Page 40 of A French Country Escape
‘The drinks come this morning,’ Stella said. ‘Could you tell me if I order enough? I have time to order more.’
‘They arrived just now. Think you’ve got more than enough,’ Penny said. ‘In fact, I think you’ve probably gone over the top and I sincerely hope you’ve got it on sale or return.’
‘It will keep. We plan to move house soon, so we save it for the house-warming. Everything is ready at the château and the orangery?’
‘Everything is under control, but I’m glad you rang. I wanted to check that none of your guests are vegetarian or vegan, because the menu you’ve chosen caters for neither. And do any of them have allergies? Do you want me to have some meatless and plant-based dishes in reserve?’
Stella gave a burst of laughter. ‘Non. All my guests are French. Not many French people understand the concept of “do not eat meat”. They cannot imagine why people would do that.’
‘So long as you’re sure,’ Penny said, mentally deciding to buy some tofu and chickpeas just in case, and to use recipes without nuts for the desserts she intended to make.
Sasha put her paintbrush down with a thankful sigh. The middletrompe l’œilwas finished and there were still almost two days to go before the wedding. Stepping back, she regarded her artwork critically before taking a photo of the completedtrompe l’œilwall for her website. And then she took a separate photo of the middle one. She was thrilled with the way the whole thing hadturned out, but the middletrompe l’œillooked to be as special as she had hoped.
A quick glance at her watch told her she had time to get home, grab the dogs and walk into the village, and buy a bottle of crémant and a large frozen pizza for supper before the shop closed. She quickly sent Penny a message.
Fancy pizza and wine this evening at the cottage? I’m celebrating. About eight o’clock? If you’re too busy I understand.
The reply came back almost instantly.
Might be a bit late but yes. See you then.
29
Once back from the village with the wine in the fridge and the large pizza ready to go in the oven, a green salad quickly made, Sasha played with Mimi and Mitzi before jumping under her new power shower and revelling once again in the force of the water.
Freddie appeared in his garden as Sasha was tidying up the terrace and putting some cushions on two of the chairs. ‘Penny’s coming round later. Are you home for the evening?’
‘No, I’m off to see Maddie and Jade. I can’t believe that I’ve finally met someone who’s becoming more special to me every time I see her.’
‘Jade still keen to come and see the pups?’
Freddie nodded. ‘Yes.’
‘How about one day next week? After-school tea?’
‘Thanks, sis. I’ll ask Maddie which day would be best.’ Freddie flashed her a smile, went to say something and changed his mind.
‘What?’ Sasha said.
‘We need to have a talk – nothing’s wrong. Just that I need some sisterly advice.’
‘Okay. Whenever you’re ready.’
Sasha switched the oven on, ready to pop the pizza in, before putting plates, serviettes and glasses out on the table.
Penny appeared shortly after eight o’clock and the two of them enjoyed a glass of crémant sitting out on the terrace with the puppies playing around their feet, as they waited for the pizza to cook.
‘You’ve done a brilliant job with thetrompe l’œils,’ Penny said. ‘The wall looks beautiful. Mum and Dad are so thrilled with it – especially the middle one with Merlin looking out over his stable door towards the château.’
‘I loved doing it. I was actually thinking of doing something onthiswall,’ Sasha said, pointing to the cottage. ‘But we’ll see. How is Ingrid? She seems to have stopped using her crutch these days, but I notice she’s very careful.’
‘She’s still determined to work in the kitchen the evening of the wedding. Not sure how that’s going to work out,’ Penny said. ‘It’s going to be a bit of a madhouse getting the courses out quickly. So I’ve roped Jean-Paul in to help out in case Mum falls by the wayside – not literally of course, but you know what I mean. You are still happy to do waitressing duties with Alice and Lucas?’ Penny looked relieved when Sasha nodded. ‘If you and Alice take two tables each and Lucas does the head table, it shouldn’t be too much to cope with. Dad is going to be in charge of the drinks.’
‘What do you want Alice and me to wear? Don’t think I’ve got anything formal.’
‘A pretty summer dress will be fine. Stella insists she wants everything as informal as possible.’
‘I can manage that,’ Sasha said as the timer in the kitchen pinged. ‘I’ll fetch the pizza.’
