by Lotte Moore
Theo drove home slowly and was welcomed by the sight of Jago hosing the front garden under Bella’s supervision. He turned the spray to face his father.
“Daddy! Shall I water you?” yelled the little boy.
Theo laughed. “Come on you rascal. Let’s get the train set out.”
A few minutes later, Theo lay on the floor with trains puffing round him—his mind miles away in Moscow.
At lunchtime, Vivi walked in looking quite beautiful. “One of my clients has offered us tickets for the Barbican tonight, Shostakovich and Prokofiev. Shall we go?”
“Oh yes, that would be interesting to hear,” replied Theo. “By the way, EMI have asked me to do a recording in two weeks’ time. It’s very exciting, but it means I must practice every morning and go to rehearsals next week. We’re doing the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No.3 and some Chopin sonatas. Sergei has organised it all and will come here to oversee proceedings. He’ll stay in a hotel near the EMI studios,” said Theo excitedly.
“He’s a busy man, does he have to come to London, too?” inquired Vivi.
“Yes, I’m his number one client. Plus, he keeps me calm. I couldn’t possibly perform without him,” replied Theo.
“Couldn’t you?” asked Vivi.
“No I can’t.” Theo walked into the garden wishing to end the conversation before it got too intense.
*
Simon Rattle was conducting at the Barbican, which was packed. For once Theo was in the audience, which gave him such a different perception of the pianist’s performance. It was obviously difficult not to be critical of the Shostakovich concerto he knew so well, but he was most impressed by the orchestra’s interpretation, especially of the second movement.
Later they had supper overlooking the Thames where Theo met various fellow musicians. Vivi loved every moment of the evening and was pleased to see him integrating socially with the London concert scene—wishing Russia could be forgotten.
Chapter Forty Seven
Aylesbury
Cheryl’s riding school was holding a summer fête to raise money for new equipment. Each child showed off their skills in front of a huge crowd who cheered them on. There were tables full of homemade produce from Cheryl’s shop and local farmers sold some of their fruit and vegetables, bread and cakes.
The Mayor of Aylesbury gave prizes to the ‘best rider’ and the ‘cleverest pony.’ Jonty was so proud of Cheryl’s organisation. They raised nearly £3,000 towards the new riding school. The Mayor was most impressed and donated a personal cheque to round off the total.
Cheryl also got a huge regular order for produce from a local stately home, so it was a very successful day indeed for her. Jonty noticed that the new pony had settled in nicely and was trotting around happily.
When they’d cleared up, Jonty took Cheryl to his Land Rover. “I’m going to show you a charming place where we can peacefully enjoy a little supper,” Jonty said. “My Cherry Berry has worked so hard.”
He drove alongside a canal and parked outside The Barge Restaurant in Aylesbury. The garden had lots of tables beneath some amazing hanging baskets. Jonty had pre-booked a table right on the edge of the canal.
“This is enchanting,” said Cheryl, looking around in awe. “What a lovely surprise.”
Over supper, Jonty asked Cheryl if she’d like to spend a week with Beady and the others on holiday in Madeira.
“Of course, if I can leave the stables with reliable help. What about your plantation though? Can Jacob cope on his own?”
“I don’t see why not.” Jonty shrugged. “It would be nice for all of us to be there since she’s selling it soon.”
“Okay then, let’s go. I need a rest,” she admitted suddenly feeling tired from her chaotic day.
Chapter Forty Eight
Kensington
A removal van was booked for 10am the following Friday to take the first lot of furniture down to Jonty’s barn. Serena had told Lang what should go but could not bear to be there when the van came.
Her Princes Gate job had become increasingly hectic. She had an army of people making curtains and covering walls with rich brocade. The ceiling had a beautiful velvet canopy with two chandeliers on either side.
The Russian, Mr Orlensky, was a perfectionist and came in every few days to see what progress had been made.
