‘Sounds like a plan.’
* * *
After eating lunch in the restaurant, Libby was excited to see the studio. It was another separate building that was a short walk through the walled garden. The studio was at the end of the snowy path with yet more Christmas trees either side of the door, both dressed with twinkly lights.
‘You have seriously created the best place to plan weddings. This is so romantic.’
‘That’s the plan. This studio is going to be the main hub for future weddings. It’s going to be a one-stop shop. Dresses can be designed here, suits, flowers, cakes and transportation options provided, even including hot-air balloons or brides arriving by helicopter.’
‘It sounds like you’ve got it all worked out.’
Flynn put the key in the lock but hesitated. ‘I’ve been told off.’
‘What do you mean?’ asked Libby.
‘Julia made a good point and I should have thought about it, but my only excuse is I’m a man.’ He gave Libby a warm smile. ‘Are you okay organising this after … everything?’
Libby touched his arm. ‘I’m ten years on and life goes on. Don’t worry, I love weddings and I’m happy to be here helping you.’
As soon as the words left her mouth she felt that tiny pang in the pit of her stomach that only crept up on her every so often. She quickly dismissed it and focused on her brother.
‘Anyway, you haven’t got another sister to help you out of this hole and I do design dresses for a living.’
‘You’re the best,’ said Flynn enthusiastically. ‘Come inside and let me know what you think.’
A wall of floor-to-ceiling mirrors reflected a long line of wedding dresses and tuxedos, all with different coloured accessories, hanging from a rail to one side. A stock of wedding shoes were displayed on the wall opposite the mirrors along with a bookcase and a table bearing a number of coloured files. Comfy plush chairs and settees were ready to welcome future brides and grooms, along with a display unit full of champagne. At the far end of the room was the essential bit of kit that Libby needed: a sewing machine and work table. The huge displays of the most beautiful blooms in each corner of the studio were just as stunning as the view through the large window overlooking the grounds of Starcross Manor and the mountains in the distance. Everything about this place oozed romance.
Libby sank into a plush sofa and stared around the room. ‘I get to work in here up until Christmas? I’ve had worse jobs,’ she joked, then stood up again and walked over to inspect the large books on the table. The first was navy blue with gold lettering, the title readingWeddings at Starcross Manor. Libby opened the book. There was every type of wedding cake possible. Square, round, sheet, rectangular, hexagon, single, mini, one-tier, two-tier… Libby turned the pages. ‘These are amazing.’
‘Aren’t they just? All those have been baked by Rona.’
‘She is a marvel.’
‘We also have images of flower options if you look at the book just to your left. The florist at Buttercup Barn has photographed flowers for all seasons and colour co-ordinated the bouquets.’
Libby opened the second book on the table. ‘These are stunning,’ she said as she turned the pages slowly. ‘This is fabulous and really is going to make my job a lot easier.’
‘In that one,’ Flynn said, pointing at a third book, ‘there are table decorations and wedding invites—again, all colour co-ordinated—plus little extras including candles, different ideas for welcome drinks, seasonal cocktails and mulled wine. And as we are in Scotland, most grooms want to get married in a kilt…’ Flynn pointed to the last book. ‘We have a great working relationship with the tailor in Glensheil. I’ve tried to make it as easy as possible for you.
‘The wedding is going to take place in The Grand Hall. It’s an awe-inspiring room with gigantic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the snowy grounds. I can picture the publicity brochure and footage we can share on social media: huge open fires, a rustic feel, holly garlands, mulberry colours, the bride in white and—’
Libby laughed. ‘It sounds to me like you’ve got it all planned out.’
‘I know it’s a cost but if we get this right, it will bring in a hell of a lot of business. I want all the brides and grooms in the world to be getting married here. I want the venue to be at the top of everyone’s list. I want an A-list feel, bigger than Kew Gardens or Blenheim Palace.’
‘That’s what I love about you. You get an idea and boom! You make it happen. I’m in no doubt that within twelve months this will be the number one wedding venue in the world.’
‘Now you’re just making fun of me.’
‘I’m not! Maybe after here, I can take a look at The Grand Hall. Do we know how many guests the couple will have?’
‘There is a budget for that as I didn’t want to end up bankrupt. The total number is one hundred and twenty.’
‘That’s the perfect size. I was also thinking about a secret garden, with mulled wine, cranberry winter cocktails, blankets and fairy lights.’
‘Would you believe I have one of those, just off The Grand Hall? In fact, let me show it to you because it’s something we’ve been working on recently and I’m really proud of how it’s come together.’
A moment later, they sailed into The Grand Hall. The open fire was roaring away and there was an exquisite dining area laid before them. Libby looked up to the ceiling where oak beams arched regally. Starcross Manor was indeed a year-round showstopper.
