Chapter Forty-One
Moving back the cotton sheet, Henry slipped on his lounge pants, stood and stretched, wondering if he’d time for a run.
Pleased he had rejected Mrs Jenkins’ appeals for him to stay at the festival into the evening and learn how to jive (who knew she had it in her?) he’d woken early with a clear head.
Checking his watch, he swallowed. Less than twelve hours to go until the big event.
The first day of the festival had been a success.
Dapplebury had come alive with a family-friendly atmosphere he hoped would entice visitors to return for the second day and beyond.
Seeing the transformation gave him hope for the future of the village and his plans for the estate.
Of course, he was also pleased for Ava; she’d put so much into it and managed to get everyone on board in a way he doubted he, or anyone else, ever could.
Even the weather had held, the sunshine eventually putting in an appearance and adding to the festival spirit.
Hearing a noise at the door, Henry turned to see Granger pushing it open with his nose and wandering in with his zebra print turtle nestled in his soft jowls.
While he hadn’t won the golden oldies category at the dog show, Granger had taken the defeat in his stride and seemed more than happy with his runner-up prize.
And while one of his puppies had won its category and the Lily Flynn Cup, as best in show, Granger had barely noticed, too busy sniffing around the food stands.
As Granger padded across the room, his tail wagging, Henry greeted him with a smile and a rub behind the ears.
Looking out of the window, Henry could see an array of vans already pulling up outside.
Tables, chairs, floral displays and more were being unloaded in readiness for the evening’s festivities.
Hosting a charity shop ball at Dapplebury House had seemed like a good idea, but the nearer it drew, the more he wished he’d told Ava.
Despite what Mary had advised, it didn’t seem right that the guest of honour was the only one in the village who didn’t know.
Thinking of Mary, Henry smiled at the memory of Gino’s declaration.
He felt genuinely pleased for them both and not because it allayed any fears he had of Gino having feelings for Ava or vice versa.
Mary had already set him straight on that matter.
It was, honestly good to see two people looking so happy.
Feeling nerves building in the pit of his stomach as he watched the events outside, he hoped Mary had done as she said and organised Ava’s outfit for the ball.
While he had a nagging fear Gino’s declaration may have distracted her, he reminded himself she wouldn’t have left it until the last minute.
She had, after all, known about the plan for the ball from its inception, and been the one to suggest that surprising Ava was a good idea.
In theory, it seemed like a way to replace memories linked to Dapplebury House from the past with new, positive ones.
Henry wondered if, in reality, it would turn out to be a mistake.
Ava had determined not to go anywhere near the place — not even in the grounds, since hearing about their parents.
Getting her there, in front of the village, was going to be a task.
A task made even harder if she has nothing to wear.
Henry smiled at the thought and then shook his head.
He really did need to get out for a run and to concentrate on ensuring everything was ready.
The grounds looked beautiful in the early morning light.
Henry could already feel the warmth of the day building and welcomed the dappled shade from the leafy canopy of the trees.
Long sunny days, mixed with occasional rain, had transformed the woods into a lush landscape.
While the bluebells had died off, new plants were growing in abundance, their lime green, shiny shoots heralding their arrival.
The smells were rich, from the damp earthy tones of the undergrowth to the heady scent of the honeysuckle and foxgloves.
Henry was pleased to see the insects were prospering, albeit that he was sure he’d swallowed more than one fly.
Bees and butterflies danced between flowers, while black armoured beetles burrowed into rotten wood.
A brief stop to see the progress at the pond revealed evidence of toadlets.
He hadn’t spotted any deer; they would no doubt be sticking to the long grasses with their young, but there was evidence of the herd.
A fox, brazen enough to be out after dawn, stood momentarily in his path, staring at Granger, before flitting into the cover of the undergrowth.
Henry wanted to share it all with Ava and longed to be in the woods with her, the two of them as it had always been.
By the time he and Granger returned to Dapplebury House, the caterers had arrived.
Both the entrance and the marbled, grand hall were being transformed in readiness for the evening.
While Mrs Jenkins stood at the front of the house directing people where to go, his mother was fussing over floral displays.
He couldn’t remember seeing her so animated and wondered when the last time she’d been able to play host for a large event at Dapplebury House had been.
She seemed to have come alive; the sight of her smile warmed him.
She’d even forgone the black outfits she’d worn since his father’s death and had a red scarf tied in her hair.
After answering the many questions everyone seemed to have been waiting to ask him and confirming plans with his mother and Mrs Jenkins, Henry ran up the grand staircase to change, Granger following.
He needed to get changed and, on his run, had decided to go and seek out Mary.
She was in charge of getting the guest of honour to the ball and he had to know she was focused on her mission.
He felt as if he were operating on adrenalin, too alert as he obsessed over every detail of the coming evening in his mind.
He wanted it to be perfect. Ava had organised an entire festival which ran mainly without a hitch; he couldn’t get his single contribution wrong, especially when it was in her honour.
Henry pushed the hot water from the shower through his hair, and shampoo suds ran down his back and chest. His pulse felt as if it were racing.
He was usually good at controlling his feelings, but this was for Ava; he wanted to get it right.
Wrapping a fresh white towel around his hips, he stepped into his bedroom.
Remembering seeing Ava there as he came out of the shower on the day they had learned about their parents’ connection did nothing to settle his nerves.
He was going to tell her how he felt. He knew they had obstacles in their way, history between their families, but he had to do it.
Seeing Gino declare his feelings for Mary had given him hope; a happy ever after happened sometimes.
Maybe it could happen for them too. Of course, happy ever afters don’t usually involve a love triangle between your parents.
Henry dismissed the thought. He and Ava deserved their own lives and to find their happiness. He only hoped she would see that too.
Once dressed, Henry went to the old stable block in search of Mary.
She had been there most days since the move.
He looked at the sign they’d hung above the door and hoped Ava would like it.
It was typical that now he needed Mary, he couldn’t find her.
The volunteers staffing the office told him she was on emergency calls only and said he might want to try The Brown Dog.
Henry rolled his eyes. As much as he was happy for Mary and Gino, he needed her focused.
Taking out his phone, he dialled her number.
It went to voice mail. He looked at Granger.
‘Fancy a trip into the village then?’
Leaving Dapplebury House in the capable hands of his mother and Mrs Jenkins — who he knew would carry out every detail of his plans with precision — he strode into the village, heading straight for The Brown Dog; Gino met him with a smile.
‘Dress-down cowboy today?’ Henry asked.
‘It’s hot already, isn’t it. The chaps and Stetson have had to go. I’ve moved the barbecue into the shade. But still, it’s hot.’
‘There should be some cloud later, that might help.’ Henry wondered why he’d entered into small talk when really he wanted to know where Mary was and if she was on task.
Gino continued to talk about the day ahead.
Henry rubbed his hand round his jaw in frustration.
When at last Gino came up for air, Henry jumped in.
‘Sorry Gino, but is Mary with you? I need to speak to her about tonight.’
‘No, I haven’t seen her since last night. Anything I can help you with?’
Henry smiled at the gesture, grateful for Gino’s kindness and feeling a tad guilty for his impatience. ‘Not unless you’re going to find an outfit for Ava and get her to the ball tonight.’
‘Ah! Not sure that’s my area of expertise. Mary’s on duty this afternoon so you might need to catch her soon.’
Henry thanked Gino and decided to go to the charity shop. While he risked seeing Ava and then having to lie about why he was there, it might be his only chance of catching up with Mary.