Confetti at the Cornish Café

by Phillipa Ashley

  Friday morning

  The day before the wedding

  It’s Friday morning, and Lily and her entourage arrive later this afternoon. If I hadn’t been so busy yesterday I don’t think I’d have got any sleep but I was so tired that when I finally got to bed, I fell into a deep sleep. Fortunately, the alarm wakes me even before Mitch. It’s six o’clock and for a few minutes I think about climbing out of the window and running away.

  In the kitchen, I blink away sleep and fill the kettle in the hope that a caffeine injection will bring me round. The water hasn’t even boiled when Polly bursts through the back door with the newspaper. It’s the Daily News again and my skin turns instantly icy.

  ‘They’ve done it again. Read this.’ She slaps the open newspaper on the table in front of me. The headline swims in front of my eyes.

  WEDDING SMELLS FOR BEN AND LILY

  Celebrity couple kick up a stink at whiffy wedding venue

  There was a right old ding-dong at the country wedding venue where Lily Craig and Ben Trevone are due to get married when a local farmer dumped a load of stinky muck on the fields next to the reception location.

  The foul pong, which could be smelled for ‘miles’ around, has put Saturday’s reception plans into doubt. The stench is so rank that sources close to the couple worried that the celebrations will have to be moved to an alternative venue.

  A close family friend commented: ‘It would be awful if the wedding had to be called off now. Lily’s assistant has been looking at other places because the stench is intolerable.’

  Rumours are rife but the manager of the Seagull Spa, a luxury hotel in St Trenyan, refused to comment when asked if it had been contacted with a view to hosting the wedding if the couple do decide to move it.

  ‘The Seagull Spa? Doesn’t Mawgan own that place?’ Polly asks.

  ‘I don’t know. Possibly. Probably, she owns half of St Trenyan.’

  ‘I bet she’s “the friend of the family” too,’ says Polly.

  I groan. ‘Beam me up, somebody, please. I can’t handle this. Not with Cal away.’

  Polly puts her arm around me. ‘Yes, you can. They won’t cancel now. Everything’s gone too far and that’s only the paper stirring things up. Oh and by the way, I phoned Gwennap’s but his daughter answered. The old boy is in hospital recovering from a hip operation and his daughter apologised for the muck spreading but said she had no idea the contractors were planning to do it. She says her dad must have ordered it to go ahead while he was out of action.’

  I sigh. ‘Never mind. It’s too late to unspread it now.’

  The phone in the house starts ringing. I glance at Polly. Then my mobile starts buzzing so hard it almost jumps off the table.

  ‘That’ll be The Gruesome Twosome,’ Polly says. ‘Don’t answer it.’

  ‘I have to. It’s not fair on Lily to ignore it.’

  ‘Let me make you a cuppa and get you a bite to eat before you face them. And as for the nasty niff, all we can do is hope the wind changes.’

  Before I can work up the nerve to call Addison and Jade back, the pair of them descend on the farmhouse like a pair of vampire bats. Addison actually has one of those Japanese-style facemasks over his nose and mouth and Jade is muffled in a scarf.

  ‘Give me strength,’ Polly mutters, insisting on facing them with me for moral support, even though I’ve tried to persuade her she’s far too busy. ‘It’s Hannibal Lecter and the Bride of Dracula. What are they like?’

  ‘Please be tactful,’ I say but it’s too late, as Addison and Jade stride towards us, clutching their protective masks to their faces. ‘It’s not that bloody bad,’ I mutter.

  ‘This is unacceptable,’ Jade says, muffled by her scarf.

  ‘It’s a health hazard,’ Addison squeaks.

  ‘It’s a normal country smell,’ Polly declares.

  ‘I know it’s not pleasant but we’ve been assured it’s only temporary and it’s definitely not hazardous. Does Lily know?’

  ‘We’ve kept it from her for now. She doesn’t need any more distractions or stress, but Ben’s not happy. Not happy at all.’

  ‘He’s a Cornish lad. He should be used to it,’ Polly says unhelpfully.

  Addison lowers his mask for a second. ‘This isn’t good press. It’s terrible.’

  ‘I appreciate your concerns but it’s much better than yesterday and the wind’s changing. It’ll all be blown away by tomorrow,’ I say.

