In The Fast Lane

by Lotte Moore

  Chapter Sixty Two

  Kensington

  The last official day in their Kensington home had arrived. Alicia and Freddie were intrigued as they watched the removal men carrying the final pieces of furniture out of the house.

  As he walked into the long sitting room, memories flooded his mind. He walked slowly up the uncarpeted stairs into their bedroom, pausing at the vacant space where the bed had been—their love nest.

  Lang couldn’t bear to go into the children’s bedrooms. As he stood sadly in his empty study he gulped. Lang stood against the door and wept.

  “Ten years at our happy house, lost to someone else.”

  An overwhelming sadness engulfed him. The children were yelling from the front door. He brushed a tear away.

  “Come on, jump into the car. Maggie, you sit in front.”

  He drove the children down to Oving where the remaining furniture was already being moved into the barn. They thought it all quite an adventure, directing the removal men to their bedrooms.

  Maggie had brought provisions down for supper. Cheryl and Jonty arrived, much to Lang’s relief. They’d brought fresh eggs, homemade cheese, bread, and some vegetables.

  “This is great. I forgot about doing a shop before we left,” said Lang, rubbing his forehead.

  “You’re well moved in already,” said Jonty, looking around.

  “I suppose we are,” said Lang sadly. “I wish Serena was here. She’ll be coming down by car later this evening.”

  “Why don’t you pop over for lunch tomorrow?” said Cheryl.

  “Oh, yes please!” chimed Freddie and Alicia.

  “Shall I stay here with Benjie?” Maggie asked.

  “No, you must all come. You’ve not seen our farm, Maggie,” said Jonty.

  Serena arrived about 9pm. “Did the move go well?” she asked. “It all looks quite cosy. Once we’ve taken the last removal sheets off, our new home will be complete, I suppose.”

  “Mummy, come and see my room,” said Alicia excitedly. “I’ve got a little fireplace and a wash basin all of my own.”

  “That’s lovely, darling. How are you doing, Freddie?” Serena asked.

  “The train set won’t fit in my room. It’s too small!” wailed Freddie.

  “Don’t worry old chap,” said Lang. “We’re going to build a playroom. The piano and your train set will have plenty of space in there.”

  As both children ran out of the room, he turned to Serena. “Benjie’s asleep. Cheryl and Jonty came around earlier armed with veg and eggs. We’re going to have lunch with them tomorrow.”

  “Sounds great.”

  “Supper’s ready,” said Maggie. “I made the Shepherd’s Pie in London. You’ve got a lovely Aga here.”

  *

  Serena left at 7am for the station, much to the sadness of the children and Lang.

  “Mummy’s never here anymore,” cried Freddie.

  “Come on kids, let’s help Maggie unpack all the crockery, then we’ll get the bikes out for a ride and discover some new places,” said Lang hurriedly, worried by Freddie’s repeated outbursts over Serena.

  After hour’s unpacking they went off on an adventure ride to explore the area around their new home. Freddie met two boys at the next farm, fishing in a little stream.

  “Want to find some tiddlers with us?” called a fair-haired boy of about eight.

  “Can’t at the moment. I’m going for a bike ride with my dad,” replied Freddie.

  “Maybe later on today?” suggested Lang, knowing it was just what he needed, to make new friends.

  That night, Freddie crept into bed with Serena and refused to move.

  Chapter Sixty Three

  Chiswick

  Theo arrived at lunchtime to passionate hugs from the children and a warm embrace from Vivi.

  “You looked splendid. Let me feel the baby.” He placed both hands tenderly round her stomach. “Oh, it’s lovely to see you all.” He kissed Vivi and held her close.

  “Look what I’ve made for you, Daddy. It’s a picture of a grand piano with little mice playing the music. They’re singing, ‘Hello Daddy.’ Do you like it?” said Georgie. She threw herself into his arms while Jago circled round his ankles waiting to be picked up.

  For the next few days, Theo spent every moment with his family, taking Georgie to museums and concerts, which she loved; Jago to a miniature railway, which made the little boy squeal with delight, while with Vivi he cherished every precious minute, especially in the bedroom. He also found time to practice on his beloved piano each day.

