Alicia climbed out of the muddiest vehicle. Dressed in Hunter’s and a padded jacket, she bounded up to Lottie, taking her aside.
A sly smile spread across her face. ‘I bet this snow’s caused a load of trouble for you but every cloud has a silver lining! I get to wear my “uniform” a bit longer and can put the bridesmaid’s dress off until the last minute. I suppose I’d better look happy about it too.’
‘I think that would be a very good idea,’ Lottie replied with mock sternness.
‘Hm. Must go. I need to get changed. Mind you, at least there’s no time for me to have my nails painted pink or put any of that gloop on my face!’
Feeling more optimistic than she had done since Connor had turned up at her door, Lottie greeted the guests with a warm smile and showed them into the café. Alicia drove off again, leading her fleet of riding school mates back down the drive.
Soon, the café echoed to the rafters with laughter and chatter as the wedding guests quaffed hot chocolate and mulled wine, while others went to get changed in the washrooms. Now they were safely at Firholme, most of them seemed to think it was a huge adventure, taking photos of the snowy scene and posting pictures and selfies on social media.
Lottie didn’t blame them. Apart from the inconvenience of transporting everyone, you couldn’t have dreamed up a more spectacular and idyllic setting for a winter wedding. Plus of course, they also had no idea of the drama that had unfolded overnight … She tried to picture the scene at Connor’s parents’ house where his father must be trying to persuade Fiona out for a ‘family lunch’ in such conditions. Lovely Fiona must have her suspicions.
Shayla set off in good time to collect Keegan and her parents. Lottie was relieved she didn’t have to face them again, despite a kind of peace having broken out between them.
Half an hour before the ceremony, all the guests were enjoying their Aussie fizz in the drawing room of Firholme House, where a fire burned brightly in the hearth. Lottie had a few minutes to nip home for a quick change into a smart dress, knee-high boots and her red teddy coat. When she made it to back to the courtyard, Connor and his family were climbing out of the best man’s car. The best man, whose name was Kai, was out first, dressed in a dashing uniform, complete with a sword at his side.
Connor exited the passenger door while Kai opened the door for Fiona and stood to attention.
She stepped out, wearing a beautiful green silk suit and wellies, Derrick handing her down from the car like a Victorian lady. Lottie saw her mouth widen in shock and heard her saying: ‘How have you kept this a surprise? How?’ over and over.
Despite all her drama and stress of the past few weeks, the expression of sheer delight on Fiona’s face gave Lottie the warmest glow of pride and happiness. Not needing to feign her broad grin, she hurried to the steps of Firholme House to greet Fiona, while Derrick, Kai and Connor retrieved shoes and coats from the rear of the car.
‘Hello Fiona. Welcome to Firholme.’
Dazed, Fiona held up her hands in astonishment. ‘Lottie Hargreaves! You dark horse. How on earth did you ever keep this a secret?’
‘Honestly, I have no idea,’ Lottie said as Fiona kissed her on the cheek. ‘I’m sorry I had to stay quiet when we met in town. It was agony. When did you find out about the wedding?’
‘Connor told me about an hour and a half ago. He told me to get changed because we were all off to a wedding. He was very emotional, but I expect he was overwhelmed.’
‘I bet!’ Lottie said, smiling, while thinking it was no wonder Connor had left it until the very last moment to tell his mum.
‘I shed a few tears too. He and Keegan wanted to keep this a huge surprise for me after I was ill.’ Fiona’s eyes were misty. ‘I hope it hasn’t been too hard on you, my dear. I did let slip that you and Connor had once been close but Keegan didn’t seem to take too much notice …’
‘Not at all,’ Lottie said, adding another little lie to her pile. ‘I’m delighted I can make their day – and yours – special.’
Fiona hugged her. ‘You’ll always be a special friend, Lottie; in fact you’re part of my family. Please say we’ll keep in touch from now on.’
Lottie was losing it herself. ‘Of course. Now, don’t spoil your lovely make-up. You look wonderful.’
‘So, do you, darling. You look very well …’ Fiona arched an eyebrow. ‘Is there a reason for that?’
‘Just the fresh air.’
Fiona let her go as Connor and his father approached. ‘Let’s talk later if we can,’ she whispered.
Lottie thought she’d be too busy for a chat, but nodded and smiled at Connor and Kai. ‘Welcome to Firholme. Come inside, everyone, and warm yourselves in the café before you head to the main house for champagne. We have hot drinks and a warm fire waiting for you.’
With less than an hour to go, all of the guests had arrived apart from Keegan and her parents. Alicia was using her room in the main house to change out of her jodhpurs and into ‘the nightie’.
‘I won’t have time to put any slap on, naturally,’ she said with a smirk.
Leaving Alicia to swipe a glass of fizz, Lottie checked her phone anxiously; Shayla had just left the bride’s house, with Keegan and her parents. They should be at Firholme within twenty minutes.
By now the guests were all well away on the champagne and canapés, and Lottie took a few moments to silently congratulate her team and the way
