Page 58 of Snowfall Over Halesmere House
‘It’s not a mansion. And I can probably find you a corner with a mattress, I just need to run it by Max.’ Even saying his name made Ella feel happy. ‘Send me the dates. You’ll love it here. No skiing though.’
‘Doesn’t matter. I’ve had enough of snow and trying to teach people to stay upright all day. Let’s just chill and watch Netflix.’
‘In that order, right? Not the other one?’ She was laughing at Dylan’s merry grin.
‘Well…’
‘Forget it. You might be halfway to being gorgeous but you’re a much better friend than you are a boyfriend. I’ve got more sense than to fall in love with you.’
‘You’re pretty much the only woman who’s ever said that to me.’ He pulled a sad face, and she rolled her eyes. He always cheered her up and he always had her back. She’d miss him, heading back to Europe, but Copenhagen would be great for visits. ‘I’ll text you my flight when I’ve booked it.’
‘Dylan?’ Ella’s voice softened. ‘I’ve missed you. It’ll be so good to see you.’
‘I know. Me too.’
Ella’s alarm went off at six on Wednesday morning and she recognised the knot in her stomach as one of anticipation with a hint of anxiety. It was often like this before she cooked for a big event and today already felt different, especially after the evening with Max and the children. She went for a run early, lapping the tarn twice, before heading back to the house for a shower. Ashley was due at ten and Ella had orders to collect before then. Stan had got the largest of the Christmas trees they’d chosen into the hall and there was another smaller one in the drawing room. She had enough experience to know to also line up a small team of cleaners, who would restore the house to pristine glory once the guests had left.
She was filling the fridge when Ashley and her assistant arrived, and quickly outlined her plans. Every fire was to be lit and the colour palette was warm cinnamon and nutmeg with lots of winter foliage, and a huge copper wreath threaded with evergreens above the fireplace in the hall. Highlights would be jewel colours of scarlet and gold, and Marta’s candles in each room. A drinks station would be set up so guests could help themselves after champagne cocktails had been served. The photographer was due at five thirty and Pearl was capturing the preparations on her phone and uploading everything to social media, creating more engagement and interest.
One order was delayed, and Ashley was pouring a glass of water in the kitchen as Ella hit voicemail on speaker on her phone after missing a couple of calls. She was expecting an update, but it was Dylan’s voice she heard first.
‘Hey Ells, it’s me. Flight’s sorted, I’ll email you. I’m all yours for three days, Netflix and chill, remember. Save me some of your mum’s Christmas pudding or else. Just kidding, love ya.’
Ella played the other message and was relieved to hear her order was due any minute. Then the third-years from the catering college, Katie and Ethan, arrived and she welcomed them. Max soon followed and made everyone coffee while Ella ran them all through the menu. The evening would begin with damson gin Royales, the gin infused with locally grown fruit. She had chosen just two canapés: pear crisps topped with creamy blue cheese and toasted hazelnuts, and tiny toad-in-the-hole parcels filled with caramelised onion relish and cranberry sausages.
The starter would be locally caught brown shrimps served with spiced butter, or sheep’s milk cheese from Marta’s farm baked with sesame and honey, and Rowan’s sourdough bread, toasted. The main course was roasted pork rib with crispy crackling or truffle-roasted celeriac for the vegetarian choice, with seasonal brassicas, and fondant potatoes instead of roast.
It had taken Ella a long time to choose dessert, but she’d finally gone for individual rum custard tarts with gingerbread pastry. There was lots to do, and she set the students to making the pastry and preparing ingredients for the canapés. Her years of experience kicked straight back in, and she enjoyed hearing more about the careers they were planning.
Max had offered to source the drinks and he stuck his head through the kitchen door. ‘I’ve got the champagne. Want to see?’
‘Love to. Give me two minutes?’ Ella left Katie preparing the pork rib, then washed her hands and went to find him. He was in the hall, a large case at his feet.
‘What do you think?’ He held up a bottle and she recognised it as a classic and elegant blend she had enjoyed before.
‘Gorgeous, thank you. Perfect for the cocktails.’
‘We’d better get it chilled, it’s cool but not quite there yet.’ Max slid the bottle back into the case. ‘My parents-in-law sent it for us. They’re wine merchants and wanted to offer a gift for tonight.’
‘How lovely of them.’ Ella caught the quick press of his lips at the reminder of Victoria.
‘It is, very much their style. You’ll probably meet them over the holidays,’ he said casually. ‘We’re going to spend a few days with them and then they’re coming back up to take Lily and Arlo away for New Year’s Eve. We’ve postponed their longer holiday in the lodge until half-term as Arlo can’t do much with his arm in a cast.’
‘Ooh champagne, I’m looking forward to a glass when we’re done.’ Ashley emerged from the drawing room; her arms full of foliage. ‘Max, do you mind if I use your place to get ready later? I’ve brought everything with me, it seems pointless to go home again as the girls are staying with James.’
‘That’s fine, long as you don’t mind two small distractions getting under your feet.’ Max hoisted the case into his arms. ‘Ella, I’ll chill these at home, save taking up more space in the fridge here.’
‘Don’t be silly, you know I love your two chasing around.’ Ashley was still looking at Max as her assistant hovered with a box of gold baubles. ‘What time would you like me to be ready?’
‘Six thirty okay? We’ll be serving the cocktails then.’ He was on his way to the front door.
‘Perfect. I’m so looking forward to it, I think it’s going to be such a special evening. I haven’t booked a taxi yet, I thought I’d sort that out later.’
‘You sure?’ Max hooked a foot round the door to pull it wide. ‘I wouldn’t leave it too late, Ash, you might not get one. You don’t want to get stuck here.’
Ella returned to the kitchen and as the day moved on, she was thrilled with Katie and Ethan. They were coping beautifully under her supervision and everything was going exactly as she’d planned. The rum custard tarts were almost ready, just needing to rest. The pork rib would be seared before roasting in the oven, and the blue cheese dressing for the pear crisp canapés was ready to be piped into place and dusted with toasted hazelnuts and honey.
The photographer was due soon and Ella went to get changed, feeling the usual spike of adrenaline kicking in. She was used to being on the other side of events and making sure the food was perfect; not so much putting on a dress and hosting. She chose her go-to evening outfit, a black pencil dress with a ruched V-neck that she teamed with ankle boots. Make-up was her normal routine, and she applied lipstick in a flattering shade of blackberry for a little more drama, then checked her appearance in the mirror. Her hair was growing, the lilac highlights fading and a strange glimpse of her natural colour emerging.
