In The Fast Lane

by Lotte Moore

  *

  The following day Lang took everyone to see a hot air balloon display. Gently, the multi-coloured orbs floated up, interrupted by blasts of flame heating the air. There must have been more than a dozen of them in the still blue sky. The children stood in awe of their magic and wanted to go up in one.

  When they got back to the cottage, Maggie had laid out a big picnic in the orchard. While everyone ate the delicious fruit salads and sandwiches they heard an angry bellow. It was the farmer who owned the field next to the cottage.

  “Which one of you lot opened the gate and let the sheep out?” he shouted. “Now you come and help round ’em up.”

  “We didn’t open the gate,” Alicia protested.

  “Come on, Flash,” he called to his dog who raced towards the bewildered sheep in the drive. The children circled round laughing and trying to guide them back. “You stand in a line by the fence, while Flash and I round ‘em up.”

  A few minutes later the sheep were safely back.

  “It might have been Benjie,” whispered Freddie. “Look, he’s swinging on the gate again now.” They all went back to the picnic laughing.

  Serena and Lang were asked to dinner by their new landlord, a very wealthy friend of Jonty’s. He’d invited a local couple who had children of a similar age. The husband, James Holt, was a partner in an investment management firm whose name Lang recognised. His wife, Penny, ran a private nursing home for the elderly. Jonty and Cheryl knew the couple well.

  It was the first time Lang and Serena had been out together for over a year and both were a little subdued until Penny mentioned needing some interior design work done. Serena got carried away with lots of suggestions.

  As they drove home Lang laughed. “I’ve not seen Jonty tipsy before. It must have been that potent homemade wine!”

  “Yes, he looked quite red in the face. Nice people, weren’t they?” said Serena.

  Lang leaned over to kiss her.

  “Look out, we’re nearly in the ditch!” she laughed, and Lang righted the car. “The children have really settled in well, haven’t they?”

  “Yes,” agreed Lang. “And what about you?”

  “It’s taking me a long time to accept leaving London,” Serena admitted. Lang stopped the car. Serena looked at him. “What are you doing?”

  “I can’t go on saying ‘sorry’ all the time,” he suddenly blurted out. “I can’t undo my terrible mistake, and I can’t expect you to forgive me. I’ve ruined our life together, the most precious thing I have. Let me try and help by doing everything for the kids, allowing you the freedom to work as you want. I realise you’re the earner but on top of that I’ll try and get some kind of job where I can work from home. Oh, Fig Tree, give me a chance! I do love you.” Lang drew her to him, tears falling on her hair.

  “Give it time,” whispered Serena.

  Lang drove slowly home with her head resting on his shoulder.

  Chapter Sixty Eight

  Central London

  Sergei’s hotel

  Theo recorded an interview at Classic FM that was to air alongside a selection of pieces from his latest London performance. They also promised to play excerpts from the EMI recording, which would help to increase sales.

  Afterwards, he and Sergei went back to the Russian’s hotel where they discussed the immediate future.

  “Now, your priority is the concert. That’s all. Nothing else matters. This is the highlight of your career,” said Sergei enthusiastically.

  Theo clutched his arm. “I hope I can do it.”

  “You’ve shown us several times the passion you can give to your performances,” Sergei urged.

  “But it isn’t just a question of the music, is it?” said Theo. “It’s us, too. I’m being torn between you and Vivi. I just feel so confused and muddled. I need to focus on the music and at times it’s so hard.”

  “You cannot let anything get in the way of the music, Maestro.” Sergei’s eyes bored into Theo’s. “I don’t know what our future holds but if we are meant to be, then Theo, we will.”

  Chapter Sixty Nine

  Chiswick

  “Are you always going to be late after talking to Sergei?” asked Vivi crossly when Theo arrived home at midnight. He jerked his head back in surprise at her tone. “I’ve thrown away your supper. It wouldn’t keep for more than three hours and I ate alone. Let’s talk about him, shall we?”

  Theo slumped on to the sofa exhausted and unable to think of a decent enough reason to get out of the conversation.

