‘Then what is it?’ Lindy asked.
Lettie sat back in her chair and sighed. ‘It’s the barn roof.’
Zac sensed his sister’s concern about sharing the insurer’s decision with their father.
‘The damage to the roof is covered, isn’t it?’ Gareth frowned.
‘That’s just it.’ Lettie grimaced. ‘Only partly.’
Their father went to stand, then thinking better of it sat again. ‘What’s that supposed to mean? I’m never late paying their premiums. Is it because the damage was caused by an act of God, or some other reason they’ve come up with? Is that it?’
Lettie shook her head. ‘No. It turns out that our policy hadn’t been pro-rata’d each year to keep in line with inflation.’
‘What? But I paid what they quoted me. How can it be wrong?’
Lettie grimaced. ‘I called them earlier and asked them the same question. Apparently, it’s up to us to ensure the value of everything is covered correctly.’
He shook his head and Zac knew that he would have shown his frustration loudly if they didn’t have guests. ‘Go on. What else did they say?’
‘Only that they’re willing to cover seventy per cent of the total cost to sort out the roof.’
Zac looked from Lettie’s concerned expression to his father’s cheeks reddening in fury.
‘But that means we must find a way to cover the rest.’ He closed his eyes and Zac saw the muscle working in his father’s jaw as he tried to remain calm. ‘How much do we need to find to cover the rest of the repairs?’
‘Five and a half thousand pounds, or thereabouts.’ Lettie gave Patsy and Melody an apologetic smile. ‘Sorry. I hadn’t meant to discuss this in front of you both.’
‘Please don’t worry about us,’ Patsy said. ‘We’re here to help you all in whatever way we can.’
‘Thank you,’ Lindy said. ‘We appreciate your offer.’
‘Lindy,’ Gareth said, putting his cutlery together, clearly having lost his appetite for his food. His father never left anything on the plate and Zac knew he must be very upset to have done so now. ‘I’m not sure us going away tomorrow is the sensible thing to do.’
Zac caught Lettie’s shock and knew he needed to say something. ‘You’re only away for a couple of weeks, Dad,’ he said. ‘I’m sure this can wait until you get back.’
‘I agree,’ Lettie said. ‘Anyway, I’ve already discussed with Zac a way we might be able to raise funds quickly to cover the cost of the repairs.’
‘You have?’ Gareth looked askance at Lettie, then Zac. ‘And what idea was that?’
‘A festival,’ she announced triumphantly.
‘Melody and I will help in any way we can,’ Patsy offered. ‘Won’t we, love?’
‘We’d be happy to,’ Melody assured her.
Zac saw his father scowl. ‘If you’re thinking of holding one of those noisy music festivals, you can think again. I’m not having my animals frightened by loud music,’ Gareth said. Lindy coughed and he seemed to remember they had guests. ‘But I think the idea of an event might be something to consider.’
‘Actually, Dad,’ Lettie said. ‘I was thinking about holding a wellness festival?’
‘I’m not sure we have many of those over here,’ Lindy said thoughtfully. ‘I used to go to Pilates and loved it but stoppedafter a while. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a wellness festival though.’
‘A what?’ Zac saw the bemusement on his father’s face and struggled to hide his own amusement.
Lindy shrugged and smiled at Gareth. ‘Well, at least it wouldn’t be noisy, Gareth.’ Something occurred to her. ‘Although I’m not sure any of us have much experience with wellness events. Can you explain what they are?’
Wanting to keep positive for his sister’s sake, Zac thought quickly. ‘You said you teach yoga, Melody,’ he said recalling their earlier conversation. ‘And know something about different therapies. Isn’t that right?’ He saw his father continuing to look bemused.
‘That’s right,’ Melody said. ‘I’d be more than happy to help come up with a programme for the event and Gran would help too, wouldn’t you, Gran.’
