by Lotte Moore
“I wonder where Henry’s got to? He’s normally very punctual. I hope he comes soon.” She turned to Jonty, “Get Cheryl to come and sit with us.”
Jonty went over to the next table where Cheryl was avidly telling Lady Sircombe about her riding school.
Just as he caught her eye, Serena came and whispered to him about Henry’s accident. “Keep Mum occupied at all costs. Just suggest that Henry must have forgotten the date. After all he is… was… eighty-one.”
“Well, she’s just off to the loo,” Jonty pointed to Beady gliding through the tables, eagerly chatting to the guests.
As she came into the kitchen, her eyebrows rose. “Hello Dr Howe! How nice of you to come. Do go through.”
“I’ve just got to see a patient, but I’ll pop over later,” he replied as Beady made an exit to the toilet.
Meanwhile, Serena had discreetly given Father Paul a note to come immediately to the study without Beady knowing. He disentangled himself from Ramsey, but as he was about to open the study door, Beady tapped him on the shoulder.
“That’s the wrong room if you’re looking for the cloakroom, it’s through that door,” she said, pointing to the hall.
“Ah yes, thank you.”
Beady wove her way back to the top table. Everyone had finished the scrumptious main course. Tim and Issy cleared the plates ready for the birthday cake that would be followed by speeches.
Meanwhile, having felt for Henry’s pulse and listened to his chest, Dr Howe closed his eyes and murmured, “I’m afraid he’s dead. The ambulance will be here shortly. I’ve told them to come to the side door with a stretcher and not ring any bells. There was nothing you could have done.”
“Oh no, this is awful.” Serena ran her hands through her hair. “I need a drink. Would you like a drink Dr Howe?”
“Thank you, a glass of wine would be ideal.”
Serena turned to her brother. “You better go back to Mum, because the birthday cake is about to arrive. I’ll follow you in when we’ve lit the candles.”
The quartet started playing ‘Happy Birthday’ as the whole marquee became a blaze of candle light. Jonty carried the cake in proudly to his mum who was trembling with excitement and hardly able to stay sitting down. Everyone stood with a glass of Champagne singing lustily and cheering Beady. Jonty gave her a knife to cut the first slice, holding her quivering hand gently.
“Oh, look at those wonderful flowers on the cake, I can’t bear to spoil them.” She was radiant. The air was filled with laughter.
Serena poured herself a glass of wine and swallowed it in one go. She noticed her hand was shaking and attempted to pour herself another drink but the wine spilt over the sides of the glass. She closed her eyes for a few seconds and took in a deep breath before grabbing the bottle and a spare glass and heading back to Dr Howe.
Serena heard the back door slam and wondered if Henry had been carried away. She spotted the doctor sitting with his head in his hands and Henry was nowhere to be seen.
“I got you a drink,” Serena said and Dr Howe looked up.
“Thank you,” he said, taking the wine and glass. “Henry is with the ambulance. Poor fellow. Are you alright?”
Serena hugged herself and nodded. “It was just a shock.”
“I understand but you did all you could,” Dr Howe said gently. “You should see to your mum.”
“Yes, I will, thank you doctor,” Serena said.
She re-joined the party and was relieved to see Beady chatting happily with her friends. Quite a few were looking flushed, so Serena asked Issy to offer coffee.
Just before midnight guests began to leave. Despite Henry’s unfortunate ‘departure,’ Serena felt pleased the party had been a success. As she warmly kissed everyone goodbye, Lang smiled at the little red blotches on everyone’s cheeks, especially Ron Duncan and Ramsey Baldwin who had a kiss from Beady as well as Serena and now looked like clowns.
Finally, the door closed.
“Thank you, my dears, for a glorious party,” said Beady, sitting down with a blissful sigh. “It was very good to see so many friends, but I did miss Henry. I’ll give him a ring tomorrow.”
Serena opened her mouth and then closed it. She would tell her mum about Henry tomorrow.
