by Alison Jack
‘No, I wasn't thinking of you, Lysander,’ replied Chloe. ‘I was thinking we use the girlfriend…’
‘What girlfriend?’ asked Matilda, sharply.
‘Theo's girlfriend. Sorry, Matty, didn't you know?’
‘You mean Catherine Lorimer?’ said Lysander. ‘How did you find out about her, Chloe?’
‘She found us, actually,’ replied Chloe. ‘Two or three days after Christmas. She'd made contact with an Unsponsored family she knows; her father's head of Europe Logistics UK…’
‘Sponsored?’
‘No, that's the beauty of it,’ said Lysander. ‘It's a European firm so the UK branch doesn't have to accept endorsement. Also His Lordshit's anxious to keep Philip Lorimer onside, especially with the Games coming up, so if anyone has influence on His Lordshit…’
‘You're leaping ahead, and I think you've lost a few people,’ said Chloe to Lysander, reaching out to pat his arm gently before continuing. ‘Catherine's free from Sponsorship, as is her father. She's free to move with the Unsponsored and that's just what she did. Her friends brought her to us. My God, she's shy; it must have taken a lot for her to pluck up the courage to come and talk to us…’
‘She's crazy for Theo. She'd do anything for him…’
‘Lysander! Shall I go on?’
‘Yes, Chloe, sorry.’
‘Catherine told us that Theo had explained his whole horrible life to her the previous day. She said her father was deeply suspicious of His Lordshit, and also of the fact that Theo's never allowed out of the house. Philip had apparently guessed, correctly, that His Lordshit had put Theo up to starting a relationship with Catherine so that Philip would have to spend a lot of time in His Lordshit's lair…’
‘So he doesn't really fancy her, then?’ asked Matilda hopefully.
‘Sorry, Matty, but I think he does,’ said Lysander, and Louis added, ‘If Theo's seeing this Catherine, he must like her. There's no way he'd ever do anything to help out the SponsorSHIT Scheme!’
‘You've always got me, Matty,’ said Max, patting Matilda's bottom and earning himself a slapped face.
‘We're kind of moving away from the point here, guys,’ said Brains, noticing how anxious his daughter was to carry on speaking.
‘Thanks, Dad,’ said Chloe as everyone settled down. ‘Catherine went to talk to Theo, gave him a chance to put his side of the story across. Theo was completely honest with her. He even showed her the scars on his back; she said they're awful…’ Chloe bared her teeth before continuing.
‘She also said he told her all about Dory's Avengers; and showed her a letter you'd sent just before Christmas, Louis?’
‘Yes, that's right. We wanted him to know that he's got a lot of friends among the Unsponsored, and that we'd get him out of that prison one day.’
‘She read the letter?’ asked Matilda, perking up again.
‘Yes,’ said Chloe, laughing. ‘She did mention your name, Matty. I gather you outlined rather explicitly what you'd like to do with Theo…’
‘Oh yeah, baby!’ said Matilda, laughing as she danced round the pole she'd talked Dex into having fitted in the pub.
‘I think you're too late, Matty, sorry. The point I'm getting to is this: Catherine will do anything to get Theo away from His Lordshit. How about we use that?’
‘How?’
‘Simple. Chris and Georgie – you choose a date for the wedding sometime soon. If you don't mind, that is?’
‘We don't mind at all. It's about time Chris made an honest woman of me,’ said Georgie, smiling at her fiancé.
‘Two – we get the invites sent out, including one to His Lordshit. Three – I liaise with Catherine and her father, find a way to persuade His Lordshit that it's a good idea to attend the wedding…’
‘We could invite the Lorimers,’ said Georgie.
‘We don't know them…’ began Chris, but Georgie interrupted.
‘His Lordshit doesn't need to know that, does he? We can say what's his name, Philip? Philip always stops off here when he visits that haulage place in Carlisle. We could say he had a happy holiday here once, anything!’
‘Brilliant, Georgie!’ said Chloe. ‘The Lorimers get their invite, and it's the most natural thing in the world for them to bring the subject up with His Lordshit. Catherine can get all excited about going, and as she's Theo's girlfriend of course she'll want Theo to go too. His Lordshit wants to keep in Philip's good books…you know I really think this could work. What do you think Louis?’
