‘I wouldn’t count on it. I think wedding planning and stress brings out the worst in some people.’
‘Ye-es.’
‘But then there’s others who are so lovely …’ She sighed. ‘I wonder how Dan and Lucy are getting on?’
‘Yeah, let’s hope he makes a great recovery, and they get their big day soon.’
‘They really do deserve that.’
He kissed the top of her head, as she snuggled in a bit closer. His arms were around her and he smelt rather gorgeously of aftershave and Joe, with a hint of pizza.
She turned, tilted her head towards his and their eyes met. She felt such a warmth, such connection, all her senses suddenly seemed alert. She pressed her lips against his, this was becoming so familiar now and yet more beautiful than ever in moments like these. The kiss, full, tender and passionate, awakening something within her even though she was tired and her limbs aching.
She pulled back to look at him, then placed her fingertips on his cheek which was slightly rough with stubble. ‘I love you, Joe.’
‘I love you too. So much.’
The honesty in those words made her melt, and then ache a little inside.
She pressed herself closer to him. It was like the world had come down to just the two of them. And she suddenly realized that she wanted all of him, was ready to give all of her, right now. Slowly, she undid the top two buttons of his shirt, placing her palm against his chest, tracing fingertips over those lean, firm muscles.
She felt him stirring beneath her, in just the right place. They were still both on the sofa. She smiled at him, saw his grin back. Kissing, touching, her hands through his hair, his hands firm on her back, then tracing her spine through her clothes, reaching down to her buttocks. She felt the warmth of passion and her yearning for him unfolding within. The knowledge that he wanted her too, turning her on even more.
Her blouse now off, bra still on. He was touching her breast beneath its lace, couldn’t hold back his gasp as her nipple hardened under his touch. She was tugging off his trousers, his boxers, kneeling over him, needing to feel him within her.
It was urgent, and sleepy, and sexy all at once.
She collapsed down against his chest, wrapped up in his arms, one of his legs propped over hers. They lay on the sofa in a sated, though slightly uncomfortable, heap.
‘Well, that was unexpected …’
‘Yeah, surprised myself there, too.’ She was amazed how her energy levels had zapped up there.
‘I have this effect on women,’ he joked, his words murmured in to the top of her hair, as she lay against him.
‘Tired now, though,’ she muttered as she began to doze in the warm, safety of her husband’s arms.
‘Yeah, me too. Bed?’
‘Bed. Definitely … Perfect.’
11
It was full steam-clean ahead.
Ellie popped her head around the door to the bridal suite, shouting over the sound of the vacuum cleaner. ‘You okay, Sue? Anything you need?’
‘Hey, hi, Ellie. I’m fine, pet. Head down and busy, busy.’ Joe’s mum switched off the hoover and smiled. She and her cleaning company, The Clean Team, had taken over the castle housekeeping after the bigger events, such as weddings. She’d travel from her home an hour away in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, with one of her trusted staff, stay overnight and blitz all the guest rooms over two days.
At other times, for the general cleaning of the visitor rooms and displays, they hired two ladies from the village to keep the castle spruced up.
Sue had been anxious about coming up to the castle at first – there was so much past history for her there. But now that her affair with Lord Henry was open knowledge, and with the passing of time, things had become easier. Coming back to Claverham Castle for Ellie and Joe’s wedding, after all those years away, had broken the ice. The years had passed and eased old hurts. Life had moved on for all of them. She and Henry made conversation fairly comfortably now if they both happened to be invited to Ellie and Joe’s for a family meal, or at other castle events.
Life could take you places you never imagined, and relationships evolved. This crazy, beautiful journey we are all on. There would still be memories, of course, some love affairs never really left you, not when the relationships had meant something special. And theirs, of course, had produced a child. And Ellie, for one, was so glad it had.
‘Wow, I’ve found all sorts under this bed.’
‘Don’t tell me, I really don’t want to know.’
Sue bent double, then from under the king-size bed frame, pulled out a scrap of lacy thong which she held cautiously between finger and thumb and dropped into a bin bag, along with a half-eaten bacon sandwich. They grimaced, then both laughed.
‘It was an interesting wedding to say the least,’ Ellie commented.
