by Lotte Moore
The first recording session seemed to go very well, but sadly the balance between Theo’s playing and the orchestra wasn’t good, so they decided to record again the following day. Sergei tried to calm him down, but Theo was frustrated by the session and rushed out as soon as the recording was over.
Chapter Fifty Four
Chiswick
On arriving home, Theo stomped over to the piano. He’d put a ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ note on the drawing room door, practiced for about two hours, then lay on the sofa feeling utter despair.
Vivi came in despite the notice, and found Theo face down asleep on the sofa.
“Hello my love,” she said, stroking his head.
“Go away,” grumbled Theo.
“What’s the matter?” Vivi asked.
“What isn’t?” cried Theo. “I can’t do anything. Even my playing today wasn’t good. We have to record again tomorrow.”
Vivi ruffled his blond hair. “What’s worrying you? Have you lost your confidence?” she asked.
“Yes, I have. Everything is such a muddle.”
“We’re all right, aren’t we? Surely our family gives you love and fun,” asked Vivi.
“Yes, of course it does, but my music has suddenly become confused,” he said.
“Why don’t you talk to Murel about it? Give him a ring and ask him over.”
“Yes, perhaps I might. Actually, that’s a good idea,” muttered Theo.
Murel arrived by taxi later that evening and was immersed with a dejected Theo. Successfully, so it seemed, as afterwards Vivi enjoyed a surprisingly light-hearted supper with them both. She was fascinated by Murel’s ideas and philosophy towards music and musicians. It was a stimulating evening. Theo was visibly relaxed and happier.
The week progressed well. Each day’s recording blended into the next. Sergei told Theo his playing was wonderful, and this confidence boost gave new depth to his work. They saw little of each other during the recording week, mostly because Theo was exhausted and went home early, where Vivi did her utmost to keep him calm and happy.
Murel arrived very excitedly one morning to say he had a possible offer from the Royal Festival Hall, so Sergei went along to talk to the management. By the end of the week the recording was played back to the orchestra and Theo. They were surprised how good their performance was. Murel was very proud indeed. The future was looking very bright for all of them.
Chapter Fifty Five
Aylesbury
Cheryl had tripped over some fencing near the paddock, gashing her leg badly so Jonty took her to the local doctor who dressed it.
“No riding for a while, I’m afraid. You can teach it, but don’t ride,” said Dr Williams.
For the next few days, Jonty would bring a cup of tea to her in the afternoon, whilst in the evenings he cooked supper, which they ate in the kitchen. One day he even brought in two tiny kittens he found in the hayloft in an attempt to cheer her up.
“They must be Hettie’s, being that marmalade colour. They’re in need of your loving care, she’s deserted them, I think.” He put them in a basket by the Aga with a bowl of milk.
“Anyone there?” called Jacob a couple of hours later. “I found this poor little owl in the woods. Looks like it fell out of its nest. Can you give it some milk, Cheryl?”
“Yes, I’ll put it next to the kittens.”
“What have you done to your leg?”
“Oh, I tripped on a bit of loose fencing by the paddock. It’s just taking ages to get better” she replied.
“Sorry to hear that. Get well soon,” Jacob waved them out.
“Lang will be coming down with another load this week,” said Jonty. “I’m glad they’ve told the kids about the move.”
“Me too,” agreed Cheryl wondering how her lounge had become an animal hospital so quickly.
*
Two days later Lang arrived with the removal van.
“We haven’t brought the piano yet as Alicia needs to practice for the end of term concert. Oh Cheryl, what’s happened to your leg?” he asked with concern.
“Just fell over a fence. It’s on the mend though finally. How’s Serena?” she said, handing him a mug of tea.
“She’s going to be interviewed on ITV. The children are very excited. But she’s working such long hours. Alicia and Freddie are missing her like crazy, and Benjie wakes up calling for her,” said Lang anxiously.
“She’s certainly in the fast lane,” said Jonty.
