Page 14 of Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall

‘Looks like the coffee van is open for business,’ said Mike, who had the unit next to Katy’s. ‘I might do a drinks run before the rush.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘Who wants one?’

There was a collective show of hands and Tom offered to go with Mike to help with the order, which included a few requests for bacon and sausage butties as well. There was a buzz of excitement and anticipation wafting around the old oak beams of the stables as the traders put the finishing touches to their displays.

‘Hey, Sophie, I think these are for you. I hope that’s right.’ A little while later, the guys were back, with a tray of drinks. Tom handed her a cappuccino and a bacon roll in a paper bag, the enticing aromas wafting in the air.

Sophie peered inside, her face lighting up.

‘Perfect. Thank you. How are you?’ she asked, looking up into his eyes, surprised by her own strong reaction to seeing Tom.

‘Yeah, great. It’s good to see you again,’ he said, matching her own thoughts. ‘How have you been?’

‘Busy, as hopefully you can see.’ She laughed, indicating the jewellery stands behind her, which displayed the new pieces she’d been working on.

‘It’s looking great,’ he said, nodding, and she couldn’t help noticing the genuine tone to his voice.

It was one of the things she really appreciated about being a part of the community at the stables. Everyone was so supportive of each other, showing a real interest in the breadth and artistic talent of their peers. It was reassuring to be able to swap stories and ideas, or even to just have a grumble at the frustrations of working alone, creatively, on a tricky item, and then knowing the satisfaction of overcoming those obstacles to complete whatever they were working on; a piece of jewellery, a print, or wooden bowl. Sophie felt as though she was among friends who understood her.

‘Let me run an idea past you,’ said Tom. ‘A couple of the others have been asked by visitors how they got started, and the processes behind making the products. I was talking to Josh about running some workshops where people can have a go themselves at the different skills used here. We’re fortunate that we have all this expertise and talent, it seems a shame not to share it with others who might be interested.’

‘Sure. Although I’m not sure if I’d be qualified to teach anyone,’ Sophie said. ‘Everything I’ve learned has been through books and YouTube videos. I don’t know all the correct terminology or the right way of doing things. I’ve just muddled my way through.’

‘Well, that’s exactly what I think might be interesting to visitors. I’m not suggesting these sessions will be a masterclassin silversmithing, or wood turning, or drawing, but more a chance for visitors and customers to see how the products are brought to life from their original designs. We would probably need to sit down as a team and think about the best way of presenting any sessions. It might be that we do it on the Sundays and use the barn to run hourly or two-hourly periods so that people can then have a wander around the units afterwards, hopefully in the mood for shopping.’

‘Sounds great.’ Sophie liked Tom’s enthusiasm and vision. It was something he shared with his brother and it was definitely a quality she found attractive. If left to her own devices, she would probably not put herself forward for anything like that, but Tom made everything sound possible and, more importantly, enjoyable. Besides, she was all about stepping out of her comfort zone these days.

‘I’ll run it past Pia, see what she thinks and then we can set the wheels in motion. Ah, talk of the devil. Her ears must have been burning.’ Sophie followed Tom’s gaze out of the window and she saw Pia coming across, holding a folder on top of her head to provide some shelter from the driving rain.

‘Yuk, it’s dreadful out there.’ Pia shook herself down, littering raindrops around her. ‘How is everyone?’ she said with a big smile. ‘I thought I’d pop over with these posters for the classic car show. I’ll stick up a couple on the beams, but there are also some flyers here that I’ll leave on the table for anyone who’s interested. So just a reminder that if you get the opportunity to mention it then please do.’

‘It should be a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to it,’ said Sophie.

‘Well, it will mean that you get a whole raft of visitors so it should be good for spreading the word and hopefully finding some new customers. Make sure you all have your business cards at the ready,’ Pia said, grinning.

‘And we can arrange it so that we cover each other’s units so that we all get the chance to have a look around the show,’ said Tom. ‘Do you have a moment?’ he asked, turning towards Pia. ‘There was something I wanted to chat to you about.’

Sophie gave some last-minute tweaks to her display. Not that she needed to, just that it calmed her nerves to rearrange her items, until she gave herself a stern talking to and stepped away, resolving not to touch them again. She picked up one of Pia’s flyers instead, while she had one ear on Tom and Pia’s conversation as they spoke about the possible workshops. Judging by Pia’s warm and enthusiastic reception, it looked as though she thought it was a great idea too.

‘Hang on a minute!’ Pia’s attention was taken by the beeping of her phone and she snatched it out of her jeans pocket. ‘Oh, my God!’ Her hand flew to her head. ‘I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to go. Great idea, though, Tom. Go ahead and make it happen,’ she said, entirely distracted now, as she tapped something into her phone.

‘Is everything okay?’ Tom ventured.

‘Oh, yes, it’s just that my goddaughter is on her way. I have to go.’

‘Yep, you go. No problem,’ said Tom. ‘Where’s she coming from?’

Pia, with one foot already out of the door, turned round, a big smile on her face.

‘Abbey! My friend. She’s in labour, at the hospital, and she wants me there. It’s so exciting. She’s going to have a baby!’ she added, in case anyone might be in any doubt as to what she actually meant. ‘Wish us luck!’

‘Is she?’ squealed Katy from the other end of the stable building. She was a good friend of Abbey’s too and the news had her dashing along the walkway.

‘Yes, tell your mum, won’t you?’ Pia said with a big grin. ‘And I’ll let you know as soon as there’s any news.’

‘Good luck! All the best to your friend!’ A chorus of greetings rang out from the traders as Pia dashed out the door and ran across to the hall, totally unconcerned this time by the pounding rain.

13

After stumbling through the back door to the hall in her haste, telling Ivy, the housekeeper, what was happening, and firing off a quick text to Jackson, who was out on his bike again, Pia jumped in her car and started on the journey to the hospital, a fifteen-minute journey away. She deliberately drove slowly and carefully, aware that her mind was a kaleidoscope of butterflies as her emotions ran riot around her body.

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