‘This wasn’t the Bridezilla one, was it?’
‘Oh yes …’
‘No wonder you lot are all looking shattered. I did think Joey was a bit pale this morning. And Henry, we had a chat in the corridor just before, he was in a right grump about not getting any sleep for two days.’
‘A slight exaggeration. But yes they were a rowdy lot, and it was very full-on trying to keep them all happy. But hey, it’s all done now. And the final cheque is ready to bank, so that’s a relief.’
‘They’ll be coming back for the Christening party next.’
‘Don’t even go there …’ And with that, Ellie felt that little pang of longing again. Though she hadn’t even told Sue about them trying for a baby, and how difficult it was proving to be, she felt herself heat up, her face surely reddening.
And remembering last night, making love in every beautiful sense of the word, maybe, just maybe … She felt herself blush even more, thinking about Sue’s son in that way in her presence seemed a little wrong. But, she was sure Sue would make a lovely Granny. Her mother-in-law was polite enough not to have ever mentioned anything or pushed for information on their parenting plans, but Ellie knew she would be thrilled should it ever happen. One day …
‘Right, I’d better get back to the teashop. We open in half an hour, so it’ll be all go, and I haven’t had chance to bake my brownies yet. Going to try a new recipe today, melting-mint and dark chocolate. You’ll have to take a break and pop in and try one with a cup of coffee later.’
‘They sound divine. I’ll crack on for now, but I’ll definitely be there later on.’
‘And come and have supper with us tonight, yes? I’ll make a lasagne or something.’
‘You sure? You’ve had loads on. We could get a takeout. I’m happy to pay.’
‘Thanks Sue, but no. I’d like to cook for us. I’ll prepare the lasagne at the teashop this morning. I’ll be making some for there too. We’ll have it as a special on the lunch menu.’
‘Well, in that case, yes, it sounds lovely. Thank you, Ellie.’
Ellie felt lucky that she got on well with Sue. It wasn’t that dreaded mother/daughter-in-law clash that some of her girlfriends had experienced. Gemma, her friend and ally from the insurance office years ago, had landed a rather ferocious woman as her mother in-law, who always seemed armed and ready with pointed remarks – no woman could possibly look after her little boy as well as she ever had. Gemma dreaded the monthly visit, saying it was like going to visit a temperamental Rottweiler most of the time. Yes, Ellie was very grateful for kind and chatty Sue. They had clicked from day one.
‘Wow, that smells gorgeous! All minty and dark chocolatey at once.’
Ellie looked up from rolling out shortbread dough. ‘Oh yes, it’s my new brownie recipe, made with After Eights. They’re on their last few minutes in the oven.’
‘I’m gonna have to try one.’ Sue smiled.
‘Of course. You can be my official taster … Have you got time for a quick coffee?’
‘Yes, I’d love one. That’s the bridesmaids’ rooms and the bridal suite all done, anyhow. It’s amazing how much mess a few people can make in two
days.’
‘Tell me about it …’ Ellie raised her eyebrows.
‘Well, hey-ho, that’s how I earn my living, so I’ll not complain.’
‘It’s fairly quiet in the teashop for now, so I’ll join you for a quick break. I’ll make us a coffee from the machine. Just give me a moment to finish this shortbread.’ She sliced up the biscuit base into fingers, laid them out on a papered baking tray and pricked them over with a fork.
She then checked her timer and took out a large tray of the brownies. She gave the bake a gentle prod, yes, just at the right stage where the top was crispy and slightly cracked, revealing the gooey mint-chocolatey middle. Perfect. Once they had cooled she’d cut them into squares. Her brownies were getting famous in the local area, and sometimes not so local. She’d had a request to send some down to London last year. She made dark chocolate and orange, raspberry and white chocolate, salted caramel was a newer addition, and the good old double-chocolate recipe.
Daniel, the poor chap who’d had the accident, had raved about the salted caramel ones. She’d make a batch of those next. She planned on a trip to Newcastle soon to visit her family, now that the wedding from hell was over. If Dan was still in the Royal Infirmary she could pop by and cheer him up with a goodie bag full of them.
