‘Jo-e, I’m getting a bit worried about Lucy and her friends getting here, if the roads are getting bad out there.’
‘Yes, when are they due?’
‘In about half an hour, I think. Might be longer, if it’s been snowing on the way up from Newcastle too.’
‘Right, well I’ll see how the roads are outside the castle. If it’s just our driveway that’s bad, we can have a go at clearing it. I’ll take my mobile with me and keep you posted.’
‘Okay.’
‘And, if there’s any problems, or if the girls call or anything, tell them to stay put wherever they’ve got to. Get them to pull over somewhere safe, and I’ll go and fetch them.’
Fingers crossed the girls were fine, wherever they had got to en route. The last thing that wedding party needed was any more accidents.
Twenty-five anxious minutes later, Ellie took a call from Joe on her mobile. ‘I’m on my way back now. The roads aren’t great. But I’m fine in the Jeep. It’s settling fast though. See you soon.’
‘Okay, Joe.’
‘Any news on Lucy’s whereabouts?’
‘Not yet. I thought about phoning her mobile, but if she’s driving I don’t want to put her off. She’ll need to concentrate. Don’t want to ring Daniel about it either, no point worrying him needlessly.’
‘No, I agree. We’ll just wait a while.’
Ten minutes after that, Ellie’s mobile rang again. She saw the caller ID.
‘Lucy? You okay? I’ve been wondering about you all. Where are you?’
‘Hi, phew, that was a bit of a tense one. We’ve got as far as The Swan pub, about five miles away. But that last hill down was certainly hair-raising. Had a bit of a slide. Given me a bit of a fright, to be honest. The roads here aren’t gritted or anything.’
‘Yeah, Joe said it was settling fast. At least you’re all okay, yeah?’
‘Yep, we’re fine. We’re warming up by the fire with a cup of coffee. Blimey, I’ve just looked out of the window – it’s heaving it down.’
‘Hmm, right, well don’t try and go anywhere. Stay put. I’m waiting for Joe to come back from Kirkton any time. He’s got the Jeep. He’s already offered to come and fetch you ladies. You can leave your car at the pub car park for now, I’m sure Alan won’t mind.’
‘Great. If you’re sure Joe’s okay with that? Blimey, I’m just thinking, we’ve got loads of stuff in the boot. My wedding dress, four bridesmaids dresses, overnight bags, make-up, the works. Don’t ask a bride to travel light.’
‘Hah, I’ll warn him he’s in for several trips then. Are the dresses covered over fine? Don’t get them wet or spoilt in the snow … Actually go and ask Alan, he’s the landlord there, see if he’s got spare plastic wrap or anything. He won’t mind helping.’
‘Okay, will do. Well, this is some start to my wedding. Be careful what you wish for hey. Was it me that asked for snow? I seem to remember … It could have waited ‘til we all got there. I’m just hoping all my guests can get through all right tomorrow. And Dan, of course.’
‘Try not to worry about that now. It could all stop as soon as it started, and the roads will be gritted and fine by the morning.’
‘Yeah, you’re right.’
‘Well, sit tight and look out for Joe. He may be twenty minutes or so yet.’
‘Thanks, Ellie.’
‘Well ladies, your carriage awaits.’ Joe was grinning, and a little snow-dusted as he arrived at the pub.
The girls got themselves organized. Two bridesmaids and the four bridesmaids’ dresses were the first to be loaded in to the Jeep. Landlord Alan had found some extra-large bin bags to double wrap the dresses, over the top of their carry sleeves, just in case.
A farmer Joe knew happened to be in, having a quick pint before heading home. He heard the saga of the stranded wedding belles, said he had his old Land Rover outside, and offered to take two more of the girls across to the castle with him. He only had room in the front mind, the back being full of sheep feed. So, Lucy was to stay with her wedding dress and would be the last pickup. Joe said he’d be back as soon as he could.
Ellie had stoked up the fire in the teashop. It would be a nice place for them to gather and warm up before she would take them up to their rooms. She’d got some hot chocolate organized if they wanted, and a plate full of homemade shortbread. She’d checked the central heating was on in the guest rooms, making sure they were warm and toasty, and Ellie had also lit the small fireplace in Lucy’s room, the biggest of the rooms, so they could all chill out there comfortably.
