A Summer Wedding at the Cornish Manor, page 4
He draws in a deep breath. ‘You’re right. And it got me thinking about the cottage. We don’t really talk about money, do we? But what happens after we’re married?’
It’s a subject we’ve avoided but everything is speeding up now, and this conversation is way overdue. However, I’m not sure what his reaction is going to be. ‘After Grandma died, Cappy set up the farm as a trust.’
‘I have no idea what that means. I was rather hoping I could sell the cottage, put some money aside for Ollie’s future and then chip in with the renovation costs for Renweneth Manor.’
This is the tricky bit. ‘It’s not quite as straightforward as that, I’m afraid. The trust owns the farm. As a trustee, I manage all the money, property, and assets that Cappy placed within it. As it stands, both Lola and I are the only two beneficiaries. I’m not sure what impact getting married will—’
Riley interrupts me. ‘Look, Jess, that’s a huge relief for me. The farm is your family’s inheritance. It’s nice to know that Cappy, together with your parents’ blessing, has an eye to the long-term future. There’s no need to change a thing. However, I do feel that I should be contributing in some way, considering that Renweneth Manor is going to be our future home. It seems wrong, like I’ll be living there rent-free.’
I burst out laughing. ‘Considering how hard you work, Riley, I’m pretty sure I’m not paying you enough. As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as a free lunch.’
I really don’t want this to become a thing between us and that’s why I’ve been avoiding the subject. Now I’m cross with myself for not taking Cappy to one side when Riley and I told him at the garden party that the two of us were planning a future together. Riley is already an integral part of the running of the farm and going forward, I want to do right by him. But it’s Grandma and Cappy’s wish that, ultimately, the farm ends up in Lola’s hands.
‘It’s nice to know I’m appreciated,’ he replies, softly.
‘Look, the cottage is your legacy for Ollie down the line,’ I state firmly. ‘You could rent it out and if we continue as we are, together with your salary from the farm—’
He gives a disparaging laugh. ‘Me, a landlord?’
‘Why not?’
‘Managing big financial decisions isn’t one of my strengths.’
‘That’s what accountants are for. Let’s talk about this once we’ve both had time to think it through. There’s no need to decide now.’
‘Except that the pressure is on you to keep the bills paid,’ he replies, adamantly. ‘Don’t think that it doesn’t weigh heavily on me knowing that you don’t just get hands on, but the other part of your job is vitally important too. You keep everything running smoothly by keeping a constant eye on the cash flow. If there’s anything I can do to help, I pick things up quickly and I’m a stickler for detail.’
My bottom lip begins to waver, and I draw in a deep breath to stop myself from getting tearful. Riley’s only concern is that I don’t sink under the pressure of trying to keep on top of everything. He doesn’t care about who owns what, only being a part of something that is so much bigger than just the two of us.
‘I never refuse an offer of help,’ I respond with enthusiasm. ‘Builder, project manager and now budget holder.’
He gasps. ‘You’re giving me a budget to manage?’
‘I am. You can monitor the pot of money I’ve set aside for the contractors’ invoices.’
There’s a brief pause. ‘Guess I’m going to be cracking the whip in future then,’ he muses.
‘Exactly!’
I know he’s careful about every penny he spends on behalf of Renweneth Farm, but this is about showing him how much I respect and value what he does.
Thinking back, Ben never really supported me; it was all about him: his problems at work, his stress levels, his lack of sleep if I was up all night with Lola whenever she was poorly and upset. In contrast, Riley appreciates every little thing anyone does for him because he doesn’t take anything for granted. Having reached rock bottom once, it changes a person’s outlook on life forever. And that makes me love him even more.
As we say goodnight and the line goes dead, I think about Ivy’s news. Another thing Riley and I haven’t discussed is the possibility of having a child together. Lola is nine on the twenty-ninth of January and I think Ollie is only a couple of months younger. With a new baby putting in an appearance at the farm in August, who knows what yearnings that might stir up? If it does, I’m not sure how I feel about it.
