Chapter 7
The end of April was here in all its spring glory.
The weather fair, being a breezy sunshiny Sunday afternoon, as Cath strolled up the village, wicker basket to hand, ready for Lily’s al fresco ‘Final Fling’ tea.
Cath had chosen a cream-and-red ditsy-floral-patterned dress, thinking it would suit the garden party theme.
Her legs were bare and admittedly rather pale beneath the skirt.
Well, it was the first time they’d been on show in months.
But it was nice to feel that summer was just around the corner.
With Lily’s exams due to start in two weeks’ time, she and her mum, Anna, had decided a few hours’ break with some friends around would be the perfect tonic to help her relax.
The young woman had been working like a trojan for months now, after all.
Studying hard for her exams, whilst still managing to hold down her Saturday-night waitressing job at Saveur, the restaurant in Alnwick, where she was eagerly picking up the tools and tricks of the hospitality and fine dining trade.
As well as serving, and learning to deal with the public, she’d even helped in the kitchen at times, delighting in the desserts, gaining tips and new skills to help her create wonderful patisserie and puddings.
Her dreams of one day running her own bakery or patisserie-inspired café were still holding firm.
If she could pull off her A levels and her crucial Food Science Diploma, she had ambitions to fulfil.
With a skip in her step at the thought of a lovely social afternoon with friends, Cath spotted Andreas and Dan coming up on the other side of the street. ‘Hello,’ she called out cheerily.
‘Hi, lovely,’ Dan responded, with a grin.
‘Gorgeous afternoon for it,’ added Andreas, as the pair began to cross the road towards her.
‘It is indeed. Can’t wait.’
The lads looked suave and summery, dressed in beige chinos teamed with brightly patterned shirts; Dan’s with small daisy flowers and Andreas’s with blue and white stripes.
Andreas had the addition of a neckerchief in navy-floral-patterned silk.
Little Shirley who was trotting alongside them, was also sporting a floral neckerchief.
Her invite a must, as Lily adored their white West Highland terrier.
The little dog was an unofficial member of the supper club, of course.
Their canine companion was always happy to step up to the role, at the ready to scoop up any stray crumbs that might come her way.
They turned into the lane that led off from the main street, which was sun-kissed with dappled light through leafy trees, and were soon approaching Lily’s home; a beautiful cream-stone and wooden-beamed converted barn.
Crossing the gravel driveway with crunching steps, a pair of bay trees, groomed into leafy globes in large terracotta pots, greeted them each side of the oak front door.
Before they had a chance to ring the bell, Lily was already there at the door, looking quirkily gorgeous with her trademark angular cropped dark hair, heavily kohled green eyes, and bold-red lipstick.
‘Hi, come on in, guys.’ She welcomed her guests with a warm smile. ‘I’m so ready for this.’
‘Hello, and how are you, petal?’ Andreas asked. ‘And dare I ask, how are the studies going?’
Lily gave a small groan. ‘Okay, I think. I’ve put in a shedload of work, and my brain is fried. But hey, let’s not mention it today. I’m having an afternoon off, and I want to chillax.’
‘Okay, we’ll say no more, other than best of luck.’ Dan gave a wink.
‘Yeah, well done, Lily. It sounds like you’ve been working really hard. And the very best of luck from me too,’ Cath added, understanding well the stresses of sixth form studies from her many years in teaching, and of course being a mum.
‘Oh, and we’ve brought some feta and spinach pastries to help out. I made them fresh this morning,’ said Andreas.
‘Tantalising triangles of tastiness,’ Dan added.
‘Mm, they sound delicious. Cool, thanks.’
‘And I’ve made some millionaire’s shortbread.’ Cath had also been busy baking. It was lovely to bring something along to add to the occasion; the supper clubbers happy to help each other out where they could. And Cath’s little chocolate-caramel biscuit squares were always a winner.
‘Come on through. We’ve set up outside in the garden. Mum’s been great, and helped me get everything organised. And, I’ve made a cake for the occasion. It’s been a welcome diversion.’ She rolled her eyes, as if the studying had got to her.
Anna was there in the kitchen as they followed Lily through, arranging dainty finger sandwiches on a platter. She looked up with a smile. ‘Hello, folks.’
‘Hi, Anna,’ said Cath.
‘Hello,’ added Dan.
‘Hi,’ chipped in Andreas.
‘Thanks so much for this. Looks like you’ve been busy,’ commented Cath, seeing all the goodies on the countertop.