  On Thursday, Beady arrived unannounced.

  “Mum, what are you doing here?” said Vivi, astonished.

  “I just suddenly felt an urge to see you all. Is everything alright?” Beady asked.

  Theo felt slightly disturbed remembering his other life in Moscow.

  “Yes, of course it is Mum. The baby’s kicking well and Theo has just returned home at last,” said Vivi warmly. Theo pecked Beady on the cheek.

  “How’s the piano?” Beady asked.

  “As wonderful as ever,” replied Theo.

  “Let’s all have a drink,” suggested Vivi.

  Georgie made a great fuss of Granny and little Jago clambered on to her lap.

  “One of the reasons I’ve popped over is for a family gathering about the distribution of funds from my house sale. I’d like Jonty and Serena to come here one day,” Beady stated.

  “Gosh, that’s going to be difficult for Serena. They’ve just moved to the country and she works like a Trojan; never gets home until at least 9pm and leaves before the children even wake up,” said Vivi.

  “I’m sad that lovely house has gone. What’s the cottage like?” Beady asked rather curtly.

  “Enchanting,” said Vivi. “It’s surrounded by fields. Perhaps we’d better all meet on Sunday—Serena’s only day off?”

  “Yes, I love it down on the farm,” said Beady.

  “You must come and see your special flat at the end of the garden, Granny,” piped up Georgie. “I’ll show you.”

  She took Beady’s hand and pulled her out to the garden. Meanwhile, Vivi phoned Jonty, then Serena at work, to arrange the following Sunday.

  Chapter Sixty Four

  Aylesbury

  Three days later everyone arrived by midday. The children rushed to the stables, followed by Cheryl, who gave them each a pony ride, holding onto Freddie’s pony firmly. Family lunch was full of laughter and a wonderful spread of vegetables, roast chickens, garlic, and masses of bread sauce.

  Afterwards, Beady decided to assemble everyone in the drawing room so they could all hear her ideas. She settled on the sofa.

  “I’m advancing an extra amount to Serena and Lang due to their present urgent circumstances. The rest of you will be compensated in my will, of course. I hope this allows Serena to see more of her family, who I feel are quite stressed by her daily absence.”

  “Oh Mum, that’s incredibly generous.” Serena hugged Beady warmly.

  “Thank you so, so much,” Lang could only whisper. Inwardly, he was ashamed all over again.

  “I’ve virtually sold the house, so you’ll have the money soon.” Everyone fell silent for a moment.

  “Will you come and see our new home, Mum?” asked Serena.

  “Yes, I’d love to,” said Beady.

  “Leave the kids here,” said Jonty. “I’ll take you over.”

  Beady was enchanted by the farm and its potential, much to Lang’s relief. He felt enormous gratitude for her generosity and hoped so much that as a result of it Serena would ease up and come back to the family. The children were being badly affected by her absence, which still felt like a punishment to him because of all the mistakes he had made in his own career.

  At one point Beady took Serena aside.

  “Darling, you must give a little more time to the family now I’ve helped you financially. I noticed Freddie seems subdued— not his robust self. I hear he misses you dreadfully, p
oor little fellow. As for Madeira, you’ll have to take a week off. I’ve got something very special to show you. I’m sure the Princes Gate chief would let you have a rest. Shall I speak to him?”

  “No! For heaven’s sake Mum, don’t interfere. I’ll ask him for some time off. Believe it or not, I’d quite like a holiday too. I’m working hard but it’s not just for me, it’s for my family,” said Serena emphatically. “I’ll mention it to the client tomorrow. By the way, we’re hoping to build an extension here for the children’s playroom—plus an extra bedroom for when you come to stay.”

  Beady was amazed at Serena’s practical approach to such a big change and questioned how she really felt, but sensed it wasn’t the time to discuss it.

  “Let’s go back to the farm,” suggested Jonty.

  When they got back, Cheryl was helping the children do potato prints in the kitchen.

  “Do you want to stay for a bit, Mum?” asked Jonty, putting the kettle on.

  “No, I can’t. I’m flying back tomorrow. I only came over to see you all, mostly because of Serena and Lang’s financial problems,” Beady said.