  “Why are you always with him? Can’t you see your mother without him? Can’t you rehearse without him? Can’t you live without him?” Vivi stared at her husband with a passion he could hardly believe.

  “He controls my musical life, that’s all.” Theo said, staring at the floor.

  “Darling, what is it? Talk to me. Our baby is arriving soon. What is your priority? Music or our child?”

  Theo drew her to him. “I love you,” he whispered.

  “Do you?” she asked quizzically.

  “Of course I do,” Theo said, holding her hand. “I will be here for our child, I promise.”

  Vivi stared at him from the corner of her eye, feeling her heart race. Why didn’t he answer any of my questions about Sergei? His blatant avoidance made her even more fearful of what was happening to her marriage. She knew something was wrong, she just couldn’t work out what.

  Chapter Seventy

  South Bank

  Rehearsals were tough, especially with a conductor who was new to Theo. He learnt different phrasing and tempi. The orchestra was very sensitive to his interpretation. Sergei had organised some excellent publicity and secured a lot of bookings.

  After his rehearsal, Theo decided to visit the Festival Hall. He crept downstairs into the Auditorium. Cleaners were sweeping the floors preparing for an evening performance. A slim woman dressed in jeans and an elegant jacket was humming through her solo with a pianist. Theo took a deep breath and stared at the stage.

  I’ll be there soon. He smiled, then ran back up the steps and out of the Hall, passing a poster of himself by the box office. He rang Sergei.

  “I’ve just popped into the Festival Hall and feel so excited to be playing there.”

  “Shall I meet you somewhere?” asked Sergei.

  “No, I must go home. There was a row last night about me getting home so late.”

  “Oh, I see,” Sergei replied stiffly.

  “But I did enjoy spending time with you. You know that, don’t you?” Theo asked, hating Sergei’s distant tone. “What’s wrong?”

  “This,” Sergei said in the same tone. “You having me and your wife. It isn’t fair to me or her.”

  Theo sighed. “I know… I’m sor—”

  “See you at rehearsal tomorrow,” Sergei cut in, before hanging up the phone.

  Chapter Seventy One

  Notting Hill

  “There’s a crisis at Princes Gate. A fire has burnt some of the curtains,” said Gems urgently as her boss swept into the office.

  “You’re joking! I’d better go over there at once,” said Serena, rushing back out.

  Lots of people were milling around the big banqueting hall where the charred drapes lay on the floor.

  “How did this happen?” she asked the manager crossly.

  “I think it was an electrical fault, madam.”

  “What a futile waste of all my work. It’ll take weeks to replace these, and they were all dyed to match the walls!”

  Serena could hardly contain her anger, especially as most of the staff stood staring blankly at her. The butler arrived and apologised profusely for the accident, reassuring her about replacements. Serena thanked him and left.

  Returning to the office she spent hours reordering the material and dye colours.

  Finally, she turned to Gems. “I forgot to ask if there were any letters to sign.”

  “Yes, about four. There’s also an enquiry from an official at the S
audi Embassy. They want to see you.”

  “Is there?” gasped Serena.

  “When are you free?” asked Gems.

  “Sometime next week I suppose, but I can’t take on any more work for months. Come on, let’s go out and have a coffee.”

  “Yes, that would be nice,” said Gems, a little flustered.

  Just as they were leaving, an enormous bouquet arrived from Princes Gate with a charming note of apology.

  “You’ll have to keep these in the office, I can’t possibly take them on the train. I’d look like a walking florist’s shop!” Serena laughed.

  “They can sit on my desk,” enthused Gems, eyeing the beautiful arrangement.

  Whilstdrinking their coffee, Gems suddenly placed one hand on her boss’s arm. “I’m getting engaged!” she blurted out. “It’s all very sudden, I’m so excited.”

  “How wonderful!” Serena hugged her warmly. “Is he that guy I met at the door with your car keys once?”

  “Yes, that’s Gully. We’ve known each other for six years, but don’t worry, after we get married I’ll still work for you, Serena.” said Gems genuinely.

