Finding Home in Hartfell (Hartfell Village #1)

Chapter Twelve

Pippa was glad to finish at the practice on Friday the moment the last patient had left, and she offered Gil a hasty goodbye and made her escape. She still hadn’t gone public with her plans for a surprise at the show tomorrow, and she wouldn’t, not until Raf was actually here in person. Commitment, except to his music, was something her mercurial brother was not prone to. There was still time for him to change his mind, or for the lift he’d been promised in a helicopter from a mate of a mate to fail to materialise. At the far end of the next-door field was a flattish area marked out for car parking tomorrow, and she was crossing everything in the hope that the helicopter would be able to land without any difficulty, or anyone really noticing.

Harriet had finally returned at eight p.m. last night, after having messaged to say that Dorothy had invited her and Alfie to stay on for supper, and did Pippa mind? Pippa did rather, but had more sense than to say no. She’d toyed with still going to the pub but had decided not to; she wasn’t sure she could face the village alone until the show was safely over and the day done.

The fields around the farm were packed with trailers, stands and pens for livestock, and she checked Raf’s latest message as she hurried back to the house to sort out a bedroom for him. The room Gil had been sleeping in was the obvious choice, with the only spare double bed. She found clean sheets in an airing cupboard and changed them, feeling as though she was invading his privacy just that little bit more.

He’d left nothing personal in here, nothing to suggest he planned on returning. The room was empty of all but the old-fashioned furniture and huge brass bed. She’d been careful not to open more cupboards or investigate drawers since their row on Sunday, when he’d caught her with the photo album. Daphne from the shop had mentioned that a local historian was compiling an archive of the village, and that Pippa might like to ask him if he knew of anyone in her family named Ivy.

Four hours later, she was hurrying through the garden again when she heard the buzz of the helicopter, adrenaline surging at the thought of seeing her brother. Moments later it came into sight, lowering slowly, flattening grass and flapping tents in the field as it settled on the ground. A door opened and Raf jumped out, ducking to avoid the blades as he jogged towards her, hand raised in thanks to the pilot.

‘Raf!’ Pippa almost fell into his arms, raising her voice above the noise as the helicopter rose into the sky, ecstatic to see a beloved face. Like their dad, Raf poured his emotions into the lyrics he wrote, and she understood from his embrace how deeply he cared about their family. ‘It’s so good to see you! It’s been way too long.’

‘I know.’ He squeezed her back just as tightly, dropping his bag to hold her close. ‘Missed you, sis.’

He’d got his height from their mum, who’d been five ten, but his looks were pure Jonny. Nut brown hair was streaked with blond, short and swept up at the front. He was deeply tanned from his travels and the surfing she’d seen him doing via his Instagram.

She’d always thought Raf seemed to carry the weight of the world in his eyes. To his public they were full of mischief, alive and ready for fun; in private, he often seemed sad and with each year that passed it became harder to reach him. Losing Ewan, his best friend and Cassie’s husband, had hit him hard and Pippa was certain his wanderings were a way to try and forget the pain they all lived with.

‘How was the island?’ she asked casually. She knew he’d been back in London for a bit, but wanted to get his take on his relationship and whether it really was over.

‘Yeah, good.’ Raf pulled back and tilted his head to look at her. ‘But eventually not quite as much fun as I thought it would be.’

‘Ah. So it’s over then, with Lina?’

‘Yep. Somehow we went from a summer road trip to conversations about sharing her apartment in Malmo and, well, you know.’ Raf let Pippa go, reaching for the leather holdall he’d dropped.

She did know, and a glimmer of sympathy followed for his ex-girlfriend. She’d liked Lina and thought she might finally persuade him to settle.

‘I’m sorry. Are you both okay?’ She linked arms with him as they set off across the field, watching the helicopter disappear into the distance.

‘Sure. Lina knew the score from day one. Not for me, all that playing house stuff.’

‘But you do it with Cassie – take Rory and Isla out, look after them. I know how much they love seeing you and she really appreciates the time you give them.’

‘That’s different,’ he said quickly, dragging Pippa around a cow pat to avoid it. ‘They’re family, good as.’

‘You know, eventually you will find what you’re looking for, probably without even trying.’

‘Like you, you mean?’ He was an expert at changing the subject and she gave him a sisterly shove as they reached a gate.

