***
I wasn’t looking forward to breaking the news about the seating arrangements to my mother and father. When I’d told them that I was going to marry Jack, they’d both been super-excited, and adamant that they wanted to attend the ceremony and reception. Jack was right, though, there was no way that we could have what appeared to be an empty table next to the top table.
I decided to tackle my mother first. Once I’d explained the situation to her and Alberto, I’d mosey on down the road to talk to my father and Blodwyn.
At least, that had been the plan.
At first, I thought there was no one home at my mother’s. I’d knocked a couple of times without response, but then I heard voices coming from around the back of the house.
Seated around a large table on the patio were my mother, father, Alberto and Blodwyn. They seemed to be having a whale of a time and didn’t even notice my arrival.
“Hi, guys.”
“Jill.” My mother came over and gave me a hug. “What a pleasant surprise.”
“I didn’t expect to find you all together.”
“We’re having a barbecue. Or at least we will be later. We’re just working our way through this bottle of wine first. Come and join us.”
“Thanks. Hi, everyone.”
My father gave me a hug, and then pulled up a chair for me.
“It’s nice to see you’re all getting along so well.” I took a sip of the wine. “This is amazing. What is it?”
“Chateau Spook. Nineteen-fifty-seven.” My father held up the bottle.
“How are your nerves, Jill?” Blodwyn asked. “It’s not long now.”
“Okay. I’m too busy to be nervous.”
“We can’t wait for the big day, can we, Blod?” my mother said. “We went shopping for our dresses last week. Would you like to see mine?”
“Not just now. It can be a surprise on the day.”
“How’s Jack doing?” Alberto asked.
“He’s fine.”
“Leaving you to see to all of the arrangements, I bet,” my mother said.
“Actually, it’s the wedding arrangements I need to talk to you about.”
“There isn’t a problem, is there?” My father looked concerned.
“Not a problem, exactly. It’s just that we’ve run into a couple of minor hiccups regarding the seating.”
“The seating plan is always the biggest headache.” My mother finished the last of her wine. “Do you remember what a nightmare ours was, Alberto?”
He nodded.
“You know that we want you all to be there—at the ceremony and reception, but—err—well, it’s just that you’re going to have to sit at the back.”
“At the back?” My mother looked horrified. “But we’re the bride’s parents.”
“I know that, and under normal circumstances, you’d be right there at the front.”
“What do you mean: normal circumstances?”
“If you weren’t—how shall I put this? Dead.”
“We may be dead, but I’ll have you know I’m as fit as anyone who’ll be at that wedding. I’ve started going to the gym, haven’t I, Alberto?”
“You have, dear. Twice a week.”
“That may be, but it doesn’t alter the fact that you’re—err—ghosts.”
“What difference does that make?”
“Think about it. If you sit on the front row at the ceremony, I’ll be the only person who can see you.”
“You’re the only one that matters.”
“That’s not the point. Everyone else will think those seats are empty. You’ll end up with someone sitting on your lap.”
“She has a point, Darlene,” Alberto said.
“And at the reception, we can’t have what appears to be an empty table at the front of the room. It was difficult enough for Jack to explain to the wedding planner why we need an extra table at all. You’re going to have to sit at the back of the room, I’m afraid.”
My mother frowned but said, “You’re right. I’d like to be closer to you, but as long as I’m there, I don’t mind.”
“Don’t worry about it, Jill,” my father said. “We’re going to love every minute of your big day, no matter where we have to sit.”
“Thanks for understanding. That’s a great weight off my mind.”
Chapter 9
I’d arranged to talk to the CASS house captains about the missing trophy. First though, I called in at Cuppy C where Mindy and Amber were behind the counter. There weren’t many customers in the tea room, but there were two workmen who were busy installing the new self-order machines.
“Morning, you two. I didn’t realise they’d be installing your new machines this soon.”
“It’s exciting, isn’t it?” Amber gushed. “We weren’t supposed to get them until next month, but they had a last-minute cancellation.”
“When will they be operational?”
“I’m hoping they’ll be working later today, before I leave.”
“Coffee, Jill?” Mindy said.
“No, thanks. I can’t stay. I just called in to check if Amber was still on for the hen night.”
“Just try stopping me. Alan’s looking forward to having Lil all to himself for a change.”
“What about Pearl? Is she coming?”
“Definitely. We’ve both bought new outfits, especially.”
“You’re welcome to come too, Mindy,” I said.
“Thanks. It’s kind of you to ask, but I promised to visit my parents on Saturday evening. And besides, I’m not sure I could keep pace with you three.”
Amber came out from behind the counter. “Before you go, Jill, come and take a quick look at the self-order machines.”
“They aren’t wired up to the terminal yet, missus,” one of the workmen said, as we approached.
“I know,” Amber said. “I just want to show Jill what they look like.”
“They’re exactly like the ones in Burger Bay in Washbridge.” I nodded my approval. “In fact, if I remember correctly, they’ve just had some new ones installed.”
“Just look at the display.” Amber pointed.
The on-screen menu showed small images of drinks and all manner of cakes.
“When they’re working, you’ll be able to order a blueberry muffin at the press of a button.”
“I’ve actually given up blueberry muffins.”
“Of course you have.” She laughed.
“I have to admit that these machines are impressive.”
“Didn’t we tell you that this was our best idea yet?”
“You did, but then you’ve said that before. Have you forgotten the chocolate fountain and the conveyor belt? Not to mention the drive-thru and the—”
“Your problem, Jill, is you’re too stuck in your ways.”
“Rubbish.”
“When was the last time you did anything innovative in your business?”
“Just last week, as it happens.”
“Oh? And what was that?”
“I don’t want to bore you with the details.”
“Go on. I’m interested.”
“I replaced my manual pencil sharpener with an electric one.”
She dissolved into laughter.
“I’ll have you know that it’s dual-speed, and height adjustable.”
For some reason, that just made her laugh even more.
Eventually, she recovered enough to carry on. “When are you coming over to see Lil again?”
“When would be convenient?”
“I’m going over to Pearl’s place on Monday morning. Why don’t you come then?”
“I will, thanks.”
“Just one thing, Jill. Please don’t mention how much prettier my Lil is than Amber’s Lil. I wouldn’t want to upset her.”
“They’re both gorgeous.”
“I realise you have to say that, but a blind man could see my Lil is so much prettier.”
“What time shall I come on Monday?”
“Pearl is coming over at ten.”
“Okay. I’ll be there just after ten.”
“Hopefully, Pearl’s Lil will behave this week. She must be a nightmare for Mum to look after. Not like my Lil—she’s as good as gold—you never hear a peep out of her.”
***
When I walked into the Nomad girls’ dormitory, the four house captains: Toyah Harlow (Nomad), Lee Bartake (Longstaff), Belinda Postit (Wrongacre) and Gordon Reed (Capstan) were all seated at a table. Lee and Gordon both looked a little uncomfortable—perhaps it was their first time in the girls’ dorm. At the head of the table was Mr Bluegrass, the deputy head.
“Thank you for coming, Jill.” He gestured to the vacant seat at the far end of the table.