A London interior design magazine had written an article on Serena and she had even started working Saturdays, which was having a negative effect on her and the children, especially Freddie, who refused to go to bed until Mummy came home.
Alicia had a busy social life to distract but moaned to Lang, “Mummy isn’t a mummy any more, she seems to like making curtains more than looking after us.”
Lang realised he had been left to deal with family life entirely because of Serena’s work and questioned whether this was some form of punishment dished out by Serena to make him realise how hard juggling work and family commitments could be.
Before he lost his job, Lang really had left the majority of the parenting duties to Serena during the working week, even though she too had a job—although it wasn’t quite so full on as it had become.
Sometimes, the anxiety over his debt and meeting the children’s demands was almost too much to cope with, but guilt forced him to give as much time as possible to the children. In a curious way their love eased his sense of trauma and seeing them happy in his company certainly wasn’t punishment—it was a privilege.
Nevertheless, he missed being close to Serena and the major breadwinner. There was never time together any more, let alone chats, as she just fell asleep when she finally got to bed.
How our roles have changed, all because of my stupidity, he thought sadly to himself.
Chapter Forty Nine
Chiswick
Theo’s family time came to an abrupt end with four hours’ practise every morning at home then meeting the orchestra at a stuffy rehearsal hall in preparation for the EMI recording session.
Sergei had arrived earlier in the week to ensure the orchestra was settled in and that Theo had his schedule organised.
They met on Monday evening in his hotel room, greeting each other with a warm hug. Sergei lifted his face towards Theo as if to kiss him but Theo drew back at the last second. “I’ve missed you dreadfully. I can’t go on hiding my feelings any more. I love you Theo,” whispered Sergei, sitting down beside him on the sofa.
Theo’s guts tightened. He froze for a moment, before saying cautiously, “I’ve always known I meant a lot to you professionally.”
Sergei stroked his client’s long fingers and nodded. “But it’s not just that,” he murmured.
“I know,” whispered Theo. “I do understand as I have strong feelings for you too. It’s complicated though. Vivi’s carrying our third child. God, I’m so confused. This has never happened to me with another man before and—”
His mobile rang. Vivi’s name flashed on the screen and he silently gave a prayer of thanks as he answered it. He didn’t know what he wanted and talking about it only made him feel more troubled.
“Hello darling,” Theo said cheerfully, and Sergei stood up and walked out of the hotel room.
*
Theo arrived home subdued and emotionally taut.
“What’s the matter?” Vivi asked. “You seem exhausted.”
“Oh, it’s nothing, I’m just worried about the recording session,” he replied distractedly.
“Life has been so happy recently. You’ve been home more often, there’s not been too much pressure. Now it’s all starting again. Why?” asked Vivi tenderly.
“I don’t want to talk right now,” replied Theo abruptly.
“Theo!” Vivi exclaimed.
“I’m sorry,” Theo said, rubbing his forehead. “I just need to rest.”
He hurried up the stairs before Vivi could respond.
Chapter Fifty
Notting Hill
Serena dashed into her office. “Hi Gems. Sorry I haven’t ha
d a moment to pop in before. How are things?”
“Quite busy. You’ve got more enquiries since your article was mentioned on TV,” Gemma said excitedly.
“Oh that’s amazing! But I’m having problems finding a suitable carpet for Princes Gate.”
“What about those Persian shops in Piccadilly? They’re very exotic,” suggested Gems.
“Yes, yes, of course. You are clever. I’ll dash there now. I’ve given you a bonus in your monthly cheque by the way. You work bloody hard all alone here. I do appreciate it,” said Serena.
“Oh, thank you. By the way, how’s home? Is Lang coping with the kids and house sale?”
“Yes, he is actually. Wish I could say the same. I get back so late sometimes, and find the children sitting on the stairs waiting for me, refusing Lang’s attempts to take them up to bed. I explain to them I have to work hard, but they say why can’t Daddy do it?’” Serena said sadly.
