Chapter Thirty-Two
Ophelia
O phelia watched carefully as George, the financial advisor, read down the page she’d handed him. As he flipped it over to read the next page, Ophelia exchanged a glance with Barbara.
Barbara pulled a side pout like she wasn’t sure what to make of the situation. Ophelia had told Rupert Barbara was returning to their employ and hadn’t hung about to hear his reply, though she’d heard Jacinta muttering about it.
‘This is a fairly comprehensive business plan,’ George said. ‘And very ambitious.’ He ran his finger down the page. ‘That’s fourteen different points.’
‘Yes.’ Some of it was an extension of the list Ophelia had given Brann to work through the previous year, but there was more. She’d revived her grandparents’ plans to have an artisan quarter in the courtyard, and to use the grounds for family friendly events. She’d never persuade Jacinta to give up her control over the main house while Rupert was alive, so she’d worked around it with solutions that focused on the grounds and the outbuildings.
The concessions were that the main house would open for some weeks in the summer for special events and tours. Barbara was investigating preservation grants.
The workers’ cottages and the Factor’s House would become high-end holiday lets. The courtyard would be developed so Ophelia had an office to run the Glenvorneth branch of Timeless Butterfly Interiors. The other rooms would become the artisan and crafters’ quarter and a gallery to be leased to artists. A Timeless Butterfly shop would be there too, with a small café and coffee shop. Food always made money.
They would work more with Stella – that brought a smile to George’s face at the mention of his wife. That way, they could sell finished pieces and split profits.
‘I’m still looking for opportunities to lease the estate as a location for films or TV too,’ Barbara said.
‘And we’re working more on community involvement,’ Ophelia said. ‘Once the café, shop and gallery are open, that’ll tie in with the livery and horses.’
‘It all looks good, but where’s the capital coming from?’ George asked.
‘We’re starting with the rent money from the workers’ cottages. They can be completed without too much outlay.’ Camilla Woodcroft could stay if she agreed to pay the proper rent, not the ‘mates rates’ Jacinta had given her, and she was welcome to practise her ‘mad art’ in the new crafters’ quarter. Ophelia wouldn’t let Jacinta trample the plans this time. ‘Once my business is open, I hope to attract clients from the area and the money I make here will go directly into funding the next projects and so on.’
‘That sounds workable,’ George said. ‘Your next step should be to expand this list into actionable items and cost each one. Once you’ve got that, we can talk again if you need to or if you feel confident in moving on, then go ahead.’
As they left his office, Ophelia high-fived Barbara. ‘That went better than expected. But I’ll be a lot happier about it once we’ve told my father and Jacinta.’
‘I’m not sure how you can stop her getting in the way,’ Barbara said. ‘She’s the thorn in the side of progress, unfortunately.’
‘I’m going to make them both sign a contract. And you’re the witness.’
‘What?’
‘Yup. Not only you. I’ve asked Brann to come along too.’
‘Oh? Why?’
‘Because he’s going to project manage all the renovations and builds. That’ll give me time to focus on my business.’
‘Wonderful. He’s ideal.’
Indeed, he was. And he’d agreed. Ophelia hadn’t forgotten his words. I’d do anything for you. But she’d be paying him for this. She didn’t expect favours, and she wanted it done properly, because it had to last.
Brann met them the following day and Ophelia shook his hand, holding her breath as their skin made contact. All very professional.
‘How are you?’ he asked Barbara as he shook hands with her.
‘Oh, ticking along. I’ll be happy once we get this out of the way. Jacinta is not in a good mood. She’s been pestering me to tell her what it’s all about and she’s very angry because I won’t.’
‘Let’s get it over with then.’ Ophelia led them from Barbara’s estate office into the main house and up the front steps. Without knocking, she opened the door to the drawing room and took a seat on the chaise longue. Barbara took an armchair, but Brann plonked himself beside Ophelia, so close her thighs grazed up against his dark jeans. She glanced at him and would have chivvied him for sitting so close, but when she caught the expression in his eyes, she was glad he’d chosen this seat. The warmth from him was strengthening and his look told her he was here for her and would have her back no matter what they threw at her.
‘What is this all about?’ Jacinta smoothed out her skirt and fidgeted with her rings.
‘A bit formal, isn’t it?’ Rupert said. ‘Aren’t we just having a chat about some building ideas?’
‘No, father. We’ve gone way beyond that,’ Ophelia said. ‘This may appear formal because that’s exactly how I want it to be. We’re not only here to discuss some building ideas. We’re going to present a robust action plan for the future of this estate. It’s a plan that means we can move forward straight away and something we can do ourselves without relying on outside help… Like James Charlton, for example.’