Over a soothing cup of Americano with a splash of frothy milk, the two ladies chatted and tested out the new flavour.
‘Absolutely delish!’ Sue grinned.
‘Pretty good with a cup of coffee, I must say.’
‘And that melty-minty-middle, a delight. You’re on to a winner there, Ellie.’
They broke off another chocolatey corner each. Good job she was always bustling about, Ellie mused, she’d be the size of a house with all these scrummy cakes and bakes around her day-in day-out. But boy, it was a just the best job sometimes. And someone had to try them.
‘So are you and Joe okay, then? Looks like you’ve had a really busy time here lately,’ Sue asked kindly.
‘Yes, we’re both fine. Thanks, Sue.’ Ellie was aware she wasn’t quite telling her the whole story. ‘And how are you? How’s the cleaning business been going?’
‘Life at the sharp end of a duster and hoover. Ah, it’s great. I’ve got so much work coming in, it’s hard to keep up with it all though. Just taken on a new contract for the care home down the road in Heaton. Twelve bedrooms and all the main living areas too. In fact, before I go tomorrow, I’ll buy some of that fruit cake you have there on the side, it looks great. The residents at the home would enjoy a piece of that.’
‘It’ll certainly make them sleep well.’ Ellie grinned. ‘Got a rather large splash of brandy in,’ she explained. ‘It was meant to be Bridezilla’s wedding cake. Long story.’
‘Aah.’
‘At least you had your break away to Vegas.’
‘Well, I’ve got my five lovely ladies that work for me. So they kept everything going at The Clean Team in my absence.’
‘Yeah, it’s so important to have a good team behind you. We’re lucky to have some great staff here too. So, tell me all about the holiday then. The sights, the desert, casinos. Sounds like you had a fabulous time.’
‘We did indeed, me and Marge had a blast. Did I tell you about the Texan tycoon in the gambling hall?’ She chortled. ‘Tycoon my arse, I’m sure he was a waiter from another hotel, posing as whatever, hoping for a good night, if you know what I mean … A Stetson, an American drawl and a wodge of notes don’t mean a lot. Well, I brought him a bit of luck at the roulette table, but that was the only lucky break he was getting from me. We dashed off when he nipped to the loo.’
Ellie could picture the pair of them, both well into their sixties, best friends, no doubt giggling like schoolgirls as they made their escape. She laughed at the image.
‘And you, Ellie. How are you, pet? If you don’t mind me saying you look a bit peaky, darling.’
‘Oh, I’m fine. It’s just been a long week. I’m tired, that’s all. It’s been pretty nonstop lately.’
‘Ah, yes. And you’ll be on your feet all day.’
‘Yep. But it’ll ease off a bit now. The main summer season is over. We only have two more weddings booked now this year, one October and one mid-November. And they’re much smaller affairs, thirty people at the next one, and only twenty-four for the one after. The first wedding want a full silver-service sit-down dinner, so we’ll be hiring outdoor caterers for that which takes the pressure off me and the teashop staff. The second is fairly straightforward menu-wise. So, I’ll enjoy co-ordinating them and making sure everyone has a great day. Honestly, they’ll seem easy, after this weekend’s malarkey.’
‘Well, make sure you look after yourself. Or get my Joey looking after you, at least.’
‘I will, and he’s pretty good, really. He helps cook sometimes, and he’s not bad with a hoover and duster.’
‘Learnt something from me, then,’ she grinned. ‘Right, on that note, I’d better step back to it.’
‘Me too. Catch you later, and this evening, just pop up whenever you’re ready. Supper’ll be around sevenish.’
‘That sounds lovely. If you’re sure it’s not too much trouble. I brought up a bottle of wine with me just in case, so I’ll bring it along.’
‘Perfect.’
Sue stayed over in Ellie’s old room, which was on the floor below their apartment. It was really handy for her when she visited, or came to work for them after the functions.
‘See you later.’
Ellie took a plate of the now-cooled brownies through to the teashop to add to the counter display. It was a smaller selection than normal, after the hectic weekend they had had, but there was fruit cake – a tipsier version than usual, being the wedding cake Bridezilla had ordered and then cancelled in favour of the rainbow sponge. Irene had made some scones first thing; a savoury Red Leicester-and-herb, and her fabulous fruit ones packed with sultanas. Irene had popped home for an hour, after her early start and busy weekend of work, but was going to be back soon to make some of her quiches ready for lunchtime.