‘You don’t need to worry about me.’ Gil flashed into her mind. They’d been extra polite to one another in between consultations this morning. And she was still thinking about his hands on her shoulders the other day, shocked that his brief touch had left her wanting more. ‘I’m divorced and not interested in going there again. And I can’t thank you enough for stepping in here to save me, I’d probably have been in the village stocks by now. I’m sorry to crash in the middle of your summer.’

‘No problem, anything for you.’ They resumed walking. Pippa always relished these first, rare moments alone with her brother. ‘I’m actually quite looking forward to it. Something new for the ’gram.’

‘Do me a favour though?’ She led him through the garden, hoping to keep him under wraps until Cassie posted his presence on the event’s Facebook page later. ‘Please don’t take your shirt off. It’s a village show full of families, Raf, not Glastonbury.’

He’d quickly gained a huge online following when he’d posted an image of himself drumming topless, rehearsing a tour a few years ago. It had gone viral, sending his fame soaring. He played up to it when he wanted to, dropped in a few mischievous shots on his social media, and most Blue at Midnight gigs weren’t complete until the band had seen out their encore with a classic track and Raf drumming minus his shirt.

‘Can’t promise, Pippa. Gotta give the public what they want.’ He winked as she shot him an exasperated look and they laughed. Time together was too precious to worry about such antics for now. ‘You gonna show me the house, then? Tell me why you still haven’t got it on the market.’

‘I haven’t met the agent yet,’ she said casually. ‘I’m on it. We can start the tour in the kitchen and then hopefully your expectations for the rest of it will be low enough.’

Raf liked the house, pointing out the beautiful aspect from almost every window and the excellent proportions of each room. Pippa, who hadn’t properly seen past the situation with Harriet and then Gil, plus the uncertain plumbing and primitive kitchen, had to appreciate her brother was right. Raf had still not bought a home of his own, preferring to travel and lay his head wherever he laid his hat.

Harriet was ecstatic to see him, and Pippa watched their hugs and conversation wistfully as he caught her up on the band’s tour and all the gossip. Harriet in turn was enthusiastic about Dorothy’s farm and casually dropped in that she was off to a Young Farmers’ meeting with Alfie later. Pippa nipped down to the pub for another takeaway, not ready to face the circus that might accompany Raf if they sat down to eat there instead. Kenny was not only amused by her attempt to cancel the show, but shocked into temporary speechlessness by her hushed whisper of her rock-star brother’s surprise appearance.

Early showers on Saturday gave way to sunshine as the morning wore on. Pippa had been up since first light, worrying about the show and if it would be a success given the chaos she’d caused. She’d been round to see the headteacher at the primary school; not, as Gil had suggested, to make an excuse for trying to cancel, but to introduce herself and to offer a few hours of her time to help with an art project before the school broke up for the summer. The headteacher had been delighted to accept, and Pippa planned to return soon to make good on her promise.

She’d barely dared open Facebook since Cassie had posted on the show’s page, introducing Raf as a special guest, but she knew from her friend that the news had blown up as excitement and comments mounted. Crossing the yard after sneaking into the vets to use the Wi-Fi, she’d bumped into Gil, who’d heard about Raf’s arrival from Harriet while she was mucking out Posy’s stable. Gil had made his displeasure perfectly clear, pointing out that the show had managed without the appearance of a rock star for over a hundred years, and where did she think all the extra visitors Raf might generate were going to park?

Thankfully, Pippa had already thought of that and coolly informed Gil the logistics were taken care of. In reality she’d sent a panicked email to the head at the school, who’d got the governors to agree to open up the playground if necessary, plus there was some parking at the vets. According to Harriet over breakfast, tickets were selling like hot cakes since Raf, who loved a crowd, had dropped a couple of hints about his whereabouts on Instagram.

The village was buzzing with anticipation when Pippa ran down early to the shop for fresh bread, with even Daphne having come over all peculiar as she enquired after Raf and how long he might be staying. Pippa was just relieved that her mistake appeared to have been forgiven. Visitors began arriving before the planned ten a.m. start and Harriet had already disappeared, taking care of Posy straight after breakfast and then haring off to help at Dorothy’s before the show. Pippa was bemused by this sudden new commitment to caring for animals, but relieved that the smile was back on Harriet’s face. She even seemed to mind less about the Wi-Fi.

When Pippa made her way to the show, she set off to explore, passing farmers across every generation gathered around the various holding pens, chatting as the animals nibbled at feed before the serious business of showing began. Further on, rows of stalls were lined up, offering mental health support to those working in rural locations, charities raising funds with a tombola and coconut shy on others. Dorothy had brought the alpacas, Pippa spotting Rufus and Rupert penned just along from the sheep, staring warily at the crowds descending. She prayed Rupert wouldn’t spit on Raf; she didn’t imagine that her brother would appreciate such animal antics.

