A Year at Meadowbrook Manor

by Faith Bleasdale

  ‘If we kept it small, in one of the paddocks near the sanctuary, we could do it. We thought that perhaps a simpler event, but one which would be lovely for children and adults alike,’ Freddie explained.

  ‘Could we set up a stable nativity scene, you know with real people?’ John sounded excited. ‘And the other animals could join in with that.’

  ‘I could play the Virgin Mary,’ Hilary offered. Freddie choked on his wine.

  ‘And I’ll be a wise man,’ Gerry said. ‘I was always a shepherd at school.’

  ‘Well, we’ve got a donkey.’ Connor grinned.

  ‘Great idea, and we can also have a grotto with Santa. Mark, you fancy being Santa?’ Freddie asked. Mark spluttered. Harriet wasn’t sure why Freddie had decided to tease Mark so much tonight – maybe because he had flirted with Loretta.

  ‘As we said, it’s in the very initial stages, but we thought we could raise some much-needed money and have a lovely community event at the same time. What do you think?’

  Harriet listened as everyone chipped in ideas and said what a great event it would be; normally Meadowbrook didn’t have a big Christmas event, although their father invited most of the village up for a party when he put up the Christmas tree. And Amanda said she and her team could create a Christmas display with holly, ivy and Christmas trees, which Gus enthusiastically said he would help with. Bella said she already could see the PR opportunities, wondered about celebrities, as everyone around the table got swept up with the excitement of the idea.

  ‘You’re having Santa, he’s the biggest celebrity, the only one you need at Christmas,’ Margaret pointed out.

  ‘Well, apart from Jesus of course,’ John said, quickly.

  ‘There you go, we’ve got Jesus and Santa, what more do we need?’ Freddie said.

  ‘It’d be nice if you could get Christopher Biggins too though,’ Edie finished.

  By the time the starters were cleared away, the Meadowbrook winter wonderland was looking like a reality. Harriet thought it was a great idea and was proud of how Freddie and Pippa were throwing themselves into it. Loretta said she would dress up as a sexy Mrs Claus and Samuel yet again looked as if he would have a heart attack.

  ‘I was thinking, Connor, we could do a photo calendar to sell around the time of the event,’ Bella suggested, clapping her hands excitedly.

  ‘I’m not dressing up or taking my shirt off,’ Connor added quickly.

  ‘Connor, you might be a good-looking bloke but I think she meant a calendar of the animals,’ Gus said, good-naturedly. Connor blushed. Bella put her hand on his arm.

  ‘I was, but if you want to be in it, then …’

  ‘No, no, the animals would be great.’ Connor’s cheeks reddened.

  ‘I’ll get it set up.’ Bella smiled at him.

  Harriet narrowed her eyes; was she flirting with him again?

  ‘What about cost? We don’t have any money,’ Harriet said.

  ‘I’ll get a sponsor. It won’t cost a penny and if we can sell loads of copies …’ Bella might look sweet, but she was also determined.

  ‘Hilda would make a great December, if we could get her in a Santa hat. What do you think, Harry?’ Connor said.

  ‘She’ll probably refuse to wear it, but it’s worth a go,’ Harriet mumbled.

  She tried to quell the feelings of jealousy shooting through her. She sipped her wine and tried to concentrate on Samuel. He was a dear man, even if she had to shout into his ear. Luckily before she was almost hoarse, John began talking about the morris-dancing competitions he’d been to, and the correct way to use the sticks and handkerchiefs. It was quite an education.

  ‘Edie,’ Pippa said. ‘Can I ask you about your hip?’

  The table went silent and, for a moment, Edie looked upset.

  ‘Hey,’ Gus asked, putting his hand on her arm. ‘What’s all this?’

  ‘Oh nothing much, I need a replacement, but what with waiting lists as they are, it’s taking a while. I mean I’ve been on the list ages now and my mobility is getting worse. But I don’t like to make a fuss.’

  Harriet glanced at Gus and Pippa.

  ‘What about if we arrange it for you?’ Harriet said. She knew it was what her father would have done, and David had said that money was available to help those who were involved in Meadowbrook. Apart from his own children, it seemed. Edie had been helping with the gardens for years now, and she was a big part of the Meadowbrook community, so she was pretty sure they should help her.