Chapter One
Moscow
Theo’s fleeting visit was all too brief. Having done his utmost to comfort Vivi and reassure her, their poignant goodbyes were difficult. As Vivi was at Beady’s party, he himself was preparing to return to Russia for urgent pre-St Petersburg rehearsals.
When he was in the taxi to Heathrow, hee glanced back at the house and saw Georgie’s sobbing face waving to him from her bedroom window. He hated leaving home and felt Georgie’s soft kiss still lingering on his cheek, but then an even stronger wave of excitement washed over him.
No, I have to go. It was the right decision, Theo thought
Sergei met him at the airport on a fine, warm afternoon, bubbling with enthusiasm over their schedule for the next ten days.
“There are big posters outside the Philharmonic Hall in St Petersburg announcing your debut, plus a very handsome picture of you at the piano,” he said, as they embraced, then walked outside towards his green Audi in the car park. “How is Vivi? I bet she’s excited about coming to see you play. Which reminds me, I’ve booked you both into a charming hotel. There’s a room upstairs for your Baba and I’m next door to her.”
“Thank you, Sergei.” Theo patted his arm then sighed. “If only Georgie was old enough to come too. It breaks my heart to leave her. We must try and get some future bookings nearer London.”
“Yes, Paris and Vienna are both distinct possibilities,” enthused Sergei, before his face grew more serious. “To more immediate business though. Ivan, the pianist you are replacing, is a local boy, so you have to win over your audience with an outstanding performance. Outstanding, you hear?”
Sergei revved up the car and zoomed into the lunchtime rush hour.
“I won’t disappoint you,” murmured Theo.
“Ah, there’s your mother.” Sergei waved out of the window. “What time shall I see you tomorrow?” Theo asked, feeling the need to reassuringly touch Sergei’s arm.
“Your usual studio at 9am,” replied Sergei, as they drew up outside Baba’s apartment block.
Later that evening, Theo showed Baba photos of the children and reminded her of Vivi’s imminent visit.
“She’s such a wonderful person,” he said. “I’m glad you’ll both be with me in St Petersburg. Sergei seems to be organising all my time leading up to the concert.”
“Yes, he really is devoted to you. He talks proudly to everyone about your talent,” enthused Baba.
Theo paused for thought. “Yes, he’s a caring man. Now Mama, I must be up at 8am. It’s time for bed.”
“Sleep well,” she said as they hugged.
Theo drifted off to sleep imagining he was in Vivi’s arms, the scent of her body teasing his nostrils.
*
As he entered the Conservatoire the next morning, Theo could hear the other musicians playing odd phrases, having a joke and tuning up. It was like coming home. Glad to be back, he walked through to his rehearsal room. The glistening piano was tuned to perfection as he tried out a few notes.
“So, are you in good form, my friend?” enquired Sergei entering the room.
“You tell me!” Theo smiled, then began vigorously playing the opening movement of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2.
He became so immersed that he didn’t notice a small audience of his orchestral colleagues standing transfixed as he reached a climax of searing emotion; before tenderly beginning the slow movement. After fifteen minutes of thunderous chords and the most sensitive interpretation, his enthralled audience applauded, surprising him by their presence. Exhausted, he slumped forward, drained of all passion.
He felt an arm round his shoulders and looked up. The audience had disappeared.
“That was incredible.” Se
rgei’s eyes were moist.
“Yes, but now I’ve got to go back and work on the detail,” said Theo.
Two hours later they left the room together in silence.
“Shall I walk home with you?” Sergei asked.
“No, I’d like to think about tomorrow.”
“Murel will want to see you about rehearsals with the whole orchestra. You’re to meet him about 9am.”
Sergei outlined the arrangement, which involved five days of rehearsals with Murel and the Moscow orchestra, three days of solo practice, the flight to St Petersburg, and finally one day with the Petersburg orchestra and Murel. It was going to be one of the biggest weeks of Theo’s career.
*
The next morning, the conductor was waiting in the hall to welcome Theo back. They chatted about the tempo of the first movement.
“Let’s begin,” urged Theo, longing to start work with the orchestra again. They rehearsed until 1pm.