4
Unwelcome Truths
Friday dawns and the sound of a car pulling into the courtyard announces the arrival of my good friend Erica, and her daughter, Daisy. Erica offered to do the school runs today as Cappy is tied up on site. As for me, my laptop is already set up and waiting on the kitchen table even before I wave them off, as I’m meeting with Michael this afternoon to go through the figures and check that we’re on target.
Cappy was up and out early this morning. The ground workers are here to dig the trenches ready to install a third shower block on the far side of the first field. That will allow us to turn the second shower block, which backs onto the car park, into a bespoke toilet block to accommodate visitors on market days. Together with Vyvyan’s husband, Keith, who is our campsite manager and his assistant, Len, they all have a fraught day ahead of them. Cappy wasn’t in the best of moods, although I did wonder whether it was because he’d called Prudie and the conversation didn’t go well. I guess I’ll find out when he’s ready to give me an update.
Two hours in and my head is full of figures, when my phone rings and it’s Mum.
‘Hey, Mum. How are you and Dad doing?’ In truth, it’s a welcome interruption.
‘Good, my darling, thank you. I know you’re probably busy, but I had to call to see how the work is progressing on the manor.’
I sit back in my chair, smiling to myself. ‘Oh, Mum… if only Grandma were here. She’d be delighted. I mean, it looks a total wreck inside, but the rotten wood is being replaced and all the rubbish has now been cleared out. I can finally picture how it’s going to look and I’m so excited.’
Mum gives a little laugh. ‘That’s wonderful, Jess. And how are the plans for the wedding coming along?’
Having just taken a quick slurp of my coffee, I almost choke as it goes down the wrong way. It would be a lie to say everything is under control when a lot of the details haven’t exactly been thrashed out. ‘I’ve booked the village hall. Their wedding package covers everything. From decorations, to arranging the ceremony,’ I begin, positively. ‘And Ivy and her team are doing the wedding buffet, with the help of Erica, so it’s all good.’ I leave out the bit about Ivy badgering me for a headcount.
‘And the flowers? Have you thought about the style of dress you want to wear? Is Lola being a bridesmaid, or a flower girl?’
I gingerly put down my coffee mug, realising that there’s no fooling Mum. ‘Isn’t it a bit early to think about outfits? I mean, August is a long way off.’
‘These days, you don’t just buy a wedding dress off the hanger, Jess. You try on a sample and then they place an order for it. That can take several months at least and then when it comes in, you go for a fitting so it can be tailored to suit.’
‘I wasn’t thinking of wearing anything too fancy,’ I admit.
‘Yes, but you’ll want something special. Is Riley hiring a suit, or will he be buying one?’
Now my head is starting to ache. ‘I don’t know, Mum.’
‘I appreciate that you want a low-key affair and, given how busy you all are at the farm, it makes perfect sense. But a wedding is a memory you’ll hopefully treasure forever. Dad asked me last night whether he’s escorting you into the venue. He was a bit surprised that I was as much in the dark about what’s happening as he is. Do you even have a guest list yet?’
I gulp, feeling like I’ve been caught out. ‘Yes, I’d love Dad to walk me into the ceremony and no, to the second…’
There’s a disapproving ‘Hmm,’ followed by a gentle sigh. ‘Nowadays, it seems most brides have a wedding planner. Someone who fusses over the details once the bride and groom have decided what they want.’
I begin to chuckle. ‘Maybe if it’s a big do, but the cost would probably wipe out my entire budget in one go.’
‘I wasn’t suggesting you hire someone when I have time on my hands, and I can always draft in your dad to lend a hand.’
‘Doing what?’
‘Depending on who you invite, some of your guests might appreciate someone organising group transport to travel down to Cornwall and then there’s the accommodation to sort. And what about Riley’s family?’
My hands are now getting clammy. ‘It’s just a handful of close friends and family at the ceremony, and then we’re hiring a marquee for the buffet in the manor’s garden for our wider circle. The summer party didn’t take that much arranging, did it?’
Mum gasps. ‘Jess, you can’t compare the two events! I know you and Riley are concentrating on getting the manor ready, but it’s your wedding day. I’m worried that a little further down the line, you’ll look back and regret doing everything in such a rush.’
