The Ticket to Happiness

by Faith Bleasdale

  ‘Our PR company’s working overtime, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that we’re going to have to pay him off,’ Harriet said.

  They were in the kitchen at Meadowbrook, all of them, including Brooke and Hector, who were always around offering support. Pippa was trying to build bridges with Brooke, but she was still unhappy with Pippa about Harvey. She hadn’t said as much, but the atmosphere was still frosty between them.

  ‘But surely not that much?’ Hector asked.

  ‘No, we’re going to go in with a low counter offer. I want to offer him a few hundred pounds, but the solicitor says it’ll be thousands, although nothing like they’ve asked. If we tell the press that they’re asking for that much it might cast doubts on them about William, as well, or so I’m hoping.’

  ‘I wish there was another way,’ Connor said. ‘I feel so responsible.’

  ‘Stop that, Con,’ Harriet said. ‘I need you to stop this self-flagellation. After all, the animals need you, I need you and so does your son.’ Her voice was soft.

  ‘No one but William is to blame,’ Brooke stormed.

  ‘I quite agree, Brooke,’ Pippa said.

  Brooke gave her a short smile. Things were thawing a bit between them since Brooke’s outburst the other day.

  ‘So, our next move?’ Gus asked.

  ‘I’m going to leave it in the hands of the solicitors and also our PR company. If we pay him off, we’ll make him sign a statement saying he overreacted. It’s really all we can think of,’ Harriet said. She sounded defeated and Harriet hated that. ‘But if it saves the sanctuary from further trouble then it’ll be worth it.’

  ‘By the way, Pippa,’ Connor said. ‘Thank you for holding our sponsors off; at least they haven’t deserted us. Yet.’

  ‘They won’t,’ Pippa said. ‘I’ll speak to them personally to make sure of it, it’s the least I can do.’

  ‘They love you, Pippa,’ Gus said. ‘If anyone can charm them then it’s you.’

  As everyone murmured in agreement, Pippa flushed.

  ‘I still think we should see if we can do something else about this,’ Brooke said.

  ‘Like what?’ Freddie asked.

  ‘Surely we’re not just going to give into this man? And what about Lucky?’ Brooke threw her arms up in despair.

  Her voice was full of passion; Brooke did love the animals, that much was clear.

  ‘Brooke, what choice do we have?’ Gus said.

  ‘I never give in, Brooke,’ Harriet explained. ‘But short of getting William to withdraw the allegation, we don’t have a choice.’

  ‘And he’s made it clear he’s not withdrawing,’ Freddie said. ‘Although we could send Edie in … she’ll think she’s seducing him, but actually she might terrify him into agreeing to drop it.’

  ‘We’re not sending Edie in.’ Harriet almost smiled. ‘The thing is that we need to ensure Lucky keeps his life. He’s happy with Gwen and Gerry, and I want to keep it that way.’ She stood up to indicate that the discussion was over.

  Pippa could see how much it was costing them and it was nothing to do with money. They hated being defeated and it seemed a loner called William who they thought would give a loving home to one of their dogs was actually managing to defeat them. Pippa dreaded to think what their father would make of it, but then no one, not even she, had any idea how to fix this.

  ‘How’s it going?’ she asked as Hector sat in the bar with his laptop.

  They hadn’t really seen each other since Harvey had been and Pippa felt nervous around him.

  ‘Pretty good. All on plan, so fingers crossed, it’ll be all right,’ he grinned.

  ‘You know, you sound nervous when you talk about your new book.’ She sat down next to him. ‘But your first book was so brilliant that I really don’t see that you have anything to worry about.’

  ‘Thanks, Pippa,’ he flushed with pleasure. ‘You know, all the reviewers who said nice things about the book, most of them said it was surprisingly good, but your words meant the most. The fact you even read it meant the world to me.’

  Pippa felt emotional. ‘Really? Of course I read it! I was so proud you even wrote a book. It’s a huge achievement. And then it got published, which is even better. You know, I don’t find reading easy, but I was hooked, honestly, and I can’t wait to read your new one, and I mean that.’

  ‘I hope it lives up to expectations. You know, when you have one hit, it’s such a worry that the next one will disappoint. I know I don’t come across as insecure, but one of the reasons I wanted to write here was that I felt safe here, among friends, secure.’