  “Oh, that’s a relief, I couldn’t possibly do without you. You’re so patient with me and all the trauma in my jumbled old life. I’m so happy for you, Gems.”

  Chapter Seventy Two

  Oving

  Lang was lying on the floor, feet in the air, swivelling Freddie like a helicopter. Squeals of delight from the boy propelled Lang’s feet faster and faster. They were both unaware of Serena watching until Freddie fell down.

  “Oh Mummy, I’m the fastest helicopter,” he yelled, rushing up to hug her.

  “Yes, you are! Lang, where’s Alicia?”

  “In the bath with your best bubble lotion and singing away.”

  “Little minx! And how’s Benjie?”

  “Has a bit of a cold. Maggie’s up there now.”

  Serena felt an unusual warmth returning home to laughter and for the first time, realised she was pleased to be in the peaceful countryside, away from the rush.

  She went up to comfort Benjie, then popped into the bathroom where all she could see in the tub was a great, white, mound of foam.

  “Where are you Ally-Pally?” she called.

  Alicia erupted out of the bath covered in foam. They laughed together as Serena dried her.

  “Why don’t you get in Mummy? Do you ever have time for a bubble bath anymore?”

  “Sometimes,” said Serena hurriedly.

  “Do you have time to think of us? Do you have time to think of Daddy at home all alone?” Alicia was suddenly very serious which caught Serena unawares.

  Unable to answer she pulled Alicia towards her, hugging her tight, soaking her own clothes.

  Chapter Seventy Three

  Princes Gate

  The banqueting room was humming with activity as Serena arrived. All of the carpets had been sponged, windows cleaned and remnants of charred drapes thrown away.

  She took a deep breath and started to examine the damaged corner then called two assistants who’d helped her do the original drapes. Together they copied every detail to match the colour scheme. Serena thanked the assistant for the bouquet and he handed her an envelope.

  “For you,” he said. “From His Excellency.”

  Serena opened the envelope on the train home and was stunned to see it contained a generous cheque.

  Brilliant! That’ll pay for the Madeira trip, she thought.

  Chapter Seventy Four

  Chiswick

  The following day Vivi was feeling rather low and decided to call Serena.

  “It’s Theo’s endless absences,” she explained. “Now he’s rehearsing for the Festival Hall, he’s tense and distant. What a mixed-up person he seems. Being an artist he’s naturally moody, because all his thoughts are deep in the music, but when he comes home he’s so remote now, even with the kids. He was wonderful when he first came back. Now it’s as though he’s been taken over. The other night he came back at midnight having been with Sergei. I was furious. They seem to be together all the time.”

  “Just remember after this concert, he will be home to focus on you, the kids and the little one.”

  “I hope so,” Vivi mumbled.

  Just then the front doorbell chimed and Georgie came in.

  “Hello darling, how did you get on today?” asked Vivi.

  “It was great,” replied Georgie. “We did loads of somersaults.”

  Vivi went to the kitchen, sitting Jago down for tea. “Georgie, would you like to go and stay in the country with Alicia for a few days after gym week has finished?”

  “Ooh yes. Will you come too, Mummy?” Georgie asked.

  “No, I can’t darling, I have to see clients every day,” Vivi said.

  “Can’t they do without you for a while?” asked Georgie. “No, they need my help,” Vivi replied quietly.

  “Why is Daddy out all the time now? He took me to so many fun places when he first came home.”

  Vivi rolled her eyes. Yes, and now he’s AWOL all the time.

  With a forced smile, she said, “He has to practise with the orchestra, so he’ll play well at the concert we’re going to. You know how important his work is.”

  Chapter Seventy Five

  Kensington

  Vivi and Serena met for lunch just off Kensington High Street.

  “Poor Vivi, you do look tired.” Serena gave her a hug.

  “I’m not surprised, the baby was kicking all last night.,” Vivi said, rubbing her belly softly.

  “Just think, we’ll all be on holiday soon, with Mum.”

  “Yes. I hope Theo will be more relaxed with us all once the concert’s over,” said Vivi quietly.