They would be fine once they all got here, Ellie told herself. She was a little nervous waiting, with all the buildup and background to this big day tomorrow, she didn’t want anything to go wrong now. But, she had confidence in Joe and his driving. He knew the roads well, and would be better than anyone to get them here safely.
Henry appeared. ‘Turning into a bit of a snowstorm this. Most we’ve seen in years … Saw the light on here, thought I’d pop down and see how you’re getting on. Busy, no doubt. All organized for the big day tomorrow?’
‘Nearly, yes.’
‘I know I wasn’t too pleased about holding this wedding so near to Christmas. But I can see how you want to make it right for this couple, these friends of yours … Where is everybody, anyhow? Where’s Joe?’
‘Gone to fetch the ladies. The bride and her bridesmaids had some problems getting through. They’re stranded at the pub in the village. Roads are getting terrible out there, apparently.’
‘Ah, right. Oh, I could have gone and helped. What’s Joe gone in? Not that souped-up hatchback I hope, won’t be any good in this stuff.’
‘No, he’s in the Jeep.’
‘Good stuff.’
‘Should be back any time soon, hopefully. I might go out and have a look.’
‘Well, get yourself well wrapped up. It’ll be freezing out there. I’m heading back to my rooms for a bit, but if you need anything. Or, if you hear from Joe and he needs a hand. Give me a shout.’
‘Thanks, Henry.’
The sky was full of heavy, cold flakes that landed on her eyelashes as she looked up. It was dark out, and yet the falling snow made it appear a cool grey all around her. The snow was already lying a few inches deep in the courtyard, crunching, compacting under her feet. She’d popped a pair of wellies on, as well as a thick coat, gloves, hat, scarf. She walked under the stone arch at the end of the courtyard to the heavy wooden front doors of the main castle entrance, turned the circle handle of the creaky black metal latch, and stood out on the front steps watching the driveway for signs of headlights, the noise of a vehicle. She knew she wouldn’t rest until they were all here safe and sound.
Standing there on the castle steps, waiting for loved ones to come home, pulled her back. History never felt far away in this ancient place. A sense of the people who had lived here before you was always near; their lives, their happiness and sorrows. And, would someone else maybe in twenty years, maybe two hundred, stand on these same steps looking out into the snow, waiting, with that same tug of anxiety and love?
There was something … lights, yes, at the far end of the driveway, coming closer now. Two sets in fact, one following the other. She felt a lift of relief. The Jeep and an old, rather battered-looking Land Rover pulled up alongside the steps. Joe stepped out and came round to help out two ladies who Ellie didn’t recognize. Behind, coming out of the Land Rover were another two; yes, she recognized the long dark hair of Chief Bridesmaid, Caitlin. Between them, they were trying to carry what looked like a mass of bin bags stuck together with packing tape.
‘Our dresses,’ Caitlin managed a smile.
‘Ah, yes. Come on in, come on in.’ Elle ushered them through the arch, heading for to the teashop. ‘Here, let me help you.’ She took one of the plastic long-length packages, allowing one of the girls to manage her case easier.
They made it into the stone stairwell and headed down the few steps to the teashop, where El
lie helped them hang their dresses, still in their plastic protection, from the teashop door.
‘No Lucy?’ Ellie asked Joe, over her shoulder, concerned.
‘Had to do it in stages. We couldn’t fit everyone in, not with all the luggage and dresses. So Lucy’s still at The Swan, with her wedding dress … Oh, Ellie, this is Jack from Kirkgrange Farm.’ He pointed to the chap, who’d been driving the other vehicle, a burly bloke in his fifties. He was carrying two pink overnight cases, and a shoulder bag.
‘Oh yes, I know you now, Jack. Of course.’ She’d seen him before at local events from time to time. He was a bit of a regular at The Swan. ‘Thank you for helping. Can I get you some warm soup or anything?’
‘That’d be grand, lass. Then I’ll be on my way. Had to do my bit for these damsels in distress. Rather enjoyed it, actually.’ He gave a grin, and a wink.
‘And girls, hot chocolates or soup?’
‘Hot chocolate, please.’ ‘Yep.’ Nods. ‘Thanks, Ellie.’
‘Right, I need to get back and fetch Lucy,’ Joe said. ‘Won’t be too long.’
‘Thank you, Joe,’ the girls chanted.
