by Lotte Moore
“Cheers to Theo!” Jonty said, standing up proudly.
“We’re missing Serena and Beady,” said Lang. “But I know they would have been so proud of you. Congratulations, Maestro, what an achievement.”
Every hotel Vivi had stayed in for a concert seemed to sit alongside a river. The Seine was certainly the most beautiful. She sat with Theo on their balcony for a while without a word, with her head on his chest. Their legs were outstretched on a chair.
“Oh Theo, this is such a memorable night,” she said, before lifting her face up to kiss him.
*
“See you in about a week,” said Theo fondly as he waved his family goodbye. “Just got to sort out Baba’s permanent care and then I’ll be home.”
Sergei suddenly appeared as he walked out of the airport, clearly he had been waiting for Theo’s family to depart.
“The performance was moving indeed, Maestro,” he said. “I think EMI will have been impressed. Shall we go and have lunch?”
“Yes—take me somewhere that you’ve enjoyed. After all, it’s my first time here, and you’re the Paris expert.”
Sergei smiled. “In that case, prepare to be amazed.”
Chapter Forty
Kensington
Vivi returned on Sunday to pick up Georgie. She recounted Theo’s success and described to Serena the beauty of Paris.
“How I’d love to have stayed on a bit with him. I don’t know what or where his next concert will be. He says he’s coming home in a week, thank goodness. How’s work? Is Princes Gate a huge job?”
“Yes, it’s an enormous challenge, and going to take a lot of ingenuity to complete, but I’ve never had such a generous contract. It should keep us going for some months,” said Serena. “Lang came back full of praise for Theo’s concert. Did him good to get away I think.”
“How are things between you?” asked Vivi.
“At least we’re talking to each other now, which is easier,” replied Serena.
“Lucky you. I don’t know what’s going to happen to us,” Vivi said sadly. “I’m wondering if Theo will ever settle in London. Russia seems to have such an attraction for him. The children really need their Daddy around.”
“It must be so difficult for you. Does he ever talk about the future or when he might come back for good?” asked Serena quietly.
“No, he seems to evade the future and it worries me. Family time is so inconsistent. I try to remain calm because he’s an artist, yet a part of him seems so distant. I love him dearly but I’m wondering if there’s something I don’t understand.”
*
Lang picked up the children from school. He was beginning to enjoy ferrying them to and fro. Their vivacity staved off any pangs of depression that haunted him. He even enjoyed putting them to bed since Serena often didn’t return until 8.30pm or later. Then he would sit down for a drink with Serena and he was relieved that they were now talking, albeit leaving many things unsaid.
“Now, two possible offers on the house seem definite. Which are we going to choose? I quite understand you’re reluctant to see it go, but realistically we’ve got to pay back the firm,” Lang said solemnly.
“You decide,” replied Serena quietly.
“Well, the Buchans seem very keen and they’ll willingly pay extra for fixtures and fittings—they love the carpets, and raved about the curtains,” Lang replied.
“Oh God, I wish we didn’t have to go!” said Serena, near tears. Her mobile rang. Serena glanced at the screen for accepting the call. “Hello Gems. Yes, of course, I’ll pop in on the way to work early and sign the papers. Sorry I haven’t seen you for days, but I’m working flat out at Princes Gate. Okay… no problem… speak to you later.” Serena put the phone down.
“I’ll ring the estate agent and tell them we’re definitely accepting the Buchans’ offer then, shall I?” Lang asked.
“Do what you want,” Serena said, storming out of the room.
Chapter Forty One
Aylesbury
Jonty’s plantation was now surrounded by wire fencing to keep the deer and rabbits out. They’d previously done a lot of damage, nibbling the bark of the young saplings.
Cheryl’s riding school had suffered a dramatic happening when someone deliberately opened the stable doors and two ponies had bolted. She, Jonty and Jacob searched all morning for them, and found one had fallen in a ditch while the other had vanished.