The food courts were doing a roaring trade, and children were already slithering down a bouncy slide and leaping on trampolines, parents waiting nearby glad of momentary respite. The double-decker bus repurposed as a bar had seats, already full, on the top deck and the list of cocktails looked tempting. Pippa promised herself one later if the day went to plan. A band was tuning up on a shallow stage beneath an open-sided marquee, their first set due to begin in an hour.

Native ponies were being shown in hand in the main arena and vintage tractors were proving popular as visitors inspected them and posed for selfies. The local fell rescue service was well represented, as was an artisan gin distillery, handmade soap, candles and locally produced chocolates, and she bought some of each, saving her goodies for later. She was welcomed wherever she went, and realised she was actually starting to enjoy herself. The show was clearly a success, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

‘Pippa, hi!’

She turned, thinking about collecting Raf from the house for his appearance. Rose was standing behind a table at another stall offering advice and support to those farming in protected landscapes, alongside a second displaying a beautifully presented range of skincare. Each box was white, with the brand name, Remedy something to read later perhaps. ‘Thanks, Rose. Good day so far?’

‘For sure, it’s very busy. The weather helps of course, but then we don’t usually get a rock star and a rock star’s daughter as special guests.’

‘Not sure about special,’ Pippa said wryly, putting her phone away. ‘Notorious might be more like it.’ She admired the beautifully presented range of skincare, everything from bars of soap and handwash, to shower gels, moisturiser and muscle rub.

‘I think it’s brilliant, I hope I get to meet Raf.’ Rose’s striking brown eyes were merry, and she thanked a couple who picked up a leaflet before wandering off. ‘Do you think he’ll have time to say hello?’

‘I’ll make sure he does.’ Pippa also made a mental note to tell Raf to behave himself. Rose was different to his usual girlfriends, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t do his best to charm her. Lay off the locals, would be Pippa’s firm message. The last thing she needed was her brother breaking someone’s heart here and taking off on tour again.

‘Are you a volunteer?’ She was scanning the information laid out on the table, details of an upcoming farm visit, a talk on farm diversification and a social evening next month.

‘No, I work part-time for the Yorkshire Dales Park Authority, I’m one of the FPL officers.’ Seeing Pippa looking blank, Rose smiled before carrying on. ‘Farming in a Protected Landscape. We’re a link between the park authority and the farmers, offering information and support, and helping the two to work together. I farm with my brother, although he does most of the day-to-day. I help out but I’m more on the diversification side of things, hence the skincare.’

‘It’s gorgeous.’ Pippa picked up a muscle rub and two lip balms. ‘I’ll take these please. Harriet will love the vanilla one and I’m definitely feeling the difference when I run on those fells.’

‘Thanks, Pippa, that’s lovely.’ Rose reached for her phone. After Pippa tapped her own phone and the internet thought about it, the transaction went through. ‘I hope it helps. There’s ginger in the muscle rub because it’s anti-inflammatory and the chamomile is very calming.’

Pippa thanked her and slipped her goodies into a bag which was becoming heavy; she’d leave it at the house when she returned for Raf.

‘Actually, I think you and I have another connection.’ Rose leaned forward. ‘My son Alfie has very recently met Harriet. He was delivering haylage to Dorothy with my brother the other day, and James said Alfie came home with stars in his eyes.’

‘Alfie’s your son! Right.’ Pippa liked him even more now. Not that she hadn’t to begin with, but there was a warmth and an openness to Rose that was very inviting. ‘I’ve barely seen Harriet since.’

‘Same. Although Alfie helps James as much as he can anyway. He can’t wait for school to finish next week so he can farm all summer.’ Rose raised a hand to point. ‘If you’re looking for Harriet, I think she’s over at the Young Farmers’ with him. They’ve got a few things planned for fundraising and he’s taking his turn on the dunking stool. Not a bad thing to do on a lovely day like this.’

‘No.’ Pippa agreed, turning to have a look. Harriet was laughing with a bunch of teenagers, Alfie at her side, as another boy picked up a hammer and whacked it down on a high striker, trying to make the bell at the top ring. Pippa and Rose shared a smile at the cheers that followed his success.