“This afternoon we’ll start the slow movement. It’s beginning to be very special already.” Murel put an arm round Theo as they walked off the platform.
Sergei was waiting by the door. “Come, maestro, I’ve booked a table at our local café.”
Theo turned to Murel. “Would you like to join us?”
“Another time perhaps. I have to work on the score.” The conductor walked hurriedly on ahead of them.
Sergei and Theo enjoyed a chatty lunch together. The Russian, as always, boosting his protégé’s confidence, which distracted Theo’s thoughts about home for a while.
The afternoon rehearsal developed into a very emotional interpretation of the sonorous second movement. It rose and fell in waves of passion, greatly pleasing Murel.
Chapter Two
City of London
Lang’s office
Lang’s phone rang just as he was going to a lunch meeting.
“Mr Wantage of Parker Insurance for you,” said his secretary.
“Good heavens! Where have you been?” asked Lang, picking up the receiver. “Why don’t you pop round here and we can grab a bite together?”
He sat down again, and tidied some papers, remembering all those years ago when Bill Wantage used to help him revise for endless stockbroking exams. He recalled how he had got quite angry with him once for flirting with Serena at an office party.
Ten minutes later his secretary knocked on the door. “Mr
Wantage for you.”
A tall, broad-shouldered man walked in and boomed, “Good to see you Ling Lang. Director’s office! I’m impressed.”
“Nice to see you as well. Still with Parkers, eh?”
“Yes, I’ve been with them for over ten years now. I think we still have an account with you, but we’ve not done any business recently.” Bill’s voice seemed louder than Lang remembered.
“Do you still sing in the choir?” he asked.
“Yes, I love it, gets rid of all my tension. I bellow and relax.” Bill laughed.
As they left just after 3pm, Bill said, “Would you like to buy 50,000 shares for our Staff Pension fund? You’ve got the details.”
“Thanks very much,” replied Lang in a surprised voice. “I’ll call you as soon as we’ve dealt.”
Bill looked pleased. “I’ve got some more suggestions to talk about next time,” he said. “But I must get going now because Sophie and I are going to hear our granddaughter Annie sing madrigal in her school choir.”
“Actually, I’m off for a week in Italy with the family. Let’s meet once I get back,” Lang suggested.
Satisfied by the order he hurried back to his office to execute it.
*
“You look happy,” remarked Serena when he got home, the children babbling their welcome.
“Yes, I met Bill Wantage who actually gave me some nice business,” said Lang as he picked up Benjie.
“Oh yes, I remember him,” said Serena, pulling a face. “Let’s have a drink to celebrate you being on holiday at last!”
The children started chasing each other, shrieking with delight.
“When are we going to Dilly?” asked Freddie, swinging on Lang’s foot.
“Italy,” corrected Serena. “Sunday, in the middle of the night. You’ll wake up by the sea.”
“Where’s my spotted bathing suit?” asked Alicia.
Maggie came in, bouncing Benjie on her shoulders. “Do you want to take him up to bed, Mr Lang?” Receiving a nod, she chased the children upstairs.
“Come on Alicia and Freddie, race you upstairs.”
A swoosh of pattering feet was followed by several thuds as everyone fell into the bathroom.
Chapter Three
South of Naples, Italy
The children scampered down to the sea’s edge in blazing sunshine. They were staying at their friend’s villa, just south of Naples and it had its own beach.
The first few days were the happiest Serena could remember as she saw Lang unwinding. Candlelit, wine-fuelled evenings outdoors seemed to renew their physical bond.
On Thursday, Lang went shopping and returned with English newspapers and a very solemn face.
“What’s the matter darling?” Serena put an arm round him that he shrugged off.
“I don’t like the markets falling like this and I’m worried about my dealing company,” he said before he went off alone to the summerhouse.
All that relaxation gone in a trice, thought Serena. She slowly followed him.
“Why don’t you talk about your worries to me? Why heap them up inside? It’s spoiling our holiday!” she complained.