Cheryl rang the police to alert them and Jonty did his best to comfort her.
“It’s such a terrible thing to do to our children’s stable. How can people be so destructive?” she sobbed.
“Oh Cherry Berry.” Jonty wrapped his arms round her. “We’ll get another pony from Jacob’s friend.”
“That’s not the point, Jonty,” Cheryl said, wiping her tears with her jumper.
“Look the police are here.”
The two policeman looked solemn when they saw how distressed Cheryl was.
“We think it’s a group of two or three youths who’ve caused havoc on several farms. One pony got trapped in a cattle grid and broke a leg. The vet had to shoot it.”
Cheryl gasped. “How dreadful”
“I suggest you put padlocks on all stable doors now,” suggested the police officer.
“Living in the country used to be so peaceful and safe, now we’re all being threatened,” said Jonty sadly.
“It’s our empty-headed local lads, got nothing to do but destroy anything they can,” stated the police officer. “We’ve got to go too Tentram Farm where a whole lot of pigs have been set loose.”
“Thanks for coming,” said Cheryl. Once the policeman had left she focused on the task ahead of her. “The children will be coming soon.”
“I’ll ring Jacob’s friend to see if he can lend us an extra pony. You could choose one this afternoon,” said Jonty.
“Thank you,” she replied.
A few hours later they arrived at a large paddock full of various ponies. Cheryl looked around trying to find a docile one suitable for the children. A small head nuzzled under her arm.
“This is the one,” she said to Jonty. She smiled as she stroked his head.
Chapter Forty Two
Paris
Theo was amazed and overawed by Paris. He felt guilty for letting Vivi believe he was going back to Russia to look after Baba rather than staying in Paris for a break with Sergei, who had taken him to many vibrant places. He knew he shouldn’t have lied, but he knew there was no way she would have approved of him not coming home with them unless he had a good reason to stay away longer.
The Louvre was full of wonderful paintings. They walked slowly together absorbing each gallery, sometimes just looking, sometimes discussing their feelings about the work. It was a new dimension to his emotions because he’d never really looked at paintings like that before.
Sergei took him to the gallery café where they enjoyed a coffee and croissant, chatting non-stop. Later, they drove round the Arc de Triomphe and down some beautiful tree lined boulevards.
“I must go back home soon to see Vivi and the children. When will we hear about the EMI recording, do you think?” asked Theo, the guilt becoming almost too much.
“Maybe in about a week.”
“Now, the other big question I have is, will my mother be alright left with the present carer? It seems she’s getting stronger, but you never know if she might have a relapse.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll look after her like I nurture you.” Sergei smiled. “How long do you intend to be in London?”
“At least two weeks. After all, we’ve not got anything to work on at present,” said Theo.
“Our next engagement will hopefully be at the Festival Hall,” said Sergei. “I shall miss you a lot.” Theo blushed. “Will you miss me?” Sergei asked tentatively.
Theo nodded, then sighed. “I do feel close to you… but I just don’t know what to do about it or how I should feel.”
Chapter Forty Three
Kensingto
n
Lang had received a letter from his firm in the City. The lawyers were demanding payment immediately for his outstanding debt, so that no further action need be taken. He shuddered as he read the letter and rang his lawyer straightaway, who suggested he send an e-mail stating the sale of his house was almost complete and the surplus equity would be sent within a month.
He went to the school gates to pick up the children filled with anxiety.
“Daddy, Daddy, why are you so late picking us up? I start ballet in ten minutes,” said Alicia crossly.
“And it’s my first time at judo. I can’t be late,” exclaimed Freddie.
“I’m sorry, it was bad traffic,” muttered Lang. “Have you got your ballet things with you?”
“Yes, of course, Daddy. Hurry up! I can’t be late and remember, both classes are at Kensington Town Hall.”
Lang delivered the children to their after school clubs, parked the car and waited. Even with the sale proceeds there still might not be enough money to pay the debt after deducting the mortgage.