‘Mum, the second time around changes the emphasis. Trust me, I’m not going to have a meltdown if every little thing isn’t perfect. It’s what… seven months away. There’s plenty of time to work out the fine-tuning.’
‘Believe me, the time will fly. At least get an invite list sorted, as you can’t spring this on people last-minute just because your focus is elsewhere right now.’
Mum’s right, I suppose. ‘The whole family aren’t expecting an invite… are they?’
‘I’ve told them all it’ll be a small gathering, but your aunt asked me last weekend if cousins will be invited. I said I wasn’t sure. Cappy mentioned you’ve been a bit snappy lately and it’s no wonder with your to-do list.’
‘Really? What exactly did he say?’
‘Something about your patience wearing thin, which is so unlike you.’ Mum trails off. ‘Um… the two of you haven’t had a disagreement, have you?’
Oh, this is about The Hub Studio. ‘No, Mum. Everything is fine. Do you remember a woman named Prudie Carne?’
‘The name rings a bell… It’s not that artist lady, is it? She was quite a good friend of your grandma’s. Why?’
‘Just between you and me, she’s been causing a few problems here at the farm. Unfortunately, she’s been trying to get Cappy on her side. If I’ve been short with him, it’s because she wants the impossible and now it’s down to him to tell her precisely that.’
‘So… it’s nothing to do with falling behind on the wedding arrangements?’ Mum asks, hesitantly, sounding a tad relieved.
As for me, maybe I should be panicking. Riley’s brother’s wedding is in May and they’re about to send out the actual invitations.
‘No, but I’d love to take you up on that offer, if you’re sure you have the time. Perhaps we could get our heads together and I can hand over what I have so far?’
‘Oh, that would be lovely!’ Mum sounds delighted. ‘As for Prudie, your grandma often invited her to The Farmhouse for afternoon tea. They’d chatter away quite happily, putting the world to rights but Cappy always made himself scarce.’
‘Well, I can understand why. Prudie is a woman who doesn’t give up easily. Anyway, consider yourself our official wedding planner. I’ll email you everything in my wedding folder so far, although I will warn you it’s rather scant, and we can take it from there. And I’ll talk to Riley about who he wants to invite.’
‘Big isn’t always best, my darling.’ Mum pauses for a moment, and I know we’re both thinking about my first time around.
‘I know. Remember how I burst into tears and started hyperventilating when the limousine didn’t appear dead on the dot of two o’clock?’
‘And I told you that brides are supposed to be late – it’s the custom. Then, as you dried your tears and we repaired your make-up, the chauffeur rang the doorbell.’
‘It’s easy to get it out of perspective and worry about the things that don’t matter,’ I reflect. All that money wasted on a marriage that ended up falling apart, but it gave Ben and me our beautiful daughter. I guess every cloud really does have a silver lining.
‘Even an intimate and cosy celebration requires a fair bit of planning. I simply want you and Riley to remember your wedding day for all the right reasons – that’s all.’
‘I’ll send that email over this evening. Give Dad my love and tell him I can’t wait to have him walk me into Renweneth Village Hall. I know it’s the second time around, but it’s definitely the last!’
*
‘That’s a lot more than I’ve planned on setting aside for future tax bills,’ I bemoan, as I look at the sheet of figures my accountant, Michael, hands me. ‘It’s quite a leap on our liability compared to last year’s account.’ His projections will certainly put a dent in my budget for round two of the work on Renweneth Manor.
His expression doesn’t waver. ‘I did warn you a sudden uplift in profits would result in a large tax hit by the time we reach the end of the next tax year, in April. You’ve had a number of new income streams kick in over the last six months, Jess, and those figures only include the first quarter’s earnings from The Courtyard Hub. It also impacts the amount of tax you pay on account for the following year, so it is a bit of a double hit. The following year, you’ll have a similar problem, taking into account a full year’s income from The Courtyard Hub, but after that, I should imagine your income will remain pretty consistent.’
