by L E May
‘Thanks for this, Steven, I’m sorry I’m being so ungrateful, it’s really nice.’
‘No worries, Ols, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I’ll see you down there.’ He winked at me and disappeared into his room.
I was nervous about the dress, it looked expensive and I was scared to touch it. Men had a way of underestimating women’s bodies, I had no doubt this dress would be too small. I sat down in front of the mirror and started working on my make-up. I looked at my unruly mass of frizz in the mirror and grimaced. I had no idea what I should do with it.
There was a knock at the door and I frowned in the mirror as the door opened and Steven popped his head into the room.
‘Are you trying to catch me naked or something?’
He blushed and grinned. ‘Sorry, Mum asked if you needed any of this stuff.’ He walked into the room and dumped a box on the bed. It contained a hair dryer, straighteners, curling tongs, a variety of products, jewellery, and make-up. ‘She told me off for not warning you.’
‘Good!’ I smirked, ‘and thanks, I will do my best to look presentable.’ I pulled out an implement and regarded it with interest. I didn’t even know what it was!
I gathered up my hair on top of my head and examined it in the mirror. I liked how it looked but I didn’t know how to keep it up. I rummaged in the box for hairgrips, and tried to open one with my teeth, it pinged out of my fingers and down the back of the dressing table. ‘Shit,’ I hissed, reaching for another. I managed to wedge this one into my hair and tentatively loosened my hand. Keeping my head perfectly still, I reached for another grip and the pile of hair tumbled down the back of my neck.
I growled and breathed heavily out of my nose, my nostrils flaring angrily. I hated doing this stuff. I checked my phone and saw there was no reception. Brilliant. I couldn’t even call Ruth for some advice. I stared angrily at the box and picked up the hair straighteners. How hard could it be to make my hair look presentable?
Chapter Thirty-three
At 6.45, after much swearing, trapped hairs, and near-burn experiences, I made my way down the staircase. I peered over the banister to see the hall below; the lights were twinkling on the huge Christmas tree and carols were playing quietly in the background. Cloth-covered tables had been set up to the left of the hall with beautiful red and gold chairs. There was no one to be seen. I paused at the top of the right-hand staircase. Steven had definitely said to be in the hall for 6.45 but there was no one else there. I started walking slowly down the stairs when I saw the door to the drawing room open and Steven appeared. I stopped as I saw him. He looked so handsome in black tie, somehow making it look comfortable and trendy rather than stiff and formal. His thick hair was spiked forward and he was cleanshaven. My stomach did a somersault when I saw him. Careful, I warned myself. You’re just his boss now, remember?
Steven looked up at me and his mouth dropped open as he stared up at me with open appreciation. My hair was tamed straight, framing my face and falling across my shoulders and down to my chest. The dress was beautiful, I was amazed that it fitted me perfectly, hugging my curves and floating to the floor, the deep red colour complemented my dark hair and pale complexion. The sleeves were wide like butterfly wings that hung from my elbow to my wrist. The dress skimmed the floor, hiding my boots. I was thankful he’d forgotten to get shoes. Ruth would be horrified if she saw these boots with this dress but at least I was in no danger of breaking my neck.
I had also found some jewellery in the box; an ornate necklace and bracelet set with red gemstones. I had barely recognised myself when I finally looked in the mirror. I looked the part but I felt like an idiot.
I continued walking down the stairs, conscious of the length of the dress and paranoid about tripping and landing in a heap at his feet. Steven stood with his hands in his pockets, grinning up at me, the picture of cool.
‘Will I do?’ I grinned as I joined him, looking down at my dress and swishing the fabric from side to side.
‘You look beautiful, Ols.’ He draped an arm across my shoulder turning me toward the fireplace. I felt him kiss the top of my head, pausing to hold me a little longer than necessary before we made our way towards the drawing room to join his family. I felt goosebumps creep up my neck and shivered. He tightened his arm around me interpreting my shiver as cold. I wasn’t cold. I was overwhelmed. I was starting to enjoy being here, feeling like a part of his family, I was enjoying his attention, his familiar touch, his scent. From out of nowhere, the old feelings were resurfacing and I was in danger of being right back where I was before Melissa.
