Page 74 of Escape to the Country

‘The fete, dumbass!’ said Alex. ‘I’m thinking old-fashioned but pretty. Classic. Very English.’

Eleanor stared at him as he grabbed the notebook and started writing down his ideas as he said them out loud. ‘Stalls, yes. Lots more than in previous years. But mainly cakes, vegetables, flowers and that type of thing. Home-made cakes. Definitely bunting. Did I mention cakes? People can’t get enough of the things. Mary Berry eat your heart out. It’s got to be old-fashioned. Pin the tail on the donkey type of thing.’ He broke into a wicked grin. ‘I’m very good at that.’

‘What about a merry-go-round?’ said Annie, grabbing the pen from him. ‘For the children?’

Alex shook his head. ‘Absolutely no way. You don’t want the smell and mess of fairground rides. And definitely not a cheap burger van either. It’s got to be classy. Croquet. Cocktails. Nice old-fashioned games. Gentrified. A proper country village fete.’

Annie’s eyes widened. ‘Crikey,’ she said, looking at Eleanor for guidance.

But Eleanor was nodding her approval. ‘He’s right,’ she said. ‘Bunting everywhere. Pretty rugs and cushions. Tea light holders in jars. Old bottles. Lots of floral cloth.’

‘It’s got to look like a Cath Kidston advert,’ said Alex. ‘It’s gonna be flippin’ gorgeous.’

Eleanor nodded enthusiastically. She knew exactly what he was talking about. It was going to look beautiful on the front lawn, especially with Willow Tree Hall as a backdrop. But he was right about that too. The house would definitely stay closed.

Portaloos, she wrote, grabbing the pen from Annie and underlining the word three times.

‘What’s the entertainment?’ said Alex.

Annie frowned. ‘What are you talking about?’

‘You need stars, sweetie,’ said Alex, rolling his eyes. ‘That draws the punters in. Presumably you want to make money for your charity, don’t you?’

Annie broke into a smile. ‘Well, stars we can probably get hold of, thanks to my fiancé.’