In The Fast Lane

by Lotte Moore

  “I’ve got the answer! Background dark green with gold and reds threaded through the material.”

  She walked hurriedly back to the mansion.

  A few days later, Serena and her assistants eagerly hung up the altered and now totally successful curtains.

  Chapter Twenty Three

  Aylesbury

  Cheryl was busy helping Jonty with a bumper harvest. Lunchtimes were very hectic, supplying extra helpers with food and drink. Unfortunately, they’d just lost two valuable assistants at the riding school, as they’d gone off to university, but luckily Jacob had asked one of his nephews to help out, which was at least something.

  In the evening, she sat beside Jonty on the sofa, crocheting a beautiful jacket for Sebastian to wear at his christening.

  “Only ten days to go now,” she said, holding it up to the light. “I’m going to get a prayer book for the little fellow too. Just think, in a couple of years’ time he’ll be coming down to stay with us.”

  “Yes, I’ll teach him about trees and get his lungs filled with fresh, country air,” Jonty added.

  The phone rang. Jonty answered it. “Hello Vivi. How weird, we were just talking about the party. Yes, of course we’ll bring up a variety of our cheeses. What about some homemade cider too? Yes? No problem.”

  Cheryl took the phone from him. “Shall I make a cake? Do you remember I did one for Jago’s christening?” Cheryl beamed as she put the phone down. “I do love these family gatherings.”

  *

  Early in the morning there was an angry shout from Jacob. “Some bugger’s let the sheep out! They’re all over the place.”

  Jonty groaned put a coat over his pyjamas and ran off to help him. Cheryl made some bacon sandwiches, knowing it would be a long time before the sheep were rounded up.

  Chapter Twenty Four

  Chiswick

  On the day of the christening, Theo helped to rearrange the furniture so guests could eat lunch in their spacious sitting room.

  The children were excited at the forthcoming party but their attempts at helping didn’t all succeed. At one point, they even left a trail of twitching goldfish who’d almost died when their overflowing tank was transported across the hall floor. Jago’s toy train had become embedded in the carpet.

  Theo’s patience erupted when Georgie jammed the CD machine and deleted a special recording of his. Vivi asked Theo to take Sebastian out in the pram with the other two while Bella helped to put up trestle tables and hired chairs in the garden.

  Helium balloons hung round the big trees and golden Champagne buckets were placed behind the shrubs. Theo’s specially composed music for Sebastian was to be played on the piano and broadcast outside on speakers for those sitting in the garden.

  Cheryl and Jonty arrived carrying their farm produce. “You look lovely, Cheryl—is that a new dress?” asked Vivi, kissing her on the cheek.

  “Yes, I ran it up specially for the occasion. Where shall I leave Sebastian’s presents?”

  Jonty put down the cake box. “What about this beauty?” He smiled, opening the lid.

  “Oh Cheryl, look at those tiny rabbits dancing around a little boy! You are clever,” said Vivi, putting the cake carefully on a shelf above the fridge.

  The front door burst open as the children ran into the kitchen.

  Following them in a few seconds later, Theo gently picked up Sebastian to take off his coat then handed him to Cheryl, saying, “Here is your wee godson. We must get him changed for the christening.”

  The sky was blue and clear as they walked to the church up the road. Serena and Lang met them and the clarinettist godfather outside, talking to the vicar.

  Beady wore a splendid f loral hat. She guided her grandchildren into the church and showed them the font where Sebastian would be christened.

  “Hope he doesn’t cry when the holy water is poured on his head,” she said quietly.

  A few minutes later everyone else had gathered round them. The ceremony was about to begin. Vivi placed Sebastian in the vicar’s arms, where the babe lay placidly throughout the christening.

  Alicia and Georgie wore bright-coloured dresses and eagerly stood by the font waiting for something to happen. Freddie, Benjie and Jago took off round the empty church playing hide and seek in the pews at the back.

  Sebastian’s little face crumpled as the water cascaded down his face and then bawled in shock before returning to Vivi’s comforting arms.

  It was a halcyon day as the whole family and a few of Beady’s friends gathered in Vivi and Theo’s garden for a toast. Everyone enjoyed the buffet, each taking a moment to hold and admire the sleeping boy.