Mr and Mrs Teller met us in the doorway as they were making their way to the hall. They took up a position either side of the main entrance. Steven and I stood next to his father while Rose and Mrs Reynolds both appeared from the side of the stairs and joined Mrs Teller.
‘Seven p.m. Let’s open the doors.’ Steven helped his dad pull open the heavy doors and I gasped when I saw the stone steps leading up to us. Old-fashioned gas lamps lit the edge of the gardens and drive way as far as the eye could see. The lights reflected off the lake in the distance. I sighed. It was a million miles away from my real life – old fashioned, traditional, and romantic, but I had to admit it was beautiful. I felt Steven squeeze me, laughing at my reaction.
‘It’s nice seeing this through your eyes, reminds me how lucky I am.’ He smiled. ‘I’m really glad you like it.’
The party was a lot more fun than I had anticipated. I quickly overcame my nerves and found myself chatting with everyone, drifting from table to table, introducing myself, and hearing stories about Steven as a child. I collected plates of food from the buffet for older guests and fetched drinks from the bar that had been set up at the edge of the hall.
I was scanning the room for any sign of Steven when I noticed Mrs Reynolds beckoning me. I weaved through the tables and sat down next to her.
‘Miss Jones, this is my niece, Caroline, she grew up in the village,’ she said, introducing the girl who sat next to her. I reached out to shake Caroline’s hand and noticed the weak response. I smiled at her, encouragingly but she looked straight past me. Mrs Reynolds smiled apologetically at me.
‘Are you enjoying the party, Mrs Reynolds?’ I asked trying to make light of the situation.
‘Oh yes, Miss Jones, it’s always such a lovely evening.’
‘Please call me Olly. Have you had any food?’ It occurred to me that Mrs Reynolds hadn’t cooked the food for the evening and I wondered how she felt about that.
‘Thank you, Olly, I haven’t eaten yet, but I’ve heard good things about it so far.’
‘I bet it’s not up to the standard Mr and Mrs Teller are used to though, eh, Mrs Reynolds?’
She chuckled and a huge grin spread across her face. I noticed Caroline roll her eyes and scowl. Cheeky bitch, what’s her problem, I wondered.
‘Have you seen Steven? I’ve not seen him since the guests started arriving.’ I asked, glancing around the room again.
‘He has his duties to perform on Christmas Eve. Especially since he left the Manor, catching up with the tenants and villagers. I’m sure he will seek you out for the dance though.’ She explained. My heart fell as I realised I wasn’t going to spend any time with him. Suddenly being in his company was the only thing I wanted in the whole world.
‘The dance?’
‘The last dance of the evening. It’s a Teller family tradition dating back several generations, the whole family take to the dance-floor. Mr and Mrs Teller dance together and their children each honour a guest with a dance, until they are spoken for of course. It’s one of the most talked about things in the village, who will they dance with, could it lead to something more?’ She smiled at me again and I realised why Caroline was so cold towards me.
‘So I guess I’m not the most popular person here among the young ladies?’
‘You have certainly broken a few hearts this evening.’ She agreed.
The whole thing just felt so silly to
me. I felt like I was in a time warp. It was 2009, for goodness’ sake; we could send people into space and yet all these girls were breaking their hearts over the young man from the big house. I decided to get some air and slipped away towards the side entrance of the house. The cold air hit me as I stepped outside. In the distance, I could see the lights reflected off the lake and the sky was clear, the moon bright and full, and the stars twinkling against the dark canvas.
I jumped as the door opened. Mrs Teller was grinning at me.
‘Here.’ She held out a champagne flute. ‘You look like you could use this.’
‘Thanks.’ I laughed, taking a sip of the sparkling liquid.
‘Overwhelming, isn’t it?’ She lit a cigarette and took a long drag. I nodded and she continued, ‘I met John at university so I didn’t grow up around here, I still remember my first Christmas, I thought it was so silly.’
‘I just heard about the dance tradition,’
She looked at me thoughtfully. ‘You’re currently the most hated girl in the room. I remember that feeling well.’
