Cassie swallowed the lump in her throat before replying. ‘My pleasure. Let’s start with the purchase orders, shall we?’
After a busy morning showing Lisa various admin duties, Cassie was pleased with the progress she’d made. Lisa proved to be a very fast learner, eager to take on the new responsibilities. She reminded Cassie of her early days in the hotel. She needed to update the manager of the new arrangement, which would mean advertising for a new housekeeping post, plus ask for annual leave. The Inn wasn’t full, so she didn’t think it would cause any problems. Cassie planned to surprise Rory with an impromptu visit. She only hoped he wouldn’t be too tired to accommodate her. A warmth rushed through her body remembering the last time they’d been together. The image of his naked body was enough to hotfoot it to London.
Chapter 14
Fletcher stared at the itinerary in front of him. It was a done deal. Ruby had arranged everything; the all-inclusive five-day break in Ayrshire; the hotel, an impressive castle set in two thousand acres of Scottish highland; and the transport, a coach. They were going the first week in December, when apparently, ‘the castle will be adorned with glitz and glamour for the Christmas festivities.’
He’d been bulldozed into it, without any say. The only input he had was handing over the credit card Ruby had requested. The cheek of the woman! Still, it had bucked Lilly up no end, listening to her excited chatter of the fun they were going to have. Fletcher had to bite his tongue. He’d go with the flow and try his best to enjoy it for her sake if nothing else. At least it would be a change of scenery, even if it meant having to tolerate Boudicca.
He must admit, though, browsing the hotel brochure, Ruby had made an exceedingly good choice. It did look the ultimate tranquil escape.
Crowned with battlements and turrets, Glenrick Castle is the epitome of baronial grandeur.
Nestled between lofty mountains, it stands in direct contrast to its sumptuous interior. Spacious
individually designed rooms, a Michelin star restaurant, luxurious spa and whisky bar…
Whisky bar! Now you’re talking, thought Fletcher with cheer. He read on,
…over eighty varieties of the quintessential Scottish drop. Take a taste tour of artisan techniques
and regional distinction.
Too bloody right, he rubbed his hands in glee.
‘Tea break, Fletcher!’ Lilly called, entering the room carrying a tray. On noticing the brochure she broke into a wide smile. ‘Ah, looking at our castle?’ She put the tray down and stood behind him to get a proper look. There it was, looking majestic, standing proudly on the Scottish glens amongst the pink and lavender heather. ‘I’ve never been anywhere so… magical,’ she gasped, making Fletcher’s heart melt. It was worth it, every single penny to see Lilly this happy.
*
Adira was making good progress with the wedding. She had booked the registrar for the date of her choice and the venue licence to hold civil marriages and partnership ceremonies at The Laurels had been granted. Having the licence was going to open up a whole new dimension to the business. Obviously, they would have to specialise in small, intimate weddings as the orangery could only hold approximately thirty people, but with the glamping site next door, many guests would be able to join the celebrations after the ceremony. The shepherds huts and tents could accommodate a large number of people. Catering-wise, Adira thought hog roasts in summer on the field, and maybe wedding breakfasts in the dining room, hopefully with a local catering company to oversee the food.
The next job was to organise a photographer for her own big day. This would need particular care; their photos would appear on the website to advertise the wedding package. Everything had to look its absolute best – The Laurels, the orangery, plus the gardens and grounds. Adira had decided she wanted a minimal, tasteful wedding dress, nothing too elaborate with frills and layers, just elegant and chic. However, finding what she had in mind was proving difficult. Nothing seemed to grab her. They were either too fussy with mountains of lace and sequins, too revealing with plunging necklines and transparent voile, or too dramatic being backless with fishtails. She hadn’t seen anything so far which fit the bill. Jasper, meanwhile, was easy to sort. Both he and Fletcher were going to wear grey morning suits. Fletcher was to be best man, much to his delight. Adira wasn’t having a bridesmaid and the guests would be immediate family only. She fully intended to keep the day as low key as possible. As long as they were married, that was all that mattered, not the pomp and ceremony that often got caught up in wedding plans.
Jasper had a little more vigour. The sale of The Cobbled Courtyard had completed and the last of the campers had now vacated The Laurels Hideaway glamping site. It amazed them just how many hearty backpackers and travellers there were that loved the great outdoors, despite the winter nights creeping in.
Adira was looking forward to putting the wedding package together. In her mind’s eye she imagined the web page with the orangery blooming with colourful flora in summer, fresh cut lawns, bunting swooping through the trees, bistro sets covered with gingham tablecloths and in winter it being lit with candles and lanterns, a full moon shining down from an inky, star-scattered sky… She was going to market The Laurels to its full potential. The interior of the dining room would lend itself perfectly for a more formal venue, with its oak panelling, high ceiling with ornamental coving and chandelier. The polished mahogany table running the full length of the room, surrounded by matching chairs was ideal for a sit-down wedding meal. Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of her phone.
‘Hello darling, how are you?’ It was Edie, her grandmother.
‘Hi Gran, lovely to hear from you. I’m fine thanks, and you?’
Her gran caught up on the various goings-on in her life before getting to the real reason of her call. ‘I was wondering how the wedding plans are going.’
‘I’m getting there, apart from the dress.’
‘Why’s that?’
‘There’s nothing I like the look of. What happened to the good old-fashioned, simple and stylish look?’
‘Like mine, you mean?’ joked Edie.
‘Exactly, your wedding dress was beautiful.’ Adira recalled the photos of her grandmother’s wedding day. Edie looked a stunning bride in her vintage, ivory lace tea dress.
‘I’ve still got it,’ she laughed.
‘Really?’
‘Yes, it’s packed up somewhere. I couldn’t part with it, too many happy memories.’
