Summer Wedding at the Cornish Manor, page 24
I give a gentle sigh. ‘Hmm… at some point early next year.’ If funds allow, that is. Riley and I each contributed half to the wedding budget, but I know that after repaying his brother and buying my engagement ring, it’ll take him a while to build his savings back up again.
There’s a slight pause.
‘I don’t know if your dad and I did the right thing,’ Mum continues, sounding a tad uneasy. ‘Ever since we sent out the invites, people have been calling about a wedding present list. I know you glibly told me that when two households combine, there isn’t much you need by way of toasters and china.’ Mum’s tinkling laughter echoes down the line because that’s exactly what I said. ‘The enquiries were about vouchers, or asking if it was okay to gift cash. Most people are aware that you have some big items of furniture to buy, but you’ve been so busy, we didn’t want to bother you. So, when anyone asks, we simply give them the account number and the sort code and ask them to put their name in the description when they do the transfer. Together with a little bit of an underspend, the balance is growing by the day.’
‘Oh, I see.’ Well, that’s unexpected.
‘That way, we can print out a list so you and Riley can thank everyone. Even Riley’s parents have made a transfer.’
‘They have?’
‘Yes. I had a lovely chat with Phyllis when we made contact to sort out Ollie’s outfit. She said they felt a bit awkward talking to Riley about money, but they wanted to give the same amount to you and Riley as they did to Tom and Helen. Anyway, money is still coming in. I think pretty much everyone I’m in contact with down there has already contributed.’
I gulp. ‘I’ll leave that in your hands then, Mum. Thank you.’
The whole idea was that the party was a celebration not just of our union, but it was meant to be a heartfelt thank you to everyone who either supported us here on site, or emotionally at a distance. It was our gift to them.
‘Anyway, you can book that honeymoon without worrying. And don’t concern yourself about Cappy; whatever he’s doing, he’s happy. He hasn’t mentioned coming back to Stroud and if he intended to do that, I’m sure he’d been making noises about it by now.’
‘We couldn’t have pulled off this wedding without you and Dad taking control. I’d have floundered. Let Dad know that Riley and I really, really appreciate the time and effort you’ve both put in.’
‘It’s been our pleasure, Jess. As Cappy says, it’s nice to feel needed.’
I’m touched by her words and if ever I needed my parents, it’s been over the last couple of months.
*
As I sit across the table from Michael, he isn’t smiling. ‘That last income and expenditure account you sent over, Jess… well, doing a quick tally against the most recent bank statement for the farm’s main account, there’s just over a twenty-four-thousand-pound shortfall. I know you’re still moving funds around, and you might have further transfers to do, so I could be panicking over nothing. But I was under the impression that you were keeping the tax money in there, rather than the secondary account… unless I’m getting confused.’
‘That’s right. I’ve one further amount to transfer into the secondary account, which is ring-fenced to cover the renovation costs only. I intend to do that today, and it’ll be my final loan. All the invoices should be in by the end of next week,’ I reply, trying my best not to sound as thrown as I feel.
‘And, aside from the loans you’ve been making to the business, you only transfer over the net profit each month into that account ready for phase two of the work, is that correct?’
‘Yes. Based on the calculation we agreed. Are you saying I’ve got it wrong?’
‘No, I checked the transfers. As you know, I suggested we err on the cautious side, so the percentage to cover tax and outgoings is well within the margins. That’s not the problem.’
He slides a printout of the latest bank statement across the table, and suddenly I feel as if someone has turned on the heating in The Farmhouse kitchen. A sensation of panic starts to mount in my chest.
‘We paid the second half of the prior year’s tax at the end of July.’ He leans over to point to the figure on the statement. ‘We’ve had the final tax bill through now for last year. We can cover the payment due at the end of next January, but not the one due next July. That’s working on the basis that you want to keep three month’s overheads at a bare minimum, in addition to the tax.’
‘I… I… thought that was what I was doing,’ I stutter. ‘I don’t know what’s gone wrong, Michael. I’m going to have to do a reconciliation between my budget spreadsheets and the bank statement.’