‘Brilliant, just the reaction I was going for.’ I laughed.
‘Every girl in there thinks that she will dance with Steven and he’ll suddenly notice her and realise she’s the one for him. If they could just be alone with him for three minutes, in his arms, they would almost certainly become the next Lady Teller of Thornton Manor.’ She giggled at the thought.
‘Do they want him or the title?’
‘Well I would say they want him, but I’m biased, of course, he is my only child, after all. Who wouldn’t want to snap him up?’ She smiled. ‘What do you want?’
‘I just want a nice, relaxing Christmas.’ I laughed.
‘I think you came to the wrong place!’
Steven caught up with me as I was making my way from the bar to an elderly couple called Mr and Mrs Bates.
‘Mrs Bates, Mr Bates, how are you both?’ He shook hands with Mr Bates and bent to kiss Mrs Bates on the cheek. ‘Well, it’s that time already so if you don’t mind I’d like to take this beautiful lady to dance.’ He held out his hand to me, smiling. Mrs Bates clapped her hands together and shooed him away.
‘I am so sorry,’ he said as soon as we were out of earshot of anyone.
‘It’s no problem. I realise you’re the man of the hour. Besides, I’ve been getting all the gossip on young Steven.’ I grinned at his horrified expression and he rolled his eyes.
‘So what have you heard then?’ he asked. His eyes sparkled with amusement but his voice betrayed his vague concern.
‘Well by all accounts there is a fear that there will be no more Tellers at Thornton Manor, what with your lack of interest in girls and all that.’
His eyes widened in shock. ‘Everyone thinks I’m gay?’ He laughed.
‘When was the last time you brought a girl home to meet your mum?’ I teased.
‘I’ve never brought a girl home to meet my mum.’ He shrugged, looking around the room. ‘Look at this place, would you bring just anyone home to meet your family if they lived like this?’
I felt a glow creep into my cheeks. It was quite nice that he’d been willing to bring me, not that I really counted. I indicated my agreement with him and leaning closer I whispered, ‘I think there are a few young ladies that rather hoped it explained your lack of interest in them.’ I noticed his face redden.
He moved me on to the dance-floor. A couple of young children were sliding around near the DJ, while a group of young ladies hovered around the edge of the room, hoping to be asked to dance. I was both disappointed and relieved that the music was modern, I wouldn’t have had a clue how to dance any of those old dances, but it seemed at odds with all the old-fashioned traditions and decor to hear Take That blaring from the speakers.
Steven moved naturally to the music. I shouldn’t have been surprised; he seemed to be naturally gifted at everything. He took my hand and spun me round, pulling me to him as the song changed and the tempo slowed right down, signalling the party was drawing to a close. Mr and Mrs Teller appeared next to us and the guests all formed a circle around us. I allowed my head to rest on his chest as we swayed back and forth to the music. I felt people watching us and I didn’t care. I felt comfortable in his arms and for a moment, I wished it didn’t have to end.
After the last guest had gone home, we gathered on the sofa and watched the last of the flames die out, leaving the red embers slowly fading in the fireplace. Mr Teller poured us all a glass of brandy.
‘Well, Olivia, you were quite a hit tonight, hope it wasn’t too traumatic for you.’ Mrs Teller smiled warmly at me. I smiled sleepily back at her.
‘I had a lovely time, thank you,’ I mumbled. I heard her tinkling laugh, and smiled again.
‘Steven, I think you should take Olivia up to her room.’
I didn’t hear anything else. I was vaguely aware of being lifted to my feet but I was aware of nothing more until I woke up the next morning.
Chapter Thirty-four
A gentle tap on my door woke me the next morning as Rose made her way into my room with a small tray. She placed a cup of tea on the bedside table and opened the curtains. The crisp cool daylight flooded the room.
‘Merry Christmas, Miss Jones.’ Rose smiled warmly at me.
‘Merry Christmas, Rose, please call me Olly,’ I insisted. ‘Did you enjoy the party last night?’
‘Oh yes, I think it was the best one yet.’ She smiled again and looked at me thoughtfully. ‘Did you enjoy it, Olivia?’
