Moorcroft - the Possession: Book One of the Moorcroft Trilogy by Sandra Callister

everything going?” She didn’t wait for a reply. “Now, tonight we will need nibbles and bits and pieces and the usual party fair. Sarah says that she has invited about twenty, but knowing my daughter I would like you to cater for fifty. Better too much than too little. Mr Gardener and Mr Howard are organising the drinks, so I don’t need to worry about that.”
    Mrs Shaw wiped her hands on the towel that was permanently tied to her apron and looked at her employer. “Mrs Gardener, please don’t worry, I have everything under control, my girls will be busy all day, but everything will be ready on time, I can promise you that.”
    Emily sighed. “That’s very reassuring Mrs Shaw. I have so much still to do; it’s nice to know I can leave things in your capable hands.”
    Emily took her leave of the kitchen and entered the hall and bumped into Richard and Charles larking about. Richard steadied his mother and apologised.
    “Can’t you boys do something helpful for a change?”
    Richard looked at Charles and smothered a laugh. “I’m sorry Mother we came in for a drink, but if you need our assistance, just lead the way.”
    In the grand hall, John was trying to tie in a string of streamers that refused to be fixed to the wall.
    Richard pulled up a ladder to the wall. “Here Father let me do that.”
    John was relieved, his face was quite flushed and he hurried off to his study. Under Emily’s direction the boys spent the next couple of hours sorting through the decorations. When Emily brought in a large basket of flowers, Richard raised his hands.
    “Now that is woman’s work. No way are we arranging flowers.”
    Emily laughed and shooed them on their way. “Can you go and check on the girls they have been gone such a long time. I saw them walking down the lane heading towards the stream and it’s almost time for lunch.”
    “Did you say lunch, I’m starving.”
    “Richard you are always starving. Mrs Shaw has made a stew, nothing fancy she is far too busy preparing for this party, it will be ready in half an hour or so.”
    She flicked her wrist. “Go on. By the time you have the girls back here it will be ready.”
     
    Outside Charles took a deep breath looked down at the ground and kicked an imaginary stone.
    Looking sideways Richard asked. “Have you spoken to Sarah yet?”
    He shook his head. “No. I never seem to get her alone.”
    “Well, now is your opportunity, I’ll keep Victoria busy and you take Sarah to one side and do the deed, but Charles, be gentle with her.”
    Charles could see the humour in his friend’s eyes and went to thump him. Richard was far too quick for him and ran towards the woods and the stream, Charles following close behind. They soon spotted the girls sitting on the grass banking. Richard put his finger to his lips and began to creep towards them. Charles kept close behind. As they got closer they could hear the girls’ conversation. They were discussing the party, and who they were going to dance with.
    “I suppose you will be dancing with every man tonight, with it being your birthday, or will you only have eyes for one?”
    Charles pricked up his ears.
    “Victoria, he is always so polite and friendly, I think he likes me but I don’t think he sees me that way. I long for him to hold me.”
    Richard gave Charles the thumbs up.
    “And you, Victoria, have you anyone special in mind, as if I didn’t know.”
    “Oh Sarah, you know he takes my breath away every time he looks at me, but all he sees is his sister’s little friend, if only he would.....”
    Richard in his haste to hear more stepped on a twig and the noise brought the girls whizzing round.
    “Richard Gardener, how long have you been there?”
    Richard shrugged and looked at his friend. “We just arrived. Why?”
    The girls looked at each other. Victoria looked down at the ground feeling embarrassment engulf her.
    “Oh, nothing, you just scared us, that’s all.”
    Richard roared with laughter.