  ‘Oh, Hector, I had no idea.’

  Pippa realised she took Hector and his bravado for granted. She liked having him around because he always had time for her, was always interested in her and made her feel as if she had a good friend, but did she do the same for him?

  ‘When we’re together, do you think I only care about myself?’ she asked, feeling vulnerable.

  What if she was a bad friend? What if that was what Brooke picked up on?

  ‘Of course not. You even listen to me blather on for hours about the book and storylines. When I need to get out and clear my head, you always make time to come with me. You’re one of the least selfish people I know.’

  ‘Thank goodness for that. I was beginning to feel that I was self-absorbed.’

  ‘What’s brought this on?’

  Hector’s forehead wrinkled, which made him look even more attractive, for some reason. Pippa had to admit, writer, Hector, with his laptop, his hair askew from where he kept running his hands through it, was incredibly hot. She pushed those thoughts away.

  ‘I don’t know. Brooke said that I hadn’t taken account of your feelings, you know, with the Harvey thing…’ she shrugged.

  ‘Pippa! My dear, sweet Pippa. I’m immensely jealous of Harvey, of course I am, and I think he’s far too old for you and a bit of a twit from what I’ve heard, but you’ve made it clear you see me as a friend. I kind of keep a bit of hope alive … Anyway, Brooke’s a bit protective of me. We’ve become close. But if Harvey makes you happy then I’ll just have to accept that and move on.’

  Despite the fact he sounded sincere and mature, Pippa wondered why his words didn’t make her feel happy. In fact, she felt a stab of something akin to disappointment.

  ‘So, in the interest of that friendship, would you like to do something this afternoon? I think I could do with a change of scene.’

  ‘I’d love to, Pippa, but…’ He glanced at his phone. ‘I’ve arranged to do something with Brooke, so we’ll need to take a rain check.’

  Pippa watched from a distance – behind a pillar – as Hector met Brooke by the front door. She was dressed up, jeans instead of gym clothes, a smart jacket and her hair brushed. Hector kissed her cheek and as she hugged him, Pippa could see they were genuinely happy to see each other. She watched as they left the house and then, unable to resist, she made her way to the front door. She hung back as she saw them walk down the drive. They weren’t touching but they were standing close and she could see warmth between them as they turned to each other to chat.

  Pippa wasn’t stalking them exactly, but she couldn’t help but follow – at a safe distance, naturally. If they saw her, she’d tell them she was going to see Harriet. Actually,she might go and see Harriet. She hadn’t had a debrief about Harvey yet and that would be a good excuse. She darted behind a bush as Brooke seemed to turn around but, heart pumping, she got away with it. She carried on, still at a fairly safe distance, as they disappeared out of the drive.

  They both stopped to chat to Ginny, who was walking up from the village, and again Pippa found a wall to stand behind. She looked around the corner and ducked back as Ginny approached. By the time she felt safe to step out again, they’d disappeared into the village. They could have gone to the pub, or to the shops, or maybe they were just going to carry on walking. Pippa knew it was silly and she needed to put a stop to this nonsense. Besid
es, she wasn’t a good stalker anyway and her nerves certainly weren’t up to it, so she turned back.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Pippa knocked on Harriet’s door after her aborted attempt at following Brooke and Hector, hoping she’d be there and not at one of her ever-increasing mummy groups.

  ‘What are you doing here?’ Harriet said as she opened the door.

  She was in the process of giving Toby a bottle, clutching him to her.

  ‘I didn’t get the chance to talk to you properly this morning, but I couldn’t sleep last night. Or not properly. After Harvey left, I got to thinking and I needed to talk to you.’

  ‘Pip, he’s an arrogant knob.’

  ‘Don’t sugar-coat it.’

  ‘He’s not like Mark, or like Edward was, but he’s so wrapped up in his own brilliance. Do you realise that at dinner he didn’t ask any of us any questions, apart from whether I missed the city?’

  ‘I hadn’t noticed that.’ She’d definitely noticed that, but she was embarrassed to admit it. ‘But it was the first time he’d met you. Fred met him when he was staying here and he liked him.’

  ‘Yes, but as Freddie said, he was with his team. He was definitely the boss and in work mode. He hasn’t met him socially and we have.’

