Chapter 2
2
IVY
Ivy pulled her car to a stop and squinted at the trail of red tail lights ahead of her. The journey had taken over two hours so far, due to various weather-related delays, and it was clear her electric Mini had found the journey taxing because the battery was almost flat. But if the satnav was correct, she’d be at her destination soon.
‘Finally!’ She let out a long sigh of relief as she spotted the pretty red and green sign directing her to Christmas Resort.
She followed the arrow and took the next right, joining a long wide driveway lined with trees decorated with various baubles, pom-poms and multicoloured fairy lights. The main track had been cleared of snow and Ivy spotted more lights in the far distance scattered across the roof of a large wooden building where she hoped she’d find the resort’s reception area and then Ross. She momentarily paused the car halfway up the driveway so she could admire the scatter of quaint wooden cabins positioned between the trees. Then, on impulse, she wound down the window of her Mini and took in a deep breath, immediately picking up the earthy fragrance of the blue spruces and smiling before she realised what she was doing.
She frowned, grumbling at herself as she pressed a foot to the accelerator and shot forwards. Stop wasting time and focus on why you’re here. Find Ross Ballentine and your new career awaits.
As soon as Ivy parked in front of the building, the front door swung open and ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ began to play loudly outside. Then a curvaceous woman dressed in a red velvet Santa suit skipped across the festive decking and down the steps.
‘Greetings,’ the woman boomed as Ivy opened the driver’s door. ‘I’m Bonnibell Baker. My husband Connell and I are part-owners of Christmas Resort. I think we spoke on the phone yesterday evening. Are you Ivy Heart?’
‘Yes, I’m so sorry I’m late. The traffic was a lot heavier than I expected,’ Ivy explained as she got out, almost slipping on the icy pathway in her shiny red boots. They were a mistake, but when she’d dressed this morning, she’d been thinking more about impressing Ross Ballentine than practical footwear. Besides, since working for Miriam, she’d been fancying up her wardrobe, swopping old favourites for more glamorous clothes in the hope it might persuade her boss that she’d be perfect for the Trainee Financial Trader Programme. But as she was hit by a sudden gust of cold air, goosebumps erupted across her skin and Ivy pulled her new silky green coat tighter around her chest.
‘Why don’t you come inside, hen?’ Bonnibell suggested, linking her arm through Ivy’s and leading her up the wide wooden steps onto decking that had been decorated with every imaginable size and shape of Christmas decoration. ‘We haven’t got any guests staying at the moment, but I’ve made some hot chocolate and a fresh batch of mince pies, so you can rest and refresh in the kitchen after your drive.’
‘Is Ross here already?’ Ivy asked hopefully.
Bonnibell’s forehead pinched and for the first time since they’d met her smile dimmed. ‘He was supposed to join us half an hour ago. We told him exactly when you were due. I’m afraid he didn’t turn up so Connell’s gone to see if he can find him. Don’t fret, I’m sure they won’t be long.’ She smiled reassuringly as she guided Ivy into a large hallway swathed in fresh garlands of holly and mistletoe interspersed with multicoloured lights that twinkled through the greenery.
‘This is beautiful, you’ve really brought the outdoors inside,’ Ivy murmured, taking in a deep restorative breath as she took in the scene. ‘You’ve done an amazing job of keeping those berries looking so plump, that couldn’t have been easy.’ She moved closer to the display and stroked an absent hand over the fruit and leaves, revelling in the different textures.
‘Ach, that’s Connell again. He rotates it and waters everything regularly to keep it fresh,’ Bonnibell explained, beaming. ‘How lovely of you to notice, lass.’
Ivy shrugged, annoyed that she’d let herself get off track. ‘I read that you offer the full Christmas experience from January to December here, is that correct?’
‘Aye. Book a break and you can have your Christmas anytime of the year.’
Ivy smiled. ‘Sounds wonderful.’
‘That’s the idea! Our guests stay in festive cabins with all the greenery and sparkles that we can find.’ At Ivy’s nod she continued. ‘During their break they can help to dress the tree, build snowmen, dance, sing carols, take sleigh rides and bake mince pies.’ Her pink cheeks glowed. ‘Our visitors can do all the traditional things together that they might not normally have the opportunity to do because the festive period is always so busy.’
Ivy felt a pang in her chest as she tried to recall the last time that she’d had a family Christmas or done any of the things Bonnibell had just mentioned, but couldn’t. Hopefully next year she’d be enjoying the fruits of her new career, perhaps if she was lucky, she’d be working too?
Bonnibell swept an arm towards two huge Christmas trees that stood on either side of a staircase situated at the far end of the space before grabbing Ivy’s elbow again and sweeping them both straight past. ‘The kitchen is just through here,’ she explained, leading Ivy into a big room which probably took up most of the back of the lodge.
It had high ceilings which had been decorated with sumptuous garlands of poinsettia leaves, shimmering lights and tinsel. Ivy had to control her awe. There was barely a surface that wasn’t twinkling or sparkling, and it was obvious no expense had been spared. The kitchen cabinets that lined the walls were a charming forest-green colour and there was a large stainless-steel counter in the centre of the room, which Ivy guessed would provide plenty of space for food preparation. Novelty cutting boards in the shape of snowmen and matching place mats had been strewn across every available flat surface, adding splashes of colour and yet more festive fun.
Bonnibell grabbed a couple of Santa-shaped mugs from one of the green cupboards and poured them both hot chocolate, layering the drinks with marshmallows and sprinkles. Then she indicated to Ivy that she should sit on one of the wooden barstools closest to the counter. She gave Ivy her drink before offering her a plate piled high with mince pies.