  “You’re a great mum,” Jonty said, hugging her.

  Chapter Sixty Five

  Chiswick

  Theo showed Beady to her room on their return. “Do you want a little lie down?” he asked.

  “Yes, I might have fifteen minutes.”

  After her two-hour-long nap, Beady enjoyed playing with the children. Jago especially loved making her draw funny pictures and Alicia proudly played her piano composition, which Beady thought was marvellous.

  The next morning, Theo and the children took Beady to the airport while Vivi saw several clients.

  “See you all in a few weeks!” Beady called, waving goodbye.

  “Let’s go to the little farm and see the piglets, Daddy,” suggested Georgie on the way home. “It’s not far.”

  Ten minutes later they were watching the piglets rolling in mud, while the goats stood on their hind legs, begging for dandelions to chew on. All this was directly under the flight path of the enormous jets coming in to land. Georgie picked up a baby rabbit and gave it to Jago who nursed it tenderly, then dropped it as the next plane roared over.

  Suddenly Theo’s phone rang.

  “Hi. The EMI recording is selling well,” said Sergei eagerly. “Several interviews have been arranged and the Festival Hall called at last.”

  “Hold on a minute,” said Theo, racing over to stop Jago crawling under a fence to play with the lambs. “Yes, go on, you were saying about the Festival Hall?”

  “They want you to play in three weeks, just before I go away.”

  “Who am I replacing?” Theo couldn’t hear the reply as a huge 747 flew overhead just then. “Listen, I’m near the airport, I’ve just been dropping my mother-in-law off. I’ll call you from home in an hour or so, okay?” he yelled. Theo felt a buzz, hearing Sergei’s voice.

  Alicia was sitting beside a fence letting her fingers be sucked by the little lambs. “I wish I could have one Daddy, can I?” she asked.

  “Come on you rascals, let’s get an ice cream,” suggested Theo excitedly.

  When they got home, the children were bubbling with fun describing all the animals.

  “Lunch is ready,” called Bella. Vivi came down from her work exhausted, but avidly listened to all the fun.

  “The sheep were sweet, Mummy,” said Jago.

  “Well, I must do some practicing this afternoon. Sergei rang to say we’ve got a concert at the Festival Hall two days before we go on holiday,” said Theo.

  “That’s very exciting darling. We can all come and hear you in London. Oops! The baby just kicked—it obviously agrees!” Vivi laughed before adding, “Actually, if you’re going to be busy every day I think Georgie can go to gym club. You’re longing to join, aren’t you?”

  “Ooh yes, Mummy, two of my friends are going,” enthused Georgie.

  Theo suddenly felt an urge to speak to Sergei again. “I must go and practice now,” he said and pecked Vivi on the cheek.

  “Tell me more about the concert. It’s great to hear your voice,” he murmured two minutes later in his study. Sergei explained how a Russian pianist had cancelled due to a wrist injury and that Theo had been suggested as a replacement. “Could Murel conduct?”

  “No, I’m afraid not,” Sergei said. “But don’t worry, I’ll be coming over from Moscow on Sunday night, we’ll talk about all the details then.”

  “How’s Baba?” Theo asked.

  “Just the same. My cousin took her to the park yesterday. She loved feeding the ducks, but her appetite isn’t good.”

  “Do give her a hug from me.”

  “I will. I’ll see you Sunday,” called Sergei before he hung up. A little figure had snuggled onto Theo’s lap. Jago lay gazing up at him. Theo took both his hands and played a nursery rhyme. They sang together for a few minutes. “Off you go. Daddy has to work now.”

  That evening, Murel arrived for supper, much to Theo’s surprise. Vivi had asked him and his girlfriend, together with two other mutual friends. It was a warm, balmy evening. Theo gazed across at Vivi who looked absolutely radiant in the candlelight, touched by her thoughtfulness.

  Murel was thrilled about the Festival Hall but sad not to be conducting Theo. “I’m in Paris, unfortunately, but Woolsey is a great conductor. You’re playing Rachmaninoff’s Theme of Paganini and several Chopin Sonatas, all of which, by the way, you do splendidly,”

  “I’m glad you think so,” murmured Theo proudly.