Louis was silent for a little while as he thought over the conversation, then suddenly he smiled his first proper smile since his awful discovery just before New Year.
‘I really think this could work too. Chloe, you're a genius!’
Part Three
An Unsponsored Wedding
Chapter Sixteen
Life carried on in Applethwaite after Nicola's funeral, and as the winter slowly gave way to spring it began to take on some sense of normality. Happy that Nicola's death had sent a stark message to the Applethwaite Unsponsored which had been received and understood, Lord William contented himself with just leaving two security guards in the village. The Unsponsored soon learned to ignore these guards completely and get on with their lives. Louis's training went from strength to strength; following the death of his mother he was more determined than ever to compete for gold at the Games. Lysander hadn't been persuaded by Lord William to return to London; he did, however, continue to head Leisure and Fitness from the sanctuary of Applethwaite. His Lordship had been right in his conjecture that he wouldn't find anyone better than Lysander at the job, but neither he nor Louis was happy with the situation.
‘Why do you insist on staying in that bloody village?’ grumbled Lord William as, yet again, he had to make do with Lysander only being present via computer at his inner circle meeting.
Louis's grumbles were completely different.
‘I thought you'd quit, Dad. I thought you'd put Sponsorshit oppression behind you.’
‘Bear with me, Louis!’ was all Lysander would say on the subject.
Plans for Chris and Georgia's wedding were well underway by the time the first thaw of spring arrived. The wedding was planned for the second weekend in May, giving Applethwaite Unsponsored FC time to complete their season's fixtures. There was a little difficulty in getting a licence to marry, Georgie being one of the defiant Unsponsored, but Lysander managed to use his continuing influence with the Sponsored to resolve the situation, and from then on preparations ran smoothly. The reception was to be held in The White Lion, unsurprisingly, and Alan had been put in charge of the catering as both Georgie and Dex would be rather occupied on the big day. As their father had sadly passed away the previous year, Dex was going to be giving Georgie away. Abi, Matilda and Jenny were lined up as bridesmaids. As for the best man, Louis arrived one morning for training to find Gideon ecstatically happy at having been asked by Chris to fulfil that role.
‘I'm so honoured!’ Gideon repeated over and over again to Louis, who was as delighted as his mentor.
‘That's brilliant, Gideon. Best choice Chris could have made.’
‘I know that had Elliot been alive I wouldn't have got a look-in…’
‘Which makes you the perfect choice, doesn't it? Who was Elliot's dearest friend, after all?’
‘Thank you, Louis; you say some lovely things. Let's celebrate with one of those amazing gymnastic displays for which you're so renowned!’
Chris and Georgie sent the invites out at the beginning of March, the Unsponsored network having got word to Catherine and her father that they were imminent via Chloe. Philip and Simone Lorimer had been put in the picture concerning Theo's miserable existence as soon as they'd picked Catherine up from the St Benedict residence just after Christmas. Never one to keep anything from her beloved parents, Catherine told them every detail; and by the time the Lorimers were approached with the wedding invitation idea they were fully in favour of trying to get the badly treated
young man away from his cruel father.
‘The man can't call himself a father,’ said Philip to his wife, both knowing that they would die before they hurt Catherine.
Theo and Marina also knew of the plan thanks to Catherine, and it was with growing anticipation that they waited for the post to arrive each day. Around the time that the invites were expected, Philip contrived to be at the St Benedict residence on a daily basis, using discussions about the forthcoming Games as an excuse. Catherine always came along too; she was so obviously in love with Theo it wasn't in question that she'd want to spend time with him whenever the opportunity arose. Philip was already in possession of his family's invite when the eagerly awaited letter arrived at the St Benedict residence. Calling round shortly after breakfast, Philip was gratified to see the post still unopened at Lord William's side. Greeting Philip and Catherine, Lord William offered Philip coffee in the drawing room before they talked business.
‘Coffee would be lovely, thank you, Lord William,’ said Philip, adding ‘Perfect’ silently as His Lordship began to open his post. Catherine and Theo sat down with Marina on the beanbags, all desperately trying to look as if they were watching television while Lord William opened the crucial envelope.
‘Well, well!’ said His Lordship, genuinely surprised. ‘Well I never. Christopher Farrell's getting married.’