  ‘But when we’re alone, he’s nothing like that,’ Pippa protested.

  ‘Pip, if you like him we’ll give him a chance. For once, I’m not suspicious of his motives. He clearly adores you by the way he looks at you. But, if I’m honest, I don’t understand why you’d want to be with him. He’s over ten years older than you and he doesn’t want any more kids. So can you really see a future?’

  ‘I wasn’t thinking that far ahead,’ she lied. ‘You know, Harriet, I’ve been married to the bloody hotel for over a year now and I never complained, but I’m lonely. I’m sick of being the only member of our family who’s alone and so if I want to have a bit of happiness, is that so bad?’ Pippa felt like crying.

  ‘No, Pip, it’s not.’ Harriet’s eyes filled with sympathy. ‘It’s just that we love you and want the best for you.’

  ‘What if Harvey’s that?’

  Pippa decided to ignore the baby thing for now; after all, they wouldn’t be ready for that discussion for a long time. But for now she just wanted to feel the way he made her feel. That she was special, and wanted, and not alone.

  ‘Then you’ll have our support. If that’s what you want. Now, can you hold your nephew while I go and make us coffee?’

  Harriet thrust Toby into Pippa’s arms and he smiled at her, with the most beautiful smile she’d ever seen. There was no way she didn’t want a baby, she sighed, and it was as if Harriet was trying to remind her of that having given birth to the most beautiful one in the world.

  They kept away from the topic of Harvey as they drank coffee and cooed over Toby. Pippa began to feel herself relax. She and Harvey had parted on good terms, he was oblivious to the effect he’d had on her family and they were going to sort out a time for her go to London; although she couldn’t take yet another weekend off work. If she was honest, the dinner had damped her ardour for Harvey slightly. Harriet was right – he was opinionated and not interested in anyone else. And every time she tried to talk about the sanctuary or her family, he firmly changed the subject.

  ‘Are you all right?’ Harriet asked.

  ‘I don’t know, Harry. Honestly, I want a relationship, that’s the truth, and maybe Harvey isn’t right for me, but I’m beginning to hate being alone. At first the hotel was enough, but now it’s up and running and everything’s going well, I want more. I want a personal life. I don’t want to be alone.’

  ‘Come on; let’s take Toby for a walk. He needs a sleep and we could do with some fresh air. And, Pip, you’re amazing and everyone loves you. Including Hector. Especially Hector.’

  ‘Hector doesn’t love me. Why can’t anyone get it? He just thinks he does,’ she snapped.

  Harriet threw her hands up in surrender.

  ‘OK, I give up, I’ll get my coat.’

  On the walk they established some banned subjects – Harvey, Hector … anything involving Pippa, in fact – but Harriet was right, the fresh air was good. It was a little breezy but bright and the sun was peeping from behind the clouds. Harriet pushed the pram and Pippa tried to relax a bit. With Harvey, she didn’t need to throw herself into making any decisions – she just had to keep telling herself that.

  ‘You know, I wouldn’t hurt Hector,’ Pippa said. ‘That’s why I kept Harvey away from him.’

  ‘Oh, Pip, we know that, you’re the loveliest.’ Harriet gave Pippa’s hand a squeeze. ‘But we do feel that you don’t take his feelings seriously. Not that it matters – he and Brooke were getting very close over the weekend, so you never know. Maybe if they got together then everyone would be happy.’

  ‘He said they were just friends,’ Pippa said defensively, without knowing why.

  ‘OK, but would you have a problem if they did get together?’ Harriet asked.

  ‘Honestly, Harry, I’ve got no idea.’

  Harriet stopped walking.

  ‘What?’ Pippa asked, banging into the pram.

  ‘Sorry, my phone vibrated, I want to check it’s not the solicitor.’ Harriet pulled it out of her pocket, read the message and turned to Pippa. ‘It’s Brooke. She’s asked us to meet her up at the house, urgently.’

  ‘Why?’ Pippa asked. Brooke, again …

  ‘No idea, but she said it’s urgent, so come on.’

  By the time they made the kitchen at Meadowbrook – which was empty of staff as they had the day off and there were no guests until the following day – Freddie, Hector and Brooke were all sat around the table.

  ‘What’s going on?’ Harriet asked.

