By the time he and Granger returned to Dapplebury House, the caterers had arrived. Both the entrance and the marbled, grand hall were being transformed in readiness for the evening. While Mrs Jenkins stood at the front of the house directing people where to go, his mother was fussing over floral displays. He couldn’t remember seeing her so animated and wondered when the last time she’d been able to play host for a large event at Dapplebury House had been. She seemed to have come alive; the sight of her smile warmed him. She’d even forgone the black outfits she’d worn since his father’s death and had a red scarf tied in her hair.
After answering the many questions everyone seemed to have been waiting to ask him and confirming plans with his mother and Mrs Jenkins, Henry ran up the grand staircase to change, Granger following. He needed to get changed and, on his run, had decided to go and seek out Mary. She was in charge of getting the guest of honour to the ball and he had to know she was focused on her mission. He felt as if he were operating on adrenalin, too alert as he obsessed over every detail of the coming evening in his mind. He wanted it to be perfect. Ava had organised an entire festival which ran mainly without a hitch;he couldn’t get his single contribution wrong, especially when it was in her honour.
Henry pushed the hot water from the shower through his hair, and shampoo suds ran down his back and chest. His pulse felt as if it were racing. He was usually good at controlling his feelings, but this was for Ava; he wanted to get it right. Wrapping a fresh white towel around his hips, he stepped into his bedroom. Remembering seeing Ava there as he came out of the shower on the day they had learned about their parents’ connection did nothing to settle his nerves.
He was going to tell her how he felt. He knew they had obstacles in their way, history between their families, but he had to do it. Seeing Gino declare his feelings for Mary had given him hope; a happy ever after happened sometimes. Maybe it could happen for them too.Of course, happy ever afters don’t usually involve a love triangle between your parents.Henry dismissed the thought. He and Ava deserved their own lives and to find their happiness. He only hoped she would see that too.
Once dressed, Henry went to the old stable block in search of Mary. She had been there most days since the move. He looked at the sign they’d hung above the door and hoped Ava would like it. It was typical that now he needed Mary, he couldn’t find her. The volunteers staffing the office told him she was on emergency calls only and said he might want to try The Brown Dog. Henry rolled his eyes. As much as he was happy for Mary and Gino, he needed her focused. Taking out his phone, he dialled her number. It went to voice mail. He looked at Granger.
‘Fancy a trip into the village then?’
Leaving Dapplebury House in the capable hands of his mother and Mrs Jenkins — who he knew would carry out every detail of his plans with precision — he strode into the village, heading straight for The Brown Dog; Gino met him with a smile.
‘Dress-down cowboy today?’ Henry asked.
‘It’s hot already, isn’t it. The chaps and Stetson have had to go. I’ve moved the barbecue into the shade. But still, it’s hot.’
‘There should be some cloud later, that might help.’ Henry wondered why he’d entered into small talk when really he wanted to know where Mary was and if she was on task. Gino continued to talk about the day ahead. Henry rubbed his hand round his jaw in frustration. When at last Gino came up for air, Henry jumped in.
‘Sorry Gino, but is Mary with you? I need to speak to her about tonight.’
‘No, I haven’t seen her since last night. Anything I can help you with?’
Henry smiled at the gesture, grateful for Gino’s kindness and feeling a tad guilty for his impatience. ‘Not unless you’re going to find an outfit for Ava and get her to the ball tonight.’
‘Ah! Not sure that’s my area of expertise. Mary’s on duty this afternoon so you might need to catch her soon.’
Henry thanked Gino and decided to go to the charity shop. While he risked seeing Ava and then having to lie about why he was there, it might be his only chance of catching up with Mary.
Chapter Forty-Two
By eleven o’clock, Ava had walked Myrtle, had a shower and settled the dogs with the pet sitter. As she rode her bike into the village, she smiled. If the festival became the annual event she hoped it would, then she would be bringing both dogs along with her next year. It was unusual for her not to have Myrtle in tow on a sunny Sunday, but with the blue sky and the gentle breeze against her face, she felt happy and ready to embrace the day ahead.
Drawing near the village, the bunting looked bright and colourful and if she wasn’t mistaken, DJ Dave had already got the day off to a good start with a track from the Beach Boys. She was impressed by the effort he’d put in, and hoped he would be getting lots of future bookings from it. With the day’s schedule consisting of more of the fun had on the previous day and a few extras, such as face-painting, pavement art, and a display from a street magician, Ava had a good feeling.
Some families were already out and about, saying good morning or waving to her as she cycled by. For the first time in a very long time, she didn’t feel like she was hiding away at the back of the charity shop, trying to live up to her mum’s memory. Coping with the loss of her mum, and the pressure she felt to carry on for the charity’s sake often felt too much. But she finally felt like she was taking control of her life. She had orchestrated the festival. It was her idea — albeit in an accidental, drunken moment of madness — but so far it had been a success. Ava crossed her fingers, not wanting to celebrate too early. There was still a packed programme of events lined up for the day, and she knew plenty could go wrong. But, for now, she was willing to own the fact she felt happy.
Before heading to the shop to check all was well, and to set up the cake stall with the bakes put aside on the previous day,she circled the central block of shops and stopped outside The Brown Dog. Luna seemed to recognise her as her tail went into a frenzy. Gino walked the excited puppy over.
‘Howdy cowboy!’ Ava smiled.
‘Ciao!’ Gino kissed her cheek.
‘That’s not a very Texan greeting, is it?’ Ava laughed.
‘Mary and I are at last together, my puppy slept through the night, it is hot — but at least the sun is shining. I’m happy.’
‘And that brings out the Italian in you?’ Ava smiled.
‘Sempre!’Always.
‘Well I’m just stopping by to say I’m so pleased for you and Mary. I couldn’t believe it when I saw that plane. You finally did it. And you did it in style.’
Gino lifted Luna off the hay bale she’d climbed and looked at Ava from under his dark fringe. ‘I have a confession to make. I was meant to jump from the aeroplane.’
‘What? When? But you were on the ground.’
‘Well, not that plane exactly. I was going to surprise you and do a skydive. I thought it would be good for getting Mary’s attention, and to raise money for the charity, of course. But then I saw an advert for plane banners and I thought—’
