Chapter Six
Lara had to admit the banqueting hall looked incredibly festive.
The fire blazed in the hearth and flickering candles were reflected in the coppery vases of holly and ivy.
There were about sixty people in the room sipping wine, eating, and speaking loudly to make themselves heard.
Catering staff, hired for the evening by Jazz, glided around, refilling glasses and offering canapés.
The Christmas tree was lit with a thousand twinkling lights.
No one could fail to be impressed by the venue.
Lara already had a dry throat from greeting people when she popped to the bathroom. On the way, she bumped into Jazz, who was talking to the head chef in a corner of the entrance hall under the staircase.
When the chef left, she took her chance to speak to Jazz. ‘Hello! These canapés are so moreish. I’ve had about eight already. You’ve all surpassed yourselves tonight!’
‘Phew. Good.’ Jazz’s smile was wide with relief and delight. ‘I trialled a few before settling on those. Hopefully there’s something to suit everyone. You have to think of so many different dietary requirements these days. I can’t wait to go on holiday in the New Year.’
‘I don’t blame you. I’d like to be in Grenada now myself.’
‘My grandparents can’t wait to see me and the kids and we can’t wait to see them,’ Jazz said. ‘But, wait, aren’t you going to see your sister in Australia?’
‘I’d like to … Mum and Dad are heading out just before Christmas and I said I’d join them.’
‘So, you’ve booked the flights?’
‘Not yet. I keep meaning to but I’ve been so busy.’
Jazz groaned. ‘What are you like? Do it tonight. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay through the nose.’
‘I will …’ Lara said, with a mix of guilt and regret.
‘Look, let’s try to find a time to go get a coffee in town. I need a break.’
‘I’d love to.’
‘Oh, and have you seen that new guy who’s moved into the Groom’s Cottage? I saw him earlier getting off a flipping Harley, for God’s sake. Phew. He’s hot, but don’t tell my Luke I said that.’
‘I – er – is that a new trouser suit? The colour really suits you,’ Lara said, trying to change the subject and hoping Jazz hadn’t noticed how red she’d gone.
‘You like?’ Jazz asked, smoothing the dark green matching trousers. ‘I felt I ought to live up to the corporate image with so many events coming up. And it’s festive.’
‘It looks fabulous. And I like your hair like that.’ Jazz was wearing her hair in a high bun with curly bangs.
‘Good, because it took me ages! Now, I have to go. More vegan canapés are required and apparently two of the catering staff are having a domestic in the kitchen and the chef wants me to read them the Riot Act because he’s too busy. Speak tomorrow.’
When Lara returned to the banqueting hall, Fiona dinged on a glass and called for everyone’s attention.
‘Thank you, thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Don’t worry, I’m not going to drone on, as Henry would describe it.
’ She gave him an indulgent glance before continuing.
‘However, I must say a few words of welcome and thank you all for coming to Ravendale. I hope you enjoy a taste of the hospitality we can offer and hope you will see tonight as the first of many visits for you and your guests and clients.’
There were murmurs of appreciation from the guests.
‘Now, many of you know that Ravendale is associated with many ancient tales and legends. We rather trade on them.’
Polite laughter followed Fiona’s gentle joke.
‘The most famous of these legends is our Lucky Chalice, which for those who don’t know, was gifted to us by King Henry, who took shelter here one Christmas. He told the earl that Ravendale would never fall while it was intact.’
Lara broke out in goosebumps. It hurt to keep her smile in place.
‘We are blessed with an incredible team of staff here at Ravendale, including our food and beverage manager, Jazz, who oversaw the delicious canapés and wine you’re all enjoying.
However, I’d just like to say a huge thank you to two more special people.
One is our wonderful events manager, Lara Mayhew, who has transformed the events programme at the castle in the year since she joined us.
’ Fiona went on, oblivious to Lara squirming with embarrassment.
‘Her energy, expertise and determination are having a significant impact on our revenue and, believe me, without an income stream, this castle really would fall. She is the ultimate professional.’
Everyone strained their eyes in an attempt to pick out Lara as Fiona mimed applause in her direction.
Even though she forced a smile and tried to shrink modestly away, she was burning under the fire of praise she didn’t feel she deserved.
