Chapter 7 #2
‘Oh, look, and it’s about to get even better,’ Cath added, spotting Anna heading out with a platter of dainty sandwiches – having prepared thinly sliced cucumber, cream cheese and smoked salmon, and mustardy ham – along with a three-tiered cake stand piled high with freshly made scones, small pots of strawberry jam and clotted cream, graced on the top tier by some delicious-looking mini chocolate cakes, and individual pots of lemon posset.
‘That looks amazing. Can I give you a hand?’ Cath took the stand from her, setting it carefully down on the table.
‘Oh, let me help you too, Mum.’ Lily stood up and nipped into the house, coming back soon afterwards with two big pots of tea on a tray, a jug of fresh milk and a bowl of white sugar cubes with dainty tongs, and a tea plate of Cath’s shortbread. ‘Here you go, guys.’
‘Sit yourself down again, love. This is your day. I’ll pour,’ offered Anna, lifting one of the teapots, evidently keen to wait on them. It seemed like she wanted to make it a special afternoon for all of them.
‘This is so lovely, thank you. Are you joining us?’ asked Andreas, concerned that Anna was doing all the work and missing out herself.
‘Um, I might grab a sandwich and one of your delicious-looking feta pastries before I head out. But I’ve got to dash over to the Kirkton Co-op shortly.
On a mission for my mother. She hasn’t been feeling quite herself this week, so I’m fetching her a few groceries, and then I’ll stay with her for a bit of a natter.
So, I’ll have to love you and leave you. ’
‘Oh, I hope she’s okay,’ said Cath, with a note of concern.
‘I’m sure she’ll be fine, thanks. I think Grandma Liz just needs a bit of company and a helping hand.’
Cath had the feeling that setting them up with their afternoon tea and then nipping away, might have been part of Anna’s plan all along. The supper club had always been Lily’s thing, rather than her parents’.
‘Tell Grandma I’ll be over on Tuesday, after school,’ called out Lily.
‘Will do, love.’
‘Well, thank you so much for this,’ added Will warmly. ‘And pass on our best wishes.’
‘I will. And you’re all very welcome.’ Anna gave a cheerful smile. ‘I’ve seen how much your friendship has meant to Lily these past months. And everything you’ve done for the village, with doing up the hall and the wonderful Christmas event. Well, today’s a bit of a thank you from me, really.’
‘No need at all. But thanks, we appreciate it,’ said Cath. ‘And I have a feeling we’re going to have a deliciously sociable afternoon.’
After delivering a top-up of freshly made sandwiches and the feta pastries, Anna made her exit. ‘Enjoy, folks!’
‘I’m sure we will!’ Nikki raised her Prosecco glass. ‘Thank you.’
‘You’re a star, Mum. Thanks.’ Lily gave her mum a peck on the cheek.
Talking of Lily’s grandmother and the Christmas event reminded Cath of her visit to the home earlier in the week.
‘Oh, by the way, I went to see Reggie and the residents at the care home on Monday. Think I’d better warn you, they keep asking for another “do”.
They loved that Christmas party so much. ’
‘Ah, it was such a brilliant day, wasn’t it? The Big Christmas Bash,’ Nikki remembered fondly.
‘Crikey, I’m still reeling from it now.’ Andreas wiped his brow, dramatically. ‘I’ve never cooked so many roast potatoes in my life, and don’t even get me started on the oversized turkeys …’
‘Aw, but it was lovely, though. You and Cath did such a great job, heading up the kitchen,’ said Nikki. ‘Even my lads liked helping out.’
‘It was a great day, and everyone who went said how much they’d enjoyed it,’ added Will.
‘It was like feeding the five thousand,’ Andreas declared with a grin.
‘Well, if we do have a round two, perhaps we need to think of something a little lower key this time,’ added Dan sensibly. ‘We have a busy summer ahead as it is.’
There were nods of agreement from around the table.
Lily had her exams, Nikki her cleaning company work and hectic family life, Will his shop …
and now the beach hut to renovate. Should she really push forward with this?
wondered Cath. But then she remembered all those eager wizened faces in the day room, filled with the hope of something sociable to look forward to …
‘Well, it would be lovely to use the village hall again,’ mooted Cath, feeling the weight and the joy of their expectation, as she passed the pot of jam around, ready to top those fluffy soft scones.
‘We’ve done all the hard work with the renovations, so we may as well get the use out of it,’ said Andreas.
‘I’ve heard it’s doing well now, the hall,’ explained Will. ‘We’ll need to book a slot in early, if we intend doing something. The Brownies are using it regularly, and I believe there’s pilates and carpet bowls.’
‘Not to mention the “Pop in and Play” session for the mums and toddlers,’ added Dan, who’d chatted with several of the young mums in the shop.
