A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds

by Lucy Coleman

  ‘Has Tollie finished his breakfast?’ he enquires as he draws closer.

  ‘Yes. He’s about to have a second cup of coffee. Problems?’

  ‘No, just passing and wondering whether he’d like a bit of company,’ he replies, sounding a little reticent.

  Bernie isn’t just passing, unless he was going for a long walk and has changed his mind. Lock Keeper’s land abuts The Bullrush’s car park, which ends just beyond the bridge over to the marina. After the cottage, it’s open fields right down to the next junction.

  ‘I’m sure he would. I’d better speed up if I don’t want to be late. Bye, Bernie.’

  The parting look he gives me is an uneasy one, but this morning I’m going with the flow. My list will be a darn sight shorter by the end of the day and I dare anyone whose path I cross to add to it.

  ‘Hi, Sarah, what a lovely lunch we had yesterday. Well done with the forest of candles on the cake. It can’t have been easy!’

  She stops wiping down the counter and straightens up.

  ‘It wasn’t, but it was worth singeing my hair to see the look on Fisher’s face. I’m assuming you aren’t here to eat?’

  ‘Oh, no! Sorry to hear about the hair and I’m not, sadly. I’m on my way to see Val and Rona.’

  ‘Ah,’ she replies, lowering her voice, ‘wedding planning!’

  ‘Yep, but first I have the guest list at last, would you believe it?’

  I hand it over to Sarah; she beams back at me. ‘Forty, that’s a perfect number for an intimate, cosy wedding.’

  ‘Well, it’s thirty-nine, but I rounded it up. That includes you, Karl, the girls, and Maggie. If you can liaise with my team,’ I instruct her, trying to refrain from looking smug, ‘they’ll hire the waiting staff and someone to man the bar on the day.’

  Sarah holds up her hand and we high-five. ‘I’m glad you’re cutting yourself a little slack, Immi. Between us all we won’t miss a single thing, I promise you.’

  ‘Thank you for your help, Sarah. I really do appreciate it – you’re a good friend. Admin and figures are my thing, it’s what I do best. But as for the minute details required to get this wedding sorted, well, I don’t have a clue. I just want something simple, Christmassy and cosy.’ I lean in, lowering my voice. ‘That’s not wrong of me, is it? Gray seems happy enough.’

  She stares at me for a couple of seconds before reaching out to place a hand on my arm to give it a squeeze.

  ‘Immi, it’s time you realised that people do, actually, like to get involved and help. You’ll end up with something magical, I’m sure, and it won’t be over-the-top because we all know that’s not you.’

  I take a quick glance around; there’s no one in earshot as there are only a handful of early-bird diners here before the evening rush begins in about an hour’s time.

  ‘And, um, while I’m here… would you consider being my maid of honour?’

  Sarah’s hand flies up to her mouth and she hurries around the counter to give me a hug.

  ‘I’d be both thrilled and honoured, Immi. That means so much to me, my lovely friend. I’ve come to regard you as the sister I never had. Shopping for a dress isn’t something I do very often, let alone for a maid of honour, so we’re going to have to get our heads together on that!’ she exclaims excitedly. I can see that Sarah is genuinely moved and I couldn’t be happier.

  ‘Oh, we will. I hope you’re good at calming nerves because I’m going to be a total wreck on the day! I nearly forgot. Gray, Rona and Val will be figuring out the menu for the wedding buffet so you can expect to have that very shortly.’

  ‘The ladies will make sure it’s something special, then. I can guarantee it won’t be sausage rolls and pizza.’ She laughs.

  I’m used to Gray humming as he walks along, but, as I say goodbye and set off, today I’m the one with a tune in my head. And it’s the ‘Bridal Chorus’. Gray is in total charge of the music and if he thinks this is me, then I will be a tad disappointed, I’m afraid, but it’s in his hands. And that’s a good feeling. If the best way to enjoy my own wedding is to rely upon the people I love to pull it together, that’s better than any present they could get us.

  ‘Immi, Immi!’ I turn around and Rona is hurrying to catch up with me.

  ‘Hi, Rona. How was your day?’ I ask, giving her a hug.