  ‘How? Can you jump waiting lists?’ Margaret asked. ‘Only, if she could have it done, it’d be a new lease of life for her. She’s worried, really worried, that she might have to give up the gardens.’

  ‘Margaret, don’t tell them that,’ Edie chastised.

  ‘But it’s true isn’t it, love,’ Rose said, looking concerned.

  Edie was flushed as all eyes were on her.

  ‘I had my knee done last year and it made such a difference,’ Dawn said. ‘At the fête I was almost running around selling raffle tickets, like a spring chicken I was.’

  ‘And my Brian had his done and, well, let’s just say it reignited sparks which I thought were long gone,’ Mary said, which was too much information for anyone but especially poor Samuel. Harriet thought if he lasted the night it would be a miracle.

  ‘Well, Edie, you are one of our most valuable gardening club members so I need you to have it done,’ Gus pushed gently.

  ‘Are you saying you are going to pay for her to go privately?’ Mark asked, loudly. Everyone looked embarrassed. Harriet glared at him in the hope that it would shut him up.

  ‘Shut up, Mark,’ Freddie hissed.

  ‘No, I couldn’t let you,’ Edie said. ‘I wouldn’t dream of it.’

  ‘And who will pay for it? I mean whose money will be paying for it,’ Mark continued. Charming Mark had once again been replaced, it seemed.

  ‘Certainly not yours,’ Freddie snapped.

  ‘I’m not a charity case,’ Edie said, lip trembling. ‘Never have been, never will be.’

  ‘That’s ridiculous,’ Harriet started. ‘You work on our gardens for nothing, if anyone is a charity case it’s us. If you let us do this it only benefits us after all.’

  Gus looked at her gratefully.

  ‘How so?’ Edie asked, suspicion etched on her face.

  ‘Well you’re my star gardener, isn’t she, Amanda?’ Gus asked.

  ‘Certainly, Edie, I mean you’re all great, but, Edie, no one knows roses like you do. I learn from you, so what would we do if you can’t help us because of your hip?’ Amanda backed Gus up. ‘The rose garden is pretty much all down to you and it was one of our star attractions at the open day. Everyone said so.’

  ‘Well, if you put it like that.’

  ‘It’s non-negotiable,’ Pippa said as she looked directly at Edie.

  ‘For God’s sake,’ Mark muttered under his breath.

  Harriet sat alone in her father’s study nursing a brandy. The door was shut and the lights were off; she didn’t want anyone to join her, so she was almost hiding as she sat on the sofa, blending into the dark colours. She was feeling conflicted. It had been such a lovely evening in many ways, but then when it had been time to leave, the fact that Harriet was alone hit her hard, almost winded her. She was beginning to resent how much time self-pity seemed to be taking up, but she couldn’t help how she felt.

  Connor had walked Bella to her car and then she heard him say that he’d love for her to drop him home, she felt a stab of jealousy, especially when Bella said it would give them the chance to discuss the calendar.

  Amanda took a taxi home, she’d had quite a lot to drink, but Gus insisted on calling and waiting with her for it.

  Gwen had gone to bed, Mark and Pippa had headed off together, and Freddie and Loretta had talked about a nightcap before heading up.

  Despite not missing gutless Zach, as she now thought of him, she missed the physical intimacy. She missed having someone kiss her, take
her hand, take her to bed—

  She almost jumped as the door opened, interrupting her thoughts, and two shadowy figures emerged. She stayed, camouflaged on the sofa, as they both stood with their backs to her. She almost didn’t dare breathe.

  ‘Look, we better not linger here in case we’re seen but, Loretta, this family is intent on giving all the bloody money away,’ Mark said.

  ‘Yes, but it’s their dad’s money,’ Loretta pointed out.

  ‘No, it’s ours. I mean, it will be theirs, after this year. You see, I’m not sure how much Freddie told you about this pre-will business, but at the moment our partners are pretty much penniless. But they won’t be. Soon they’ll be rich, but not if they give all the bloody money away. Which is why I asked you to meet me.’

  Harriet couldn’t believe her ears.

