The Cosy Teashop in the Castle Read online

  ‘It’s okay. It’s just one of those things. It’ll heal. But, yeah, if you could get that door fixed that’ll be great.’

  He held her arm under the cool water a while longer. He didn’t like the look of that angry mark – felt it was his fault, the dodgy oven and the fact he’d been chatting and distracting her. ‘I’m sorry, I should have had the equipment double-checked before the start of the season.’

  ‘It’s fine, honest. Look, I’d better get on.’

  She’d probably have to make another lot of cakes now. So much for him trying to help her by fetching her some supper. But he should have known better than to get involved on any personal level with any staff, even if it was just a pizza delivery. He felt irritated with himself, released her arm and backed off, ready to go.

  ‘Thanks again, Joe. That was really nice of you, getting the pizzas.’

  ‘No worries. Sorry about the damned oven. I’ll get it checked first thing.’ He’d better get out of her way. Let her get on with her job. That was what she was meant to be doing here, and he shouldn’t have been interfering with that. He probably shouldn’t interfere, full stop, chatting with her like they were friends; what was he thinking? The swing door left a cold draught in his wake.

  9

  Ellie

  Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

  What the hell was that? Bloody noise. Beep. Beep. Beep.

  She surfaced from under the duvet. Pitch black. Beep. Beep. Alarm. She prised her eyes open as she fumbled for her phone and the off button. Six-thirty blinked at her from its screen. Aagh …

  It was today.

  Ellie’s teashop opened today. Her dreams kicked off today.

  She had two batches of scones to make and a heap of salad to prepare – that’s if the Breakers’ order arrived in time. She flew out of bed and into a cool shower, which freshened her to the point of chill. Not from any decision to have lukewarm water, more that the castle’s ancient hot-water system hadn’t woken up yet either. And she was off, down the winding chilly staircase, dressed in sensible flat pumps, black trousers, a comfy pale-pink T-shirt and essential cardigan. Her hair was piled up out of the way in a practical bun, for health and hygiene reasons. That reminded her, she’d have to make sure Nicola tied back her long hair too. Doris’s was short enough in her bob, no problems there. Ooh, she hoped they’d be cooperative today, especially Doris. She just wanted it all to go well, to be able to work together as a team. She’d have to wait and see.

  She’d also like to get the fire going in that huge grate. May as well give the tearooms a cosy glow this time of year. She’d ask Deana if the young lad, James, might pop in and help before they opened, but as she reached the cobbled courtyard she remembered just how early it was. There was no light on in Deana’s office; she’d pop back later, once her first batch of scones was safely out of the oven.

  Entering the teashop she held her breath and paused, suddenly feeling the enormity of the task ahead. It looked good in there, she had to admit, the sort of place she’d like to sit and while away a half hour with tea and cake – the old stone walls and latticed windows gave it character, the tables all set out with the new rose-patterned vintage-style oilcloths she’d found, and the fresh flowers in their posy vases. The freesias filled the room with a lovely fragrance, a good match alongside primrose-yellow carnations and a sprig of greenery; Wendy had been really helpful. Ellie would definitely call back and see her again.

  Well, this was it, opening day. Her chance to prove herself. But she was so afraid of getting it wrong. What if no one turned up – she had the monthly lease and the staff to pay, what about trying to eke a living out for herself? What if they did turn up but didn’t like her baking? What if Doris and Nicola hated her and made her life a misery and peed off all the customers? What if she’d sold out by lunchtime and had nothing left to serve – an unlikely scenario considering the volume of food in the kitchen! Her brain was in full spin.

  Right, focus, a voice in her mind snapped her out of it. Make the damned scones. Have a bite of breakfast or you’ll never make it past ten o’clock, and just get on with what you have to do. ‘Yes, ma’am’, her dithery-self replied. It was funny but the bossy voice sounded very much like that of her nanna. It calmed her; she’d keep listening out for her.

  Ellie cracked on. The smell of warm doughy scones filled the kitchen. The first batch of cheese-and-herb scones were out; she glanced at her watch, seven-forty. She’d make herself some tea and toast and then she’d pop out and see if anyone was about to get the fire going.

  *

  She phoned Deana’s extension a while later. She might be in by now. It was nearing eight o’clock.