  ‘Good, thank you. Noisy, but then eight-year-olds are so full of energy, and I have a class of twenty-six of them.’

  ‘Ooh, rather you than me,’ I reply, grimacing.

  ‘It’s fun, you just need to keep them in line. There are one or two who like the sound of their own voices, but I watch them like a hawk. I’m a little late and I was worried I was going to keep you and Val waiting.’

  ‘Ditto. I’ve just dropped the guest list into The Bullrush.’

  ‘Oh, wonderful. You managed to pin Gray down, then,’ Rona replies enthusiastically. She knows how hard it is sometimes to get her son to focus on things that, as he’s given to say, make his brain ache.

  As we pick up the pace I glance across at her, my mind ticking over.

  ‘Gray has a trip to Los Angeles coming up. He doesn’t have a firm date yet, but he thinks it will be quite soon.’

  ‘Oh, thank goodness you know about it. Gray has been so worried about how stressed you’ve been lately, and he wasn’t sure when to tell you. He wanted to pick the right time, although, given the week you’d had, I’m surprised he mentioned it at all this weekend.’

  That’s what I love about Rona: she never interferes between us, even when she doesn’t necessarily agree with the way we’re handling things. I’m beginning to wonder how long Gray has known about this upcoming trip.

  ‘I’m pleased for him. It sounds thrilling. His first film score, and he gets to sit with the producer and the team for the screening of the final cut. I’m sad he felt awkward about telling me, because I wouldn’t want to hold him back in any way, Rona.’

  ‘I know, Immi. And Gray appreciates that, too. But it has been an unusually eventful time, hasn’t it? And after last year’s ups and downs, we were all hoping life would become a little less frenetic for you both.’

  ‘It will, soon. I’m sure of it.’

  ‘This trip he’s making, I… um… well, Grayson lives in Santa Barbara and I don’t know if I should say something to him.’

  I feel guilty as Rona and Gray were due to fly out to meet up with his father just before the New Year. Gray changed his mind while he was at the airport and he returned home to me.

  ‘To whom? Gray, or Grayson?

  The sound she mutters is one of frustration. ‘Mmm. Both. Like it or not, they will have to get together at some point, because Gray is the sole beneficiary in Grayson’s will. There are papers to be signed that will make it easier when the time comes, which, I hope won’t be for many years, but Grayson is anxious and would rather get it sorted sooner than later.’

  ‘Rona, please don’t take this the wrong way, but is that just an excuse for him to meet up with Gray in person?’

  We arrive at Byre Cottage and as I put my hand up over the top of the gate to release the bolt, I pause for a moment to look directly at Rona.

  ‘I do believe it is,’ she replies sheepishly. ‘But is that so wrong? And Gray is going to be within easy striking distance of his father when he’s at the studios. It’s a perfect opportunity to get it out of the way. As they have no direct contact, would it be so very wrong of me to make them both aware of that fact and then leave them to decide for themselves?’

  Grayson returned to the States when Gray was not even five years old, after Grayson’s mother gave him an ultimatum. The plan was for them all to go and live in her lavish home in Santa Barbara, but Rona knew that his mother intended to make her life so unbearable she would end up being the one to walk away. At the last-minute, Rona realised she had to choose between a husband she would love forever, or what was best for her son.

  ‘I think you have to go with whatever your instincts are telling yo
u is the right thing to do, but Gray doesn’t want a reconciliation. It hurts him that you were rejected by Grayson’s family. And he was shocked to discover you were still married and that the house he was brought up in didn’t belong solely to you. It was a lot for him to take in.’

  ‘I know, and I was glad in a way that Gray didn’t accompany me on my visit. Grayson and I could talk openly. He is a lonely man, now his mother is gone.’

  It’s not my business to ask her about the divorce proceedings. When she returned, she simply told Gray that the house would be sold and she’d use the equity to move to Aysbury. Grayson didn’t want what was due to him, not least because he doesn’t need it, but Gray stepped in to help Rona out and she refused Grayson’s offer. Oh, it’s such a mess.

  ‘Are you two coming in?’ Val calls out as we step into the small, courtyard garden and make our way up to the front door.