  “That’s a lovely jacket you made him Cheryl,” said Beady, passing her precious bundle to Jonty.

  “I shall enjoy introducing him to our forest,” Jonty said, kissing Sebastian’s forehead.

  “And I will encourage him to enjoy music. Who knows? He may even play the clarinet one day,” said Mark Cooper.

  “Oh, he’s a pianist,” Theo said winking at Mark, who laughed.

  Beady’s friends mingled with the family and were intrigued with her new home.

  “What a charming cottage, just far away enough to remain independent,” chortled one, a lady with a stick. “My flat’s in the basement of my daughter’s house so I get no peace at all.”

  “Yes, I’m very fortunate to run my own life and yet enjoy the grandchildren.” Beady laughed as three little heads popped up from behind their chairs.

  Vivi walked slowly into the garden carrying the christening cake as Theo’s music filtered outside. Little Sebastian’s eyes opened wide, as if listening to the harmony. He lay in Cheryl’s arms beneath the big chestnut tree.

  The children listened quietly as they sprawled nearby in the grass. The music was tender and rippling. Everyone stood quietly gazing out at Sebastian.

  Beady was quite overcome with emotion and went into the kitchen for a minute to collect herself. The afternoon sunlight reflected onto the tiles as she gazed out of the window at her family.

  “How I wish Jack was here to see all of us gathered together on this happy day. It’s so good to be living in my new home surrounded by them all. I’m glad I’ve been able to help with my children’s problems,” she said to herself.

  “Do you want some christening cake, Gran?” Alicia asked, interrupting her.

  “Yes please, darling.”

  Back in the garden, Theo received a text. To his surprise it was Sergei, saying his cousin has brought Baba’s house and to call him when he was free.

  Returning him to the emotion and doubts of Moscow, he wished Sergei hadn’t texted.

  “Daddy, can we have the paddling pool out?” called Jago.

  “We’re so hot,” moaned Georgie.

  “Only if you put it behind those shrubs so the guests don’t get soaked,” replied Theo, dragging the hose out.

  “I’ll do that. You take Sebastian and join the family,” Vivi suggested.

  “You’re going to be busy with three kids, I know from experience,” said Lang, stroking the baby’s head. “By the way, how’s work?”

  “I’ve got a concert in Edinburgh soon. I’ve never played there before,” replied Theo quietly.

  The two men sat under the chestnut tree chatting until Beady joined them to announce her friends’ departure.

  “They’ve all loved this place and our party. Do come and say goodbye,” she said to Theo.

  Lang and Serena left an hour later with three very wet children.

  “I must go, I’ve got an early start in Wiltshire on Monday and need to work on a difficult and new design,” said Serena, hugging Vivi and Theo.

  Theo didn’t find a suitable time to ring Sergei back during the evening so decided to do it the next morning. The conversation was fairly stilted and formal, neither man wanting to stir up past emotions again.

  “If you give me your bank details I’ll transfer the money to you in London,” said Sergei hoarsely. “How�
��s work by the way?”

  “I’ve got a concert in Scotland soon.”

  “So it’s working out with Alex?”

  “Yes. Well… early days. I’ll text you my bank details later.” He flipped shut his mobile as Vivi walked into the room.

  “Jonty and Cheryl are leaving now,” she said. “I’m giving them a lift to the tube. Will you put Sebastian in the garden to sleep? It’s another glorious day.”

  There was no time for Theo to reflect on Sergei or the sale of Baba’s apartment, even though his emotions were churning inside him.

  Chapter Twenty Five

  Wiltshire

  Serena and her assistants were completing the wallpaper in the master bedroom when Oleg Paranovsky and his wife appeared in the doorway.

  “You are working so hard and the room is going to look splendid. Our bed is so beautiful,” exclaimed Oleg.

  “We have exciting news,” said his wife shyly. “I’m expecting our first baby in four months, so we’ll need you to design a nursery.”

  “Congratulations, what a lovely surprise,” replied Serena. “Where will the baby’s room be? On this floor?”

