nice long time,” said Vivi.

  *

  The next morning Sergei bounded into the studio. “Great news! EMI are definitely going to be at the Paris concert. You’ll show them, Maestro.”

  “That’s wonderful news, even though I’m rather nervous of practicing with the new orchestra and Gilberte. I’ve been so spoilt with dear Murel.”

  “If all goes well EMI might offer you a London recording soon after the Festival Hall,” said Sergei.

  “Wow! That would be amazing.” Theo opened his arms and hugged Sergei.

  Chapter Thirty Nine

  Paris

  After a hectic week, Theo and Sergei arrived in Paris. Sergei had booked four rooms at the Hotel d’Angleterre where Theo would meet his family later that Saturday afternoon.

  After lunch, Theo met Gilberte at the Salle Pleyel. The rehearsal started nervously, but during the second movement there was a mutual surge between the piano and a thrilling finale. Theo inwardly exploded. The whole orchestra stood up.

  Walking back to the hotel along the Champs Elysée, Sergei pulled Theo round to face him.

  “That was fantastic, I’m so proud of you.”
/>   Theo grabbed him round the waist, holding him close.

  “My God, we make a fabulous combination, don’t we?”

  They walked with linked arms back to the hotel along the Seine.

  Vivi, Jonty, Cheryl and Lang arrived at the hotel in the early evening and met Theo after he’d had a rest.

  “What a pity Beady isn’t here too. Serena couldn’t make it because she’s working late,” said Jonty.

  “It’s lovely to see you all.” Theo said, hugging them one by one. “I have to go in about ten minutes for a run through and to do some press interviews, so we’ll meet up again after the concert. Sergei’s arranged dinner at a lovely restaurant by the Seine.”

  The Salle Pleyel was buzzing as Theo walked into his dressing room. Vivi had brought a tiny framed photo of Georgie and Jago.

  “Good luck, my darling.” She kissed him tenderly. As she was leaving, a photographer came in.

  “Just a quick photo of you both,” he said.

  “Oh, me too?” said Vivi surprised, putting an arm proudly round Theo’s shoulder.

  Gilberte walked onto the podium followed by Theo, to a round of applause. Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 rang out through the beautiful concert hall. Vivi and the family were sitting in the second-row stalls spellbound by Theo’s performance. Gilberte was sensitive to Theo’s interpretation and the orchestra rose to the occasion, which was greeted at the end by thunderous applause.

  After the performance, Theo and Vivi sat at the centre of a big table adorned by flowers with Lang on one side and Jonty and Cheryl on the other.

  Sergei had organised a wonderful feast but was not present. He wanted to give Theo space with his family, although Theo wished Sergei could have been there.

  All the family glowed together in response to an extraordinary, overwhelming evening of seeing their Theo perform. The maître d’hôtel presented him with a large bottle of Bollinger.