Summer Wedding at the Cornish Manor, page 13
It isn’t long before we’re onto the bridesmaids’ dresses and Lola is utterly captivated. A lot of girls like dressing up and dreaming about the day they’ll get married. I don’t want to spoil the illusion for her and if she wants a princess dress to wear on the day, why not?
When the show finishes, to my surprise, Riley appears, a huge smile on his face as he hurries towards us. And he’s not wearing his work clothes. His hair is a little damp, so he’s fresh from the shower, and wearing a white linen shirt with the cuffs folded back, teamed with a smart pair of navy-blue trousers.
‘My goodness,’ I remark as he draws to a halt, ‘don’t you look good.’
‘Riley, you missed the show. It was awesome!’ Lola declares.
He gives me a hopeful smile. ‘The bridal wear shopping is done then?’
Lola pulls a long face. ‘Mum didn’t seem very impressed.’
Suddenly, all eyes are on me. ‘Oh… I… um…’
‘Lola,’ Mum jumps in, ‘shall we head over to the boutique area to look at the bridesmaids’ dresses? They might let you try one on.’
My daughter turns to look at me. ‘Can we, Mum?’
‘Of course, you can. Riley and I will have a little wander around. If you do try on a dress, text me and we’ll come straight over.’
Seconds later, Riley clasps my hand, looking down at me. ‘Are you struggling with all this wedding stuff? Isn’t it supposed to be a fun thing, planning a wedding?’
I lead him in the direction of the floristry stand, as we begin what is for me a delicate conversation.
‘Riley, what are you expecting on the day?’
‘I don’t know… I just want you to be happy and I’ll go with the flow.’
‘No, you don’t get to do that,’ I reply, firmly.
‘Do what?’
‘Opt out. We’ve both been married before and I don’t know about you, but I’m over the fairy-tale, white wedding thing.’
Is that a look of disappointment I see fleetingly etched on his face?
‘What do you want?’ he asks.
‘I’ve told you what I don’t want and now it’s time for you to level with me.’
He flashes me a look tinged with anxiety, and he inhales sharply before he begins. ‘The first time around, my stress levels were through the roof. It felt like if anything went wrong, it was going to be a bad omen. We blew our budget and some to make sure everything was perfect but look how that worked out.’ As soon as he finishes speaking, Riley looks at me apologetically. ‘Sorry, that sounds really jaded, doesn’t it? I am so looking forward to our wedding day because somehow, I just know it will be different.’
‘I understand exactly where you’re coming from, Riley. But to make it happen requires a whole series of decisions to be made.’
We stop in our tracks, turning to face each other as people stream past us on both sides of the aisle. ‘And when you think of our wedding, what do you imagine?’ I prompt.
‘This is going to sound a bit off-topic, but last year’s end of summer party that we held in the grounds of Renweneth Manor was magical to me. Admittedly, a part of that was down to the fact that you told everyone we’re together. I thought it was too soon, but you were right. When you know you’ve found the one, happiness comes from within. Even if we’d been drinking expensive Champagne instead of Prosecco, it wouldn’t have made that night any more enchanting, would it? It was relaxed, informal, although everyone dressed up a little and, dare I say, it was more romantic because it wasn’t organised to the nth degree.’
I throw my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. ‘You’ve put your finger on it, Riley. That’s exactly what I want for our wedding day, and I think I know how to achieve it. Now, Mum needs a theme and a main colour for the buffet table, the invites and the decorations.’
‘Oh no… you’re taking me to look at flowers, aren’t you?’
‘I am. I’ll tell Mum that we’re going for a boho, country-style feel. No white frock for me; as for Lola, well, it’s a special day for her too and she can have whatever she wants.’
‘Does that mean I don’t have to wear a suit and a tie?’
‘You can come in something as simple as what you’re wearing today. How about adding a waistcoat? Something fun, because that’s what it’s going to be – a day where it’s not all eyes on the bride and groom, but one big party. But you will need a best man.’
