‘I know time’s tight to host an event before Christmas and there’s a lot to do if we’re going to be ready for local artists and creatives to exhibit in the barn. Hopefully we’ll get some interested in basing themselves at Halesmere and I’d like the studios to be ready to move into in January.’
‘January?’ Pete let out a low whistle. ‘’Ave you seen the state of them, Ella?’
‘I have.’ She gave him a grin that said she wasn’t going to be dissuaded. ‘And it’s not more much now than elbow grease, a skip and some paint, Pete, and I really need your help. The basics are there, and I think people will come to the open day. I know there are plenty of events taking place around the county but there aren’t many near us, and if we work together, I know we can pull it off.
‘Obviously word of mouth is really important, and meeting here is a start. I’ve mentioned the open day to Phil, the landlord, and he’s very happy to let visitors know and put posters up, share it on social media. And of course, social media will be a big part of what we’re doing and how we’ll let people know what’s happening.’
‘I wouldn’t mind doing the social media, Ella.’ Pearl glanced up from the scarf. ‘I do it for the shop anyway and it would make sense for the two to work together.’
‘It absolutely would, Pearl. Thank you, I think that’s a brilliant suggestion. Your posts are fantastic and there’s already a lot of engagement.’ Ella was beaming. It was all coming together and her excitement was beginning to bubble. It had been a long time since she’d felt so enthused by her work. ‘Let’s chat this week if you’re free. As many refreshments as possible for the open day should come from the producers who supply the shop, and you know them better than me.’
‘What sort of refreshments are we talkin’ about, Ella?’ Stan looked hopeful, a hand on his stomach.
‘Decent coffee and no Bovril for a start,’ she quipped and saw him grin. ‘Mulled wine and mince pies, of course. I’m still thinking of others.’ She glanced at Pete. ‘You’re right about it being tight to be ready, Pete, and much as I’d like to offer lots more, we can’t go mad. There isn’t the time.’
Ella quickly moved on to the idea of encouraging guests to buy local by showcasing the variety of producers on their doorstep, including those who already supplied the community shop. The possibilities were almost endless, she told them; and she’d already approached the chocolate maker to discuss creating a flavour exclusive to Halesmere inspired by a damson cocktail.
‘I was thinking we could have a page on the new website called Loving the Lakes, featuring all the producers working with us. This would enable guests to see what’s available and order everything all in one place rather than having to approach each one individually.’ She looked at Marcus, who was listening and making notes on his laptop. ‘I know it’s not all about the national park and Cumbria extends beyond the park’s boundaries, but the name will resonate with people, and they’ll know exactly where we are in the UK without having to look it up.’
Their meals had arrived, and Ella thanked everyone for listening and sat down. The food was hearty and homely, as good as the reviews had promised. She was starving, and glad to fall on it. She knew she had hit the team with lots of information and allowed her enthusiasm to run away with her.
Ashley was talking to Max, their heads bent together. He leaned back, turning to Ella.
‘Did you want to ask Ash about decorating the house for Christmas, Ella? You mentioned something about it.’
‘I did, yes.’ She put her cutlery down. Their waiter had returned and another round of drinks was ordered. Then Ella leaned towards Ashley, trying not to loom over Max. ‘We’ve invited a group of local producers to supper at the house next Wednesday and I’d love to have it decorated so we can take some images for the website. I’ve booked a photographer.’
‘Have you?’ Max’s glass paused halfway to his mouth.
‘Yes, sorry, I thought I’d told you. She’s local to Cumbria, studied at the college and set up her own business after a few years travelling.’
‘That sounds great. You really are finding your way around.’
‘It’s my job,’ she reminded him, not lingering on the suggestion of approval in his gaze. Ashley was waiting and Ella returned to their conversation. ‘I appreciate you’re busy with your own clients, Ashley, so if you haven’t got time I do understand. But Max thought you’d do it brilliantly.’
‘I think I can squeeze it in, Ella.’ Ashley flashed Max a smile before picking up her phone. ‘Let me check my calendar. I’d need to move a couple of things around and make sure I’ve got cover for the girls after school, but I’d love to see the house all set for the holidays, like a real home.’ She placed a hand on his arm. ‘Ready for if you do ever decide to live in it.’
‘No plans for that, it’s too big for the three of us, and I like the idea of retreats. And we need the business if we’re going to be able to stay.’ His eyes flickered over Ella before returning to Ashley. ‘But thank you, we appreciate it. And you’ll join us for supper?’
The pause seemed to be lengthening. Ella was thinking of how easily Max had used the terms ‘we’ and ‘us’ in that final sentence and how much she liked it.
‘I’d love to.’ Ashley’s hand moved from his arm to squeeze his fingers. ‘Anything to support you and the kids, Max. You know that.’
‘That’s very generous. And thank you.’ He squeezed back until a cough required the use of his hand to cover his mouth.
‘I was hoping you’d give me the name of your hairstylist, please, Ashley? Yours is gorgeous and I’d love to find someone who knows what they’re doing with colour.’ Ella bit her lip; she really hadn’t meant to sound as though she were rudely pointing out Ashley’s hair wasn’t naturally that exact shade of chestnut with a suggestion of cinnamon.
‘Of course. If you give me your number, I’ll message you with their details,’ Ashley said. ‘But they are absolutely rammed between now and Christmas. I could have a word about fitting you in, but I’m not sure they’d be able to.’
‘That’s okay, I think I can last until the New Year. Thanks for that.’
‘My pleasure.’
Ella reeled off her number, watching as Ashley added it to her contacts.
‘Why don’t I pop in tomorrow morning straight from school, Ella, and you can talk me through your ideas for decorating?’ Ashley looked at Max. ‘You should join us, we need to get your input too.’
‘Can’t, sorry, seeing a potential client at nine thirty.’ He gave Ella a grin. ‘Forgot to tell you that so I won’t be there for our coffee. Don’t break my machine again.’