“It must be very difficult trying to make them understand,” said Gems.
“Yes, it’s all a great strain at present. Anyway, I’ll dash off to Piccadilly. Get me a taxi please,” said Serena hurriedly.
Chapter Fifty One
Kensington
The following Friday, Lang was still relaxing after the school run with a cup of coffee when the removal van arrived earlier than planned. The men carried out various items of furniture covered in cloths to transport to the countryside. Lang felt the inevitable remorse coming over him again, especially when he saw his desk and a large box of books being loaded.
He decided to go with the van, meeting Jonty and Cheryl outside the barn. It was huge, empty and, thankfully, watertight. As he watched the removers unload the furniture, Cheryl gave him a mug of tea while he expressed his anxiety over talking to the children about the move. He’d have to explain why his desk and so many other things had vanished.
“Yes, it’s a difficult event for kids to understand. They don’t like change. Perhaps you could get them a pony to ride when you move down?”
“That’s a great idea, Cheryl. They both love riding. This is only the first removal load, Jonty. There’ll be another next week if that’s alright?”
“Yes, that’s fine, Lang. I’ll see you whenever you arrange it,” said Jonty.
Lang got back to Kensington just in time to collect the children from school. Alicia was full of excitement having been chosen to lead the end of term gym display, and Freddie was in a relay race, which he wanted to practice with his sister and Lang after tea.
The phone rang as they came through the front door. Freddie rushed into Lang’s study, too excited to question why the phone was on the floor instead of on Daddy’s desk. He hoped it was his mum.
“Hello Mummy, I’m in the relay race! When are you coming home to join in?” he asked eagerly.
“Oh, darling, I can’t come back yet. Is Daddy there?” she asked, and Freddy hollered for his dad.
“Hi love.”
“Hello Lang, I just wondered how the removal went?”
“Well, except that it seems very empty in my study without the desk and books,” he said rather quietly.
Freddie, who was still listening, interrupted, “Where’s your desk gone, Daddy?”
“Not now, Freddie, I’m on the phone.” Lang waited until he had gone, then said, “We’ll have to tell them about what’s happening soon, now the furniture is disappearing.”
“Yes, let’s take them for a picnic on Sunday, or even better, go down to Oving and show them the barn,” suggested Serena. “That’s an excellent idea but how do I explain where my desk has gone? What on earth shall I say to him?”
“Tell him its gone to be mended. Must dash. See you tonight.” Serena rang off abruptly.
After tea Lang and Maggie joined Freddie and Alicia in a relay race round the garden, and Lang told them his desk was being fixed—a story they accepted with ease before continuing their games.
Chapter Fifty Two
Oving
Sunday arrived amid great excitement.
“We’re off to have a picnic!” squealed Alicia.
“We might pop in and see Uncle Jonty and Auntie Cheryl too,” Serena said and the kids cheered.
They all sang songs in the car, arriving at the Oving farm mid-morning. Lang got out the picnic basket and blankets and walked into a nearby field.
“Look at those little lambs!” Freddie laughed.
“Come on kids, come and have some orange juice,” said Serena. She waited until they were sitting down, then said, “Now, we’ve got a surprise for you. We’re all going to move to a little cottage just over there.”
“What do you mean, move?” asked Freddie.
“We’re going to live in the country, and we might get a pony,” said Lang.
Alicia burst into tears. “Move from London and my school? We can’t!”
Serena cuddled her daughter. There was a loud toot as a Land Rover drew up. Jonty and Cheryl got out.
“Well timed,” muttered Lang thankfully.
“Let’s go and see the barn,” said Cheryl, taking Alicia’s hand. They strolled through a lovely orchard, then into the converted barn.
“It’s very small,” moaned Alicia.
“Could you build a tree house for me, Daddy?” asked Freddie excitedly.
“Where could we keep the pony?” asked Alicia.