It’s bad news, though, as it’s not something I’d factored in. ‘Have you been able to run the forecasts through to the start of April to come up with an estimated bottom-line net surplus after tax?’
My brow lifts significantly as he slides another A4 sheet my way. ‘On paper it looks promising.’
‘The cash flow is good and this time next year, you’ll see a significant increase yet again. Now that you’re holding two market days a week, renting out the bakery and the two cottages, and the income from The Courtyard Hub is kicking in, it more than makes up for the fact that the campsite is quieter at this time of the year. Obviously, if Adam and Ivy do buy Smithy’s Cottage instead of renting it, the farm will get a sudden influx of cash. However, when you move out of The Farmhouse, it will boost your rental income yet again. Overall, you should be pleased, Jess. There are lots of business owners who’d be sitting there giving themselves a mental pat on the back glancing over those figures.’
Michael is right, and I push my shoulders back and lift my head, acknowledging his comment with a smile. ‘It’s good to see and it makes the hard work worthwhile.’ Even so, our overheads have increased too, and it means there’ll be less to draw down after tax to cover both Riley’s and Cappy’s budgets for the works in progress.
‘It is good news,’ I reflect soberly, ‘but from now until August, our outgoings will skyrocket. Cappy has costed out the programme for the new showers and toilet block and extending the car park at around thirty thousand pounds. As we know, the profit I’ve managed to set aside from last year will only fund about three-quarters of the cost of implementing stage one of the works on the manor.’
Michael’s natural expression is always serious, so it’s hard to gauge what he’s thinking. ‘It’s highly unlikely there will be no overspends, Jess, and you’ll need to add that figure onto the shortfall. Do you have it covered?’
There’s no point sugar-coating it and that’s why I employ Michael. ‘I have personal savings I can draw on to loan the business until it has the cash to pay me back, but that’s strictly between you and me. However, if Ivy and Adam manage to get a mortgage on Smithy’s Cottage, all my problems will be solved in one go.’
Worryingly, he raises an eyebrow at me. ‘And you’re sure that taking a short-term gain, over the prospect of a longer-term income, is the best option?’
I shrug my shoulders. ‘I regard Ivy and Adam as family; if things don’t work out business-wise for them here, I’ll have first refusal to buy the cottage back. It’s not just to help ease the finances; it’s as much about them being an asset to our little community. It’s important everyone works as a team, and I know I can count on them. Ultimately, they don’t want a rental property, but a forever home.’
He gives a pragmatic nod of his head. ‘I get it. Growing the empire is one thing; keeping the wheels oiled and everyone going in the right direction is something else entirely. With family as the nucleus and a common goal driving you all forward, I suppose it makes sense.’
It’s obvious he has his doubts. ‘The bakery, with its café and art gallery, is a bigger draw than The Courtyard Hub right now. Together with market days, it keeps the footfall up on a regular basis and from a growing catchment area. Come summer, that emphasis could change slightly; when we’re crowded with campers, The Courtyard Hub will be holding pottery and jewellery-making sessions, so it’s all going in the right direction. I’m hoping for some bumper profits when the peak season hits, just in time for round two of the renovation work.’
‘Well, the figures certainly show a sharp uptick already, and you’re no longer having to use the profits from the peak season to help you cover overheads throughout the winter period. That’s a first for Renweneth Farm.’
I laugh. ‘Cappy is complaining that with one field being used as overwinter storage for camper vans and caravans, and Vyvyan’s marketing initiative to attract groups at off-peak discounted rates about to kick off, trying to dig trenches is going to be a nightmare. However, Vyvyan doesn’t intend on it being such a quiet winter in future.’
Michael’s eyes widen. ‘Go Vyvyan and fair play to Cappy. I know he’s got Keith and Len to help things run smoothly, but he’s always up for a challenge. Just like his granddaughter. Fearless.’
I stare at Michael and a hint of a smile plays around his lips. My goodness, I do believe he’s teasing me.
‘Ha! Ha! The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree I guess.’ There’s a lot to be said for having a stubborn streak, I admit. ‘The focus is on increasing the number of visitors all year round, as word spreads about what we have to offer.’