  ‘It’s the country,’ says Polly. ‘You have to put up with a few stinks, or you’ve no business being here.’

  ‘But this is a wedding venue and Ben and Lily are a very special bride and groom,’ says Addison in a peculiar twang, obviously because he’s trying to keep his nostrils tightly shut. Maybe we’ve got used to the odour by now.

  ‘Really, it’s so much better than it was.’

  ‘The gales overnight will blow it away, you wait and see,’ says Polly.

  ‘Gales?’ Jade says with a gasp.

  ‘A fresh breeze is forecast,’ I say firmly.

  ‘Greg Stennack said we’re in for a right old blow,’ Polly rattles on, obviously relishing winding up the townies.

  ‘Who’s Greg Stennack?’ Jade demands.

  ‘Local DJ. Not known for his correct weather forecasting but Polly’s right: the Met Office is predicting a fresh offshore wind and that’ll blow the smell away. They’ve also forecast a lovely, sunny, warm day for the wedding. There’s absolutely nothing to worry about. Everything’s under control.’

  ‘Hmm. I sincerely hope so. If this wedding turns out to be the disaster that we always thought it would be, we’ll know who to blame.’

  ‘Everything’s in order. You should see our preparations. The tepee is stunning and the flowers and stylists are arriving today.’ I’m getting desperate now.

  ‘I think we should leave, Jade. We need to do some fire-fighting with the press and reassure Grapevine! that the site will be ready and sanitary.’

  Polly’s red in the face with fury. ‘There’s nothing insanitary about Kilhallon.’

  ‘We’ll see. We’ll be back tomorrow afternoon with Lily and her party but I’ll be checking in with you at very regular intervals to see how everything’s going.’

  ‘We must leave, Jade. I’ve got an interview with a fashion magazine set up for Lily and I want to sit in on it to make sure she’s on message.’ Addison practically drags Jade away, coughing and spluttering dramatically as he goes.

  Polly bristles. ‘Silly buggers. He’s a right delicate flower and she needs a slap. There’s nothing unclean about Kilhallon.’

  I ought to laugh. Polly’s right and I feel like telling both of them where to shove their updates. But I also feel as if a great big wave is bearing down on me and is going to wash me right over the cliff. I worry about high winds that could blow away the tepees and awning. Or no wind and a tremendous stink instead. I think of my part-time wedding planner and my full-time novice wedding organisers. Of Mawgan Cade being at the heart of everything and of Cal thousands of miles away and unable to help.

  But Polly’s right. For now, all we can do is carry on and hope the wind changes.

  By lunchtime, Kilhallon has been invaded once again. I’ve spent the morning laying the inside tables at Demelza’s with cloths and vintage china and pretty jam jars filled with local flowers that echo Lily’s boho theme. Jez and I have prepared the cakes and scones in advance today, but tomorrow it will be all hands to the pump. Shamia and our two new staff will all be in to help. Nina’s in charge here tomorrow as I know I’ll be needed to help Rachel – and hopefully Cal when he returns tomorrow morning. Focusing on the place I know and love best has soothed my frayed nerves but I need to pop up to the marquee to see how Rachel’s getting on supervising the decor and caterers.

  As I walk from the cafe, I zip up my hoodie. It’s a fine day but cool and I glance up at the pennants on the tepee. They’re no longer limp but fluttering. I sniff the air, realising that I hadn’t noti
ced the smell because it’s almost gone. So, Greg Stennack was right after all …

  Almost skipping with relief, I hurry towards the tepee. Smart matting leads into the tent, flanked by the flowers in jars hung from shepherd’s hooks. It makes a simple, natural yet beautiful entrance to the tent. I step inside the tepee.

  Wow.

  In the cafe, my nose was full of the aromas of warm scones and chocolate cupcakes. On my way here, the fresh sea air was a wonderful relief. Now, different scents fill my nostrils. Sweet, rich fragrances and, oh, the colours.

  The sight in front of me brings tears to my eyes. It looks so wonderful. Hazel the florist and a team of three assistants are putting the finishing touches to their decorations. The poles are entwined with floral garlands in blush pinks and soft blues. The linen company has been and covered the tables with pretty cloths. There are stunning flower centrepieces on the tables and a beautiful arrangement on the top table where Lily, Ben and the bridal party will sit.

