Chapter 4
4
IVY
Ivy stood at the threshold of Snowman Chalet and placed Bonnibell’s leaflets and the bag she’d brought with her from Hawthorn Castle onto the bed, before unpacking her two favourite cacti plants. ‘Okay, Prickles and Needles, I’m going to put you right here,’ she said, unwrapping the cacti carefully from the bubble wrap she’d used to transport them and placing them on the windowsill which offered stunning views of the woods. She rearranged the succulents until she was happy and then spun around so she could take in the accommodation.
The cabin was beautiful, with a large open fire, king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom that had a shiny walk-in shower and large bath. Christmas decorations were peppered across the ceiling, wardrobe and walls, and the iron mantlepiece above the fireplace glittered and shone. A Christmas tree sparkled in the corner of the room, and someone had hung a fresh sprig of mistletoe above the main door. The whole space smelled of cinnamon, oranges and fir trees and Ivy took in a deep breath and shut her eyes.
‘Isn’t this wonderful?’ she murmured to the plants. She knew if anyone saw her talking to them, they’d think she was weird – but since her father had given them to her on her twelfth birthday, Ivy had insisted on taking them everywhere she went. They reminded her of him and were a guilty secret she couldn’t bring herself to give up. ‘Enjoy the view while I get my bearings,’ she said as she continued unpacking.
Her mobile suddenly began to ring and she shuffled to the bottom of the bag and picked it up just before it rang off.
‘Ivy,’ her mother said, sounding weary.
‘Is everything okay?’ Ivy immediately jumped in. Her legs jellified and she slumped onto the king-size bed, sinking into the soft mattress.
‘There’s nothing wrong,’ Faith Heart said, her voice kind. ‘You ask me that every time we speak. I just wanted to have a quick catch up before I headed to the operating theatre.’ Ivy’s mother was a revered heart surgeon and called infrequently because she was usually too busy working or lecturing to talk. ‘It’s time you got over what happened, darling,’ she advised.
Ivy scraped a hand through her hair, trying to calm herself. ‘You nearly died, Mum,’ she said sharply. It would take her years to get over it, especially since it had all been Ivy’s fault. The sudden call from the hospital about the heart attack had been terrifying and was the second-worst moment of Ivy’s life. Only upstaged by the day her father had died.
‘Heart attacks are more common than you’d think,’ her mother soothed.
‘I know,’ Ivy mouthed. It had been what had killed her dad.
‘And people recover from them and lead long lives afterwards. I should know, I operate on enough of them,’ her mother joked.
‘Not everyone survives though,’ Ivy said softly.
She was met with a heavy silence.
Faith let out a long breath. ‘I know that too, darling. But my episode was a one-off. I’m being checked regularly by my colleagues, so if there were any concerns, I’d know immediately and take corrective action.’ She paused. ‘You know the cause was too much stress.’
‘Yes.’ Ivy swallowed because she also knew she was the one responsible for causing it. She’d been fighting with her mother about her non-existent career just a couple of hours before. ‘If they find anything, you’ll take a break, won’t you?’ Ivy begged.
Her mother chuckled. ‘Perhaps for a day or two,’ she said.
But Ivy couldn’t join in with her merriment. Her mum had recovered from the attack and subsequent operation quickly, then she’d insisted on going back to work within two fraught months. After almost six, she seemed to be doing well, but despite that, each time Ivy got an unexpected call she felt as if her world was about to come crashing down.
Something buzzed in the background and Faith tutted. ‘Sorry, I’ve not got a lot of time to talk,’ she apologised. ‘I was just calling to find out how you are.’
It had been almost two weeks since they’d spoken. Ivy looked up and her attention strayed to Prickles and Needles, as if in search of an anchor, and she felt herself relax.
‘Firstly, I’m so sorry darling but I’m going to have to work over Christmas again,’ her mother said.
Since this was the tenth year in a row Faith had worked, Ivy guessed she’d probably volunteered.
‘I hope you understand. So many of my colleagues have young families. Perhaps we can meet up in London in the new year?’
‘Sounds good, Mum,’ Ivy murmured. Her contract with Miriam stretched up to the end of December so she’d probably just spend the time in her small cottage in the castle grounds. It would give her a chance to prepare for her new role, assuming she got a place.
‘The second thing I was calling about is to ask how everything is going with Miriam.’ Her mother paused. ‘I didn’t want to ask her directly, but has she agreed to get you on the training programme? You know that’s why I recommended you for the maternity cover?’
Ivy hummed her assent. Her desire to make up for what had happened after their argument was the only reason she’d taken the job and stuck it out.
‘The contact is a relation of hers, so if she recommends you, a place is guaranteed.’ Faith’s voice raced with excitement. ‘Last time we spoke she assured me you were doing really well.’
‘I doubt that,’ Ivy said under her breath. Until their conversation yesterday Miriam had seemed entirely underwhelmed. Even Ivy’s work on the Christmas party hadn’t passed muster most of the time. Instead, her boss had complained that Ivy was spending too much time choosing the right plant accessories for the event…
Then again, if things went well with Ross today, she could be on her way to a new life in London in just a few weeks. Ivy’s attention shifted to the cacti on the windowsill and she let out a long sigh.
‘I’m aware I keep nagging, but you know how important it is to me that you have a proper career to sustain you,’ her mother said in her most serious tone.
‘I know,’ Ivy murmured.
‘You never know what the future will bring…We’ve both lived through the worst, and you understand why good prospects are vital. You have to be able to support yourself, Ivy… I know I’ve said it a thousand times.’
‘And that’s why I’m working with Miriam.’ Ivy bit her lip. ‘I’m not going to let you down.’ Not again.
‘I don’t want you to ever feel helpless – and I never want you to have to worry about losing your home.’ Her mother sounded upset.
‘I know,’ Ivy said. ‘And I have good news about the training programme.’ She knew her mother would be happy to hear this. ‘Miriam asked me to track down her youngest grandson yesterday. She promised if I found him and persuaded him to return to Hawthorn Castle that she’d get me onto the programme.’ She tried to make sure she sounded enthusiastic, though her heart sank as she thought about the new job and moving to London. Then she shook her head. This wasn’t about her.
‘Really?’ Faith asked.
‘Really. I’m already in Christmas Resort where her grandson works and I’m expecting to meet him tomorrow.’ Ivy was determined to speak to Ross, whatever it took. ‘As soon as he’s agreed to return to Hawthorn Castle, the job’s as good as mine.’
‘That’s wonderful news!’ Faith said, her voice booming. ‘And it sounds like you’re already halfway there.’
Ivy grimaced, trying to ignore the fact that she hadn’t even met the elusive Ross. ‘I’m going to get the job and make you proud,’ she promised.
‘Call me as soon as you have news,’ her mother said, her voice racing. ‘I can’t wait to have you settled. You know how much I worry?—’
Her mother stopped abruptly and Ivy felt sick.
‘Oh, I know,’ she said guiltily. ‘I’ll email as soon as I’ve spoken to Miriam’s grandson.’
Hopefully once she had, she’d be on her way to a new career and her mother would finally be able to relax.