‘Ah, not too much. Keeping it simple really. Sandwiches and scones on my part,’ she elaborated. ‘Wanted to give Lily a little break, that’s all. She’s been working hard. Though I couldn’t stop her from getting up early to bake a sponge for today.’
And there, on the side, was the highest, creamiest, most scrumptious-looking Victoria-style sponge loaded with fresh strawberries and cream.
‘That looks incredible, Lily.’ The baking queen was evidently back on it, and Cath couldn’t wait to sample a slice of that golden-sponge deliciousness.
‘It’s my Victoria sponge with a twist,’ announced Lily. ‘It’s made with a custard cream and strawberries.’
‘Oh, how fabulous. It’s looking very much like we’re being treated to a full afternoon tea,’ Dan said with delight. He adored a high tea, considering it quintessential English summer dining at its best.
‘Come on out to the garden, guys.’ Lily led the way through open double glass doors to the patio, where a teak-wood circular table was set out with vintage tea plates, cups and saucers, crisp whitelinen napkins, cutlery and Prosecco flutes.
‘Mum got a bit carried away with herself,’ Lily commented, raising her eyebrows whilst giving a big grin.
After the stresses of the past year, trying and struggling at first, to get her parents on board with her dream of becoming a chef or artisan baker – and her wish to go to a specialist catering college rather than traditional uni – they’d finally become more open-minded and supportive of the idea.
With a promise that she kept her options open, and had taken a look at some university courses and campuses, as well as the cooking schools she’d researched – Prue Leith’s School of Food and Wine being the dream, she had her name down there already.
And there was the cutest college in Devon that did a diploma in patisserie, but it was a short course, so perhaps something she could add to her repertoire later.
And as well as her sixth form Level Three in Food Science and Nutrition, she had also remained committed to her A-level studies.
Out on the patio, Nikki was already there, with her shades on and dressed in a bright yellow-and-white-polka-dot dress with black kitten heels. Very different from her day-to-day cleaning company attire. She could, in fact, have been dressed for a day at the races.
She spotted the look of surprise on their faces. ‘I know, but when the hell else will I get a chance to dress up? Can hardly put the heels on to go off cleaning, can I? I’ve only worn this outfit once to my cousin’s wedding, so it’s getting an airing.’
‘It looks gorgeous, very summery. Good for you,’ said Cath. Glad she’d made the effort to dress up a bit herself, and put her own floral dress on for the occasion.
‘Stunning, darling,’ added Dan. ‘And I totally agree. Why keep things for best, when you can go out there and be your best.’
‘Exactly. Well then, the Prosecco’s chilled and ready in the cooler. I’ve been holding back, waiting for company,’ said Nikki.
‘Hah, that’s so not like you, my love.’ Andreas gave a wink.
‘The cheek of it,’ came her retort, and she snorted with laughter.
‘Right, let’s celebrate my afternoon off and pop that cork!’ Lily announced.
Dan did the honours, whilst Lily gathered the flutes ready to fill.
‘Sounds like I’m right on cue.’ Will appeared at the patio, having been ushered through by Anna.
‘Perfect timing, mate,’ said Dan.
‘Hi, Will,’ said Lily.
Cath felt her happiness level notch up even more.
Greetings were made, with high fives from the lads, hugs from the girls, and a close-up kiss on the cheek from Cath, who couldn’t help but notice how dashing he looked in a short-sleeved white linen shirt and his trademark dark jeans.
He’d obviously got the smart clothes memo too, Cath thought with amusement.
Al fresco afternoon teas were evidently for wearing your Sunday best.
‘Cheers, Lily.’ Will raised the glass he’d just been offered. ‘Thanks for having us all over. And hey, good luck with those exams.’
‘Thanks.’ She gave a slow steadying sigh, then took a gulp of her bubbles.
Aware Lily didn’t want to dwell on her impending exams, Andreas and Dan moved the conversation on to the incredible cake waiting for them all in the kitchen, and they were soon chatting easily as they sipped the refreshing fizz.
‘Oh, this is the life,’ said Nikki. ‘The boys are out at football training in Alnwick, and luckily for me, it’s their friend’s parents’ turn to do the taxiing and hanging around today. And Kev’ll be lazing on the sofa by now, after his “extra-busy” week. Recharging his batteries, so he insists.’
The group gave a chortle at the pun; they all knew he was an electrician.