Lang swallowed hard and was just about to reply when there was a piercing scream, and Freddie ran towards them holding a very red hand.
“Something’s bitten me! It’s hurting,” he cried.
“It looks like a wasp sting, poor darling.” Serena carried the wailing boy into the kitchen and sprayed his swollen hand. All thoughts of Lang went to the back of her mind.
*
The next day, Serena almost revved up to her usual hectic speed by organising several family events to keep the children absorbed. She knew that Lang’s sudden change of mood could spoil their spontaneity.
During a boozy taverna lunch, they met some old friends who shared a long table. While the children had water fights and pushed each other off their lilos, Benjie fell asleep on Serena’s lap and a lot of laughter revived the atmosphere.
Later than evening by the pool, Lang rolled over to stroke Serena’s bare, browning back. “How I wish we didn’t have to go back on Sunday.” But Serena was fast asleep.
On Saturday they hired a dinghy and went fishing for several hours. Lunch was the highlight of this glorious day because every mouthful not eaten was plopped overboard and gobbled up by hungry fish. Then suddenly a puff of wind blew Freddie and Alicia’s sun hats into the water where they merrily bobbed away, much to the children’s amusement.
Alicia started singing, “Row, row, row the boat,” as she rocked it from side to side which frightened Freddie.
Chaotic fun continued until they reached the marina.
Chapter Four
Aylesbury
“Tea time! Where are you all?” called Cheryl.
Georgie and Jonty were hiding on a big haystack near the house. Cheryl went on calling as Jago giggled in her arms.
“Cooee!” called Georgie softly. “Here, come and find us!”
Cheryl looked up. “I can’t get up there with Jago in my arms. Come down. I’ve made scones with strawberry jam.”
A screech of delight followed Georgie at great speed down the bales of hay. Close behind was Jonty looking like a scarecrow.
“What a sight!” exclaimed Vivi, taking a quick photo as her brother galloped round the yard with Georgie on his shoulders.
Teatime was a riot. Cheryl had left out a bowl of flour and water so the children could make dough balls which they threw in the air for Jonty to catch and juggle.
Vivi relaxed in an armchair beside the Aga en
joying the laughter and remembering one time when her brother chased her when they were younger—he had spiked a dried cowpat on a stick. She’d run so fast but could only escape him by climbing a tree.
I wish Theo could see the children now, she thought wistfully.
*
Cheryl took Georgie for an early ride before the students arrived for their horse riding lessons. Jonty took Jago to a barn where three kittens were suckling their mother. Entranced, he lay down in the hay and stroked his favourite, which had snow-white fur. All morning Jago clasped the white kitten inside his anorak, bringing him to the kitchen where Vivi was making her special bread.
“Look what I’ve got!” he boasted, lifting up the kitten.
Georgie looked thrilled. “Can I hold him, please? Let me see his little face. Where did you find him?”
“We’ve been in the barn,” said Jonty. “The mummy’s got three kittens… you can have one if you like.”
“Ooh, yes, I’d love to have a kitten to look after, but won’t its mummy cry if we take it away?” asked Georgie.
“No, she’s always having babies.”
Vivi thought for a while and suddenly realised that the children might not miss Theo so much if they had a pet.
“Yes JJ, we’d love to take the kitten home.”
Georgie rushed over flinging her arms on Vivi. “Mummy, thank you. I will love it so, so much.”
*
“I wish we didn’t have to go back to London. These few days have been heavenly Cheryl,” Vivi said as she looked around the glorious surroundings.
“You know you can stay as long as you like. Do you think Georgie would like to stay on as it’s half-term?’ Cheryl suggested.
“Well, Mum’s coming to stay shortly. She was heartbroken when she found out about Henry’s death so it would be good for her to be around the kids. It will cheer her up. Then I go to St Petersburg for Theo’s concert. Another time though, I’m sure Georgie would love to stay.”
Vivi turned to see Georgie pushing the kitten in a toy wheelbarrow.
“You must miss Theo, sis. He seems to be away so much.” Jonty put an arm round Vivi and gave her a hug.