Where on earth was I going to get the rest of the money to complete the amount owing?
“Daddy, are you asleep?” asked Freddie, hammering on the window an hour later.
“Where’s Alicia?”
“She’s talking to her ballet friends. I’ll go and tell her you’re waiting.” Freddie ran off.
“One of the girls pushed Olivia over when she was trying to do her arabesque, so I had to comfort her,” said Alicia when she finally got to the car, with her brother behind her.
When they reached home, both children rushed into the kitchen.
“Ah, there you are!” said Maggie. “Sit down quickly. The pasta is ready and Benjie has finished his.”
Lang went straight to his study to contemplate his problems but he was disturbed a short while later by his children. It was homework time. Freddie always needed help with his maths. Benjie sat on his father’s lap while Lang read out the questions for the Maths test. Alicia was practising the piano as Serena appeared.
“Hello, Mummy! You’re nice and early.” Alicia hugged her. “Where’s Daddy?” Serena asked.
“Doing Freddie’s homework.”
“You’re home early,” said Lang, entering the room.
“Yes, I’ve got a migraine, I need to lie down,” she said quietly, very reassured to see how well everything was going in her absence.
A few hours later Lang walked into the darkened bedroom to see how Serena was.
“Would you like a cup of tea or iced juice, darling?” he asked tenderly.
“Yes, I’d love a cup of Darjeeling, thanks.” As he returned with the tea she said, “Do draw the curtains, my head’s a bit better now. Children all in bed?”
Lang nodded, then sat on the bed and asked how her work was going.
“It’s an enormous project but somehow I’ll complete it.”
Lang then recounted the demand from his firm and what his lawyer had suggested about the imminent house sale.
Serena could see how upset he was and played down the urgency. “There’s plenty of time. We’re lucky to have had an offer so quickly. Beady phoned to say she’d put her house up for sale and will help us out over the excess money needed to pay back the firm.”
“That’s very generous of her, especially as I know how disgusted she must be with me,” said Lang feeling a massive surge of relief after all his worrying. “As soon as the Buchans have signed the contract, we can organise a removal van to collect the furniture for Jonty’s barn.”
Chapter Forty Four
Chiswick
“Daddy’s coming home today,” Vivi announced, as the children jumped up and down excitedly. “Shall we go and meet him?”
“Yes, yes!” Georgie yelled.
It was a beautiful June morning with hardly any Sunday traffic. At Heathrow airport, Jago was very excited to see all the planes. Georgie was amazed at the Duty Free. Suddenly, Theo’s blond head appeared in a crowd coming through the exit doors of the Arrivals lounge.
Georgie rushed up to him. “Daddy, Daddy!” she shouted, followed by Jago pushing his way through lots of legs. Vivi embraced him.
“What a lovely surprise,” he said, grinning as he lifted Jago up into his arms.
The journey home was full of laughter.
“It’s so good to be back,” he said, putting an arm round Vivi as she half turned from the wheel to kiss him.
Lunch in the garden was a huge plate of vegetables and aioli dressing which Bella had lovingly prepared for them all.
“Good to see you home, Mr Theo,” Bella said.
Ah, this is how it should always be, thought Vivi.
Everyone settled back into a warm family routine.
“It’ll soon be holiday time. Shall we go to Cornwall, France or maybe Madeira to see Mum?” asked Vivi.
“Let’s go to Madeira for some sun and sea,” said Theo. “It’ll be the last time I guess seeing as it’s up for sale.”
“I can take ten days off from work.”
“I shall miss my piano but never mind,” said Theo. “Georgie you must play your piece to me.”
All thoughts of Sergei were at the back of his mind.
Chapter Forty Five
Kensington
The children had cupcakes in a tent pitched in the garden, while the adults chatted over Lapsang Suchong and scones. Vivi announced the holiday arrangements and Serena wished she could join them, but work came first.