Doris was at the counter taking an order from a local couple who often came in with their little girl, Katie.
‘Mint-choc brownies,’ Ellie mentioned, as she passed behind Doris, ‘Fresh from the oven.’
‘Oh, we’ll have to try one of those as well, then. So two teas, a juice, Katie’s favourite chocolate cake with extra sprinkles and one of the brownies. Thanks.’ The woman smiled across at Ellie.
It was lovely cheering people up with your baking creations.
12
The weather was beginning to cool. September turning autumnal as October approached. The leaves on the trees already turning golden, with a hint of russet. The apples were ripening in the castle orchard. They’d have a good crop by the looks of it, so lots of crumble on the menu, and some of her windfall apple cake, with brown sugar and raisins through it. Ellie liked the shift in the seasons. The mad rush of the summer tourists trade slowing to a steadier stream of customers, and she and Joe had chance to see a bit more of each other, to enjoy their nights in by the real fire.
The castle closed to the day-to-day tourists early November after their end-of-season fireworks event, opening only for weddings or functions over the winter months. Though that gave them some much needed time off, and Lord Henry was happy as he loved getting rid of the ‘invaders’ as he called the tourists, it meant in reality that funds were often tight, during that time. They really needed to think of something else to help tide them over that slower period.
They were in the castle Monday Meeting, the last Monday in September.
‘A Christmas Craft Fayre, that’s what we need. That’d draw people in,’ Doris piped up.
Actually, it wasn’t a bad idea. Far better than Malcolm’s children’s party venue suggestion. Lord Henry had nearly had a fit at that.
‘Yes,’ Doris was on a roll, ‘we could invite local craft stalls to come along, Christmas cards, jams, there’s a guy makes lovely wo
od carvings and decorations. I bet Wendy would do some nice Christmas wreaths. And I’ve a cousin makes wonderful knitted mice and hedgehogs, and such like.’
‘Hmm, I could put on mince pies and mulled wine, as well as opening up the teashop with lots of festive favourites. Oh, and hot chocolates with cream and marshmallows.’
‘Ooh, you could sell that fudge you make and mini shortbreads.’ Derek added. ‘I love that, I could get some for Mum and Auntie Glenda.’
‘The Great Hall would be a fabulous venue,’ Malcolm joined in. ‘Tinsel and tiffin.’
Everyone bar Ellie gave him an odd look. ‘You know, that biscuit stuff, could even be “Tinsel, tiffin and tray bakes”.’
‘Christmas at the Castle has a good ring to it.’ Joe piped up, obviously warming to the idea.
‘When do you think? Early or mid-November, whilst Christmas is in everyone’s minds, but they haven’t yet bought all their gifts?’ Deana joined in the conversation.
‘Yes, why not make it a couple of weeks before our last wedding booking. So, say the second weekend of November. A Saturday is always a good day,’ Ellie added.
‘Agh, blimey. I’ll have even more people traipsing around the castle. They’ll be here all bloody winter at this rate. We’ll never get a moment’s peace.’ Lord Henry was rubbing his forehead agitatedly with his hand.
‘It’s actually a really good idea, Henry. It’ll bring in some extra income just when we need it. And, it’ll be good as a community event, bring everyone together. We could get the local schoolkids over to sing carols on the courtyard …’ Joe said.
‘I thought we were avoiding children?’ Lord H was definitely disgruntled.
‘Then,’ Joe continued, on a roll, ‘All the parents will come along and hopefully pop into the tearooms or buy some Christmas gifts too. It’s a great idea, Doris, well done.’
‘I suppose you’ll be wanting me to dress up as bloody Father Christmas next,’ Lord Henry grumbled, sarcastically.
‘Well …’ Joe pretended to consider it.
‘Hah, no chance. You’d frighten all the kids away,’ Malcolm was grinning. ‘Come Christmas Eve, they’d all be terrified of you coming down the chimney.’
The Cosy Christmas Teashop Page 8