  “Yes, next to the nanny’s room,” said Oleg, pointing down the corridor as they left.

  “Phew! I feel as though we’ll be in Wiltshire forever,” Serena said to her assistants later as they finished work. “I must go to the office tomorrow morning. I’ll be back after lunch. Will you finish off these two walls?”

  She arrived back home to find the barn unusually quiet as she opened its front door.

  “Coo-ee!” she called, walking through to the kitchen.

  She saw Lang and the children in the garden kneeling by the fence gazing at a sheep.

  “Ssh! The mummy is having another baby,” whispered Alicia, glancing over one shoulder.

  It was an enchanting sight to see her family huddled together, watching something so natural.

  Lang turned to greet her. “We’ve been waiting here for an hour darling.”

  “Did Auntie Vivi have Sebastian like that?” Alicia asked.

  “Not quite the same,” said Serena laughing.

  “Does it hurt having babies, Mummy?” asked Alicia seriously.

  “No, not much,” Serena lied. “But it’s such a happy moment.”

  “Supper’s ready,” called Maggie.

  “Can we just see the next baby come out?” asked Lang.

  *

  Serena spent the following morning with Gems catching up on requests from new clients, her bank, invoices from suppliers, and in particular an urgent message from the Qatar Embassy to finish the work there.

  “I’ll have to reply carefully to them. There’s no way I can do the upper floor until I’ve finished in Wiltshire,” she sighed anxiously.

  “Maybe a couple of your reliable helpers could prepare the rooms for you?” suggested Gems.

  “No, I’ll have to be there. Could you arrange an appointment with the attaché? I must explain the situation,” said Serena.

  She went on to tell Gems about Sebastian’s christening, then left hastily for Wiltshire, arriving just as the last strip of wallpaper was being hung.

  “Yes, that does look good,” she said to her assistants who looked totally exhausted. “Go and take a break.”

  Chapter Twenty Six

  Aylesbury

  “Jacob and I are going down to the forest in a moment to see how the latest saplings are doing,” said Jonty. “Are you going to be at the Centre all morning?”

  “Yes, I will,” Cheryl said.

  “I’ll see you for lunch then. Should be back about one-ish, my Cherry Berry.” And with that he pecked her on the cheek, got up, and strode out of the room.

  As he walked down the hill, he saw a white van by the open drive gate and walked over to investigate.

  “What are you doing on my land?” Jonty shouted. As he got nearer he heard sheep baaing in the van.

  He ran to shut the gate to trap them as the van revved up its engine. The van drove at the gate and burst through, knocking Jonty off his feet.

  Jacob had heard the commotion and reached the gate just as the white van disappeared from view. He looked down in horror at Jonty who was lying on the dusty path under the broken gate.

  “Come on. Up yer get,” he said, putting both his arms under Jonty’s shoulders. “Cor, you’re heavy.” Jonty’s body flopped forward. Jacob took off his jacket and lifted Jonty’s head onto it. “Them bloody thieves escaped again with your sheep.”

  Jacob knelt, touching Jonty’s ashen face, noticing the blood on the side of his head. “Oh no, they can’t have taken you! How can I tell Miss Cheryl? She must get the doctor quick.”

  Fear gripped the old man to his core. He put Jonty carefully down, turned and stumbled towards their house.

  Cheryl was waving. “Where’s Jonty? There’s a phone call from Aylesbury police warning about more sheep stealing. What’s the matter, Jacob? You look terrible.”

  “I can’t speak.” He took her hand. “Come with me, it’s too dreadful,” he croaked, pulling her towards the drive.

  Cheryl looked down in abject horror. “Oh, my Jonty!” She let out a wail which echoed around the fields. “Who’s done this?”

  Cradling his bloodied head, Cheryl lay across her husband’s body, sobbing for some time, stroking his face and listening in vain for a heartbeat, then staggered to her feet. She dashed back into the house and hurriedly made three phone calls— to the local doctor, the police, and finally to Lang who arrived at the same time as the police.

  Everyone stood in the drive while Phil Connor, the doctor, examined Jonty’s body. He looked up and sadly shook his head.