  ‘Hi, is that you Ellie? All alright there? Ready for the off?’

  ‘Just about. Umn, I was wondering about lighting the fire. But I’m not sure how to really. There’s logs and stuff ready here. Can James or someone have a look, do you think? Is he in today?’

  ‘Yes, no problem, he’s on a little errand for Lord Henry at the moment. Should be back in ten minutes or so. I’ll send him across then. Oh, and good luck today, pet. I’ll pop across a little later and see how you’re getting on.’

  ‘Thanks, Deana. Come and have a coffee and cake, or something.’

  ‘Don’t tempt me, or I’ll be in every day.’

  ‘That’s fine with me,’ replied Ellie warmly.

  ‘Not with my waistline, though,’ she chuckled.

  ‘Deana, do you know what time the Breakers’ delivery normally comes?’ She was waiting on potatoes, all her salad stuff, paninis, sliced bread for toasties and fresh milk. Pl-ease let it arrive before opening time.

  Deana glanced at her watch. ‘Ooh, they’re normally here by now. Might be busy, I suppose, delivering for the bank holiday weekend. I’ll keep an eye out for them. Though they usually come straight around the back. There’s a side entrance for deliveries. If you go along the corridor from the kitchen, you’ll get to it.’

  Oh great, and no one had thought to tell her. So while she was here in the kitchen the delivery might have been and gone! Surely they’d think to call at the front entrance if there was no one about, or to leave the supplies, at least. Ellie could feel mounting panic swelling inside her. She’d go straight back and check.

  She whizzed along the corridor where the freezers were, there was a right turn, and then the side door. Nothing left inside it. She tried the handle. Ah, it was locked, turned the key, poked her head out. No boxes, no van. She held down her fears, but oh, if this lot didn’t come there’d be no toasties, paninis or jacket potatoes. Her lunch menu was going to look very limited indeed, or it would mean a flying visit to Kirkton at least, and there really wasn’t time for that. Okay, Ellie. Keep calm. Give them chance. It’s only eight-ten.

  Ten minutes later, James turned up with an armful of kindling, newspapers and matches, just as there was a loud knock that sounded as though it was coming from the corridor. Could it be? She left James to set the fire and dashed to the side entrance. There stood a stocky man in a white overall bearing a box of lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes. Yippee.

  ‘Where do you want these, love?’

  She could have hugged him. ‘Yes, along in the kitchen, if you don’t mind.’

  He set the cardboard box down on a work surface, then went back to his van for the bread and other items.

  On his return, she offered him a coffee, but he said he had a hectic day, and maybe another time. She signed for the delivery, after a quick check that it all seemed to be there. And he was on his way, whistling chirpily as he went.

  ‘Thank you,’ she called after him. One small hurdle over, at least. Right, time to prep the salad, then.

  James popped his head around the kitchen swing door. ‘Done it. It’s all lit, miss.’

  ‘Thank you, James, that’s really helpful. Would you like a cookie or some cake while you’re here?’

  He shook his head while glancing longingly at the cakes that she’d been setting out ear
lier on the counter. He seemed shy.

  ‘You sure?’

  He still shook his head.

  ‘Well, okay, some other time maybe.’ She’d leave something in Deana’s office for him later.

  He nodded and left the room, seemingly eager to be away.

  Five minutes later, while she was scrubbing potatoes for the jackets, Ellie noticed a grey film filling the air in the kitchen and an acrid scent; she thought for a second that she’d burned more scones, but then realised there was nothing in the oven at present. Just as the smoke alarm set off in the kitchen, she dashed through to the tearooms to find them filled with choking smoke. Shit! That had been a dozy idea, hadn’t it? The fire probably hadn’t been lit for years and the chimney must have been full of soot. The tables were already grimy with dust. She quickly opened every window she could, climbing precariously on wobbly chairs to reach them, then wondered about putting out the fire in the hearth with a jug of water, but the flames were beginning to flicker into orange licks and the smoke had begun to dissipate. Oh well, she’d just have to wipe down all the tables again, and her lovely freesia scent had turned into smoky barbecue. It was bloody freezing in there now, too, with all the windows open – so much for a cosy glow.