  The evening’s conversation ranged across music, politics and lots of orchestral gossip. Vivi was pleased to see their first dinner party in a long time go so well.

  The rest of the week Georgie was away all day at gym club. Theo practised each morning then went off to rehearsals, whilst Vivi saw her clients every morning and rested in the afternoons.

  On Wednesday Theo didn’t return until late. Sergei had persuaded him to go back to his hotel where they discussed his forthcoming Festival Hall concert and media interviews before cuddling on the sofa. The moments they stole together were becoming increasingly precious to them both, and they loved being able to shut out the world from the safety and comfort of the hotel room.

  Chapter Sixty Six

  Notting Hill

  “Gems, could you get me a ticket for the family’s flight to Madeira? I’ve spoken to the Princes Gate officials and told them I’m going away on business for ten days and that I’ll leave work for the various departments,” Serena said.

  Gems looked wistful. “Fancy you having a break! I’ve hardly known you stop work in these last five years I’ve been working for you… even on Christmas Day.”

  “Well, it’s the last time Mum will have all the family in Madeira as she’s sold the house. Lang is getting the benefit of my share of the proceeds to sort out his bloody debt to his firm, then it’s finally over. Poor Freddie is missing me dreadfully and I’m going to have to take Saturdays off to be with him.” Serena’s worried voice concerned Gems.

  “Once they’re back at school it’ll be easier, won’t it?” she said.

  “Yes, but we’ve still got seven weeks of the summer to get through.” Serena gnawed her bottom lip, then picked up a heap of paperwork. “Anyway, let’s do the bills. Any letters or emails need replying to?”

  They worked for a couple of hours before Serena rushed off to catch bedtime in the country.

  Chapter Sixty Seven

  Oving

  Serena arrived home to hear Freddie wailing under the wooden staircase.

  “I’m back, Freddie!” She snuggled him tenderly on her lap. “I’ve got some happy news, I’m coming to Madeira with you! We’ll have such a fun holiday.” She stroked his forehead.

  The wailing subsided as he slowly went upstairs to bed with Serena.

  “Hello darling, you’re early,” said Lang who’d just emerged from his study. He pecked her on the cheek.

  “Does this go on ev
ery night?”

  “Yes, quite often I’m afraid,” replied Lang.

  “Hello, Mummy!” Alicia rushed up and hugged her. “Can my new friends Tom and Sarah come and stay tomorrow if you ring up their parents?”

  “Just let me see Freddie to bed first,” Serena said.

  Supper was on the table half an hour later. Alicia was allowed to stay up a little and was delighted to hear that Serena was coming to Madeira after all.

  “How can I thank you and your mum for being so generous?” he asked.

  “I really don’t know. But it would be a help if you could try and get a consultancy job of some sort. I’d be pleased to see you working again, although you seem to be managing the kids quite well instead of me. Speaking of which, I thought perhaps we’ll ask one of Freddie’s friends from London to come down next weekend. It might help his insecurity a bit.”

  *

  The barn was soon buzzing with children. Alicia’s friends slept in a tent outside, screaming and laughing until late. Freddie’s best friend, Col, slept in the lower bunk bed.

  In the morning, Lang took them all to Cheryl’s for some riding and a high tea. He pondered on Serena’s suggestion and wondered how he could ever show his gratitude to his beloved Fig Tree. A lot of repairs had to be made before he could get close to her again.

  “Look at the puppy, Daddy!” Alicia called, holding a bundle of fur in her arms. “Can we have one?”

  He was jolted out of his despair by the gaggle of excited children running amongst kittens and chickens.

  “Maybe some time later,” he said.

  Just then, Cheryl called the children to the stables to help clean up and put the ponies to bed. Lang had a problem dragging them away and only a promise of pizza got them into the car.

  Returning to the cottage, Lang found Freddie had taken a baby chick under his anorak to put in his bunk bed. Serena came back just as the chaos was getting out of hand. She took the baby chick and put it in a box by the Aga, leaving the cat outside, and tucking all the children into bed.