His frown deepens. ‘Are we in trouble, Jess?’
‘I don’t know.’
‘It’s an odd amount to be adrift by.’ Michael pulls a wad of sheets from his briefcase. ‘I was obviously thrown when I did the calculation, so I printed off the last three months’ transactions and highlighted expenditure that isn’t a part of the usual running costs. If they’re all to do with the work on the campsite, then it ended up costing you significantly more than the figure you originally forecast. I hope there’s another explanation as I hate to be the bringer of bad news at this stage.’
He’s diligent and I appreciate that. ‘Leave it with me and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.’
I can tell he feels awkward and, as I see him out, he very politely asks if we’re on target to move into the manor at the beginning of August.
‘That’s still the plan and we’re getting there. It’s just going to be an exhausting couple of weeks to do the finishing touches in time for moving day.’
He turns on his heels. ‘Look, why not let me investigate the problem, Jess? You don’t have the time.’
‘That’s really kind of you, Michael, but I’ve signed off every invoice that has gone through and I should be able to get to the bottom of it quite quickly.’
‘This is the last thing I wanted to drop on your desk right now. Seriously, if you change your mind, just give me a call.’
As we say goodbye and I close the door, I slump up against it. The transfer I’m making today will virtually empty my savings account. I was prepared for that, even though for a while, the prospect of selling Smithy’s Cottage to Ivy and Adam seemed like the answer to all my problems.
The question I couldn’t bring myself to ask Michael is whether our current level of income will be enough to foot the shortfall by the time we get to next July. I’ve clearly messed up, but how? Aside from the manor, where the only question was going to be the size of the overspend, none of the other budgets I’ve been managing are overspent. The expenditure on the Courtyard Hub was more or less spot on, so I’m reeling.
Riley was right about the renovation work on Renweneth Manor, though; he said to take my original budget and double it. He wasn’t joking and, in fact, once I’ve added up the final total, he was probably not far off for the first phase. Even so, I’ve monitored every single penny as I knew what the absolute cut-off point was. I’ve never raided one budget to shore up another. A part of me wants to start looking into it straight away but if I do, Riley will know something is wrong. I’m going to have to work on it at night, after Cappy has gone to bed, as it’s time to get back to painting.
It’s going to be tough to hide my concern; I can’t just conjure up that sort of shortfall out of thin air. And even though our profits are increasing, that’s what I’m reliant upon to complete the work on the manor. I literally feel sick to my stomach.
*
Towards the end of the afternoon, as I walk across the courtyard, I spot Adam.
‘Hi, Jess,’ he calls out and I’m surprised when he hurries towards me.
‘You’re a little early arriving home today.’
‘Yes. Ivy hasn’t had the best day. She’s spent most of it lying on the bed as her ankles are swollen. I think she needs a bit of cheering up. I’m planning on keeping her mind occupied this evening binge-watching a new series I’ve downloaded.’ He gives me a hopeful grin. With four weeks to go, I seriously doubt Ivy can find any position in which she’s truly comfortable.
‘Poor Ivy. Tell her I’ll pop in to see her sometime tomorrow. Enjoy your evening.’
I’m about to continue on towards The Farmhouse when Adam clears his throat noisily. When I turn back to look at him, he seems ill at ease.
‘Jess, um, how are things with Cappy? There’s been no mention of him returning to Stroud.’
‘No, there hasn’t,’ I reply, my voice full of optimism.
He stares at me, and I can tell there’s something he wants to say but he isn’t sure whether it’s the right thing to do, or not.
‘Is there somewhere private we can go?’ he asks, making me frown.
‘Of course. How about the orchard?’
‘Perfect.’
We turn in the direction of the Manor House. It isn’t until we’ve settled ourselves down on the wooden chairs beneath one of the old apple trees that I question him.
‘What’s up?’ I enquire, cagily.
‘I’m not sure I should be mentioning this. When someone says something is between you and me but doesn’t go on to say not to tell anyone… it’s just, if you’re not already aware of it by now, then I feel bad not speaking up. It’s been on my mind for a while, but I’ll be honest, I do feel conflicted. In hindsight, I’m even wondering whether I was supposed to say something to you but I can’t be sure.’ His face is solemn.