‘Ah, that’s so cool. To think what we’ve started,’ said Lily with a smile, her hand hovering over a feta pastry.
With top-ups of tea served by Cath, fizz flutes refilled by Nikki, plates piled high with sandwiches, and scones dolloped with thick fresh cream and gloriously glossy sweet jam, the gang sat back in their chairs in the balmy sunshine, contemplating the idea of a new community task.
‘Hmm, I am pretty busy over the summer months,’ confessed Nikki, with an edge of reserve. ‘Just taken on an extra job with a holiday cottage too.’
‘And I’ve got my exams for weeks to come. Just saying …’ Lily added.
‘The shop’s full-on with tourists and locals at this time of the year.’
And Cath’s own online maths tutoring was finally getting established and building nicely, which, though very positive, meant she had less free time, especially during the coming exam weeks.
Her brow creased as she considered the matter.
Everyone seemed to have something on. Did their group really have the time or inclination to take on another community task?
She really didn’t want to let the old folk down by disappointing them. But without her trusty team …
‘Sorry, guys, let’s put it on hold as an idea. I realise it’s a lot to ask … especially so soon after the last big effort from you all.’ Cath felt that was sensible in the circumstances.
‘Oh, for goodness’ sake, what are we all fannying about for?
’ exclaimed Andreas. ‘We’re busy, yes, but who the hell isn’t these days?
Dear Mama loved coming out for a treat, and so did all the others from her home.
The oldies need us.’ His beloved mother, Maria, who’d spent many happy years at the Kirkton Care Home had sadly passed away just last year.
‘The care home residents were so happy that day at the Christmas party,’ added Lily.
‘And it brought everyone together, young and old,’ commented Will. ‘I’d be up to help,’ he offered, taking the lead.
Cath could have kissed him … hmm, perhaps she would later.
‘And of course, I’m in,’ said Andreas.
‘If he’s in, I’m in.’ Dan laughed. ‘I’d be in such trouble otherwise.’
Shirley gave a woof in support from under the table, too.
‘Okay, okay … go on then, twist my arm. Pour me another Prosecco, if you must.’ Nikki sounded unsure. Her life was already manic, yet she couldn’t help but feel a sense of duty and kinship with her friends.
‘Hah, that’s FOMO for you, Auntie Niks.’
‘Yeah, whatever. But I can’t let you lot down, can I?’ She raised a smile.
‘Honestly, Nikki, we can take on the lion’s share,’ added Cath understandingly, sensing her friend’s trepidation.
‘And I could help too, if we set the event date post exams,’ Lily said, through pastry-flake-dusted lips.
‘That would be good. So, July or August, then? Into the school summer holidays. That’d give us time to get organised and think of a fresh new event idea.
Nothing quite as complicated this time, I promise,’ said Cath, feeling relieved that these timings would work better for her tuition schedule, too.
Her thinking cap was on. She took a sip of tea, and nibbled on a cucumber sandwich. It had to be a sociable event, with great food, yet easy to organise. She had to concede that the Christmas lunch had rather taken over all their lives.
A bee buzzed by, and the leaves on the nearby silver birch tree rippled in the breeze. It was lovely here in the garden, munching away on these scrumptious homemade treats, chatting with friends, whilst sitting in the sun. A wonderful way to relax for the afternoon. Perfect, in fact.
‘That’s it … this is it!’ Cath scanned the table of delicious goodies before her with an inspired beam of a smile. ‘Afternoon tea to be served in our newly renovated Tilldale Village Hall.’
‘Well, it won’t be anywhere near as complicated as cooking a full Christmas roast with all the trimmings.
I must admit I was feeling a shudder of trepidation, and a sweat coming on when you first mentioned another event,’ Andreas confessed.
‘I loved doing that gig, don’t get me wrong, but boy, did it take some planning and cooking. ’
‘An afternoon tea sounds a brilliant idea,’ added Will.
‘Finger sandwiches, scones and cakes …’ Dan joined in.
‘Tea galore, served in the original Women’s Institute teapots and all those china cups we found in storage in the hall.’ Lily grinned. ‘And yes, I can bake!’
‘And we can make the hall look so summery and pretty. With flowers in bud vases, and crisp white tablecloths …’ Nikki added, picking up on the buzz.
‘Oh, and why don’t we dress up 1950s style? That was the tea dance era,’ Andreas took up. ‘All grace and glamour.’
‘Now you’re getting carried away,’ Dan chided, yet smiling. ‘And who said anything about dancing?’
‘But why not? You always say you love a theme, Dan. This is perfect. A tea dance.’
Lily’s face lit up. ‘I love that vintage 50s look, too. And the oldies can waltz.’
‘Or jive,’ added Nikki, getting into the swing of it. ‘Though that might prove hazardous considering most of them will be octogenarians.’ She gave a grin.