  She was on a stool, broom in hand, back in the kitchen prodding at plastic buttons trying to silence the bloody smoke alarm, as Joe marched in, concern etching his brow. ‘Are you okay? I heard the alarm. Christ, it stinks in here.’

  ‘It’s all in hand,’ she muttered, trying to look in control perched on her tiptoes, backside in the air, broom uplifted.

  ‘What the hell happened?’

  ‘The real fire. James set it away for me. Probably not been cleaned all winter. Sorry. Think it’s settled down now.’

  She finally wafted enough fresh air to stop the alarm sounding. ‘All fine now.’

  Joe offered her a hand as she got down from the stool. His grasp was firm. His anxious-grumpy look was turning to a thin smile. ‘Well, at least you’re okay and the kitchen’s not on fire. I thought the whole place was going up in smoke for a moment there. Right, well I’ll have to go and make a call to the fire station now. We’re linked into them, so if any of the alarms go off here, they get an alert too. I’ll let them know it’s a false alarm.’

  ‘Oh gosh, I’m sorry.’ Another cock-up! What must he think of her? And she hadn’t even opened the teashop doors to the public yet!

  ‘How’s the arm today?

  ‘Bit sore, but I’ll manage.’ She’d put some antiseptic on it this morning. It wasn’t too bad, just a bit red.

  His hand was warm around hers from helping her down off the chair. He glanced at the burn. Then he loosened his grip suddenly, as though he felt awkward.

  ‘Right, well I’d better get on. I’ll just have a quick check on that fire on my way out, but it seems to have settled now, doesn’t it?’

  ‘Thanks for looking in.’

  ‘Didn’t have much choice, did I? What with all the castle fire alarms going off … Oh and, watch yourself teetering on stools. You’ll break your neck. We do have safety ladders for that kind of thing.’

  ‘Yeah, of course. Didn’t have time to think, that was all.’

  Ah, could she not do anything right? There was so much more to this than baking cakes.

  After the door closed on Joe, her mobile, which was propped for signal in the windowsill, buzzed into life. Ellie picked up.

  ‘You alright? Everything going well?’

  Ah, typical. It was her mother. How did she manage to sniff out a mini-crisis from fifty miles?

  ‘You haven’t been working too late, have you?’ she continued. ‘And are you remembering to eat and sleep?’

  ‘Yes, Mum. I’m fine.’ Knackered but fine.

  ‘Well, good luck then, pet. Big day today, isn’t it? Ring us back later and let us know how you get on.’

  ‘Will do.’

  ‘Oh hang on, here’s your dad. He’s just off to work.’

  Her dad’s rich, warm tones filtered down the line, ‘Good luck, sweetheart. I know you’ll do well. Hope you get lots of happy customers, and make a mint.’

  ‘Thanks, Dad.’

  Then in the next ten minutes there were texts from Kirsty at the café and her brother Jason. Aww, it was so nice to have their support. Five minutes after that came a call from Gemma, ‘Good luck, hun! I know you’ll be busy, I’ll not keep you long. But make sure to fill me in on all the craic soon. Have a good launch weekend! Love you!’

  ‘Thanks, Gem. It’s all fine, just finding my feet really. Been a bit manic, but I’m looking forward to getting open and starting for real now.’

  ‘Well, very best of luck! You’ll do brilliantly!’

  ‘Thank you! I hope so.’

  10

  Ellie

  Nine-thirty came around fast. Ellie was busy setting up the filter-coffee machine in the teashop, hoping she’d done it right this time, when there was a rap on the door and the waitress duo marched in, ready for their first day of the season. At least they were bang on time.

  ‘Morning,’ Doris’s tone was flat.

  ‘Morning, Doris, Nicola. You both okay?’ Ellie kept her tone bright and breezy.

  ‘Fine,’ they chorused, as Doris’s beady eye scanned the room, assessing the new table arrangements and self-serve counter facility that was laid out with a large selection of the cakes and biscuits that Ellie had made.

  ‘Right, well if you wouldn’t mind wrapping some cutlery. I’ve bought in some new paper napkins.’ Nice-quality red ones.

  ‘We never used to do that, mind.’ Doris was off already. ‘We used to lay the tables out with full cutlery.’