They were glad of the warm fire, and a cosy chair. Ellie soon bringing them warm mugs of hot chocolate loaded with cream and marshmallows. Jack sat sipping his soup, chatting away to the young ladies, in his element. He seemed in no hurry to get home. There was only one more to come (well two, with the driver) then they could all relax properly, and prepare for the big day tomorrow.
Joe seemed to be taking a long time fetching Lucy, much longer than he had when he had gone to get the bridesmaids on the first trip.
Ellie tried not to dwell on it too much, but her eyes kept flicking to her wristwatch, as she chatted to the girls who sat drinking their hot chocolates.
Jack stood up, said his wife would be wondering where he’d got to by now, so he’d better be getting himself home. He thanked Ellie for the soup.
‘You’re very welcome, Jack, and thanks so much for your help.’
‘Thank you, Jack. You’re a star,’ Caitlin added. ‘We’ll remember tonight and our snowy antics for a long while.’
He beamed as he ambled across the teashop, heading for the door.
‘Take it steady out there, Jack.’
‘Will do, I’ll be fine. It may look battered but that old thing gets me uphill and down-dale and everywhere, never been stopped by a bit of snow.’ He smiled. ‘Goodnight, lasses. Have a grand day tomorrow … And if you need any more help, Ellie, give us a shout out.’
‘Will do, and thanks again, Jack.’ Ellie stood up to follow him.
‘Stay here, keep yourself warm and dry, lass. I’ll see my’sen out.’ He tipped his old tweed cap and left.
The girls finished their drinks and the shortbread that Ellie had put out for them. She took them up to their rooms, so they could start settling themselves in.
‘Wow, this is so lovely.’ Ellie was showing Caitlin into her guest room, she had already shown two of the girls in to their twin suite. ‘It’s old-fashioned and yet so cute, kind of shabby chic.’
Sue, Joe’s mum, had done a fabulous job of sourcing old furniture, some antique, some just house sale stuff, mostly bargains – as they had a tight budget to work with. The great thing was that she had a friend that did restoration and chalk painting work. They’d gone for a soft cream and grey theme, lots of wood-painted furniture and stylish metal bedheads. In the winter months, they used tartan-style throws over the ends of the beds. With each room having a small fireplace and soft lighting, it all looked very welcoming.
Ellie left the girls to get themselves organized and comfortable. She showed them the little kitchen the four rooms shared, and the bathroom facilities (two rooms sharing, the other two having ensuites).
Back in the tearooms on her own a while later, she felt restless and decided to call Joe’s mobile phone, to see how he was getting on. It rang and rang, then clicked across to the impersonal female voice of his answerphone. ‘I’m sorry, we’re not available right now …’
Ellie told herself not to worry. She probably shouldn’t have called him in the first place. It was difficult driving conditions, so he’d need to concentrate, not be answering his phone. And the Jeep, unlike his car, wouldn’t have hands-free, anyhow. She’d better not hassle him anymore.
She may as well get on and prepare something for tomorrow; there would be plenty to do in the morning so she could make a start now. She took out some broccoli and started cutting it into florets, placing them in cold water for overnight. It was cool in the kitchens now without the ovens on; they’d keep nice and fresh.
Ten minutes later, she stole another glance at her watch. Joe had now been over fifty minutes – for a journey that in normal conditions would take no more than fifteen. She told the scary, irrational voices in her head to pipe down, but she still found herself listening out for footsteps or the teashop door going. She went to have a look out of the teashop windows to the courtyard, tension tightening in her gut. Just snow, falling steadily.
The door then creaked open.
‘I can hear the girls are settling in … Joe not back yet?’
She turned. ‘Oh, Lord Henry.’
He placed a calming hand on her shoulder.
‘No, not yet.’ She answered his question, trying to sound upbeat.
‘He won’t be long, I’m sure. I’ll stay here a while, if you don’t mind. They were drowning out the documentary I was following.’
‘Sorry, Henry. It’ll just be for tonight and tomorrow.’ She felt a little sorry for him. An Englishman’s home is his castle and all that, and in this case it kept getting invaded every now and again – no longer by rampaging border reivers, but rampaging wedding guests and tourists.
He gave a small smile. ‘It wasn’t too bad really. They sounded excited if anything. Been quite a trip up, by the sounds of it. I met one of them on the stairwell. Bit of a dramatic arrival with all the snow. Going to be interesting tomorrow, if it keeps going at this rate.’ He nodded to the falling flakes outside the glass.
