Page 43 of Boomerville at Ballymegille

Soon her dream would be a reality.

‘Blimey,’ Hattie nudged Jo, ‘there’s wagon loads of gear heading up the drive.’

They stared as dust swirled under the tyres of the laden vehicles and James directed the convoy across the gravel.

‘That will be the carousel, helter-skelter and coconut shy.’

‘A fairground.’ Hattie clapped her hands.

‘I think we’ve taken on too much,’ Jo said as they watched the massive wagons roll across the grass. ‘What if no one turns up?’

‘Don’t be so daft, half the county will be up for this event.’ Hattie was confident. ‘Live music, open-air bar and free entertainment, what’s not to like?’

‘Let’s hope so; I’ve overstretched the budget and we can’t afford to have a flop.’

‘You’ve got a great team and with the hotel full, everyone is bound to have a good time.’

‘Thank God there’s plenty of volunteers to help.’

‘Good old Finbar.’ Hattie smiled.

At Jo’s request for help, Finbar had swung into action and performed magic.

His cousin, a person high up on the local council, soon had the paperwork arranged for the event, including licenses, and Finbar’s friends in health and safety had sourced a volunteer team to man the grounds, directing the public and checking security. In return they would enjoy free food, music and a day out. His contacts on the committee of the local Round Table had confirmed that they would be able to arrange stalls, offering everything from tombola to home-made cakes, and all proceeds would go to local charities. The local Women’s Institute would be on hand to serve scones and tea.

Jo’s phone buzzed. She reached into a pocket and stared at a text.

‘You’re not still mooning over Casanova back in Cumbria, are you?’ Hattie asked.

‘No, it’s the balloon company confirming a time to decorate the marquees.’ Jo tapped a reply. ‘I’m too busy to think about Pete.’

‘Well, you can bet your life he won’t be thinking about you and it’s no good sitting here, worrying yourself stupid about the opening.’ Hattie stood up.

‘I can’t help but worry.’

‘Well, I’m having none of it, so get off your arse.’ Hattie tugged Jo to her feet and frog-marched her towards the manor. ‘You can sleep for a week when this is all over, but for now you have to make it a success.’

Hattie’s enthusiasm was working.

‘You’re absolutely right, as always.’ Jo relaxed her shoulders. ‘It’s all in the preparation and wearewell on the way.’

‘That’s my girl.’ Hattie nodded. ‘By the way, the florist is here and is working in the lounge; do you want flowers in the bedrooms too?’

‘Yes, absolutely. I’ll attend to it.’

‘Good, and can we go through the final restaurant checks while the staff are setting things up.’

‘Let’s do it now.’

They’d reached the front door.

‘When’s Melissa arriving?’ Jo asked.

‘Tomorrow, she’s all packed, I spoke to her earlier.’ Hattie began to study her fingernails.

‘Have you asked Finbar to meet her flight?’

‘Leave it all to me.’

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