‘Oh,’ said Philip, apparently surprised. ‘Do you know Chris and Georgie then?’
‘Christopher is…my wife's brother.’
‘Goodness me, of course! I should have realised!’ Philip was playing a blinder, looking for all the world as though he was just piecing together Lord William's connection to Chris Farrell in his mind. ‘I've known Chris and Georgie for a while; I stop at that lovely inn whenever I've got business in Carlisle. Our invite arrived just this morning; we could all travel together. Cathie can't wait, can you, dear?’
‘It's so exciting, Your Lordship. I love weddings,’ said Catherine, eyes shining, playing her part expertly too. ‘I told you Theo would be coming too, didn't I, Daddy? I told Daddy that Chris is your uncle, Theo…’
‘Not so fast, young lady,’ said Lord William, still sounding amiable enough. ‘Theodore's got his little nervous problem, haven't you, son? It's a big step for him.’
‘Theo, I'll be with you every step of the way, I promise! Oh please, darling, it'll be such fun…’
‘I don't want to let you down, Cathie darling. Maybe just this once…’
‘Theodore!’ Lord William cut in, his voice sharpening a little. ‘I'm really not sure it would be a good idea. Perhaps I should go, maybe with Rosanna…’
‘What about me, Father?’ asked Marina. ‘I'd like to go too.’
‘Surely Lord Theodore would be all right, just this once,’ said Philip to Lord William. ‘He'll have all his family round him, and Catherine. My daughter's such a calming influence…’
‘Wait, wait, the lot of you. I haven't said anyone’s going yet…’
‘Going where?’ asked Rosanna, choosing that moment to walk in the room. When Lord William showed her the invite, she immediately made her feelings clear on the subject.
‘I'm not going to that bloody backwater to attend some poxy little wedding.’ Cursing his older sister inwardly, Theo made an admirable attempt to stay calm on the outside.
‘It's not always about what you want, Rosanna. Your Lordship, I'd like to go. Just for Cathie's sake; I'm sure with her support…’
‘Will you all stop clamouring and let me think!’ shouted Lord William. ‘Rosanna; if I say you're going, then you go. Theodore, if I think you'd be better off staying here, then you stay. I'm not sure…’
‘Your Lordship,’ said Philip, his voice calm even though his stomach was churning. ‘It's just a suggestion, but wouldn't this be a fine opportunity to get some positive publicity for the Scheme?’
‘How do you mean?’ asked Lord William, torn between curiosity and telling Philip to mind his own business.
‘With the greatest respect, Lord William, I'm in a position to see things from the Unsponsored point of view. There are those who still say Lord Theodore is mad. Do you want people talking about your son like that?’
‘Why should I care…?’
‘Because rumours are dangerous. They get out of hand. Before you know it you've got Sponsored thinking the same, or worse. Then there were the thinly veiled accusations from that reporter following Nicola Trevelyan's suicide. This is an opportunity to put things right, very publicly. If you turn up to this wedding the TV cameras are sure to follow; you'll be seen as having made a huge effort to extend the hand of friendship to the Applethwaite Unsponsored despite their continued disrespect for you and the Scheme. They won't find it so easy to bad-mouth the Scheme if the wave of public sympathy switches onto your side. Also, Lord Theodore will be seen to be perfectly all right, quashing the madness rumours. I have heard some say that Lord Theodore isn't permitted to leave this house. The country's full of weak-minded fools who believe any rubbish. Then, voilà! Lord Theodore appears at his uncle's wedding! Another false but potentially damning rumour quashed. You've got plenty of security guards to ensure the safety of yourself and your family. To my mind, you've everything to gain and nothing to lose by attending this wedding. By your whole family attending this wedding.’
As Philip fell silent, not a word was spoken in the room. Marina and Theo continued to watch the television as though it really didn't matter to them one way or another, while Catherine turned pleading blue eyes in Lord William's direction. Rosanna helped herself to coffee, being the only one in the room who genuinely couldn't care less about Chris Farrell's wedding.
‘I could have people find the roots of these rumours, deal harshly with the culprits, send out a clear message…’
‘Once again I speak with the utmost respect, Lord William. I have nothing but respect for you and the Scheme,’ Philip lied. ‘But if you fight this with force you will only breed resentment. Cut down one adversary, two more will appear to replace them. In your position, I would take the Unsponsored and the rumour mongers by surprise. Do precisely what they don't expect. Attend this wedding with your family, send out a very clear message that you have nothing to hide. What weight will those rumours hold when they're seen to be untrue, so obviously untrue? The credibility will be yours and yours alone.’