Suddenly, all my concerns evaporate into thin air, just as my phone pings. Mum sends me a photo of Lola looking like an angel and I show it to Riley before calling her.
‘We’ll make our way over, Mum. Lola looks stunning. Has she fallen in love with it? What’s the price?’
To my surprise, Mum interrupts me. ‘No. She’s just having a bit of fun and has already gone to change back into her own clothes. After doing the spinning around thing on the spot, Lola whispered to me that she’d be scared she might trip over in it.’
‘Sensible girl! We’re just off to look at flowers and then I think I can answer most of your questions.’
‘Oh, that was quick. I knew this would inspire you and I’m glad Riley made the effort to join us.’
‘Me, too. Mum. See you in a bit.’
13
One Headache After Another
Tuesday morning dawns and everyone at Renweneth Farm is feeling the effects of what has been an enormously successful, albeit tiring, Easter event. Mum and Dad left early this morning, but they were all smiles now that Mum has almost everything that she needs to finalise most of the wedding arrangements. There’s still a question mark over the guest list, but I decided it’s unfair to put pressure on Riley to make the call to his parents if he’s not quite ready. I suggested she take the list Riley and I hadn’t quite finished and cater for an additional ten people. It’s better to have too much food rather than not enough.
Yesterday, I was doing relief cover, and did a bit of everything. From directing people into Ivy’s cupcake- and cookie-making sessions, to helping at the animal pen that Clem from Pengali farm had set up in the courtyard. It was hands down a winner with everyone, no matter what their age. I mean, who doesn’t want to watch a baby lamb being fed, or baby goats prancing around?
Riley volunteered to assist at the indoor pottery sessions, having no idea what he was letting himself in for. It mostly involved making sure people donned their aprons as it can be a bit of a messy pursuit, but he said he had fun.
Cappy, Keith and Lola ran the play area over in the first field. There was a giant game of noughts and crosses, two Easter egg hunts and a hunt the rabbit competition. Lola delighted in hiding ten stuffed rabbits around the site and Ivy made some small bags of bunny-shaped cookies as prizes for each child who spotted all ten.
This morning, Lola is at Daisy’s house for a play date, and I make my way over to the bakery to see Ivy. It’s market day and there are a lot of people coming and going.
Wenna directs me to the kitchen, where I find Ivy levelling a tray of sponge cake with a spatula, ready to pop it into the steam oven.
‘Hey, how’re you doing?’
She grins at me. ‘Tired. I bet you are, too.’
‘Being honest, it was the boost I needed. Just seeing people flocking here reassured me that our marketing strategy is working, and word is spreading further and further afield.’
‘Well,’ Ivy comments, swiping her forehead with the back of her hand, ‘today, we seem to be just as busy again.’
‘There’s quite a queue downstairs, too. Those tall bistro tables in the courtyard with the umbrellas are popular.’
‘Our polite notices asking customers to use the waste bins seem to work but I really do need to find another casual helper, maybe two, to see us through the summer. Especially if the concessions in The Courtyard Hub decide to go with Sunday opening.’
‘We’re having a meeting at six this evening to discuss it. I’ll let you know how it goes. Don’t feel you have to fall in line with their decision, though. For the individual retailers, it’s a big step, but they’re talking about pooling resources. They’re thinking of organising a rota so not everyone would work every Sunday; some would cover more than one outlet. It makes sense to me.’
‘That’s a good idea but we’re noticing the increased trade from the campsite now and I think it would be wrong for the bakery not to open seven days a week. I’ve already mentioned it to Alice at Rowse’s bakery, we just haven’t agreed a start date. By the way, Prudie popped in to say they sold three paintings over the weekend, and she was delighted.’
‘Oh, I didn’t see her,’ I reply. ‘Maybe she’s avoiding me.’
‘I doubt it. Prudie and Cappy spent half an hour in the café having coffee and cake together. She was in a good mood, so I think you can safely assume everything has settled down. Anyway, to what do I owe this pleasure?’ She gives me a knowing grin.
‘I want to ask you a favour.’
‘Ha! You’re so transparent, Jess. Ask away.’
