Page 38 of Snowfall Over Halesmere House
‘Yes?’ She was still clutching her arms over her chest.
‘Max is here for you,chérie, our time is gone. Are you dressed?’
Did Noelle really have to raise her voice quite so much, Ella thought crossly, she was only ten feet away. ‘Yes, just coming.’
She strolled out from behind the screen, wearing a confident smile and fifty per cent of her underwear. She’d make an excuse to race back to the house and find another bra, this minute. Right now. Eyes firmly fixed on Max’s impassive face, she opened her mouth, but he was quicker.
‘We’d better run, the builders are about to disappear to collect something they need first thing in the morning. There are some decisions to make about the studio below the flat and I’d like your advice. Good to go?’
Would he mind if she said no? Ah well, grin and hopefully not bare it, she thought wildly. ‘Sure.’
Noelle bid them a distracted goodbye, already returning to her sketches as they left the studio. The two builders and their apprentice were waiting as Ella crossed the cobbles with Max. He introduced her and explained the builders had been on site for months, working on the renovations on the house after they’d extended his cottage before they moved on to the studios.
She hadn’t seen inside the old dairy below the flat before now. It was empty, covered in cobwebs, with stone walls that must once have been white but which were now a faded, muddy grey. Just one window at the back let in what bit of light it could and a view of an orchard. The room was a decent size, though, and she knew it would be useful for something once repainted.
‘What do you think?’ Max ducked his head to get through the door. ‘What would you do with it?’
‘It might depend on your long-term plans for the flat.’ He wasn’t any closer than he had been last night and still she felt his proximity like a touch on her skin. ‘But I’m guessing you don’t have any plans yet?’
‘No but I’m open to your suggestions.’
‘What do you think about having an artist in residence?’
His eyes narrowed as he offered her a wry grin. ‘I’ve already got one of those, thanks very much. And she’s quite enough trouble to be going on with.’
‘I wasn’t thinking of your mother.’ Ella was conscious of the builders hovering outside, waiting to get on with their work. ‘What about offering the dairy and the flat as a working and living space for someone in the arts? Maybe a writer, photographer or a musician?’ She threw that last one in on purpose. ‘You decide together how long they stay, maybe as part of a collaboration with other Cumbrian arts organisations, or something further afield. Perhaps it could be for young creatives just starting out and needing a base while they build their reputations and a body of work.’
A glance at the four men and Ella knew she’d got at least Max considering it. The other three looked decidedly more doubtful and one, scratching his bald head, she could practically see wondering what artists and residencies had to do with their work on site. He perked up, though, when she mentioned the flat, back on familiar ground.
‘So, the flat could be designed for more than just very temporary living,’ she went on. ‘Functional, absolutely, but don’t skimp on things like the kitchen worktops if it’s going to be someone’s home for weeks or months. The best appliances the budget can afford, with a proper freezer, not just a shelf in the fridge. Obviously, an excellent coffee machine.’
‘Obviously.’ Max smiled and it was easy for Ella to return it. ‘Anything else?’
‘Much better storage.’ She was thinking about her two nights up there. ‘There’s room to build a wardrobe under the eaves. If it’s going to be more than a holiday rental then it would be good to make it a home from home, a place to be inspired.’
She was rushing ahead, catching sight of Pete the Plasterer. He was probably adding another zero to the budget, judging by the way a hand moved from his head to rub his chin thoughtfully.
‘What do you think?’ Max was addressing Pete. ‘When could you have it ready?’
Pete sucked in a breath, adding a shrug for good measure. ‘Hard to say,’ he eventually replied. ‘I’d need my lad to take a look upstairs for that wardrobe and he’s tied up on another job.’
‘Stan could do it.’ Ella hoped Pete wouldn’t mind her side-lining his lad before he’d even assessed the work required. ‘When he’s made the barn doors and new window, of course.’
‘Do you think the barn will be ready in time for the open day?’
‘Can I let you know after we’ve been to the pub?’ Ella told Max and saw Pete grin.
‘Is that the team meeting I’ve heard about?’ he asked.
‘Stan mentioned it, did he?’ Ella was glad Stan had spread her idea around; it had saved her a job.
‘Aye. Said the more the merrier.’
‘What team meeting?’ Max was perplexed and she resisted the urge to laugh. He looked exactly like Arlo, the way his lips had pursed into a line and a frown creased his brow.
‘I’ve suggested we get together in the pub to chat through our plans up to Christmas and how best to arrange the work that needs doing.’
‘And when were you going to invite me to this team meeting?’