“You can say that again! Anyway, I must be off now, I think the removal men have finished. See you next week.” Lang kissed Cheryl goodbye.
*
Jonty received a disturbing phone call from the police saying they’d caught the sheep stealers, and asked him to come to the station to make a statement. He was very nervous about going, so Cheryl—almost back to normal self after her week out of action—went with him.
Apparently, the culprits were two young men from the local village who’d stolen hundreds of sheep and exported them to France. Because he hadn’t been insured, Jonty had lost quite a lot of money. To Jonty’s relief, they would probably be jailed and fined heavily.
He still needed to replace the sheep though, so the following week he decided to go to a local livestock market where there were regular auctions. There were the usual dealers, one a friend of Jonty’s, who suggested a dozen from a well-known farm. This time he insured them and put chains on all the drive gates and made sure they were securely locked.
Chapter Fifty Six
Central London
EMI Studios
The EMI recording was complete and Murel felt a great sense of achievement with Theo and the orchestra. They were both anxiously waiting to see if the Festival Hall offer would come to fruition.
Theo called Baba on his break, to check in with her, but was surprised that her carer picked up instead.
“She’s what?” he asked confused.
“She had a fall. I did leave you a message. She has been asking for you,” the carer said.
Theo sighed and rubbed his head. Vivi would be livid that he had to leave the country again, but Baba needed him. A week would be enough time to spend with his mother and make sure she was getting the best care.
“Everything okay?” Sergei appeared and rubbed a hand across Theo’s back.
Theo shook his head. “Baba had a fall… I have to go and see her.”
“Oh, I’m sorry Theo,” Sergei said. “I’ll come with you to check on—”
“No,” Theo said, more sharply than he intended. “I’ll go alone; besides it might be good for me to have some space to think.”
He stole a glance at Sergei who reluctantly agreed with him.
Chapter Fifty Seven
Moscow
Theo arrived at Baba’s apartment and found her more fragile and limping with a walking stick. She was so pleased to see him.
“I want to visit my dacha and breathe some country air,” she said.
“Oh, Mama, I think you’re not strong enough yet,” said Theo gently.
“I want to go! Ask your friend to take us,” Baba suggested.
Theo anxiously considered whether to ask Sergei. His complex emotional involvement was tearing into him, but for Baba’s sake he decided to ring his manager and explain the situation.
Sergei arrived two days later and was pleased to organise the trip, leaving the carer behind. The car journey took a few hours. Baba slept part of the way but was overjoyed when they arrived at the little house. Sergei unpacked while Theo made soup for lunch.
Baba hobbled round the garden after managing a few spoonfuls of soup, then Theo tenderly helped her to bed as Sergei prepared a special salad for the two of them that evening. They talked for a couple of hours, and Sergei suggested various potential venues and a new orchestra to play with in order to stretch Theo’s virtuoso performances.
“It’s so exciting to see you improving your style and achieving recognition in so many places,” said Sergei eagerly. �
�I want to push you to the limit. I know you can reach greater heights, Maestro.”
“Don’t push me too much. I haven’t the energy at present. Our situation’s exhausting me, I’m in a turmoil about it.”
“Just do what feels right.” Sergei smiled. “We have deep love for each other.”
“Yes, we do.” Theo’s voice broke on the last word as he admitted his feelings out loud, and he started to weep.
Sergei hugged his trembling body and stroked Theo’s hair softly. They stood entwined for some minutes, lost in the peace and tranquillity of the countryside, far away from Kensington, Moscow and real life.
Chapter Fifty Eight
Kensington
Serena had gathered the children around her as Lang put the television on to watch the design show.
“There you are, Mummy!” said Freddie excitedly.
“Ssh, listen!” said Lang.
Serena came across as a bubbly, enthusiastic personality full of new ideas and colour schemes.
“You do look pretty, Mummy,” Alicia said matter-of-factly.