“You’d have to keep it out of the orchard, because he’d eat all the apples.” Cheryl laughed.
“Let’s go upstairs and see the bedrooms,” suggested Serena.
“I bagsy this one. It looks out on the sheep,” said Freddie.
Jonty and Cheryl kept the excitement going by suggesting a big playroom at the end of the barn. After a picnic lunch they all went back to Jonty and Cheryl’s farm where Alicia and Freddie enjoyed a pony ride.
“I think your appearance saved the day,” said Lang. “They seem to have accepted the move better than we predicted, which is a great relief, although Alicia will find it difficult without all her friends. Kids are so resilient. I hope they’ll be happy.”
“It will be lovely having you nearby and we can all help each other out,” said Jonty. “By the way, how’s the house sale going?”
“Fingers crossed we’ll be able to complete soon. They’re very nice people and adore the house. We’re so lucky to have sold it quickly,” said Lang.
“Right kids, come on, time to go back to London!” Serena called to the hayloft behind the stables.
“Here are some fresh eggs,” said Cheryl, handing them to Lang.
“Thanks and I’ll see you next week with another removal van,” he said.
Their journey home was full of questions.
“But what about my friends?” Alicia wailed.
“They can all come and stay. Besides, you’ll make different ones at your new school,” Serena said.
“What about my relay race? And my good points list at school?” asked Freddie.
“We won’t move until you’ve finished this term. Then you might go for a holiday with Granny Beady,” said Serena.
“And with you, Mummy?” they asked.
“No, with Daddy, because Mummy has to work.”
“Why can’t Daddy work like he did? Then you could come too,” asked Freddie.
They reached Kensington to find Benjie in the paddling pool, with Maggie pushing two wind-up boats round him.
“Miss Vivi rang to ask you to lunch, but I told her you’d gone for a picnic,” Maggie said.
“Thanks, I’ll ring her now,” said Serena.
“We’ve been to see our new house,” stated Alicia.
Indoors, a minute later, Serena quickly updated her sister on the Oving trip, then asked, “How’s the bump?”
“Oh, just a little morning sickness, but I’m feeling sad now Theo is back practising like a fiend for the EMI recording. We’ve had a lovely fortnight of family life and love. Georgie’s flourished having her Daddy around. Now it’s like he’s back in Moscow, only
he’s still in London, and he’s moody too. We see very little of him. Sergei is around organising his daily schedule all the time,” said Vivi sadly.
“Poor love, must be hard. Shall we meet for lunch tomorrow? I’ll take you to a lovely bistro near Princes Gate,” suggested Serena.
*
At the bistro both sisters had a good old moan and laughed a lot at some of their clients’ behaviour at work. Again, Vivi mentioned her anxiety about Theo’s moods.
“He seems so fraught when he’s working now. He never used to be like this. Something has changed in him,” she said sadly.
“I had the same worry over Lang before he told me about the debt. He was so tense and gloomy when he came home, I nearly went mad trying to guess what was wrong. They just never tell us what’s going on inside their heads!” said Serena.
“We’re not in debt!” Vivi snapped. “It’s—it’s something else but I don’t know what.”
“I didn’t mean to suggest—”
“Oh, I know,” Vivi said, smiling sadly. “Ignore me. Must be my hormones.”
Chapter Fifty Three
Central London
EMI Studios
Theo was glad to be back with the orchestra. Murel greeted him warmly.
“This is going to need a lot of repetition. Have you done a recording before?”
“No, I’m a little nervous about it,” Theo said truthfully.
“Well, don’t be. It will spoil your interpretation,” said Murel.
Sergei handed them both a coffee as they went on discussing the first movement.
After the morning session there was a long break so Sergei took Theo to lunch at an Islington restaurant renowned for its celebrity clientele, then drove him back to rehearse on his own. Lunch was intimate and fun, extravagant and expensive. Sergei did his utmost to relax Theo.
