Page 9 of All We Want for Christmas
He smiled. ‘Thanks, and I hope I do too. I’ve a feeling I’m going to need it.’
CHAPTER SIX
Lara had to admit the banqueting hall looked incredibly festive. The fire blazed in the hearth and flickering candles were reflected in the coppery vases of holly and ivy. There were about sixty people in the room sipping wine, eating, and speaking loudly to make themselves heard. Catering staff, hired for the evening by Jazz, glided around, refilling glasses and offering canapés. The Christmas tree was lit with a thousand twinkling lights. No one could fail to be impressed by the venue.
Lara already had a dry throat from greeting people when she popped to the bathroom. On the way, she bumped into Jazz, who was talking to the head chef in a corner of the entrance hall under the staircase.
When the chef left, she took her chance to speak to Jazz. ‘Hello! These canapés are so moreish. I’ve had about eight already. You’ve all surpassed yourselves tonight!’
‘Phew. Good.’ Jazz’s smile was wide with relief and delight. ‘I trialled a few before settling on those. Hopefully there’s something to suit everyone. You have to think of so many different dietary requirements these days. I can’t wait to go on holiday in the New Year.’
‘I don’t blame you. I’d like to be in Grenada now myself.’
‘My grandparents can’t wait to see me and the kids and we can’t wait to see them,’ Jazz said. ‘But, wait, aren’t you going to see your sister in Australia?’
‘I’d like to … Mum and Dad are heading out just before Christmas and I said I’d join them.’
‘So, you’ve booked the flights?’
‘Not yet. I keep meaning to but I’ve been so busy.’
Jazz groaned. ‘What are you like? Do it tonight. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay through the nose.’
‘I will …’ Lara said, with a mix of guilt and regret.
‘Look, let’s try to find a time to go get a coffee in town. I need a break.’
‘I’d love to.’
‘Oh, and have you seen that new guy who’s moved into the Groom’s Cottage? I saw him earlier getting off a flipping Harley, for God’s sake. Phew. He’s hot, but don’t tell my Luke I said that.’
‘I – er – is that a new trouser suit? The colour really suits you,’ Lara said, trying to change the subject and hoping Jazz hadn’t noticed how red she’d gone.
‘You like?’ Jazz asked, smoothing the dark green matching trousers. ‘I felt I ought to live up to the corporate image with so many events coming up. And it’s festive.’
‘It looks fabulous. And I like your hair like that.’ Jazz was wearing her hair in a high bun with curly bangs.
‘Good, because it took me ages! Now, Ihaveto go. More vegan canapés are required and apparently two of the catering staff are having a domestic in the kitchen and the chefwants me to read them the Riot Act because he’s too busy. Speak tomorrow.’
When Lara returned to the banqueting hall, Fiona dinged on a glass and called for everyone’s attention. ‘Thank you, thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Don’t worry, I’m not going to drone on, as Henry would describe it.’ She gave him an indulgent glance before continuing. ‘However, I must say a few words of welcome and thank you all for coming to Ravendale. I hope you enjoy a taste of the hospitality we can offer and hope you will see tonight as the first of many visits for you and your guests and clients.’
There were murmurs of appreciation from the guests.
‘Now, many of you know that Ravendale is associated with many ancient tales and legends. We rather trade on them.’
Polite laughter followed Fiona’s gentle joke.
‘The most famous of these legends is our Lucky Chalice, which for those who don’t know, was gifted to us by King Henry, who took shelter here one Christmas. He told the earl that Ravendale would never fall while it was intact.’
Lara broke out in goosebumps. It hurt to keep her smile in place.
‘We are blessed with an incredible team of staff here at Ravendale, including our food and beverage manager, Jazz, who oversaw the delicious canapés and wine you’re all enjoying. However, I’d just like to say a huge thank you to two more special people. One is our wonderful events manager, Lara Mayhew, who has transformed the eventsprogramme at the castle in the year since she joined us.’ Fiona went on, oblivious to Lara squirming with embarrassment. ‘Her energy, expertise and determination are having a significant impact on our revenue and, believe me, without an income stream, this castle really would fall. She is the ultimate professional.’
Everyone strained their eyes in an attempt to pick out Lara as Fiona mimed applause in her direction. Even though she forced a smile and tried to shrink modestly away, she was burning under the fire of praise she didn’t feel she deserved. The moment the chalice had slipped through her fingers came back to her, making her feel light-headed.
Fortunately, Fiona had moved on to someone else.
‘The second person I want to single out is my husband, Henry. He’s been at my side for over forty years now and is my rock, although I did have to prise him out of his armchair like an oyster from his shell this evening.’