Lang was very proud to see how captivating his wife was on TV. It was also lovely to see the whole family sitting round together for once.
“Mummy, you’re famous! I must tell all my friends,” said Alicia excitedly.
“Right, bedtime kids, it’s late.” Serena chased them upstairs, as Lang said, “You came over so well, darling.”
“I did, didn’t I?” Serena laughed. “Thank you love.”
*
A few days later the Buchans’ lawyer arranged completion for three weeks’ time when the children’s school term had finished. It was a very upsetting time for Alicia and Freddie having to say goodbye to friends and teachers. Alicia had played well at the concert but was devastated that it would be her last performance with her friends.
Serena was working so hard she was hardly aware of the imminent move. Fortunately, because of her job, they were able to keep Maggie on and she agreed to come with them, much to Lang’s relief.
His biggest problem was fending off the firm’s demand for the balance of the debt. He wrote explaining that it would be settled on the sale of his mother-in-law’s house, begging them to be patient.
“Thank God for your huge barn, Jonty,” said Lang after overseeing the arrival of a third removal van the following Friday. “All this moving is causing a lot of upset to the children and Serena.”
“Yes, it must be awful seeing your favourite items disappear. Oh, and talking of moves, I’ve just heard from Beady who says she’s had an offer from someone for the house. They’ve offered cash which is very exciting.”
Lang smiled, visibly relieved. “That’s quick isn’t it? Mind you, it’s in a lovely position near the sea.”
“We’re all meant to be going there next month, aren’t we?” asked Jonty.
“Yes, depending on how the move goes.”
“Surely you can arrange to come out with the kids? It would be so nice for Mum to have all her grandchildren out there one last time.”
Lang sighed. “Yes, it would, but moving is a big issue, especially since I have to organise it all while Serena’s so busy.”
“It must be very difficult,” agreed Jonty.
“It is but I know I brought this on myself,” Lang said. “I’ll try my best to get us to Beady’s.”
*
The following weekend, the whole family spent the day at the barn, having taken down a selection of their favourite things to start putting in their new bedrooms, plus bicycles, train sets and TVs. Lang made it an adventure.
The kids played in the orchard, while Serena cleaned the Aga. Lang mowed the lawn at the back of the house and planted three favourite roses he’d brought down from Kensington. Serena put pots of herbs by the kitchen door.
“Can I bring a school friend down sometime and have a picnic?” asked Alicia.
“Yes, let’s do that next week, as you’ve finished school. We’ll bring Maggie and Benjie too,” said Lang.
“Will Mummy be working?” asked Freddie sadly.
“Yes, Mummy is doing a very important job, earning money for the family.” Lang tried to reassure him.
“I know! Let’s bring Georgie and Auntie Vivi too.”
“Alright,” agreed Lang.
Chapter Fifty Nine
Chiswick
Georgie and Alicia had fun sleeping in the tent in Vivi’s garden one night the following week. Vivi had given them a picnic plus two torches beside their sleeping bags. Their whisperings and giggles went on until nearly midnight.
The next day two sleepy faces called out, “What’s for breakfast? We’re starving!”
“Come on, get dressed. We’re going on a pleasure steamer down the Thames in half an hour,” Vivi said.
“Whoopee!” cried Georgie.
Vivi said goodbye to Jago and Bella then drove the girls to Chiswick Pier, where they boarded the pleasure craft excitedly.
“It’s like a history lesson,” called Alicia as they passed the House of Commons, then onto Tower Bridge, and the Thames Barrier.
“Greenwich looks like a huge palace,” exclaimed Georgie.
Suddenly, Vivi’s mobile rang. “Hello Theo darling. How is Baba? I can’t hear you too well. I’m opposite Greenwich on a pleasure boat with Georgie and Alicia. It’s a treat for the school holidays.”
“Well, she’s in the dacha with us, but she’s very frail,” said Theo, not commenting on the family life he knew he was missing out on back at home.
“You poor thing. Any idea when you’ll be able to come home?”
