‘Happily.’
‘You see, Dad,’ Zac said, relieved. ‘I think with Melody and Patsy’s help, we should be OK.’
‘That’s a relief, because I wouldn’t know where to start arranging something like this.’
Neither would he, Zac realised.
‘I could round up my Book Club Girls and ask them to pop round tomorrow. I’m sure some of them will be able to help, or even suggest people they know who might want to be involved in something like this.’
‘Thank you,’ Lettie said. ‘I was also thinking of bringing in local alternative therapists and suppliers of health foods, supplements, people who hold classes in things like sound baths, even meditations, that sort of thing.’
‘Sounds good to me,’ Zac said, noticing the relief on his sister’s face that they had the beginnings of some sort of plan to raise money for the roof damage to be fixed.
‘It sounds amazing,’ Lindy said. ‘When were you thinking of holding it and for how long? A day, a week?’
‘Not a week,’ Gareth snapped. ‘I don’t think I could stand having loads of people wandering around the farm for that length of time.’
Zac struggled not to laugh. His father could be so unsociable sometimes.
‘I was thinking over a couple of days. A weekend, probably.’
‘And now we have Patsy and Melody’s support there are enough of us to ensure people keep well away from the fields and the animals.’
‘You see, Gareth? Lettie has everything under control. Or soon will have by the sounds of things.’ She pursed her lips thoughtfully. ‘Maybe some of The Book Club Girls could offer to keep an eye on attendees, or takings, or something?’
‘I like that idea.’ Lettie smiled. ‘Those who can’t contribute in any other way but wish to be a part of things could do some of the smaller jobs while we’re busy elsewhere.’
Lindy rested an arm on Lettie’s shoulder. ‘Well done, Lettie. What a clever solution. Don’t you think, Gareth?’
‘I do,’ he said, picking up his cutlery and continuing to eat his food.
‘I’m pleased you all like it.’ Lettie smiled at each of them. ‘And grateful to the pair of you for offering to help so soon after arriving here.’
‘I think it’s the very least we can do after you’ve all kindly welcomed Melody and I into your beautiful home.’
‘Gran’s right,’ Melody agreed. ‘We’re going to be there with you every step of the way.’
Zac half listened to the conversations around the table as everyone continued eating their early supper. He noticed his father finish off the food on his plate. It was a relief. He hated to think of his parents’ well-earned holiday being marred by worryabout the barn roof. It seemed like Patsy and Melody had arrived at Hollyhock Farm just when they needed them most.
Once the table was cleared and his parents had gone upstairs to freshen up before leaving for the airport, Zac accompanied his sister as she showed Patsy and Melody around the farm.
‘These are the two barns,’ she said. ‘If the weather’s bad maybe we could hold the festival in the larger one. The smaller one has the damaged roof. It was hit by lightning during a storm earlier this year. We’ve been using it for as long as possible and covering the opening with tarpaulin. Some of the animals were housed in here until recently, but I don’t want to risk them getting hurt, so I moved them out to the larger barn. Others who have shelters in the paddocks have spent their time outside.’
‘Shall we have a look inside to see if we can use it for the event?’ Zac suggested, leading the way.
Once inside, he could clearly see that this barn was out of action until the roof was professionally repaired. ‘What a shame.’ He felt sorry for his sister. Ever since she had taken over the farm she’d had to deal with so many issues. ‘Never mind, Letts. I’m sure we can work this out.’
Lettie bent to pick up a tile. ‘It’s getting dangerous if the tiles are falling off,’ she said, looking up briefly. ‘Come along. We should get outside.’
She pointed to the unusable barn. ‘We need to bring the animal feed and any tools and equipment stored in there that I’ll need to use over the next couple of months,’ she said sounding as forlorn as she looked.
‘I’m happy to help you bring anything out and store it elsewhere,’ Melody said.
‘Me too.’ Zac had a thought. ‘We’ll need hard hats, just in case any more tiles fall, but I can source a few of those from somewhere.’
‘Thanks, both of you,’ Lettie said, cheering slightly. ‘I appreciate your help.’
‘Just tell me what you need me to do,’ Melody said. ‘I’m here to help in any way I can.’