‘Do you think your husband will track Mr Ballentine down soon?’ Ivy asked, picking up a mince pie and biting into it – humming because it was so delicious.
‘I couldn’t say, hen. Ross has a habit of disappearing,’ Bonnibell confided as she sipped from her steaming mug. ‘He loves the outdoors and often loses track of time. He doesn’t carry a mobile phone so it’s not always easy to contact him.’
Ivy recalled what Miriam had said about her grandson. ‘Isn’t that a problem?’ she asked.
Bonnibell shook her head. ‘He has a walkie-talkie in his cabin for emergencies. Connell spoke to him after our call yesterday evening and he said he’d come to the lodge to meet you today. When he didn’t show up my husband decided to go looking for him. I’m sure he’s just lost track of time.’ The crease in the older woman’s forehead suggested she wasn’t so sure.
‘Couldn’t I visit him in his cabin?’ Ivy asked, glancing out the window. Snow was falling again, and she didn’t fancy her chances of getting back to Hawthorn Castle tonight if she didn’t speak to the man soon. She needed time to explain what had happened with Simon and to thrash out arrangements for him coming back. It was bound to take a couple of hours.
‘Ach, lass, his house is out in the wilderness and the chances are he won’t be there. The lad goes on walkabouts with his pets more often than not and he’s really fond of camping too, even in temperatures like these. He regularly runs trips for our guests in this weather.’ She shuddered. ‘He can be elusive when he wants to be, which is most of the time.’ She screwed up her nose.
Ivy nodded. Perhaps Ross’s reluctance to stay in touch with his family was more about his desire to keep himself to himself than anything else. ‘In that case, I should probably find a place to charge my car, and if your husband doesn’t find Mr Ballentine soon, I might need to organise some overnight accommodation.’ Her mouth twisted. ‘I should have booked something before I came.’ Miriam had hinted that she might need to and Ivy should have listened. Ivy’s stomach tightened. ‘Are there any hotels in Christmas Village you can recommend?’
Bonnibell pulled a face. ‘No lass. A hotel’s being built just outside of the village centre, but it won’t be ready for some time. We’re the closest lodgings for at least forty miles.’
‘Can I stay here then?’ Ivy asked, suddenly worried. ‘I know you’re closed but you said you didn’t have any guests at the moment – do you have an available cabin or room?’
‘The resort is empty at the moment because this is what we call our fallow period,’ Bonnibell explained. ‘We usually shut for half a week of every month. It gives us time to restock, repair and sometimes the staff have a day off. None of the cabins are meant to be occupied yet, unless you count the staff or people here on resort business.’ She frowned.
‘I see,’ Ivy said. ‘I don’t want to bother anyone. I suppose I could sleep in my car…’
The comment was meant for herself, but Bonnibell’s eyes widened.
‘You can’t.’ She glanced out the window again, looking horrified. ‘It’s far too cold,you might get hypothermia.’ The older woman shut her eyes and her mouth moved as if she were calculating a tricky sum. ‘I could offer you Snowman Chalet. It’s one of our new buildings and we’ve got no one coming to stay there for a week. It’s yours if you don’t mind staying out alone in the woods?’
‘Not at all,’ Ivy said, swallowing. ‘If that’s definitely okay, I’d love to stay there. It should only be for one night.’
Bonnibell smiled. ‘In that case it’s yours, hen. In the meantime, Connell will take your car to our charging unit so it’ll be ready for when you leave.’ She nodded, looking more relaxed. ‘It’ll be better if you stay at the resort. It’ll give us more time to locate Ross and you’ll be warm and safe until we do.’ Bonnibell opened a drawer and gathered up a handful of leaflets. ‘If you want something to occupy you until we find him, there are plenty of ideas in these.’
‘Thank you,’ Ivy said, taking them and nodding enthusiastically. ‘That’s so good of you – I won’t be any trouble.’ She knew she couldn’t go back to the castle until she’d spoken to Ross. She could only imagine Miriam’s reaction if she arrived without securing his imminent return, and she had to impress the older woman. Her whole future was hanging in the balance.
‘That’s grand.’ Bonnibell’s eyes sparked. ‘We’re hosting a staff meal this evening in the main dining room. You’re welcome to join us if you like.’
Ivy knotted her hands in her lap. ‘Will Ross be there?’ she asked hopefully.
Bonnibell pulled a sad face. ‘As I said, the lad’s not keen on socialising. Connell was going to invite him, but I doubt he’ll come. You’re far more likely to find Ross camping or tracking in the wilderness than you are at a get-together indoors.’
‘Then I’ll pass on the meal, but thank you for offering,’ Ivy said, earning herself an indulgent smile. ‘I’ve got snacks in my car; they’ll keep me going tonight.’
‘Ach, our housekeeper will deliver a hot meal to your cabin later. Guests never go hungry at the resort, it’s a matter of principle. If you give me a moment, I’ll arrange for someone to help with your luggage and show you where you’ll be staying.’
‘Thank you, although I don’t have much stuff with me,’ Ivy said, thinking of the small bag she’d packed this morning. She always took spare clothes when she went out in the Mini in the cold just in case the battery didn’t last, but hadn’t expected to stay over, so had only brought a few essentials. ‘What will happen when your husband finds Ross?’ she asked.
Bonnibell shrugged. ‘You’ll be the first person I call. In the meantime, try to relax and enjoy your visit. I’m sure whatever you need to speak to him about can wait until tomorrow.’ She glanced out of the window at the falling snow. ‘Hopefully the weather will have improved by then too.’
Ivy nodded as Bonnibell rose and began to fuss around the Aga. She took in the festive surroundings, wondering how long it might take Connell to track down Ross – and how easy it would be to convince him to speak to Miriam once he had.