They chatted on for a few more minutes about nothing in particular before Vivi pensively turned off her phone.
“Is Daddy okay?” asked Georgie.
“Yes darling, he’s fine, absolutely fine,” she replied.
Lang phoned that evening to ask if he should collect Alicia.
“Let her stay another night, they’re having great fun together. Georgie’s doing what she calls a ‘sing song play,’ Jago’s a lion and Alicia’s a witch.”
“Well, if you’re sure. It gives me more time to get the new home up and running. How are you Vivi?” Lang asked.
“I’m enjoying being pregnant and the baby has started kicking, but I’m fed up with Theo not being here, especially now it’s holiday time,” said Vivi crossly. “I have my own work to do, after all.”
“Yes, it must be very hard for you, especially when the children are at home all day. Why not let Georgie come back here tomorrow? And I’ll take them to the boat lake? Also, will you all come down to our cottage next weekend?” Lang asked.
“Oh, that would cheer me up. Yes, on both counts,” said Vivi.
“It’ll be a bit of a crush, but I’m sure we’ll manage somehow,” chuckled Lang.
Chapter Sixty
Oving
The country weekend was a great success. The children raced around the fields. Serena had even managed to finish early on Friday. Vivi so enjoyed her time in their barn and just being all together, especially when they visited Jonty on the farm. Alicia and Georgie helped him groom the ponies. Cheryl cooked a huge Sunday lunch and everyone felt happy and at ease for the first time in a long while.
Despite the happy feelings, Vivi suddenly felt resentment that Theo wasn’t with them all at such a happy family weekend. Why was he always away and why was Sergei always with him?
They discussed dates for the Madeira holiday, as Lang felt the move would soon be finalised.
“Shall I book the flights?” suggested Serena. “It’s very sad I can’t come but this Princes Gate job is worth every penny in terms of our future. Also, I’ve got the Qatar Embassy to return to. The rooms upstairs have to be totally re-designed.”
“Yes, we understand that, dear Fig Tree,” Lang replied, putting an arm round her shoulder, which visibly stiffened.
Chapter Sixty One
Moscow
Sergei stood in the doorway of the little cottage. “Do you
want to practice on next door’s piano? You seem depressed. Maybe you need to work?”
“I’m so confused I don’t know what to practice. You’ve not found a new venue for me,” replied Theo.
“Well, I’m wondering what to do myself. I am questioning if I was wrong to promote your music and fall in love with you. It’s an impossible situation for us both which seems to have no future. How can our relationship flourish with all your guilt and indecision? I’ve put my whole life into yours. What is it you want?” Sergei pleaded.
“I don’t know!” Theo protested. “What am I meant to do with all these feelings? I love you. I love my wife, Vivi. I have enough love for both of you but…” Theo stopped yelling and walked out.
Sergei found him at the bottom of the garden. The setting sun cast long shadows across the rooftops on the horizon.
“I must go to London. We’ll take Baba back home tomorrow,” Theo said, sitting up.
The next day, Theo said goodbye to Baba and her carer and Sergei drove him to the airport. It was a cool parting, neither said a word as he went through the departure gates.
Sergei wandered back to his flat alone and lonely. The strain of his relationship with Theo was becoming too fraught. All his previous relationships had been fairly short, but this passionate friendship was so complicated. He’d never felt such love before, but he was beginning to realise Theo could never be completely his.
In New York a close liaison with a famous conductor had been fairly intense but nothing as deep as this. Then there was the Italian tenor who wanted to move in with him. Sergei had found his eagerness overwhelming. He started to worry the tables had turned and he was the one was being overly eager with Theo.
He’d moved away from home before his parents realised he was gay, and soon got entrenched in the musical world, then became an agent, then a promoter. His career had gone from strength to strength but at the cost of a long-term relationship. His warm charm, understanding and ability to encourage people was greatly sought after… but the only man he wanted was Theo.