  ‘Well, that seems a little wasteful to me. If people are just having cake, then all they need is a fork and spoon, or a single knife for a scone.’

  ‘Right, well, as you say.’ Doris’s tone belied the positive words she spoke.

  Ellie was determined to stay upbeat. ‘Well, then, I think everything else is just about ready. But if you think of anything, just let me know. There are new notepads to take orders at the counter.’ She spotted Doris’s eyebrows twitch at the idea of counter service, but continued valiantly, ‘I’ll be in the kitchen mostly, doing the cooking and plating up. If you can keep up with the orders, the service, and keep the tables cleared as they empty, wiping them down with the antibacterial spray and a fresh cloth, then that’ll be great.’

  ‘Okay.’ Nicola was agreeing at least.

  ‘And in a few moments we’ll bring a further selection of the cakes and biscuits through from the kitchen to the counter area. I’ve made a new menu and price list, there’s a copy on every table and one by the till. I take it you already know how to work the till, but maybe you can give me a quick lesson at some point. If it gets busy, I can give you a hand too.’

  She was babbling on a bit she knew; it always happened when she was nervous. Doris raised an eyebrow and fixed her with a beady eye at her till comment – as though someone in her position should at least know how to work the till, which was probably true, but the old bat needn’t be so pointed about it.

  ‘Any questions?’

  ‘No, seems pretty plain to me. Some of us know what we’re doing,’ from Doris.

  ‘That’s fine,’ from Nicola.

  Ellie let out a silent sigh. They were ready. Or as ready as they ever would be. The three of them lined up by the counter, prepared for action.

  The tearooms looked pretty, she had to admit, and the fire had settled to a pleasant smoke-free glow. Her posies brightened the room and the cakes on the counter top looked damned tasty; Nanna’s choffee taking pride of place.

  One minute to ten on her watch. The castle opened at ten o’clock. They waited. The air smelled of fresh coffee from the percolator machine, yummy baking aromas and a faint smoky background.

  ‘Well, all we need now are some customers,’ a nervous Ellie was stating the obvious.

  ‘Exactly,’ Doris chimed.

&n
bsp; ‘Yep.’

  After half an hour or so, the shadows of visitors began to pass by the windows, but no one came in. Why weren’t they coming in? Was it too early? Would they tour the castle first? Had they no money left for tea and cake? She should have put a sign outside or something. There was a ‘teashop’ sign on the door, but was that enough? Surely it was labelled on the guide map they got as they came in. Something else to check up on.

  By ten-forty she was in mind to make up a board of some kind and send Nicola outside, but didn’t want to look too panicky. Instead, she offered to make the three of them a pot of tea. From the kitchen she heard the creaky swing of the tearoom door. Could it be her first customer? She went to take a peek to find Lord Henry chatting to the waitresses, and studying the room to see how things were set up. Ellie offered him some tea and cake, but he politely declined, saying he might pop back later; he had things to do, but he hoped they’d have a successful day. She headed back to the kitchen, where the kettle rumbled to a boil, and she filled the teapot. As she strolled through with it on a tray with three cups, she was thrilled to see a middle-aged couple at the counter ordering tea for two, a scone and a slice of her fruitcake. She could have hugged them – her first-ever customers. But she just grinned, headed back to the kitchen and poured out their three teas, arranged the tray while making up another pot to help Doris with the order.

  Then a group of six came in, and another couple. Doris and Nicola were in full swing. Ellie re-filled the kettle and decided to put the big hot-water urn on, then topped up the platter of scones. As she cleared the first table, another group appeared. She hardly had a chance to get a sip of her own tea, but she didn’t mind. Soon lunch orders were coming in and she was full-on in the kitchen, trying to keep the order slips in sequence to get them out right, and without too much delay. She was on lunch order four out of six, two jacket potatoes with cheese and beans, a ham and brie panini (oh yes, her much-too-modern paninis that had made Doris frown as surely sandwiches were sufficient, had a sale!) and a soup and roll. But the grated cheese had run out; she’d need to prepare much more in advance for tomorrow, as grating it for each order was taking far too long. Nicola popped her head round the door, shyly stating that the jacket potato and panini order had been waiting for quite some time now and the gentleman was asking when it would be ready.