  ‘I see, you mean the animals, old ladies’ hips, whatever. You fink, there’ll be nothing left for us,’ Loretta replied. ‘You know I fought you were being a bit dramatic when you said we needed to take action, but maybe you’re right. I mean, what if Freddie never has any money? What would I do then?’

  ‘Exactly, Loretta. The bloody Singers are too intent on being do-gooders to even think rationally. Look, I think we need to join forces. I’ve been giving all this a great deal of thought; the house is a problem. It will always belong to the four of them, so the best thing we can do is to get them to sell it. Then we can split the money four ways. Along with the rest of Andrew’s money, we’ll all be sitting pretty.’

  ‘But how do we do it, they seem to quite like this ’ouse?’

  ‘I don’t know, but if we put our heads together we’ll come up with something, surely? I mean, the ideal would be if Harriet buggered off back to New York for a start. She’s far too in control of the family. She’s our main stumbling block.’

  Harriet had to stuff her hand in her mouth to stop herself from shouting out. Thank God she was a stumbling block. But where had this come from?

  ‘But not now? I mean, you don’t want her to go now?’

  ‘No, of course not.’ Impatience was creeping into his otherwise charming, and very quiet, voice. ‘No, darling girl,’ the charm was back, ‘we need to get this year out of the way, so they get the money, but we can plant the seeds for selling the house at the same time. I’ll work on Pippa, you do the same with Freddie, and we’ll meet up regularly for updates. Basically, we need to make sure that Harriet doesn’t make them do anything stupid with the money.’

  ‘OK, Mark, after all, I’ve been bankrolling Freddie for long enough, it’s about time he took care of me. So yes, what you’re saying makes sense. And I thought that Harry was a bit cold if you want to know the truth. She’s all right, but she doesn’t exactly try that hard to be friendly.’

  ‘You are so right, she seems to treat us both like we’re outsiders. Before I go tomorrow I’ll give you my mobile number you can text me if you need to.’ Mark sounded almost excited. ‘Right, we better go now, but Team Get- Rid-of-Meadowbrook it is.’

  ‘All right, Mark, I’m right behind you. After all, Freddie and me are going to get married and have kids, so we need all the money we can get.’

  ‘Same for Pippa and me. I’m not letting anyone stop us from getting our hands on that inheritance.’

  As they left her alone again, Harriet didn’t know what to think. So yes she had had her doubts about Mark before, and she was pretty sure that Loretta was just being swept along with him, but she didn’t think he was that desperate to get his hands on Pippa’s money. And she had been nothing but nice to him, hadn’t she? And all along he’d been trying to trick them all.

  Chapter 19

  ‘Gus, would you take a turn with me around the gardens,’ Harriet asked, sounding like someone from a Jane Austen novel.

  ‘What?’ Gus shot a sideways glance at his sister. She shrugged. ‘Sure, but it’s cold, so we’ll need coats.’

  ‘OK, Dad,’ Harriet teased.

  ‘Why aren’t we invited?’ Freddie asked.

  ‘I want to talk to Gus about something, and no it has nothing to do with you two,’ she lied. In fact it had everything to do with those two.

  It was October, the nights were drawing in, the mornings were dark and Harriet was bracing herself for her first Meadowbrook winter in years. Of course New York was cold, freezing even, and snow far more frequent than in the UK, but it was different back home. The chimneys had been swept – which again made Harriet feel as if she was in a different century. The chimney sweep was actually Samuel’s son, he was sixty, and looked like a younger version of his father. The fires were ready to go, they had enough logs from the estate to last forever, although they offered them to the villagers who still had open fires and Gus was going to be delivering them with Freddie in tow. See, Dad, she said, even Freddie was throwing himself into village life now. They were such a part of Parker’s Hollow at times even Harriet felt as if she’d never been away. And they were living the way their father wanted them to. Harriet didn’t think about luxury items, despite living in luxury. She spent hours in second-hand clothes at the animal sanctuary. She worked on figures, she thought strategies, but instead of doing so in a swanky office, she did it in her father’s study wearing thick woollen socks with her feet up on one of the sofas.