‘Oh please,’ Jacinta said. ‘It needn’t have been James. We offered you plenty of choice. Is this just an excuse?’
‘An excuse for what?’ Brann said. ‘An excuse for her not to marry someone you choose for her so you can live off their money?’ He eyeballed Jacinta, and Ophelia almost laughed at her stunned face.
‘I was just looking out for her prospects.’ She fanned her hand across her chest. ‘I’m not even sure why he’s here,’ she muttered aside to Rupert.
‘He’s here because I invited him,’ Ophelia said. ‘And from now on, you don’t have to worry about my prospects. You can start thinking about your own. The plans I have here have been made up with Barbara, Brann, George Wylie, our financial advisor, and me. Some of them are extensions of ideas my grandparents had for Glenvorneth. Father, you know how hard they fought to ensure the estate came to me, and I believe they did that for a reason.’
Jacinta looked like she’d stepped in horse dung.
‘They wanted me to carry on their legacy.’
‘And what do you think Rupert has been doing?’ Jacinta stared at her.
‘Not enough, if truth be told.’ Ophelia gave them both a sorry-not-sorry look. ‘That’s why you called me back in the first place, if you recall.’ She fiddled with the papers on her lap. ‘At present, there are no official roles for either you, Father, or Jacinta. However, if you want to take an active role, then we can arrange that, and it would be much better for the estate if you did.’
‘Wait a second,’ Jacinta said. ‘We already have roles here, and what roles do they have?’
‘Barbara will continue running the estate, while I focus on the new branch of my business.’
‘Timeless Butterfly Interiors,’ Brann added. ‘A very successful company. You’re lucky to have the CEO giving up so much of her time to run this place. She’s one of the best, after all.’
Jacinta’s outraged face could now curdle milk, and Ophelia was barely holding back her smile. Her heart almost hurt at hearing his praise. When she recalled how delighted Lucinda was at being handed the Edinburgh office, the grin broke on her face. Though Lucinda’s delight hadn’t lasted long when she realised Ophelia wouldn’t be there anymore. Business lunches would need to be arranged soon, so they could keep in touch.
‘And what’s his role?’ Jacinta looked Brann up and down. ‘Or have you paid him to be your cheerleader?’
‘He’s project managing all the new builds and renovations.’
‘What new builds?’ Rupert asked.
‘This is why you need to read the action plan.’ Ophelia got up and handed each of them a copy.
‘You want me to read it now?’ Jacinta asked.
‘That’s the idea.’ Ophelia returned to her seat next to Brann. His lip quirked up and, as she sat, he laid his hand on her thigh and gave her a gentle, reassuring pat. Her insides flipped at the close contact, but she drew strength from it too.
‘This all sounds quite delightful,’ Rupert said. ‘And definitely something to look into.’
‘No. We’re not looking into it, father. We’re doing it.’
‘When?’
‘As of now. I have a contract here. Barbara and Brann have signed up to their roles. Now, I need you and Jacinta to sign up to it.’
‘Sign up?’ Jacinta frowned. ‘What am I signing up to do?’
‘To agree to work on this plan and not to hinder it in any way.’
‘It’s a bit much,’ she said.
‘Is it?’ Brann asked. ‘More than being asked to sign up to marry someone for their money? You were looking out for Ophelia’s prospects in wanting her to sign up for a lifetime with someone she didn’t even like. Now she’s looking out for yours, without expecting you to do anything.’
‘Well, yes, but it doesn’t say explicitly what I have to do. I’m not working in a shop that’s more for her benefit than ours.’
Ophelia sensed Brann on the verge of erupting. ‘You don’t have to do anything like that,’ she said.
‘And nothing she’s done here is for her immediate benefit. It’s all been for yours.’
‘Of course I would appreciate all the help I can get,’ Ophelia went on before Jacinta could speak. ‘But if you can just agree not to stand in the way of the works, I’ll make that do. For example, if we makeover another of the worker’s cottages, you can’t install a lodger who barely pays half rent because she’s your friend. If we start making money on the livery, you can’t spend it on a fancy holiday or sack the staff and try to get volunteers to run it. Decisions like that will be made in collaboration.’
‘You make it sound a bit harsh,’ Rupert said. ‘None of those things were done to jeopardise the estate.’
Ophelia took a deep breath, but Brann’s hand brushed her thigh again. ‘That’s exactly why those kinds of decisions need to be made by all of us.’
‘And when you say all of us, you actually mean you,’ Jacinta said.