  ‘I recognise the cornflowers but what are the other flowers?’ I ask, breathing in the gorgeous scents and admiring the pale creams, baby pinks and pastel blues.

  ‘Nigella and peonies – some of the flowers are locally grown,’ says Hazel, tucking into a takeout coffee and pasty I brought up from the cafe. ‘Thanks for the drinks. Sometimes we don’t even get offered a glass of water while we’re working.’

  ‘It’s fine. I’m glad you could make it. The place looks incredible and the scents are beautiful. I can’t believe it’s Kilhallon.’

  ‘A pleasure.’

  Rachel arrives with her mum pushing Freya in the buggy. ‘Mum’s brought Freya to see what all the excitement is about,’ she says, pointing to her mother who has lifted Freya out of her buggy to look at the bunting. ‘My dad’s gone to see if he can help Gary with anything. It means I can get on with organising too. Are you pleased with how it’s all coming along?’

  ‘Pleased? I’m amazed.’

  Rachel’s face lights up. ‘It’s always incredible to see a space transformed like this. Organising this wedding has been a challenge, but it’ll all be fine in the end. The caterers will start laying the tables when the florists have finished and we’ll be ready for tomorrow. Have you seen the bridal glade yet?’

  ‘No. I’ve been too busy at the cafe.’

  ‘Come and take a look, then. Where’s Cal by the way? I haven’t seen him around … I didn’t like to ask.’

  I take a deep breath. ‘He’s gone to Greece. It’s complicated.’

  Rachel’s face falls. ‘Oh God, Demi. Is everything OK between you?’

  ‘It’s fine. He had urgent business out there.’ I cross my fingers. ‘He’s flying back this evening so he should be back in the morning for the wedding. Can I tell you more about the circumstances after the wedding’s over?’

  She smiles. ‘Course you can.’

  ‘Thanks, and please don’t worry about us. Let’s take a look at the glade.’

  With me pushing Freya, we walk down to the glade. The florists have already set up the willow bridal arch that has transformed the glamping glade into a country-style bridal bower exactly, I hope, as Lily envisaged it.

  ‘Mum’s taking Freya home so Gary can get on with the electrics and I can greet the bridal party with you. They’ll be here around six o’clock, right?’

  Lily and the bridal party have taken over the cottages. Lily’s staying in Poldark while her bridesmaids, Harry and family members occupy the other cottages. Some of their guests are already in the yurts.

  ‘Ben’s booked into a smart hotel a few miles away with his best man, Addison and Jade. I’m so glad they’re not staying with us. I don’t need any more hassle.’

  ‘What about Mawgan?’ Rachel asks.

  ‘She’s making her own way here but I heard she’s sending a chauffeur to Penzance for Ben’s parents and his auntie.’

  ‘I’m looking forward to meeting your famous film producer Isla too. Is she coming down from London?’

  ‘You will do. She and her fiancé, Luke, are staying with Robyn’s father. They’re old friends.’ I wonder what Isla will say when she finds out Cal has dashed off to Greece. He left her to work in Syria and it was the start of the end of their relationship. I know the circumstances are different this time but I can’t help comparing them.

  After Rachel’s gone home, I head back to the cafe. The contractors have finished installing a cream awning over the terrace. It looks like a giant sail and is stunning. Once the contractors have set up the furniture, it’ll create a spectacular chill-out space for guests to enjoy afternoon teas and evening drinks overlooking the ocean and Kilhallon Cove.

  The contractor smiles at me as I admire the awning. ‘Could be blowy up here for your wedding,’ he says.

  ‘It’ll be fine. People can wrap up or come inside,’ I say, aware I sound as breezy as the weather. I’m so relieved that the bad odour has blown away and Kilhallon is starting to emerge as the wild and beautiful venue we know and love. Cal will be gobsmacked when he gets home tomorrow. While I panicked when I heard he was going away, there’s a big satisfaction in knowing that with everyone’s help, I might manage to pull off this wedding without him. I smile: I can use this to tease him for months, years … when he comes home.

  My phone beeps with a text. It could be Cal telling me he’s found Esme and he’s coming home, but it’s not. It’s a message from Polly, short and sweet.

  They’re here.

  The furry moths beat their wings in my stomach again. No matter how amazing I think Kilhallon looks, it’s Lily’s opinion that counts. Pasting a big smile on my face, I hurry up to reception to meet her.