‘Yes, I know. We’re waiting on the bride. And then tomorrow, we somehow need to make sure we get the groom and all the other guests here in time for the service. And there I was thinking all I had to worry about was the food and coordinate proceedings on the day.’
‘We’re always at the mercy of the elements, we just forget it sometimes.’
‘Hmm.’ Ellie nodded. Come home safe, Joe, my love. And Lucy, for your Daniel.
‘Here, I’ll pop another log on the fire for you.’
‘Thanks. Cup of tea, Henry?’
‘Don’t mind if I do.’
So the pair of them settled on the bench by the fire with some tea, talking here and there, sometimes just sitting watching the orange curls of flame, hearing the fire crackle. Henry struggled with chit-chat, but it was just nice having some company.
At last, there was a glow of blueish light coming through the snowy courtyard. Ellie dashed to look out of the teashop windows. Two figures, the taller one holding up a mobile phone as a torch, between them they carried a large covered item. A powerful rush of relief ran through her.
Ellie was soon at the teashop door holding it open, letting in a rush of chilly winter air. She heard the stamping of feet, shaking the snow off their boots, no doubt. Footsteps coming down.
‘Wow, that was an interesting journey.’ Joe was grinning, he was fine, though looking rather bedraggled, his hair and jacket looked soaking, with an over-dusting of white flakes.
‘Wow, good to see you pair. That took a while. And, how’s the bride-to-be? What a trial for you getting here.’ Ellie gave Lucy a big welcome hug. ‘Here, let me take the dress. I assume it’s your dress.’ She held out her arms for the large black bin-bag wrapped item. ‘I’ll hang it up for you, then we can take it to your room in a mo. The girls are up there already, settling in.’
‘Thank you. Well, Joe here has saved an old lady stuck in her car,’ Lucy announce
d. ‘She couldn’t get through bless her, and had slid and blocked the road. She was a bit shaken up apparently. So then he took her home, out in the hills somewhere … been a bit of a hero by the sounds of it. As well, of course, as saving five bridal damsels in distress.’ She smiled, relaxing now she’d got to the warmth and refuge of the castle.
‘You make it sound very dramatic,’ Joe added. ‘The old lady didn’t have much chance in that little hatchback, it was sliding all over the place. She seemed a bit shocked and upset … She’d been visiting a friend who was ill, got caught out by the weather heading back. Anyhow, I got her car pulled up safely out of the way, and took her home, that was all. It was only just past Kirkton, up the valley a bit. She said I could have left her at the pub, but then it would only mean someone else would have had to try and come out and fetch her. I knew I’d be fine getting there in the Jeep.’
‘So, I thought I might be spending the night in the pub in my own, when he didn’t seem to be coming back. It was fine, I was cosy, warm, sat by the fire. Alan was very chatty too … Nice to be here, though. I’ve made it! And the dress! Crikey, I just hope everyone will be able to get through tomorrow.’ She frowned.
‘We’ll find a way,’ Lord Henry who was still there chipped in. ‘Where there’s a will there’s a way. I’ve lived here many years in this castle, and a bit of snow never stopped us, did it, Joe?’
‘No, that’s true. And, the weather’s so changeable, it could all be melting away by morning.’
Ellie was nodding. ‘Right then, Lucy, Joe, can I fetch you a warm drink, something to eat?’
‘A coffee would be great,’ replied Joe.
‘Lucy, hot chocolate? The girls enjoyed that when they got here.’
‘Sound perfect.’
‘Then you can start relaxing and go up and join your bridesmaids. There’s one big day ahead for all of you.’
‘Yes, exciting. But what a crazy start.’
They ended up sharing a pizza supper with the bridal party – the girls had intended having a pub tea out that evening. But no one was heading back out on those roads tonight. Luckily, Joe had been indecisive about flavours when he’d gone out earlier to fetch the pizzas for himself and Ellie, and ended up buying four, intending to save two in the freezer. Ellie also found two spare quiches in the teashop freezers, as well as making up some salad and a couple of garlic breads. She also remembered there were some chocolate brownies in a tub in the kitchen – she’d had the urge to bake a batch of the salted-caramel ones that were Daniel’s favourite a few days ago. They had them after the pizzas, warmed through, as dessert with some ice cream, and they toasted the bride-to-be with a glass of prosecco.
The Cosy Christmas Teashop Page 21