Gosh, this sounds ominous. ‘Look, Adam, if you’re that uneasy about whatever it is, I promise that I won’t pass a single word of it on.’
He sighs. ‘That day we all went fishing, Cappy and I ended up having a bit of a chat as we watched the sun go down.’ He pauses and I wait patiently until he’s ready to continue. A little chill starts to run up and down my spine. ‘Cappy said he might not be returning to Stroud but that he would be staying in Cornwall.’
He gives me a pointed look. I’m taking it that Adam wants me to question him.
‘In Cornwall, as opposed to Renweneth Farm?’
He nods his head.
‘Cappy is thinking of moving to another location?’ It’s impossible to hide my surprise.
Another nod of his head.
Why would Cappy do that? Adam is obviously waiting for me to ask another question, but I don’t know where to go next. I can see that he’s getting frustrated.
‘It’s to do with Prudie,’ he blurts out.
My mind goes into overdrive as I try to piece this together. ‘She’s found a home for her art studio, and it isn’t local? I know they’ve been looking further afield.’
Another nod of his head.
But what has that got to do with Cappy? Why would it affect him where Prudie ends up? Then another thought hits me and as I glance at Adam, his eyes widen. The penny has literally just dropped, and the realization of what it implies is clearly etched on my face.
‘That’s all I can say. I’m sorry,’ he apologises. ‘If I was meant to pass it on, I have. Sort of. And I wasn’t… well, my conscience has been troubling me. Forewarned is forearmed. I must go.’
He stands and I lean in to give him a hug. ‘Of course. Ivy’s waiting. Thank you, Adam. I won’t breathe a word of this, I promise you. But if it was some sort of message for me, it might not be too late to do something about it.’
The look of relief I see reflected in his eyes is like a burden has suddenly been lifted from his shoulders. ‘I know you want what’s best for Cappy; we all do. He’s such a grand old chap and the farm means so much to him. Right, ugh… life, eh?’
As he walks away from me, I sit back down in my seat as I let it sink in. I knew Cappy and Prudie were good friends, but this is a shock and some. I’m stunned.
Two bolts out the blue in one day is rather overwhelming. Let’s hope what little there is left of today passes quietly. I now have two problems to work through and I don’t really know which one to tackle first, because it feels like my world is starting to implode.
25
Panic Stations
‘Mum, Mum!’ Lola comes rushing into my bedroom and as my eyes spring open, I glance at the clock and see it’s just before midnight.
‘What is it, my darling girl? Did you have a bad dream?’ I vault out of bed, wrapping my arms around her as I can see how shaken she is.
‘No. There’s an ambulance in the courtyard. It’s Ivy.’ Her chin wobbles.
Lola yanks on my hand, literally pulling me across the landing and into her bedroom. We peek out of the window and it’s obvious that it’s the garish flashing light that woke her.
‘Mum, can you check if Ivy’s okay?’
I turn to plant a kiss on her forehead. ‘Of course, I will. Now you hop into bed, and I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.’
Cappy suddenly appears on the landing, looking concerned. ‘What’s up?’
‘It’s Ivy. There’s an ambulance in the courtyard. I’ll pop over and see if there’s anything I can do.’
‘Oh, right. I’ll um… put the kettle on.’
Stopping only to grab a thin, knitted jacket to throw over my pjs, I swing open the front door and hurry across the courtyard. The door to Smithy’s Cottage is open and I gingerly step inside. There’s some frantic activity going on in the sitting room and I hover by the doorway. I can’t see Ivy, but I can see Adam. He’s standing on the opposite side of the room and his face is ashen. The moment he spots me, he strides out into the hallway.
‘Ivy was fine all evening, Jess,’ he half-whispers. ‘All of a sudden, she said she felt dizzy and light-headed. She started sweating and felt nauseous. They’re checking a few things before they get her into the ambulance.’
‘No pains?’
‘No,’ he replies, letting out a long slow breath.
‘Will you go with them?’