I smiled at the concession; perhaps Olly was a bit too informal. I nodded.
‘I did yes, I was a bit nervous at first but everyone was really friendly.’
I sipped my tea, smiling at the heavy mug. I was relieved it wasn’t a dainty china cup as it had been the day before. Who could function on such a small amount of tea? I usually needed two mugs before I got started – it would probably take me six of those cups to get me firing on all cylinders!
I retrieved the clothes I’d been wearing to travel and pulled them on. Until I’d showered I didn’t want to wear anything else. I was still worried I’d not packed anything vaguely appropriate for this place but was hopeful there might be a smart jumper or cardigan in amongst the comic book T-shirts. I didn’t remember going to bed and figured I hadn’t removed my make-up. No doubt there would be mascara all over my face. I checked in the mirror for Alice Cooper eyes then, satisfied I didn’t look too scruffy, I slipped out of my room into the hall.
‘Morning sleepyhead.’ I heard his teasing voice behind me. I stopped and waited for him to catch up to me. ‘Merry Christmas.’ He planted a kiss on my cheek. ‘Did you sleep OK?’
‘I did yes. Merry Christmas.’
He nudged me playfully. ‘I had to carry you to bed last night, you fell asleep in my arms.’
‘Oh really? And you didn’t drop me?’ I squeezed his upper arm. ‘Have you been working out?’ I laughed.
‘You drooled on my shirt.’ He grinned back at me.
‘A thought occurred to me. ‘Did you undress me?’
‘No, my mum did.’
I sighed with relief, then blushed again. ‘I was exhausted, you all must think I’m a lightweight.’
‘Not at all, it was a long night. No one thought anything of it, I assure you,’ he said shaking his head.
Steven led me to the dining room, another door off the main hall that I hadn’t noticed. His parents were seated at the large table, which was covered with hot plates and dishes containing bacon, sausages, scrambled egg, beans, mushrooms, and toast.
‘Ah, Steven, Olivia, come on in, help yourself while it’s hot,’ Mrs Teller instructed us. We took our seats and tucked in.
I glanced at the clock and my eyes widened. It was only 8 a.m. I couldn’t believe it was so early. I was surprised I wasn’t still tired, but I’d slept really well and felt rested and relaxed.
‘Merry Christmas, everyone,’ Mr Teller said, raising a glass of orange juice.
We all responded and clinked glasses. ‘So the usual drill, we’ll leave here at 9.15 for the chapel, sit through the morning service with our tenants and then be back here by 10.30. Dinner will be at three, followed by presents, so you can occupy yourselves until then.’
‘Your Aunt Maud will be arriving at 2 p.m. with Grandma and your cousins,’ Mrs Teller added.
The air was crisp and cool as we made our way to the chapel. Patches of frost glistened off the trimmed lawn. We followed the path at the side of the house towards the farm and took a turn to the left, which lead to a small patch of trees. Beyond the trees stood the chapel, a quaint, low brick building which maintained its original style on the outside but was more modern and comfortable inside.
I followed behind the family as they greeted each member of the congregation. I recognised a few faces from the party and wished them a happy Christmas.
We made our way to an empty pew at the front of the church. The vicar was a jolly looking man in his late forties, his greyish hair curled around his head and his open, friendly face was smiling. The service was nice, delivered in an entertaining fashion. It felt Christmassy and traditional and I enjoyed it. I was glad when it was over however; I was looking forward to having some free time alone before more family arrived and Christmas dinner would be served.
‘Hey, Ols, do you want the grand tour of the house?’ Steven asked as we approached the side door. So much for my alone time. I followed him into the house and up the stairs. ‘You’ve seen most of the downstairs, the ballroom, the dining room, the drawing room, we don’t use the drawing room that much, just for when we have guests and visitors and of course it’s a traditional room so it gets used a lot when the building is open to the public and for TV and stuff like that. The only room we really use downstairs is the dining room.’
We reached the top of the stairs but moved past them to the left. I hadn’t noticed the door immediately to the side of the staircase. I glance across the hall and saw an identical door on the other side. Steven held the door open for me and I found myself in another corridor which opened out to a large hallway with several doors.
