by Louise James
“Why don’t we strip it, paint it, making it safe for children to play on?” Megan brushed her hair from her eyes with an oily hand.
“Brilliant idea, you do the painting while I do the stripping.” Ray gave a suggestive leer. Megan rubbed her oily hands over his face.
“Get on with your work, boy or you get no tea that Greg is making. I’ve done enough for today.’
“Thanks a bunch I know who my friends are.” Greg came up behind her making her jump. “We’ll need a tractor to pull all this heavy stuff. I’ll give Glen a ring and see if he could perhaps come next weekend if you are coming down.’
“I hope to, I am going to talk to Dave when I get back but I can’t give him warning until we know whether we can go ahead. I think there is an answer to that too but I want to be sure before I say anything.’
‘Give me a ring when you’re ready and I’ll get hold of Glen’ Greg threw the remains of his tea onto the ground.
There was no sight or sound of Olwen, even her grandmother had heard nothing when she phoned the answer phone cut in or it was engaged for ages. Bronwyn left her alone after the initial attempts, as she told Greg who had also been trying it was no good pushing her, she would emerge in her own time. Greg fought with his heartache much as he fought with the fact of his illness. It was a daily battle that he often felt that he was losing. He definitely found he could do less and was getting very tired more often.
Work on the house moved on a pace, the kitchen being of prime importance. Nothing else could really be tackle until such time as he had the go ahead from the powers that be also a main backing sponsor other than Bronwyn had promised a substantial amount which hadn’t yet cleared. As finding and dealing with sponsors had been taken over by Bronwyn, Greg was left dealing with the authorities. He decided to talk to Mrs Davies the doctor’s wife before he fell into a tangle of red tape. She was so excited by the project she arrived the same day he phoned, a bright green Mini pulling onto the yard a couple of hours later. Rocky’s excited barking brought Greg to the door where a plump lady was giving him a fussing that sent the delighted dog crazy, obviously thinking her no threat to his master’s wellbeing.
“Good day to you. Thank you for calling me. My name is Gwen and I am so pleased to meet you.” Bright blue eyes surveyed him from beneath the brim of a man’s waterproof hat although it wasn’t raining. Greg later learned that she wore it rain or shine.
“Isn’t this wonderful? I can see a lot needs doing but I think your plans are marvellous. My husband told me about you moving in. I am sorry you needed to see him professionally so soon. Now tell me about your plans and how I may help you.’
Greg found that she hopped from subject to subject with ease leaving him slightly bewildered and breathless but he soon learned that she was extremely efficient and knew a good many people in the right places. What she took on things got done. Greg made her coffee and within the hour felt he had known her all his life. She was delighted with his plans, added a few ideas of her own, gave him names of a few people she felt would be delighted to support such a cause. Gwen Davies had Greg writing at high speed in a very short space of time. Before she left he knew exactly who to contact and where. As he walked her to her car he felt he had gained a friend.
“Leave it to me Greg. I know just the man to get this through the parish council and he, if you believe it has very good ears in the district council. We have been grateful to him before for several things and this is the sort of project very dear to his heart for personal reasons that I won’t go into. I am off to see him this very afternoon.” They shook hands then as she turned to get in her car- “You are not overdoing things I hope?’
Greg assured her he was being very careful wondering how confidential the doctor’s notes were if she knew so much. When he next saw Bronwyn he mentioned this and she laughed. “Doctor never discusses patients with her’.
It was more than two weeks before he heard from Ray and Greg was beginning to worry that perhaps things weren’t working out for him. Megan didn’t seem to be about the village either. He rang a couple of times but there was no reply, he was determined not to bother him too much until Ray had fully considered all his options. In the meantime the builders made good progress. Len had given him an estimate of things that could be done before winter to make the house weather proof as first priority. Within this was the kitchen, installation of the Rayburn and wood burner. Also they could make a start on the extension and flat. This would make no difference to future plans, should they come about, as most of the work was necessary anyway. It was a case of going steady until Ray decided what he was doing as he had offered to contribute to the flat if he was going to be living there. It was the new building on the shed site which would cost the most and could not be started until plans were passed and the farmhouse alterations complete. Len and Dean were moving as quickly as possible now bringing in labourers. “You need to be prepared here in case snow comes early.” Dean pointed out to him. ‘It is quite possible to be marooned here and you may not see us for weeks. You should be able to get out with the truck but it can get bad here. You should get in some stores.’
This so bothered Greg that he bought another large deep chest freezer phoning his mother for another baking. He bought a large diesel tank for the central heating and a smaller one for the Land rover which was now almost ready for the road. Restored now to its former glory it stood beside the pickup where Greg couldn’t keep his eyes off it, itching to get it on the road. It was only waiting on Ray for a few things he was bringing next time he came. The builders were taking Greg to task on the stocking of supplies, taking great delight in thinking of new items that he couldn’t possibly survive the winter without, going into fits of laughter when without fail he took their advice and brought it back from town. As he drove off they called after him.
“Cooking oil Greg better get a drum. Don’t forget a string of onions and candles; you will certainly get power cuts out here.’