  ‘No Connor?’ Brooke asked.

  Her cheeks were flushed a slight pink colour and she did look very beautiful.

  ‘No, he’s at the surgery, up to his ears in appointments this afternoon,’ Harriet explained.

  ‘What is going on?’ Pippa asked.

  ‘Can we wait for Gus and Amanda? They’ll be here in a second; they’re just finishing up in the garden,’ Brooke said.

  ‘No Gemma?’ Harriet asked.

  ‘She’s at college. While we’re waiting, you know tonight is the night I’m going to pop the question, don’t you?’ Freddie said.

  ‘Of course! Your special dinner is under control,’ Pippa smiled.

  She was so proud of her brother. And delighted that Gemma would be her sister. So, it was in-law, but that was good enough. It made her family and although they already felt Gemma was part of their family, it would be lovely to have it official. She knew that it would give Gemma the security she needed, too.

  ‘And I’ve got the vintage champagne chilling,’ she added. ‘It’s all going to be perfect,’ she smiled, her mood improved by the thought of her brother that evening.

  ‘And Brooke and I are going out for the evening, so you’ll have the place to yourselves,’ Hector said.

  Pippa felt surprised. No one had asked her to join them. Was Hector really annoyed with her about Harvey? He seemed fine with her earlier that day. Or was it that Brooke was still annoyed, which made more sense? Or was Harriet right and they were getting together?

  ‘I’ll go to Harry’s, then,’ Pippa suggested.

  No one said anything. She was relieved when Gus and Amanda appeared at the kitchen door.

  ‘God, it’s a bit cold out there now. And the rain’s starting so your timing’s good,’ Amanda said, sitting down next to Pippa and giving her a hug.

  Pippa hugged her back. Amanda had a way of making her feel better.

  ‘So, now can we find out what this is about?’ Harriet asked. ‘Toby’ll be awake in a minute and screaming, no doubt.’

  ‘OK, guys, I need you to listen to this,’ said Brooke.

  Brooke looked pleased with herself, Pippa thought as she put her phone in the middle of the table and turned the volume on speaker. A
voice rang out:

  ‘Hey, William, how are you?’ Brooke’s voice said.

  ‘Not grand with all this stuff going on, you know, with the dog,’ they heard William reply.

  ‘Let me buy you a drink, it must be awful,’ Brooke said.

  She pressed the button.

  Pippa narrowed her eyes. ‘What’s going on?’ she asked.

  ‘I bought him a drink and then I sat with him. You see, I spoke to John, the vicar, who reiterated how the morris dancers had helped out with security in the past, and I asked them to see if they could find out anything about the situation.’

  ‘What, with William and Lucky?’ Harriet narrowed her eyes, too.

  ‘They asked around – discreetly, John assured me – but anyhow, they found out that not only is William a bit of a drinker, but he also walks Lucky over by Topps Farm just on the edge of the village.’

  ‘Which means?’ Pippa tried not to sound impatient.

  ‘My investigators then informed me that Topps Farm were having a massive rabbit-shooting thing going on and so there was a lot of gunfire.’ Brooke’s voice was serious as she explained all this.

  Gosh! she really had embraced Meadowbrook, Pippa thought, if she was taking the morris dancers as investigators that seriously.

  ‘What the hell?’ Harriet said.

  ‘Listen to this …’

  She pressed play and as William’s and Brooke’s conversation filled the room, no one dared breathe.

  Pippa’s mouth dropped open.

  ‘Does he know you recorded this?’ Harriet asked.

  ‘No, not yet. You see, I knew from the vicar that William always went to the pub for an early lunchtime drink, so I’ve been going there and buying him the odd pint to get to know him. After the intel from the morris dancers, I knew I had to get him talking. It’s taken a few goes but, finally, today I got the confession.’

  ‘But how did you know that he’d confess?’ Gus asked.

  ‘I didn’t, but I was pretty sure from the outset that this wasn’t right. We all knew Lucky was a gentle dog but terrified of loud noises, so when John told me about the farm shoots, we thought it seemed likely that that could have happened. Especially as William drinks a fair bit, so he might have forgotten that Lucky was nervous. Anyway, John and I thought it was worth a try and if it hadn’t worked, we’d have thought of something else.’