‘Ultimately yes. That’s the privilege my birthright allows me. And the reason you called me back here last year, pretending my father was on his last legs. This is what you wanted. It’s not the way you wanted it to happen, but it’s the way I’m doing it. Now, are you going to work with me or against me?’
‘Of course we won’t work against you,’ Rupert said.
‘Then sign the contract.’ Ophelia lifted two more bits of paper. ‘I had George write it and you can have it checked by any solicitors or anyone you want.’
Jacinta and Rupert exchanged a look. Ophelia watched them. What would they do? Jacinta must be in internal agony. This went against everything she stood for… How she’d hate giving Ophelia the upper hand.
‘She’s right,’ Rupert said. ‘We won’t get anywhere if we keep dragging our heels. Let’s sign up and see where things go.’ He scratched his name on the paper.
Looking like she’d just swallowed a fly, Jacinta signed hers.
April
With the signatures on the paper, Ophelia kicked her plans into action. She and Brann had lots to do, but the air between them was still foggy. She couldn’t forget how he’d stood up for her during the meeting though. Jacinta may think she’d paid him to be her cheerleader, but she hadn’t asked him to do anything like that. Everything he’d said had been from him, and it made her chest brim with hope.
Still, she needed to crack on. There was so much to be done. And on top of her original plans, she decided to arrange a grand opening for the new livery and stables. Somehow it grew into a family fun day.
‘Think of the attention it’ll bring,’ Barbara said. ‘We can have stalls. Vendors pay for a pitch, that kind of thing. You could have one for Timeless Butterfly Interiors. It would get people interested before you open the shop here.’
Suddenly Ophelia had a Family Fun Day to organise and run. It was the kind of event her grandparents used to arrange at Glenvorneth. She just wished it hadn’t been at such short notice. Amazingly, it all came together, though she felt like she’d run a marathon every day for a fortnight to get there. She stood on the stairs and smiled at her grandparents’ portrait. ‘I hope this is what you would have wanted. I think I’m finally getting somewhere.’ Her grandparents smiled back as they always did, and she was sure they’d approve. ‘I have something else I want to do, but it’s more personal. I hope you approve of that too.’ And it was rather dependent on Brann. As soon as the fun day was done, she needed to talk to him. Her heart buzzed at the thought, but nerves tempered the excitement. What if he didn’t want what she wanted?
Jacinta had made her contribution by asking the Countess of Dairvin to cut the ribbon on the stables and declare them officially open. Oh well, at least she’d done something, even if it was only to make sure Ophelia wouldn’t get all the credit.
‘I never expected it to be this big,’ Ophelia told Hayley as they walked around the estate, which resembled a mini Highland Games field, all ready for the family fun.
‘It’s amazing. You’ve worked so hard. I was talking to Colette about it at work. She’s coming with Harrison. I absolutely love the Timeless Butterfly stall and Lucinda is so lovely.’
‘She really is.’ And she’d been good enough to come along to look after the stall for the day. ‘Let’s see how she’s doing.’ They headed to the stall, which was next to a local craft stall named The Crafty Bee, dazzling in bright yellow.
‘There’s Lilah.’ Hayley dashed off to hug the redhead who was behind the crafty bee stall while Ophelia went to Lucinda.
‘Everything ok?’
‘Great,’ Lucinda said. ‘It’s brilliant to see this place in person.’
‘And you met Hayley.’
‘Oh, she’s wonderful.’
Right on cue, she appeared back beside Ophelia and put her arm around her shoulder.
‘Is something wrong?’ Hayley asked.
‘No.’ But it was. Brann was here somewhere too with Caitlin. He deserved a break after the hours he’d put in over the past few weeks. The works in the courtyard were in progress. But she wanted to see him away from work. Away from everyone. She needed a moment of peace with him so they could talk. Not about the future of the estate. But the future for them. Maybe it wasn’t possible but what if it was? Things had moved on in her life. Did he think so too? He’d said he loved her all those months ago, but what did that mean now?
‘Come on. I know you better than that now.’
‘So do I.’ Lucinda raised her eyebrows.
‘You haven’t agreed to meet James or something, have you?’ Hayley frowned.
‘I thought he was well gone,’ Lucinda said.
‘He is. I told him I didn’t think it was a good idea. Now that we’ve got the action plan, I don’t need to marry anyone rich. I don’t need to marry anyone. I’m free to choose what I want… And who I want.’
‘And who’s that?’ Hayley peered at her.
‘I think you already know.’
‘Well, I don’t.’ Lucinda put her hands on her hips.
