Bunty was slightly alarmed at having her bedroom invaded but she forced herself to take a step back from the proceedings.
‘Do try to distance yourself, my dear,’ Anthony gently told her. ‘Think of this as a showcase for the day, not your home.’
He was right, of course. She wanted to sell the house, after all, and that required strangers coming into her space. At that precise moment, Perry appeared and just seeing him put her at ease.
‘The place is a circus!’ he laughed.
‘Tell me about it,’ Bunty said dryly.
‘Where. Is. The. Pianist?’ Anthony demanded gripping his phone to his ear, showing the whites of his knuckles. ‘What?’ he rasped in outrage. ‘This is adisaster!’ He hung up abruptly.
‘Everything all right, Anthony?’ Bunty asked as he closed his eyes in frustration.
‘No. The pianist has had to cancel,’ he replied in despair. ‘The stupid oaf has fallen and fractured his wrist.Howinconsiderate!’
‘Oh, I didn’t realise the piano was actually going to be used. I thought it was just for decoration,’ said Bunty.
‘Both,’ said Anthony. ‘The idea was to set the scene, by hearing the tickle of ivories as the guests entered.’
Perry disguised his bark of laughter with a cough. Where was Emma when he needed her? She could play the keyboard. Thinking it would be a good opportunity for her to meet Bunty and see the house she was so desperate to step inside, he cleared his throat again.
‘Er… I might be able to help there,’ he spoke up, causing Anthony and Bunty to stare at him. ‘My daughter, Emma, can play.’
‘Can she really?’ smiled Bunty.
‘Well, yes, but probably not to the standard of a hired professional,’ he warned.
‘Hmph, not veryprofessionalcancelling at the eleventh hour,’ said Anthony tartly. ‘I suppose she’ll do,’ he continued rather ungraciously, ‘any port in a storm.’
Bunty and Perry exchanged looks.
‘Should I ask her?’ Perry’s eyebrow raised. ‘I know she’d love to see the place.’
‘Of course, she should have come with you in any event,’ insisted Bunty.
‘Thank the Lord, crisis over!’ Anthony exclaimed, then checked his watch and scampered down to the kitchen to inspect everything there. ‘One hour until blast off!’ he yelled to everyone as he sped by.
Bunty and Perry exchanged another look and burst into giggles.
Exactly one hour later, peace reigned. It was a miracle how every single item had been strategically put into place. The house looked truly amazing, inside and out. The lawn was decorated with vintage garden furniture and colourful blooms in terracotta pots. The kitchen was cleverly styled to look like a 1930s working kitchen, with its era-appropriate props. The gramophone was quietly playing in the background in the drawing room and the mirrored drinks cabinet was opened to display the elegant cocktail glasses. The bedrooms had been de-cluttered, with silk throws placed neatly on the beds (Anthony had been disappointed not to have got his hands on a four-poster). However, the pièce de résistance, was the hallway. Not only had Emma saved the day, but, at Anthony’s request, had dressed the part. She wore Bunty’s mother’s gold beaded dress, complete with the crystal chain headpiece.
After a hasty but heartfelt introduction to each other, Emma showed Bunty the music sheets she’d brought with her.
‘Just something light and tinkly,’ Bunty said, smiling. ‘And thank you so much for doing this, Emma.’ She gave her a quick squeeze.
‘My pleasure.’ Emma’s eyes shone with glee, she was loving being a part of it all.
The vans and all the team fetching and carrying had left. Anthony gathered the girls in the maid uniforms who were at the ready to circulate with champagne glasses on silver trays. They’d been given strict instructions not to let anyone have more than one. They may be visitors, but they were first and foremost potential buyers and needed a clear head, Anthony had advised.
‘And remember, pay attention, girls, eyes and ears open. Listen out and direct me to those sounding the most interested.’
As the clock chimed, Anthony gave the signal and the doors opened.
Chapter 34
A small party of people milled outside, raring to get in the house. One or two were stood facing the bay, taking in the panoramic view. A couple had ventured to the side to look at the gardens, while the rest waited with anticipation on the stone steps. As well as assessing the magnificent facade of the property, they were also sizing up each other – the competition.
The advantage of an open day for such a prestigious property meant that the viewers were vetted. They had to produce financial evidence to prove they had the means to buy it. So, with that in mind,everyonewas a rival to each other.