  ‘I’ll just re-boil the kettle and make the tea. You ladies go through and settle yourselves down,’ Val instructs us.

  ‘Grayson doesn’t know about the wedding, does he?’ I whisper as we sit next to each other on one of the two sofas.

  ‘No. I don’t feel it’s my place to tell him.’

  I nod as Val appears in the doorway carrying a tray and I jump up to make room for it on the coffee table.

  ‘I was telling Rona that I popped in to see Sarah on my way here. We now have a guest list and here’s a copy for the file. Gray is going to be emailing you both to thrash out the details of the buffet.’

  ‘Goodness, that’s unexpected.’ Rona looks surprised.

  ‘He offered and I know you two will nudge him in the right direction. The guest list stands at thirty-nine, so we’re catering for forty.’

  Val is already pulling out her notebook and pen, as Rona pours the Earl Grey tea.

  Ziggy suddenly appears from behind the TV unit in the corner, making her presence known with one of her drawn-out miaows. ‘It’s her favourite place.’ Val laughs.

  Ziggy stretches, straightening her legs and looking a bit like a robot as she begins inching forward. Then she arches her back and saunters off into the kitchen.

  ‘We’ve disturbed her, poor thing,’ I reply.

  ‘Oh, she’ll let us know if she’s not happy. Sometimes I’m on the receiving end of a long and drawn-out conversation. Goodness knows what she’s saying to me, but it’s always amusing.’

  It’s surprising how fast the evening flies by as I share the highlights of the conversation I had with Gray, to give Val and Rona a feel for what we’re hoping to achieve.

  ‘We’ll come up with a few suggestions for invitations, sticking with the cosy Christmas theme, and you can then take your pick,’ Rona adds, at a point where I hope we’re nearly done. My head is spinning with it all.

  ‘We do need a steer on your choice of flowers. I thought it was rather lovely that Martin offered to do the honours. What a generous present from him and Ursula. I trust, though, that you won’t be instrumental in making up the bouquet and the various floral displays,’ Val adds.

  ‘I doubt they’ll even let me cross the threshold; I will be banned from the florist’s area, I’m sure. As long as there’s an abundance of greenery for the hall, with holly sporting red berries, ivy, the smell of pine… all the usual festive stuff, then I’ll go with simple roses.’

  ‘And the colour scheme?’ Val asks as they both peer at me intently.

  ‘I’m not sure yet.’

  ‘You still haven’t picked a dress, then?’ Rona enquires gently. ‘While we don’t want to panic you, the style you choose will dictate the overall theme of the wedding. I’ve been emailing with Gray about suits, and we can’t help him until we have a steer from you. It’s not going to be a white wedding, then?’

  I hate to disappoint them after flicking through the magazines last week and being shown brilliant white frothy ballgowns and sleek, lace mermaid dresses. But knowing what I don’t want doesn’t mean I know what I do want until I find the right one.

  ‘No, but I’m handing out tasks left right and centre so that I can free up some time to find the perfect dress.’

  I get the distinct feeling that they are a little disappointed. ‘It might be a good idea to book an appointment at a bridal boutique and try on a few dresses. Just to help you rule things out,’ Val says encouragingly.

  Um, that’s a firm no.

  ‘I’m thinking of designing something myself. I’d like it to be unique. It won’t be a ball gown, or a princess dress, but as soon as I have the design worked out I will be able to confirm the overall look and the colour scheme.’

  Rona and Val smile across at each other so at least I’ve succeeded in reassuring them that I am taking this seriously.

  ‘The most important thing about a wedding is that the bride and groom can look back on it in years to come and remember it as their day. It’s not about pleasing anyone else, Immi. It is a lot to pull together given the timescale, but if you just focus on the dress, then leave the rest up to us. We’ll liaise with Gray, and report back to him at every stage. As for the cake… well, Ethel and Val have offered to make something special for you, with a winter theme,’ Rona informs me.

  ‘Ah, that’s so kind. I loved Fisher’s cake. And all those candles – his face was a picture!’