  Lily is her usual self, smiley and twittery, although maybe a little quieter than ‘normal’. Jade makes up for ten people, moaning about the narrow lanes around the resort and how dare a farmer move his cows at that time of day and who on earth uses an actual bus down here, why don’t they get a car, for God’s sake? I’ve shut my brain to her deluge of crap, but Polly stalks murderously behind the reception desk, jingling her keys and trying to turn Jade to stone with a look.

  ‘Will you show Harry his cottage, please?’ I ask Polly, desperate to get her out of the way of Jade.

  Trying to blot out Jade’s stream of whinges, I show Lily into her cottage. My stomach swirls with nerves. We’ve done our very best to make them look perfect but, at the end of day, they are only holiday cottages and Lily – and Jade – are used to the best hotels in the world.

  Admittedly, the cottages have some extra touches: fresh flowers from Hazel, a fridge stocked with organic nibbles and breakfast packs plus bottles of champagne that would pay for a slap-up meal for Cal and me – and the staff – at the poshest restaurant in St Trenyan. Jade provided the list of ‘requirements’.

  Jade zones in on the kitchen as soon as we walk in and is popping the cork on a bottle of Krug.

  ‘Hmm. Krug …’ she says, rubbing her finger around the top of a wine flute. ‘Champagne, Lily? It could do with being slightly more chilled but it’ll do.’

  ‘I’d rather have a cup of chamomile tea,’ Lily says, perching on the armchair in the sitting room. ‘This is such a sweet little cottage. Did you say that tin miners lived here?’

  I smile. ‘Only the mine captain and officials could afford this cottage.’

  Jade flops onto the sofa with a thud and slurps her champagne. ‘Lily’s family and bridesmaids arrive later. I’ll keep her company until then.’

  ‘Really, Jade, I’ll be fine on my own.’

  Jade waves a hand. ‘No, I couldn’t possibly leave you here on your own on the evening before your wedding. You might need something.’

  ‘If I do, there are plenty of people around to help. Mum and Dad and Thea and Fen. And Harry, of course. He’s only in the next-door cottage so I’ll be fine. Besides, you must have so much to do.’

  Jade hiccups and giggles, which believe me is sooo not like her. ‘Oh, excuse me. The bubbles went up my nose. No, nothin
g more important than you.’

  ‘I’d really like some time to myself. I’ve been rushing all over the place for weeks. It feels as if I haven’t had a moment to stop and think.’

  Jade snorts and hiccups again. I know it’s naughty of me, but she reminds me of a pig with a bun. ‘Time to think? What do you need that for? Tomorrow, you, my love, are going to marry Ben Trevone and create the most bankable couple in entertainment. You should be celebrating, not thinking.’

  ‘If you are staying over, Jade, can you let me know because I’m sure you won’t want to drive if you have any more champagne, will you?’

  ‘Demi’s right. You mustn’t stay here drinking if you’re going to drive back to your hotel.’

  ‘Unless you’re going to sleep on the couch?’ I say. ‘Our accommodation is full to bursting, although there’s always the floor of the cafe.’

  Lily giggles and I see a fleeting glimpse of why she is such a star. When she smiles with real happiness she lights up the room like the sun bursting through a cloud. ‘We can’t have that. Why don’t you go home, Jade, and leave me to have some chill-out time? I’m sure I’ll be seeing plenty of you and everyone else tomorrow.’

  There’s a steeliness in Lily’s tone that surprises me. Jade opens her mouth then closes it again. She dumps her glass on the coffee table, sloshing at least twenty quid’s worth of champagne on the table.

  ‘If you really feel like that,’ she says sniffily, ‘then I’ll leave you to it. I’ll go back to the hotel to see how Ben is but if you want anything, if you’re worried about the slightest little thing, then you know where I am.’

  Lily jumps up and hugs her, while mouthing a ‘thank you’ at me over Jade’s shoulders.

  On her way out of the cottage, out of Lily’s sight, Jade shoots me what Polly would call ‘a death look’. I’d be stone if she had her way.

  ‘Nothing had better go wrong tomorrow,’ she says in a tone of doom. ‘And if it does, young lady, I’ll hold you personally responsible.’

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Friday afternoon – a refugee camp north of Athens

  Cal