‘Our wedding plans are finally falling into place. Riley and I have decided that the ceremony is going to be an intimate affair. We’re hoping that Riley’s parents, his brother and his new wife, and Ollie will be there, but that’s an unknown, probably until the last minute. That aside, Lola, my parents and Cappy will be there, but we’d like you and Adam to join us, too.’
‘Oh, Jess… we’d love to be a part of it!’
She walks around the counter, keeping her sticky fingers in the air as she gives me a hug.
‘It wouldn’t be the same without you two. Just between us, Riley is going to ask Adam to be his best man. It’s not going to be a formal affair, but the ceremony itself means a lot to me and Riley. The party afterwards is simply a celebration of everything in our lives that puts a smile on our faces and a warm glow in our hearts: the farm and our family and friends.’
‘So,’ she says, standing back, ‘the cake… what are we doing?’
‘Ah, right. I have been—’ When my phone rings, I’m surprised to hear Riley’s voice and his tone is dour.
‘Jess, you’d better get over to the manor. We have a problem.’
‘I’m on my way.’ I let out a gentle sigh. ‘Sorry, Ivy. I must go, Riley sounds stressed. I’m open to suggestions regarding the cake.’
As I step out into the courtyard, in the far corner to the right-hand side of The Farmhouse, someone has exposed the access point to the mains water isolation valve; it’s surrounded by orange cones, which isn’t a good sign. I hurry through the archway into the grounds of Renweneth Manor and I’m dismayed to see Riley, and our two new plumbers – Rick and Nigel – deep in conversation. They’re all bent over inspecting something.
‘Hey, guys, what’s up?’ I approach them, realising that as I get closer, the ground beneath my feet is getting softer.
Riley straightens, his brow furrowed. ‘It seems we have a serious leak. Better turn it off again at the other inspection point, Rick,’ he says with a hint of urgency. The guy doesn’t hang around and he sprints out into the courtyard. What we’re staring down at appears to be little bubbles of water burbling up through the gravel path.
‘How long has it been leaking?’ As I glance around, it’s obvious that a wide area is waterlogged. It extends into the orchard and the full length of the path to the side of the manor.
‘It probably happened sometime over the weekend, but I’d say a couple of days, at least. We’ll turn off the supply that cuts across the courtyard into the manor so it can start drying out. It’s not the isolation valve at this end that’s failed, so it’s a breach in the pipe somewhere between here and the courtyard.’
Just when I thought we were done with ugly trenches around the manor and the paths were finally tidy again, this is one headache we didn’t need. After a brief discussion, we stand around as Riley calls in a favour. While Steve’s business has closed down, he has useful contacts in the trade.
‘Sorry to bother you, mate, but we’ve got a major leak over at the farm. Rick is here finishing off inside and Nigel has now joined him, so I think between the three of us, we can fix it. But what we need is the use of an underground water leak detector, to allow us to pinpoint where to start digging. I don’t suppose you know of one we could get our hands on urgently?’
Steve’s guys not only lost their jobs, but their well-equipped vans too, and access to some of the more expensive tools they need to carry out their work.
‘Really? Thanks, mate, it means a lot.’ Riley turns to look at us, smiling broadly. ‘I’m off to Polreweek. Steve has a detector kit in his garage. See you in a bit.’
He’s so relieved that he simply turns on his heels and strides away, leaving the three of us staring down at the ground.
‘Is it as bad as it looks?’ I venture to ask.
They glance at each other, and Rick turns to face me. ‘The ground will start drying out but old stone cottages like this don’t have a damp course. If you touch the stonework, you can feel how high the water has travelled.’
He’s right, if I stand further back, it’s obvious that one massive section of the wall is a darker colour than the rest.
‘You’ll need some dehumidifiers inside as it will have gone right through the entire thickness of the wall. Until the central heating boiler is connected, it’ll start drying out, but slowly, and the last thing you want is mould growing in the room behind this.’
Great… that’s the main sitting room and the second biggest room on the ground floor. This is going to throw the schedule out yet again.