‘They said to follow in the car.’
‘Let me drive you, instead.’
‘That’s kind of you, but I’ll be fine. Once I know she’s in safe hands, I’ll feel a lot better. I intend to stay with her, and it might be useful to have the car there in case I have to come back to fetch anything. Thanks for popping over to check. I’ll text you as soon as we know what’s happening.’
‘Give Ivy our love. And if you need anything from here, just call me, no matter what time it is, and I’ll bring it straight over to the hospital, do you hear me? You’ve enough to worry about. You’re all in our thoughts, Adam.’
This time, he hugs me with a fierceness that tells me how concerned he is.
‘Stay strong and think positively,’ I whisper into his ear, before I disappear out through the door.
When I walk back into The Farmhouse kitchen, Lola is sitting at the table sipping a cup of hot chocolate.
‘I couldn’t get back to sleep, Mum. How is Ivy?’
I glance nervously at Cappy, as I kneel next to Lola.
‘The paramedics are taking very good care of her, Lola. They’ll be whisking her off to the maternity hospital shortly and Adam is going to follow the ambulance.’
‘But her and the babies… they will be fine, won’t they?’ Lola’s brow is furrowed.
Miaow. Miaow.
Goodness, now Misty is wide awake, too.
‘That’s what hospitals are for, Lola. The doctors know what they’re doing, and she’ll be in good hands. Adam will let us know what’s happening as soon as he’s able. In the meantime, finish your drink and how about you and Misty snuggle down together in the tepee?’
‘Oh, Mum, that’s a great idea. Isn’t it, Misty?’ She reaches out her hand and Misty comes trotting forward, always eager to receive a stroke.
‘I’ll just settle these two down,’ I inform Cappy and he gives me a supportive smile.
By the time I return to the kitchen, he’s sitting at the table, looking a little anxious.
‘Hopefully, it won’t take long for the two of them to fall asleep,’ I sigh as I slump down onto the chair opposite him.
Cappy raises his eyebrows. ‘And how is Ivy really doing?’
‘It’s hard to say. Adam said she hasn’t had any pains. Apparently, her ankles swelled up earlier in the day. She suddenly complained of feeling unwell and that’s why they ended up calling the ambulance. I didn’t see her; I just spoke briefly to Adam.’
Cappy looks as dejected as I feel. ‘It’s not labour then?’
‘No, it seems not. I just told him to think positively and ring if he needs anything. He promised to text as soon as they know what’s happening.’
‘Come on, drink up. There’s no point worrying until we know there’s something to worry about.’ Cappy points at the mug in front of me and I take a sip, then another.
‘This is hitting the spot. Thanks, Cappy.’
‘The number of times I’ve sat around this table late at night with your grandma sipping hot chocolate doesn’t bear thinking about.’ He chuckles. ‘She said it was a pick-me-up and better than a cup of strong tea when it comes to having a shock. I remember the night we got the phone call that you’d gone into labour with Lola. My, that takes me back.’
Cappy’s in a reflective mood and suddenly I realise after what Adam said, I might have cause to worry. If ever I’m going to raise the topic, it’s probably now or never, given tonight’s unusual events.
‘You do like what I’ve done to The Farmhouse, Cappy, don’t you?’
He looks at me askance. ‘Of course. You’ve made a grand job of it.’
‘You… didn’t prefer it as it was?’
He hitches up his left eyebrow. ‘No. I hated that old, dark furniture. Your grandma didn’t agree with me but if she could see it now, she’d fall in love with this place all over again.’
My stomach begins to flutter nervously. ‘In two weeks and one day, I’ll be moving out. It’ll be the end of another era.’
‘I know. But life moves on, Jess.’ He raises an eyebrow, sounding prosaic.
And just like that, I realise he has no intention of moving back into The Farmhouse permanently. My mind goes into overdrive. I need to think fast.
‘I have a bit of problem, Cappy. I haven’t got to the bottom of it yet, but I’ve messed up and… well, I’m looking to boost our income. If Prudie is still searching for a home for her art studio, I think I’ve come up with a solution to accommodate her here at the farm.’