  “I’m sure he will be. Oh, I didn’t tell you, I had a ghastly drama at work. All my specially dyed drapes caught fire in the banqueting hall alcove. It’ll take ages to re-do,” Serena said brusquely, grabbing her mobile as it rang loudly.

  “Freddie’s fallen off his bike and cut his knee badly. He wants to talk to you,” Lang said.

  “Hello, my lovely boy. Has Daddy put a dinosaur plaster on it? Yes, I’ll be home later. Be brave. Auntie Vivi sends you a big hug. Bye.” Serena rang off, then said with relief. “Lang’s coping very well, I never thought he’d be so patient.”

  Chapter Seventy Six

  Aylesbury

  Jacob knocked on the kitchen door.

  “Did you hear them two shots? Bloomin’ poachers. They got a rabbit and a pheasant. I was passing on the tractor and they ran off into the wood. Don’t know if they had a car. It’s bloody dangerous with them guns.”

  “How ghastly,” said Cheryl anxiously. “They could have got any of us.”

  Jonty put an arm round her. “You’re quite safe with your ponies, love. There’s no way of stopping those poachers. We must keep vigilant.”

  “Anyway, do ‘yer want this pheasant?” asked Jacob.

  “Yes please, but you keep the rabbit,” said Cheryl.

  “You know we’re going away in a few weeks’ time, Jacob. Can you manage on your own? Or shall I get Will to come and help?” asked Jonty.

  “That ain’t a bad idea.”

  “I’ll talk to him tomorrow. You can cope with the vegetable garden. Help yourself to anything you fancy. The stables are looked after by Cheryl’s friend, as you know. Shall we go down and look at the forest? We’ve not checked all the trees lately,” suggested Jonty.

  They walked together through Jonty’s plantation.

  “I hope them bloomin’ rabbits ‘ave been kept out,” muttered Jacob.

  “Yes, they are a problem,” agreed Jonty.

  “Why not get some of them CCTV cameras,” suggested Jacob. “Several locals are thinking about it.”

  “That’s a good idea. I’ll look into it.”

  Chapter Seventy Seven

  Moscow

  Sergei received an urgent phone call from Moscow during the morning rehearsal. Baba had deteriorated
, and her breathing was very shallow. Sergei’s cousin had called the doctor who suspected another stroke and suggested she go to the hospital. Sergei was in a panic. When should he tell Theo? How much rehearsal could he miss at this vital time before the performance?

  Before he had time to decide, Theo walked out of the rehearsal room.

  “Maestro, I don’t know how to tell you. Baba has weakened and been taken to hospital.”

  “I must go to her.” Theo started running outside.

  “Stop! Let me help you,” called Sergei, grabbing Theo’s sleeve. Tears were streaming down the musician’s face. Sergei embraced him. “I’ll book a plane tonight if I can and will explain to Woolsey and the orchestra what’s happened.”

  “I’m going home to tell Vivi and pack,” Theo said, breaking free and rushing along the street in a blind panic.

  Vivi was in the garden when Theo hurried in. “Baba’s very ill. I have to fly to Moscow tonight.”

  “Oh, you poor darling.” She hugged him. “How can I help?” She stroked his tearful face.

  “I know she’s dying.” Theo sobbed.

  “You go and I’ll make arrangements to join you later,” Vivi said, trying to reassure him.

  Just then his mobile rang.

  “I’ve booked a flight this evening and will come with you. I can take you straight to the hospital,” Sergei said calmly.

  “Thanks—I only hope we get there in time.”

  As they arrived at the hospital gates in Moscow late that night, Sergei’s phone rang.

  His cousin was crying. “I’m afraid Baba has just died. I told her Theo was coming and she smiled and just closed her eyes.”

  Sergei put the phone in his pocket. “We’re too late, Maestro.”

  Sadly, the pair walked into the hospital and found her looking peaceful with a small smile on her lips. Theo fell onto the bed wailing. He kissed and stroked her still face. He lay there for some time while a nurse talked to Sergei about funeral arrangements.