He took it all in good part. One of the great finds in the shed as it was cleared was an old generator which later when he had time Ray managed to get going.
The awaited call from Ray came late one night. Greg was feeling very low. He was troubled by thoughts of Olwen and he didn’t feel well, not hearing from Ray was getting him down and he was steeling himself to phone him again anyway when the house phone rang almost under his hand.
“It’s all on.” Came Ray’s cheerful voice. “Dave was upset but he likes the sound of the venture and wished us luck. He’s buying me out but I think he has an eye on his brother-in- law coming in. If things go well for him he’ll consider making a contribution to our funds himself.’
“Great. When are you coming down?” Greg felt his spirits rise a little.
“This weekend hopefully for a couple of days but I have to be back then for a week or two as I have to sell the boat and put the house on the market. I think I have a buyer for the Jaguar but he can’t take it until the end of the month.’
Greg was silent with a momentary pang at the thought of the Jag going to someone else pulling himself together he began to feel the rising excitement of having some of their plans coming to fruition.
“So see you Friday. Get the tractor, we’ll clear the shed and get started. I’ve got the bits for the Land Rover so with a bit of luck she will be on the road; that should cheer you up. Megan is over the moon. Is there any news of Olwen?’
“Neither sight nor sound. Bronwyn hasn’t seen or heard from her either.”
“Best way perhaps if she is as touchy as all that.’ Greg was silent. “See you Friday anyway.’
As the nights were drawing in the builders often worked late inside the house. The kitchen was taking shape which Greg liked very much. Dean spent several nights taking out the old range and building a wider space for the new one. Taking Bronwyn’s advice he bought the biggest calor gas cooker in the show room with a mind f
or power cuts, it would also act as a booster for the Rayburn which stood waiting to be connected. The excitement this weekend would be getting the Land rover on the road. Ray had done a great job on the repairs and windscreen, new seats and canvas hood had been delivered from Hay-on-wye; Greg managing to fit them when he had felt well enough. Great care had been taken with anything purchased and she was as near the original as they could make her. The canvas hood had been the most difficult to find so although expensive Greg had one made.
Ray arrived early on Friday and within a couple of hours the jobs on the Land rover were finished. Greg had bought a bottle of champagne and invited Bronwyn to do the honours. She greatly amused agreed and arrived just as the builders returned from town with the pipes for the Rayburn.
‘Come on, you two.’ Ray was revving up. ‘Just in time for a launching, call the other lads they have all been looking forward to this.’
Plasterers, plumbers and painters arrived from all directions and Ray who had never seen Bronwyn in a frivolous mood before stared in astonishment as she stepped forward and carefully cracking the bottle on the bonnet spoke in a loud clear voice.
“I name thee Patience. God bless all who ride in her.” Everyone laughed as Greg produced another bottle and paper cups for a toast to Patience and the new centre. Laughing they all climbed in, Greg bowing to Bronwyn as he held the door for her, she entering into the spirit of the occasion to the amazement of all; bowed back before climbing in. Ray insisting that Greg drove, they set off for a lap of the mountain road. Heads turned as they drove through Graigwen the old Land Rover taking to the roads as they had dreamt.
“Why call her Patience?” Greg asked as they drove back on the yard. Her eyes twinkled. “Obvious isn’t it? She waited many years to be discovered. You had the patience to restore her with the faith you could do it and she fulfilled the promise you saw in her. Faith and patience inherit the promise.’
“Well it’s a great name. Thanks.’
“It works in other ways too lad. Faith and patience work side by side, no good one without the other. Don’t forget that.’
“I’ll remember. You know Bronwyn I wish Olwen had been here today. She loved the Land Rover.” Greg’s green eyes darkened at the memory of those wide grey eyes and tender smile.
“Ha! Remember faith and patience.’She wagged her finger at him.
“Not in this case I’m afraid.” Greg turned to look at the lads around the Land rover, his face drawn.
“You don’t know what is around the corner Greg. It’s not for us to know and just as well. Have the faith if you don’t have the patience. It’s time I went home, jobs to do, no time to be idling around here watching a lot of strong young men make fools of themselves over a piece of machinery when they could be finding something better to do with their time.” There was a twinkle in her sharp eyes even as she spoke and didn’t take much persuading for Greg to show her around before she left.
“It’s a good job coming along well. You think my idea may work then?’
“I hope so. I’m relying on it more than I can say.’ He ran his fingers through his hair. “But how much further we get depends on many things.’
“I still think my last words still apply. Anyway I can’t stand time wasting any longer. I’m off see you shortly.” She turned at the gate and walked back.
“I would carry on if I were you. I have already had quite a few replies to my appeals. There should be a few cheques in the post soon and several people coming to see you shortly, they want to talk to you about some of your ideas but don’t worry they will go along with you. They owe me.” She strode out of the gate and down the road her old barber jacket flapping around her. Greg stood as he often stood when she left him, speechless. Dean came up to him.
“She’s a funny old bird, isn’t she? Always makes me feel as if she’s caught me behind the bike shed. She’ll praise your work then wipes your nose with some comment, pays you well for the job so you end up going back for more of the same.’
