‘But tonight, I’m also announcing that my family will fund an annual scholarship to wherever one chosen, outstanding student would most benefit. This could, for example, be a sports scholarship to an independent school, significantly boosting the prospects of a driven young athlete who may otherwise not have the access or the means to pursue a sporting career. It could be for entry to a football academy, swimming, athletics, ballet…’ George paused before continuing. ‘…tennis…’
‘Blimey!’
‘Good on him…’
‘Our Nemesis’s always wanted to get into Man U…’
George held up a hand. ‘I think you’ll all agree with me, amongst all these talented children, there’s one individual who has stood out in this performance. One incredibly talented individual who will be the first to benefit from such a scholarship.’ George looked towards Robyn and Mason, and together all three turned to Joel. ‘It gives me the greatest of pleasure to award this very first St Mede’s scholarship to Joel Sinclair, who will use it to further his career either in musical theatre or, I believe, in ballet.’
‘Building will begin as soon as humanly possible.’ George smiled. ‘Until then, I suggest we give three cheers to the school, to Ms Allen here, but, most importantly, to these fantastic children of yours… And then, I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a glass of Pimm’s.’
37
JESS
August
‘Well, my wonderful, clever sister!’ Robyn engulfed me in the biggest hug imaginable. ‘You’ve done it. You pulled it off!’
‘Full.’ I managed to get out from the depths of Robyn’s arms. ‘The restaurant’s been full again. Full, Robyn!’ I reached for my bottle of water, a constant necessity when working in a hot kitchen.
‘Tell me about it!’ Robyn’s face was a picture. ‘Fabian’s just hadmeup there, waiting on.’ She pulled an arm across her forehead. ‘I only called in to see how it was going and the next minute he’s handing me pudding plates and shouting “Hands” at me and “Table four” and it all sort of came back. You know, being a waitress again? Like I’d never been away from Graphite in Mayfair.’
‘Bet you never thought you’d end up as a waitress again. Mind you, you are on holiday from school. Teachers, huhhh!! What a life!’ I laughed at Robyn’s face.
‘There’s always planning to be done,’ Robyn said primly before squeezing my arm in excitement. ‘I betyounever thought you’d be inThe Good Food Guideso quickly.’
‘Well, only an article about current new restaurants.’ I tried to play down the fabulous article that had appeared within a week of the restaurant’s opening. ‘And, of course, the very famous Fabian Mansfield Carrington is always newsworthy.’
‘You don’t think it’s going to bring more trolls to the door?’ Robyn asked, anxious now. ‘Fabian does have a tendency to downplay what’s gone on up here.’
‘Who knows? We’re still not sure if it was trolls or Darren Singleton’s heavies who tried to frighten Fabian away. More than likely the latter, I’d have thought. Although, of course, it could be locals not wanting Kamran to develop more of the village.’
We were both quiet for a few seconds, mulling this over. Then Robyn lowered her voice, nodding towards the kitchen area where Fabian and Sandro, with two apprentice chefs, were finishing off and clearing up. ‘I really like Sandro. He’s great, isn’t he?’
‘He is. He’s a fabulous chef. No side to him. Bloody hard worker and a total perfectionist. Told Fabian off earlier about his presentation.’
‘He didn’t! That’ll upset him. He’ll be practising when he gets home, making sure he gets it right next time.’
‘He’s good fun though, is Sandy. Kamran had to pay over the odds to get him here, but his clients have followed him over from Harrogate. Anyway, early days, but he seems to have settled – actually really likes Beddingfield, he says. Looking for somewhere to rent in the village.’
‘So, your place then?’ Robyn gave me a sly dig in the ribs.
‘I’m not havinganotherlodger. I’m more than happy to have Joel with me…’
‘You know I don’t meanthat!’
‘I know exactly what you mean.’ I elbowed Robyn back.
‘George took Fabian and me to show how he’s getting on with his farmhouse,’ Robyn enthused. ‘Wow! What a position. What a place. Fabian is so envious!’
‘Arthur loves it too.’ I grinned. ‘I can’t get him home when he’s out there helping George.’
‘And Lola?’
‘What about Lola?’
‘She OK with you and George?’