‘You're a powerful speaker, Philip,’ said Lord William. ‘If ever you fancy a change of career, there's always a place for you in the Scheme.’
Lord William fell silent once more. Theo and Marina concentrated with all their might on an advert for washing-up liquid, while Catherine squeezed Theo so tightly he could barely breathe. In the end it was Rosanna who broke the silence.
‘Well, Father?’ she said, her voice petulant. ‘Do we have to go to this stupid wedding or not?’
Ironically, it was Rosanna interrupting his thoughts that made Lord William's mind up for him. Suddenly finding himself immensely irritated with his daughter's constant whinging, Lord William took out his mobile phone and dialled the number on the invitation.
In Applethwaite no one was doing any work. Only too well aware that Lord William's wedding invitation was likely to reach him that day, Dory's Avengers had congregated in the bar of The White Lion; Gideon contenting himself with ordering Louis to stick to mineral water. To Gideon's disgust, Louis was occupying his time helping Matilda improve her pole dancing skills by demonstrating how to grip the pole securely and hang upside down.
‘Bloody hell, Louis; you're supposed to be an Olympic gymnast, not a bloody pole dancer,’ he grumbled, unimpressed with Louis's new-found talent. Alan was equally unimpressed, but for different reasons.
‘If that skirt were any shorter, Matilda, it would qualify as a belt. It's really not decent to be hanging upside down on a pole dressed like that, or rather undressed. I'm sure Louis can see what you had for breakfast, and I'm sure Abi would rather Louis couldn't see what you had for breakfast…’
Matilda righ
ted herself, and covered what she could of her modesty with her extremely short skirt.
‘Sorry, Abs,’ she said. ‘I'm not after your boyfriend, I promise. Still holding out for a chance with the sexy Theo…’
At that moment Chris's mobile phone started to ring, successfully silencing everyone in the bar.
‘Please don't let this be someone with a sick dog,’ muttered Chris, answering the call. ‘Hello?’
Everyone in the pub held their breath, as Chris started to smile and nod.
‘Good morning, Lord William…yes…yes…how many?… Really?…That's fabulous, Lord William. You'll all be more than welcome…yes…I certainly will. See you in May. Thank you.’
Ending the call, Chris desperately tried to let the suspense build, but there was no way to hide the huge smile spreading over his face
‘Lord William thanks us for the invite, Georgia. Philip, Simone and Catherine Lorimer would be delighted to join us to celebrate the wedding, as would Lord William St Benedict, Lady Rosanna, Lady Rosanna's boyfriend Adam Foster, Lady Marina…oh yes…and…LORD THEODORE…’
The bar filled immediately with hugging, kissing, cheering, shouting celebrations. Sarah grabbed Gideon's chair and spun him round and round as several people attempted to hug them both. Even the sight of Louis hanging upside down from Matilda's pole couldn't make Gideon lose his temper; he was far too busy yelling ‘Yes! Yes!’ at the top of his voice. Alan and Dex appeared with bottles of champagne and added the popping of corks to the general din. His drink ban forgotten, Gideon called to Louis to pour them both a large glass of champagne so they could celebrate the fact that Theo would be coming home. Finally, Theo would be coming back home – to Applethwaite.
The weeks leading up to the wedding of Chris Farrell and Georgia Montfiore dragged by for both Theo and Louis. Theo found that his usual twin interests of watching cartoons and playing guitar failed to hold his attention anymore; all he could think about was his forthcoming return to Applethwaite. A real return this time, not just in his imagination. Despite knowing that Louis's chance of actually competing at the Games was very remote, Gideon had given up arguing the point to the unreceptive Dory's Avengers and was training Louis to the highest possible standard. Louis knew he had to work hard with the Games getting ever closer, but he often found it difficult to concentrate even on the sport he loved so much. Gideon spent a lot of time exasperated; Louis was struggling with routines he would normally be mastering with ease. Knowing this was down to lack of concentration not lack of skill, Gideon eventually lost his temper quite spectacularly with Louis.