‘Don’t worry,’ Nigel interjects. ‘Once we know where the leak is, it’ll take us no more than a day to dig the hole, cut the pipe, place a collar on it and do the backfill.’
My eyes travel across the garden, following the line of the pipe as the crow flies from the inspection point next to the manor, to the inspection point in the courtyard. Obviously, the high stone wall blocks my view, but it will probably mean digging up a patch of the beautiful lawn that is one of the main features of the landscaped gardens. With the wedding only four months away, I was banking on it looking pristine, even if half of the interior will still be a blank canvas.
The guys can sense how gutted I am, but it’s just one of those things. ‘I guess it’ll mean a new flower border then,’ I reply, pragmatically.
‘We’ll lay some boards around the hole, so we don’t turn the grass into a mud pit. The grass itself will soon spring back up,’ Nigel reassures me.
‘Thanks, guys. How are you both doing?’
They glance at each other, fleetingly. ‘It’s been a lifesaver working here,’ Rick admits. ‘It’s good to be back again and working on the second fix for you. Nigel and I have decided to set up on our own and are just sorting out our finances. If it’s not a cheek… we were wondering whether you’d be happy for us to tell potential customers that we’ve done work for you here at Renweneth Farm.’
‘Of course, you can! And if you get any business cards printed up, pop some into the bakery. Ivy is keen to promote local goods and services, and a lot of people within about a twenty-minute drive pop in regularly to buy their bread here.’
‘We’re going to set up a website and, at some point, we’d love to take a few photos of the main bathroom and the various en suites at the manor to start us off.’ Nigel and I glance at each other and start chuckling. ‘Oh, once it’s all finished, naturally,’ Rick confirms.
This time, the sigh I let out is a wearisome one. ‘When the central heating has been commissioned and the kitchen is all plumbed in, if you guys can get the ground-floor cloakroom and the first-floor main bathroom finished in time for the wedding, I’ll be ecstatic,’ I admit. ‘I was beginning to envisage sending our wedding guests over to the campsite to use the facilities there.’
‘That,’ Nigel states firmly, ‘is not going to happen. I know some of the other trades are holding us up, but Riley is doing a great job of keeping everyone focused. A project this size, in such an old property, is never going to be straightforward. It’s a privilege working on it, Jess. Everyone around here thought you’d end up selling the manor off to someone who would turn it into their weekend retreat. That would have been a shame, because when it was occupied, it was always a family home to people who provided much-needed jobs in the community. Just as you and Riley are doing now.’
I’m touched by his words.
‘And we’ll make sure your wedding guests have all the facilities they need, even if it means working up to the wire,’ Rick continues. ‘Right, let’s get back to work, Nigel, or Riley will think we’ve been slacking.’
I give them both a beaming smile and leave them to it. The guest list has just grown by four, and if I’m correct, Nigel’s wife has recently had a baby and Rick has two little boys, so that’s seven in total. But when people go the extra mile for you, they become a part of the journey and should be a part of the celebration. It’s not just a wedding but also to mark the completion of phase one of turning Renweneth Manor into a home.
It’s anyone’s guess what we’re going to be able to achieve in terms of the man hours required to do the work, and money is getting tight. It’s time for me to go all in. Riley would be horrified if he knew I’m going to end up sinking every penny I have into this, but it’ll be worth it. He’s working so hard, and I know each setback takes a toll on him, but without Riley driving this project forward, it would have already fallen apart. It’s time to throw some serious cash at it because he’s had an uphill battle and that’s not good for his morale.
*
‘Hello? Jess… are you there?’
A lone voice filters up the stairs and I call out, ‘Coming, Ivy!’ Riley and Adam left for the gym about fifteen minutes ago. I was supposed to be locking up, but I ended up grabbing a paintbrush and the next thing I know I’m giving the windowsill in what will be the main bathroom, another coat. I manoeuvre my way around the boxes of sanitary ware stacked in the middle of the room and hurry downstairs.
‘Sorry, I didn’t know you were working,’ Ivy apologises as soon as she sees me.