  But Harriet was still swinging on her emotional pendulum. One minute she was fully ensconced in Meadowbrook, as if she’d never been away. Her and Connor’s friendship was growing with the work they did together at the sanctuary, she felt closer than ever to her siblings and she was throwing herself into her ambitious fundraising plans which were keeping her busy. But then, at the same time, she was feeling like a kid who had never grown up. She knew it was time for her to think about her future but those thoughts kept making her want to run away from them. So she did. She hadn’t heard anything else from Mark and Loretta about their plans, but Loretta hadn’t been at Meadowbrook that much because of work, and Freddie had even visited her in London last weekend.

  Harriet had decided that she would keep quiet about what she overheard until there was something concrete, but now, as that hadn’t happened, she decided to ask for Gus’s advice. Hence the suggested walk around the garden.

  She pulled her coat on, wrapped a scarf around her neck and slipped her feet into wellingtons. It was amazing how this was becoming second nature to her the way power dressing used to be. They were one month short of being halfway through the year and although she couldn’t believe how fast it had gone in many ways, in others she felt as if she had been here forever and New York was another life.

  ‘Ah there you are,’ she said, as Gus joined her. He was also wrapped up against the cold. ‘Come on, let’s go.’

  They started walking along the back path and up towards the vegetable garden which was growing in size. The flower garden was looking very different now, it was all being prepared for winter, the rainbow colour was fading away, but it still looked neat and green, luscious and healthy.

  ‘So, I think I know what you want to talk to me about,’ Gus said with a wry smile.

  ‘You do?’ She linked his arm, brow wrinkled.

  ‘And I appreciate you taking me away from the others,’ he continued.

  ‘Well I had to.’ Harriet was a little confused.

  ‘You didn’t, I mean you could have said it in front of them, but I appreciate that you didn’t. I mean, I will tell them soon but it’s good to discuss it with you first.’

  ‘What would you like to tell me?’ Harriet said carefully.

  ‘Oh, Harry, I am so happy.’ Yup, Gus had no idea. Harriet sighed, this was obviously not going to be the conversation she thought she was going to have.

  ‘I’m so pleased.’ Her mind was ticking over.

  ‘I mean, when I asked her out, well I never thought she’d say yes.’ Ah, the penny dropped.

  ‘So you finally asked Amanda out?’

  ‘Isn’t that what you wanted to talk about? I mean, I know it’s taken a while, but for so long I
have felt so disjointed from everything. After my divorce I lost myself, or maybe I lost it when I was married, but I didn’t feel I could be close to anyone. Dad, well he noticed but when he tried to talk to me about it, I closed up.’ His words were gushing out, tempered with excitement. ‘But I felt distant, estranged from everyone in my life, you, Pip, Freddie, Dad, and especially Fleur. I didn’t know how to be Fleur’s dad so I just bought her presents, and hoped she wouldn’t need anything else. For the longest time I felt like a shrunken version of myself, I guess.’

  ‘I understand,’ Harriet said, her heart going out to him. ‘I’ve been feeling a bit like that since New York. When you’re hurt, it’s sometimes easier to retreat.’ There was a degree of this still.

  ‘Exactly. But, you know, being here, with you all, and the gardens and painting again for the first time since childhood, I began to feel myself coming back. Bonding with Fleur and with you all, well, it really has helped me, healed me, does that sound cheesy?’

  ‘Totally cheesy but also quite lovely.’ Harriet wiped a tear from her eye. She loved Gus so much, and his happiness, well, that was enough for her. For now anyway.

  ‘So, I’ve been spending time with Amanda as you know and she’s lovely. So down-to-earth, normal, but also attractive and funny. Nothing like Rachel! So it took a while, but I asked her out. I felt like a teenage boy who’d never been on a date ever, but I did it, she said yes and, well, we’ve been out a few times.’

  ‘Ah the mysterious trips.’ She couldn’t believe she hadn’t noticed, but Gus had been going out more, mumbling about painting. And of course she didn’t question him.

  ‘It’s not been easy, dating on my allowance. God, it really is like being a teenager. But we’ve had a picnic, and I took her to the cinema, we both enjoy walking so that’s good and cheap!’ His voice was rich with happiness; a different Gus to the one she first encountered when she came home. This was the Gus that he should be.

  ‘Oh God, what was Dad thinking putting us on this budget. I can’t even afford my usual brand of face cream let alone Botox. If I end this year looking like a wrinkled old hag, I shall not be happy.’