“She used to give me the shivers.” Ray closed the bonnet on the Land rover ‘But I’m getting used to her now.’ Greg smiled.
Chapter 31
At the end of October the weather turned bitterly cold. All night the wind howled bringing down the leaves which lay in a thick carpet, then came rain when the pretty gold and red carpet became a slippery hazard for wheels and feet. Greg’s parents came for a weekend and John cleared the mess from around the doors as best he could but the builder’s vehicles made the job impossible. Icy rain blew in at the sides of untreated windows and under the doors. Clouds hid the mountain and hung in the trees all day. Everywhere was damp and depressing, an early winter was forecast on the news and everyone Greg met seemed to be saying the same. The temperature began to drop everyday seemed to grow steadily colder. The new fireplace in the lounge was lit every day Greg shivered and was glad when the Rayburn and wood burner were finally in place. The house with its unfinished rooms felt hollow and chill. His parents were glad to be going home begging him to come with them until the work was completed. He couldn’t as he was waiting for the oil tanker to arrive so that the Rayburn could be lit. A load of dry logs arrived and the wood burner was lit which made such a difference, where the open fire had burnt sluggish giving out little heat the wood burner gave warmth through all the rooms even heating the bedrooms which meant the central heating boiler didn’t have to work so hard, gradually the house warmed through. Sally sighed with thankfulness but still packed to go home. She had baked for the new freezer and shopped as if Greg didn’t have enough stores already. “You never know.” she said checking the kitchen cupboards. After they left Greg felt lonely as there were no builders at work this week. Len had been called to another urgent job in the village while Dean had gone to court over some unpaid bill. The painters hadn’t turned up. Fred had repaired the stable doors then he and his grandson had hauled straw, hay and nuts for the horses in case it snowed. It was too cold and wet to turn them out.
Shots fired late one afternoon had Greg worried, they seemed too close to the house for comfort. He rang Jeff Arnott but there was nothing he could do. Local farmers were known to go shooting rabbits or foxes on the hill and there was no proof that shots had been aimed at Greg’s yard but it made him more careful to keep Rocky by him at all times. He was certain that Luke nosed around when he was out and even more certain that he would help himself to anything lying about. It was a nuisance to have to keep locking everything up but after coming home one day when there were no builders around to find the stable doors open(luckily the horses were out that time) Greg wasn’t prepared to take chances. He told Fred and the stables were locked when he knew he was going out, until Ray moved in there was nothing else to do.
Greg felt that Graig-y-dorth was becoming his home more each day. The extension was taking shape and the men could work in the dry so an air of camaraderie sprang up which he enjoyed missing it on days the lads didn’t come. The new roof was his delight, he loved to stand at the gate looking at it firm and secure against the background of the mountain especially late afternoon when a fire was lit in the dining room and soft grey smoke drifted across the evening sky. The Rayburn stood now warm and welcoming saving a lot of work as a casserole or a pot of stew could simmer away until needed plus plenty of hot water. The kitchen was now enormous just waiting a final coat of paint. How he wished Olwen was here to share his delight, how his heart ached wondering where she was now. Bronwyn had received one very brief phone call, not revealing much and not giving time for much to be said. Greg kept telling himself it was for the best but his heart leapt every time the phone rang or his mobile trilled. When he was alone in the evenings his hand would move towards his phone to call her but his head told him to leave well alone. He grew thinner and his eyes were shadowed. His mother noticed each time she came and begged him to come home for winter. Ray noticed and redoubled his efforts to move more quickly to Graig-y-
dorth. The builders were now working on the flat it promised to be a very attractive apartment in which to start married life. The lounge was bigger than anticipated with views over the trees to Graigwen. There was large bedroom en suite and small kitchen for when Ray and Megan wanted some privacy to cook a meal for friends. The whole heated by radiators run by the wood burner in Greg’s lounge. Megan was delighted with the whole flat and enjoyed planning to furnish it out aided by her mother Sylvia who adored Ray and offered to support Greg when the centre opened.
Bronwyn was kept busy as the sponsorships began to come in. It was surprising what amounts were promised. A large mail order conglomerate had sent a staggering amount and no one seemed to know how or why they had done so. Bronwyn seemed to think it had probably been approached by another sponsor who had some influence she was delighted and redoubled her efforts. She had opened an account initially with her own contribution and Rays impute from the sale of his boat and shares from the garage so the huge check from this company swelled the coffers and allowed the building work to continue. Ray’s house was on the market, the sale of the Jaguar confirmed; he stated this money was to go into sponsor ship but Bronwyn insisted he keep it in his own account as he might want to buy a house at some point. “There’s plenty more to come in and a lot of fund raising going on so don’t you be worrying at the moment.” As other monies began to pour in Greg was hopeful for a go ahead to start the new building. The parish council had passed the plans as Gwen Davies had promised these were now in the hands of the district council’s planning office with several recommending letters. Greg spent a lot of time contacting people in his own circle and was amazed at the encouragement and support. Although there wasn’t an hour went by that something didn’t remind him of Olwen he was beginning to believe that the dream for his farm might come true.