The moment the chalice had slipped through her fingers came back to her, making her feel light-headed.
Fortunately, Fiona had moved on to someone else.
‘The second person I want to single out is my husband, Henry. He’s been at my side for over forty years now and is my rock, although I did have to prise him out of his armchair like an oyster from his shell this evening.’
There was more gentle laughter as all eyes were now on Henry, including Fiona’s own, giving him a loving look. Henry waved a dismissive hand in embarrassment, but Lara could see he was touched by his wife’s praise.
How could she deceive these kind people? She’d have to admit her clumsiness in the morning. She’d tell Flynn that she couldn’t go through with the subterfuge.
The speech ended with Fiona proposing a toast to Ravendale.
Glasses were lifted high and, after that, everyone was chattering again.
After half an hour, people began to drift away and Lara tried to recall all their names so she could make notes the next day.
She had spoken to so many people: hoteliers, MDs of local companies, a tourist board PR guy …
yet she couldn’t remember much of what she’d said in return.
Soon, the hall was empty save for Fiona, Henry, and the catering staff clearing plates and glasses. Henry was complimenting Jazz and the head chef while Fiona made a beeline for Lara.
Her stomach turned over.
‘Lara. I think that went very well. There were so many people who’d never actually been to the castle, despite it being on their doorstep, or they hadn’t been for years. They were most impressed, I can tell you.’
‘I’m not surprised. It’s an incredible place …’ Lara said, racked with angst.
‘It’s not merely the place. It’s your ideas about showcasing it to the wider world.
With a proper programme of events and nights such as this one, we look more professional all round and inspire confidence.
A couple of people have said they’d love to hold corporate events here and one even asked if we can do conferences. ’
‘The MD of Fell Forest Products asked me about holding a summer conference too,’ Lara said. ‘He said his marketing team would be in touch next week.’
Fiona patted her arm. ‘My dear, you have done amazing work. And I know managing the lighting contractors without Gerald was beyond your remit and added to your burden. Well, all that is over now. Flynn is here and, may I say, I now insist on you going straight to the cottage and to bed. You must be shattered.’
‘I’m—’ Lara was about to say fine, but decided to take the chance to escape and collect herself. Tomorrow would come round soon enough. ‘I don’t mind having an early night.’
‘Then off you go and don’t you worry about a thing.’
It came as no surprise to Lara that she didn’t enjoy the restful night that Fiona had wished for her. When she eventually awoke at 7 a.m. the following morning, it was to the immediate recognition that she had to tell the Penhaligons that she’d damaged the chalice.
Fiona had been so generous the previous evening, praising her in front of the guests for being ‘the ultimate professional’ and lauding all she’d done for Ravendale.
Lara couldn’t bear to keep harbouring this secret. And if – hopefully – they valued her as they said, she would admit her mistake, offer to pay for the glass to be restored, and they could move on.
That all sounded fine in theory, but she also couldn’t forget that Fiona had mentioned the Lucky Chalice specifically. To Lara it was just an object: precious and beautiful, but she didn’t for one second believe it had any magical powers. That was ludicrous.
A glance through her kitchen window showed a light in Flynn’s own and she realised that she needed to warn him of her decision.
She wouldn’t mention he’d even been in the tower when she had dropped the glass. It would only complicate things.
Things were complicated enough.
She drank a cup of tea and forced a slice of toast down to give her energy for the ordeal ahead. Now all she had to decide was when. As Fiona had said, their days were so busy, but Lara was sure if she told Fiona that she had something important to say, her boss would find time.
She started typing a message to Flynn, but her decision and reasons were too complicated for a text. She could call him – or she could go across to his place and tell him in person. He deserved an explanation – just as long as he didn’t try to dissuade her.
After throwing on a coat, she headed across to Flynn’s, but hadn’t even knocked on his door when Jazz hurtled from the archway that led to the castle courtyard.
‘Lara!’ she called. ‘Have you heard?’
‘Heard what?’ Lara asked, meeting her a few yards from Flynn’s door.
Jazz heaved in a breath. ‘It’s Henry. He’s been taken to hospital! They think he’s had a heart attack.’