  “How can this happen? Even the country ain’t safe anymore. He was such a good man,” said Jacob tearfully.

  The police took a long time investigating and talked to the doctor.

  “We’ve not had a death before with all this sheep stealing,” said the sergeant worriedly.

  “We’ll see what the post mortem shows. I’ll ring for an ambulance. I’d like to give Mrs Croft a little sedation for the shock.” The doctor then walked back to the house with Lang.

  Jacob knelt beside Jonty, his body trembling in despair.

  As darkness fell it was as if the whole countryside was mourning Jonty, not a breath of life stirred.

  While Cheryl dozed, Lang rang Serena about the tragic news. She was horrified and immediately offered to come over, but instead he asked her to ring Vivi and Beady with the awful news.

  “It will save doing it in front of poor Cheryl. I’ll certainly stay with her tonight. The police are still here,” Lang said quietly.

  Serena was still weeping down the phone. “How could they kill such a dear person? How did it happen? Those evil bastards!”

  “We’ve all got to help Cheryl somehow. She’ll be utterly lost without him,” muttered Lang sadly. “I just can’t imagine her all alone. I must go, darling, the police are leaving now.”

  “Ring me if I can help, my poor, poor brother…” Serena said softly.

  Later that evening, Lang asked Cheryl if she wanted him to cancel the riding school next morning.

  “Yes, that would be a great help. I’ll give you the list,” she whispered.

  *

  Having interviewed Jacob already, the police came back for more details of the previous thefts and how many sheep were stolen. The officer spent an hour investigating both incidents.

  Cheryl was too fragile to see anyone and remained in bed. Serena, Vivi and Beady arrived and quietly crept up to comfort her. She lay in bed hugging Jonty’s dressing gown, her face racked with sorrow and confusion. Beady gently took Cheryl’s limp body in her arms, holding her close in a tearful embrace. Vivi and Serena cupped Cheryl’s hands in theirs and all four were silent, each crying within themselves.

  Meanwhile, Lang answered endless phone calls since the local radio had announced Jonty’s awful death. Many riding school parents sent messages of sympathy t
o Cheryl.

  “What a terrible tragedy,” Reverend Ashworth said, shaking Lang’s hand. “Can I go up and see her? She may like some prayers.”

  Lang agreed and took him upstairs.The Reverend sat down and laid a hand on her shoulder. Lang left them alone.

  The family gathered in the sitting room to discuss arrangements for the funeral.

  “Of course, we’ll have to wait for the post mortem before we can decide on a date, but meanwhile I’ll arrange an obituary in The Times,” said Serena quietly. “I wonder if that nice lady who helps Cheryl in the farm shop might do the catering for the wake?”

  “I think Jacob’s in a bad way,” remarked Lang. “We must include him in the arrangements. Oh, and I’ve already told him to let me know about any problems in the forest. Apparently, the thieves took a dozen sheep! The heartless cowards.”

  Beady’s bottom lip was trembling. “Oh my boy, how I loved you,’ she whispered, grabbing hold of Vivi’s hand.

  “I don’t know how we’ll tell the children. They all adored him. He was always chasing them round the garden,” remembered Serena.

  Cheryl appeared later in the afternoon. She was calm but very fragile. “I’m not able to arrange anything for my Jonty, I have no strength. I rely on you all to do the things for me.” “Yes, of course we’ll organise the funeral, but you might want to choose some of Jonty’s favourite music?” suggested Lang and Cheryl nodded.

  A few hours later Lang waved goodbye to Serena and Vivi, who were going to relieve Theo from looking after all the children. Lang and Beady had both decided to stay another night to give Cheryl a chance for more rest.

  Lang walked down to the forest, closing his eyes as the wind whipped past him, blowing away the tears that had fallen down his face.

  Chapter Twenty Seven

  Kensington

  The following day Serena got to her office before Gems had arrived. Opening her work diary, she saw that the appointment with the attaché at the Qatar Embassy was at 10.45am.

  Gemma was astonished to find her there so early. “You’re up with the lark! Your meeting at the embassy isn’t for ages.” Then, when there was no reply. “Serena? What’s wrong?”