“Why don’t you go over with the kids, Lang? It would be such fun. Mum would love it,” suggested Serena.
“Well, err, I’m not sure I can leave selling the house at present. It depends on the dates,” he murmured. “Let’s see if the Buchans can pay cash since they urgently want to complete. If it all goes smoothly, though, then we might be able to go.”
“Shall we ring Beady and see if she likes the idea of a family invasion?” suggested Vivi.
Of course, she was thrilled to hear her daughter’s voice, and excited to learn of their visit.
“I’ve had one offer already for the house. Being near the sea makes it popular. I had an excellent sale last week of pictures and garden furniture. I made £4,000!”
“Jolly good, Mum. You’re doing well,” said Vivi.
Serena then related the latest news of their house sale but hadn’t got very far before there was a wail from Freddie as he limped in with blood oozing from one knee.
“What have you done?” she exclaimed, scooping him up.
“Mummy, I fell on the rockery being chased by Georgie who was a lion about to eat me,” he sobbed.
Chapter Forty Six
Chiswick
Vivi enjoyed having Theo at home for a week. While she worked most mornings, he practiced for a few hours, then they’d have pleasant lunches in the garden with Jago before collecting Georgie from school.
Theo loved being with her. Somehow the child’s enthusiasm refreshed him. On Friday evening he took her to Britten’s ‘A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.’ Georgie was enthralled and seemed to understand all the instruments in their different moods.
The following week, Georgie’s school invited him to give a master class for the senior pianists. It was a very popular event. Georgie was so proud of her father that she sat spellbound, watching every movement or direction Theo gave to the pupils. At that very moment she decided she wanted to be a pianist herself.
That same evening Vivi decided it was time to do a pregnancy test. She had been feeling off colour for a few days, and it was only when she checked the calendar that she realised she could be pregnant. The little blue line confirmed her suspicions had been correct, but unlike the previous occasions, something stopped her from rushing to tell Theo. Would it affect their present relationship? How would I manage with him away all the time?
She rang Serena to ask for advice.
“Wonderful news,” said Serena. “That will keep him home more, instead of going to Russia all the time.�
��
Vivi wasn’t sure it was quite as simple as all that.
A few days later, enjoying a quiet moment together in the garden on a warm June evening, Vivi felt an overwhelming warmth running through her and the news burst out.
“Theo, I’m carrying your baby,” she whispered.
There was silence, then Theo beamed. “How wonderful. I never thought we’d have a third. I wonder if it will be a cellist instead of a pianist.”
“It’s so good having you here for a longer time,” enthused Vivi. “It’s so important for the children.”
“Yes, being here with the children is really invigorating. Georgie’s so full of exciting ideas. I’d like her to start violin lessons, or flute, to expand her musicality,” said Theo.
“And what about little Jago? Shall he start the recorder or the trumpet?”
“We’ll be able to have trios when the new one arrives!” Theo said, kissing her.
*
Theo took Georgie to school and met Lang at the school gates.
“I’m going to be a father again,” he announced.
“Wow! That’ll be busy for you!” said Lang.
Just as Theo was driving off, his mobile rang. “Sergei, how are you? What? EMI wants to start recording in how many weeks? Will Murel be conducting? That’s great news! Speaking of which, I’m going to become a father again.”
“Oh,” said Sergei, then there was silence.
“How’s Baba doing?” Theo eventually asked hoping to change the subject and lighten the mood.
“She’s still rather fragile but loves her carer. There’s always great laughter when I pop in to see her,” replied Sergei. “I must go; I’ve got to speak to Murel. Bye.”
Theo was disturbed. He knew Sergei wouldn’t be too happy about the baby, but he could have at least said congratulations.
Home was life without the piano, without the pressure. Here he was needed and loved. Yet, he also relied on Sergei for so much in his professional life. Where did his priorities lie? There was a severe conflict between his family and the Russian. Each intruded on the other’s emotions—neither belonged together.