‘You’re about the only one.’ Hayley grinned, then returned her focus to Ophelia. ‘Everybody who’s seen the two of you together knows. It’s not like you’ve ever done that great a job at hiding it.’
‘Who are we talking about?’ Lucinda pressed.
‘Brann,’ Hayley said.
‘Isn’t he the obnoxious builder?’
‘Well, he’s the builder, though I rather misjudged him.’ Ophelia drew in a breath. ‘And it’s got complicated.’
‘Life is.’
‘She’s right,’ Hayley said. ‘But if you want him, tell him.’
‘Tell him what?’
‘That you love him.’
‘Is it that serious?’ Lucinda stared at her, and slowly Ophelia nodded.
‘He told me himself months ago.’ Ophelia fixed her hand to the top of her head.
‘What?’ Hayley stared at her. ‘And what did you say?’
‘Nothing. I let him go.’
‘But he didn’t go, did he? He’s still here. If he really wanted to stay away from you, he could.’
‘True.’
‘Do it,’ Hayley said. ‘Go and get him.’
‘Yes, do.’ Lucinda pointed into the crowd. ‘Go find this man so I can meet him.’
‘Oh, there’s Oliver.’ Hayley waved.
‘You go and have fun with him,’ Ophelia said. ‘I need to go. I’ll catch you later.’
‘And when you do, make sure you have Brann with you,’ Lucinda said.
The sun cast a warm glow over the stables as Ophelia made her way through the crowd, listening to the happy buzz of chatter and kids laughing and squealing as they rolled on the grass. This was where she’d caught Brann with his shirt off last year. She smiled at the thought.
Dagmar led a pony around the paddock with a child on its back. Her job was safe, and she seemed happy about that, in her own quiet way. By the fence, Ophelia noticed two familiar figures, her mother and Nancy.
‘Hey.’ She leaned on the fence beside Edith.
‘Ophelia, darling, you’ve truly outdone yourself with this,’ Edith said.
Nancy nodded in agreement. ‘Everything looks fantastic.’
Ophelia smiled. ‘It was a bit last minute, but it’s better than I expected.’
‘I’m amazed you got your father and Jacinta to agree to this,’ Edith said.
‘They’ve signed a contract, which basically forbids them from meddling.’
‘Genius.’ Edith laughed. ‘That’s my girl. Your grandparents would be proud. I got on better with them in the end than your father.’
‘Uh-oh. Speak of the devil,’ Ophelia said. Rupert was ambling around the paddock with Francesca. Jacinta was there too, with a frown and a pout that told Ophelia she wasn’t happy about any of this. But as soon as the countess turned up, Jacinta would change her tune.
Edith pulled a face as Rupert approached. ‘The downside of returning here.’
Ophelia thought of Brann and Kristalee and how they put their differences aside for their children. Something her parents had never achieved.
‘Hello, hello.’ Rupert peered past Ophelia at Edith. ‘Quite an event this has turned out to be. Just on the lookout for the countess. She should be here at any moment.’
‘This is Ophelia’s doing.’ Edith narrowed her eyes at her ex-husband. ‘She’s put in a tremendous effort to make this day special for everyone. So never mind the countess. It’s Ophelia who should be cutting that ribbon.’
Nancy nodded. ‘That would have been fitting.’
‘It’s fine,’ Ophelia said. ‘It’s like having a local celebrity.’
Jacinta pulled a supercilious expression. ‘It was my idea to invite her. And it will be lovely to see her. So lucky she could fit this into her busy schedule.’
‘Lucky Ophelia chose to allow it,’ Edith said.
‘Oh dear,’ Rupert said. ‘This could go on all day.’
‘No. We’re here to have fun,’ Ophelia said. ‘And there’s the countess. We should go and welcome her.’
But before she could move, Jacinta bustled off and Rupert, looking taken aback at being left alone with his ex-wife, turned and followed her.
‘Fine,’ Ophelia said. ‘I’ll wait until she tires of her fan club and then go and talk to her.’
‘You know,’ Edith sighed. ‘We all make mistakes in life and your father was the biggest one in my life. The only good thing to come out of it was you.’
‘Thanks.’
‘I hope with all the new things going on here, you’ve ditched the idea of marrying some rich prat just to please your father. I married him for similar reasons, and I wouldn’t recommend it.’
‘I’m not going to marry any of the people they suggest,’ Ophelia said. ‘Whoever I end up with will be someone of my own choosing.’
‘Good for you.’
‘Do you have someone on the horizon?’ Nancy asked.
‘Maybe. We’ll see.’
‘Sounds intriguing,’ Edith said.
‘I’ve definitely met the man I’m in love with… I just need to work out if we have a future together.’