Chapter 57
‘So, here’s to the grand opening.’ Finula clinked her glass with Megan’s.
‘I can’t believe it’s actually happening. It’s mayhem up at the Hall.’ Megan took a huge gulp of her non-alcoholic wine. She was at fever pitch. All day she’d been putting the last-minute touches to the rooms, making sure everything was in place. The tearoom was to be staffed by a team she had selected from the kitchen who were happy to assist. Sebastian had returned home like the prodigal son and announced he would act as a tour guide, much to the relief of Megan, who was glad of the support.
Meanwhile Tobias was with Dylan, overseeing the last stages of the stable yard. Tobias had shown it to Megan, Sebastian, Beatrice and Celia, and all were impressed by the building and the facilities he and Dylan had created. As were the several racehorse owners who had come to look round. Megan noticed that Tobias seemed more relaxed, as far as finances were concerned. He was convinced the stable yard promised to be the saving of Treweham Hall.
Sebastian also seemed a little more tranquil. Having time away from Treweham village, and Nick, had given him space to think. He had discussed his future with Tobias and had decided to rent a house in Stratford-upon-Avon, as he had landed a role at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. He wanted distance away from Nick. Tobias couldn’t agree more with Sebastian’s plans.
Even Celia was on form since returning from her cruise. She had congratulated Megan on the engagement to her ‘remarkable nephew’ and admired her ring. The transformation in her was incredible, when Megan compared this bright-eyed, sharp lady to the cantankerous old bag in tweed of a few months ago. Celia had invited Wilfrid to attend the wedding as her guest. Wilfrid had been over the moon at the invitation and even more so when he read where the wedding was taking place.Hewas to be a guest of Lord Cavendish-Blake and stay at Treweham Hall? My goodness.
Beatrice was in raptures over the plans for the wedding. Although Tobias and Megan had insisted it was to be a small, intimate affair, she had other ideas. Beatrice didn’t do small. Treweham Hall didn’t do small, either. She would ensure that her son and heir’s wedding would be the spectacular occasion it should be. Blow the expense, this was as much her day as theirs.
Megan had picked her wedding dress and had asked Finula to be bridesmaid. Now they were sitting in Megan’s lounge sipping a well-earned glass of sparkling non-alcoholic wine.
‘What time do you open tomorrow?’
‘Ten o’clock in the morning. I’m stopping at the Hall tonight to make sure I’m up and ready for blast off.’
‘Don’t be nervous! Enjoy.’
‘I know, and I will, it’s just getting the first day over with.’
‘Well, I’ll have a coffee and cake in the tearoom when I’ve finished my shift at the pub.’
‘Thanks. I’m so pleased Sebastian’s going to be there. The public will love him.’
‘They will. I can just imagine him.’
‘Talking of which, have you seen anything of Nick since the Landlord’s Supper?’
‘You mean since Tobias gave him a good thrashing?’ laughed Finula. ‘No, he’s kept a very low profile. Rumour has it he’s seeing some millionaire’s wife.’
*
The next morning Treweham Hall was a hive of activity, with every member of staff busy about his or her duties. Megan was dressed in a navy-blue trouser suit with a ‘tour guide’ badge pinned to the collar. Tobias couldn’t help but smile at now nervous she was. He ducked his head to read her badge. ‘You’re a little more than a tour guide, Megan.’
‘What? Do you think it should say “chief tour guide”?’
‘No. I was thinking that as the future Lady Cavendish-Blake, carrying the future heir to the Treweham Hall estate, you shouldn’t need any name badge.’
Megan looked down at it and hesitated. ‘I haven’t time to discuss this now,’ she flapped.
‘Listen,’ he said in a serious tone, ‘don’t overdo it. I’ve given Henry strict orders to be close by, Sebastian will do the bulk of the tours and the kitchen staff know what they’re doing. You are there to oversee.’ He kissed her hard on the lips. ‘Got it?’
‘And where will you be?’ she asked, folding her arms.
‘The BHA inspector is coming today to look at the stable yard. Once they’ve given their approval, I can hand the whole thing over to Dylan and I’m all yours.’ He hugged her into him. ‘I know it’s manic at the moment, but it’ll soon be over, back to normal,’ he reassured into her ear.
Normal? thought Megan. What was normal nowadays?
*
‘Good morning, ladies, gentlemen and children, and welcome to Treweham Hall.’ Sebastian gave a dramatic bow, making the party of people chuckle. He was dressed in a sixteenth-century costume, complete with tights, breeches, a padded overshirt with a ruff and a large felt hat with a feather. Megan’s nerves began to settle. He was brilliant, a real performer with such charisma everyone warmed to him immediately. His idea of dressing up was genius and really added to the whole experience. ‘May I introduce my glamorous assistant, Miss Megan Taylor, the future Lady Cavendish-Blake.’ He stood aside to reveal a rather cautious Megan, who gave the most confident smile she could muster. ‘Clock the rocks,’ he said in a stage whisper, pointing to Megan’s engagement ring. Oohs and aahs echoed round the crowd, turning Megan bright pink.
‘Sebastian!’ she hissed under her breath.
‘Let me start by showing you the Billiard Room. This way, if you please.’ Sebastian led the party off down the corridor. Megan smiled to herself as she watched his feather hat high above everyone’s heads. Instead of following them she decided to check on the tearoom. Tobias had been right; the kitchen staff knew exactly what they were doing. The place was running like clockwork.
