Page 19 of Christmas at the Movies
‘You couldn’t have asked for better weather,’ said Pari, peering out of the mullioned window of Merricourt Manor.
Still in her dressing gown, Sarah joined her friend on the window seat of the bridal suite and looked out onto the landscaped grounds, where azaleas and rhododendrons were in full bloom, in vibrant shades from vivid violet to a pale pink – the same hue as Pari’s bridesmaid dress. Beyond them rolled the gentle green hills of the Cotswolds.
‘It’s so pretty around here,’ said Sarah. She had chosen the venue, a stately home that had been converted into a hotel, after spending a night there while visiting the set ofTheVicarage Mysteries. The nearby village of Plumdale was charming, full of quaint pubs, tea rooms and antique shops. There was even a gorgeous old art deco cinema, although it had shut down years before and was now derelict.
‘Yeah, but I can’t imagine leaving London,’ replied Pari, pouring two glasses of champagne. ‘There’s not much of a comedy scene around here. Although, on the way here I passed a village called North Piddle, and another called Twatley, so there’s plenty of good material.’
Like Sarah, Pari still worked at the Beeb, writing material for people who were more famous, but less funny, than her.
Two years earlier, Sarah and James had bought a flat in up-and-coming Hackney. They’d spent weekends renovating it – or rather James had, with his dad’s help. Sarah loved the flat, which they’d decorated with vintage movie posters. She’d tamed the small garden at the back and filled it with pots of flowers. Lately, though, she’d been feeling worn down by her daily commute across London and her long hours at work. Now a senior script editor at the BBC, Sarah was the go-to editor for tricky rewrites and had a reputation for being able to make any story stronger. Sarah was proud to be trusted with the department’s most challenging projects, but the pressure was intense.
‘You didn’t invite Rupert, did you?’ asked Pari.
‘Ew. Of course not,’ said Sarah. Her boss was as odious as ever. Even her engagement ring hadn’t deterred him from making unwanted overtures.
‘Sorry I’m late,’ said Meg, hurrying into the bridal suite. Her pink dress had an empire waist, to accommodate a large baby bump.
Sarah hugged her sister. ‘Oh! I just felt her kick!’
‘Or him,’ said Meg. ‘Let’s see your dress.’
Sarah took off her dressing gown to reveal an elegant ivory off-the-shoulder gown. A beautician had come earlier in the morning to do her hair and make-up. She’d curled Sarah’s long hair and topped it with a tiara.
‘Oh, wow!’ gushed Meg. She stroked one of Sarah’s curls. ‘Hey, remember when you dyed that purple streak in your hair.’
‘I thought I was soooo cool.’ Sarah chuckled. ‘I got my nose ring around the same time.’
‘Mum was going to make you take it out, until you argued that you’d been inspired by her research on the Berber tribe.’
‘Well played.’ Pari raised her glass to Sarah.
‘I’m hoping Mum and Dad behave today,’ said Sarah, touching up her lipstick.
Today would be the first time her parents would see each other since their divorce had been finalised. Their split had been acrimonious, after her father, Charles, had had an affair with one of Geraldine’s graduate students. Things had started going downhill after Geraldine had won a prestigious fellowship they’d both wanted. Sarah’s father simply could not cope with his wife’s academic career eclipsing his. The affair was just the last straw.
‘Speak of the devil,’ said Meg as Geraldine came into the bridal suite.
Their mum was holding a gift and wearing a green silk dress she’d had made in China. She wore bright pink jewellery and her long white hair was in a chignon, topped by fuchsia fascinator with a spray of feathers jutting from it. The whole effect made her look like a tropical bird.
Geraldine gave both of her daughters a kiss. ‘How is the blushing bride? Is this the part where I fill you in on the birds and the bees?’
‘It’s a bit late for that, Mum,’ said Sarah, laughing. At thirteen, when she’d got her first period, her mother had been more interested in telling her about the puberty rituals of various African tribes than in talking about sex education. Fortunately, Sarah had already gleaned everything she needed to know from Judy Bloom books.
Geraldine made a beeline for the champagne and poured herself a glass.
Meg glanced longingly at the champagne. ‘I wish I could have some.’
‘Well, why don’t you?’ said Geraldine. ‘This is a celebration.’
Meg cradled her belly. ‘Um, hello, I’m pregnant?’
‘A few glasses won’t hurt the baby.’ Geraldine took a long swig. ‘I had the odd drink when I was pregnant with you.’
‘Explains a lot,’ quipped Sarah.
Her older sister gave her a playful shove.
‘Too bad the baby isn’t here already,’ said Geraldine. ‘We could have anAn Chuangceremony. That’s what the Chinese do – they put a baby on the marriage bed to ensure a newly-wed couple’s fertility. Wedding traditions are so fascinating, aren’t they?’