‘How would you fancy joining me for a walk sometime, Pippa?’ Rose was tidying the flyers on the table after a little boy had muddled them up. ‘It’s not a formal thing. A few of us local women got together for coffee and decided we’d rather meet outdoors and do something active. Early morning works best before we’re swallowed up by other commitments, so we meet outside the pub every Wednesday at six. Kenny’s a sweetheart and he has takeaway coffee and muffins ready for when we get back. Usually it’s a walk but if it’s nice we might strip off and have a dip in the river. Not skinny dip,’ Rose added hastily as she caught the look on Pippa’s face. ‘Not unless that’s your thing. No pressure either way, you do you.’

‘It does sound lovely. I’m not sure how long we’ll be here but I appreciate the invitation, thank you.’

‘You’re very welcome,’ Rose replied. ‘We’d love to see you, even if it’s only just the once. You can message me if you like, my details are in the newsletter.’

‘Thank you. I’ll let you know if I change my mind.’

‘So what do you think of Alfie and Harriet? She’s a wonderful young lady, Pippa. So polite and respectful.’

Pippa was very thankful that Harriet’s good manners extended beyond their home. But that had never been in doubt, it was just her mum with whom she was so tetchy. ‘It’s very sweet,’ she said carefully. ‘But I really hope neither of them find it hard to separate once we leave, probably in a week or so.’

‘So soon?’ Rose’s hand stilled on a sheaf of flyers. ‘Harriet said she thought you might be here for the summer.’

Pippa coughed, wondering where that idea had come from. ‘I’m not sure. I have some decisions to make on the house and we’ll be going home once Elaine returns. Harriet has netball camp coming up and she’ll be going away with her dad in August.’

‘So you’re selling it, then, the house? That’s what everyone’s expecting.’ Rose nodded sadly. ‘It does make sense seeing as you don’t have a connection to the village now, but it’ll be devastating to lose the practice. All the local farmers rely on it.’

‘It’s not certain. There are some things to decide first.’ Pippa loathed fabricating the truth and felt that was a compromise she could hang on to for now.

‘Of course you have to do what’s best for your family.’ Rose found a smile. ‘I’ll have a word with Alfie, make sure he knows Harriet’s not likely to be here all summer.’

It wouldn’t be fair to let Harriet and Alfie think otherwise. However much they liked each other now, feelings would change once their lives reverted back to normal and they were hundreds of miles and worlds apart.

‘Thank you for inviting Harriet over to eat with you. It was very kind, and she loved it.’

‘Oh, she was most welcome. With my brother and his family, plus Alfie, getting taller by the minute and constantly hungry, there’s always plenty.’

Under normal circumstances, Pippa wouldn’t think twice about reciprocating. She felt incredibly mean, not inviting Alfie round just because Harriet wouldn’t be staying in Hartfell. And would that really make a difference, as though the lack of a meal at Home Farm would be the deciding factor in their budding romance? She decided on another suggestion instead.

‘I thought I’d take Raf to the pub tonight. He’s heading back to London tomorrow and Kenny’s desperate to meet him. Would you and Alfie like to join us?’

‘Oh, we’d love that! Thank you.’ Rose’s pleasure made Pippa feel she’d done the right thing, but still, she couldn’t shake off the doubt clutching at her heart at having to take Harriet away. She prayed she wasn’t making things worse, inviting Rose and Alfie along too, and she knew from Harriet that Rose was a single mum like her. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Of course. Kenny’s booked us a table for seven p.m., does that work for you?’

‘Totally. I’ll let Alfie know the minute I see him. Thanks so much, Pippa.’

‘You’re very welcome, it’ll be lovely to see you both again.’

Rose smiled at someone over Pippa’s shoulder and, from the goosebumps springing up on the back of her neck, Pippa knew exactly who it was without having to look.

‘Hi, Gil.’

‘Hey, Rose. How’s that heifer doing? Alfie said her foot was much better.’ Gil paused beside Pippa, Lola’s lead looped over one hand, and smiled at Rose.

‘It is, she’s back with the herd, not lame anymore. Thanks for sorting her out.’

‘My pleasure, it’s what I’m here for.’ He narrowed his eyes as he looked at Pippa, sending a quiver darting down her back. ‘I thought you were avoiding me on purpose. So, are you ready to find out how important the practice is to the farming community here?’

‘And why would I be avoiding you?’ She forced every degree of casualness she could muster into her reply, hoping it sounded more offhand than she felt. ‘Maybe later. I’ve got Raf to find first.’