  The wedding budget isn’t huge and we are grateful for the way people are stepping up for us because that means so much more than gifts we don’t really need. We’ve been living together for the best part of six months now and, in all honesty, we have all the basics. Even if they are now packed up in boxes, stacked in one room of the cottage.

  ‘We could head up the invitations with “A Winter Wedding Party”. It sounds festive, without being too formal,’ Val offers, breaking my chain of thought. ‘And will you be pulling together a wedding-present list to give your guests a steer, so that you don’t end up with a lifetime supply of toasters?’

  ‘A list? I can’t think of any small bits and pieces we need,’ I answer truthfully.

  ‘But you have some big items of furniture to buy, Immi,’ Rona interjects. ‘It’s quite customary to suggest that, in lieu of a present, if anyone wants to make a small contribution towards a bigger purchase, it would be appreciated. What do you think?’

  I look at Val and she nods her head.

  ‘If that’s acceptable, then it’s fine by me,’ I concur. ‘Give me two weeks, tops, to get back to you with the information you need and then you can sort out Tollie, Gray, and his best man, once Gray has made up his mind who he wants to take on that role.’

  Rona’s eyes light up. ‘A wedding is a special occasion, but a Christmas wedding has that extra touch of magic to it.’

  It’s wonderful to see how excited Val and Rona are, and how much fun they’re having, I reflect as I walk home, leaving them to dot a few i’s and cross some t’s. Up until now, every time I thought about anything wedding-related, I didn’t know which way to turn or what to tackle first. I was out of my depth and feeling inadequate.

  On the way back to The Retreat, Gray texts to say he’s having a drink with Ollie and it’s likely to be a late one as it’s work, not pleasure.

  Just heading back home now after a couple of hours with our wedding planners. Enjoy your drink!

  I finish off with a string of love hearts.

  I know – Mum has already emailed me and I’m having a video chat tomorrow night with her and Val about the buffet. They certainly work fast! Night, babe, sleep well. Love you loads. x

  Even though it’s just after 9 p.m. people are still walking along the canal, enjoying the fine evening. Some of them will, no doubt, have eaten at The Bullrush and are heading towards the bridge over the canal. Once I get past that point there’s only one couple further along the path, and when I hear hurried footsteps behind me my pulse quickens a little.

  ‘Immi, Immi!’

  I stop, turning around to see Patrick striding towards me. He’s a little out of breath.

  ‘I did ca
ll out, but you didn’t hear me. Can I walk you down to your gate?’

  He’s such a gentleman.

  ‘Thank you, Patrick, that’s most kind. How are you?’

  ‘Doing well, thanks,’ he replies, sounding upbeat. ‘Martin and I met up for a bite to eat in The Bullrush. I was grateful for the company. It gets a bit lonely, at times. Anyway, I just wanted to say that if you need any help with the fundraising, or the paperwork, my evenings and weekends are mainly free. So do call on me, as I’d love to get involved. I’ve asked Martin to pass on my contact details.’

  ‘That’s kind of you to offer. We’ll sort something out.’

  ‘It’s my pleasure. This is Lock Keeper’s Cottage, then,’ he says, catching sight of the roofline and chimney above the high hedge that runs along the front of the property. ‘I don’t usually walk down this far, but it’s a nice spot.’

  ‘Yes. That area back there is where the new playground will go.’

  ‘Oh, Martin mentioned that Tollie is donating the land. Does the orchard belong to the cottage, too?’

  ‘Yes. Before we had this area cleared it was completely overgrown and full of stinging nettles and blackberry bushes. I never in my wildest dreams imagined it would come in useful.’

  ‘Well, one thing I’ve learnt is that you never know what’s around the corner. Anyway, I’d best get off. Thanks for the little chat, Immi. It’s always a pleasure.’

  ‘And I’ll be in touch shortly, Patrick.’

  I stand at the gate, watching as he walks back along the towpath and up to the car park. Patrick’s shoulders are slightly slumped, and he looks like a man carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Maybe Aysbury’s busy community activities can cheer him up a little and another pair of hands always comes in useful.

  8

  Full-On Planning Mode

  ‘Hey, babe. How was your day?’ Gray sounds full of energy, even though his call is later than usual, which means he’s still working and lost track of time.