PART 13
Lexie tip toe-ed out of the bedroom, Emily had fallen asleep quite quickly after the excitement of the evening. She made her way downstairs to the kitchen, Archie was preparing supper. Lexie collapsed onto the sofa
"this children lark is exhausting" she commented as Archie handed her a glass of wine
"come on Lex, you enjoyed it just as much as I did"
"no it was fun and Emily is lovely" they both smiled at each other
"I hope she sleeps alright, mind you she seemed pretty exhausted and I didn't get to finish my story!" Lexie said as she took a sip of wine
"I'm sure she will and you can always finish the story in the morning" Archie replied as he tossed the salad in some dressing
"in the morning!! I don't think so I've got red onion and goats cheese tartlets to make, rosemary and honey bread, oh and feta cheese and olive bread" Lexie said looking slightly worried
"don't worry, I'll help. Supper's ready. I wonder what time she wakes up?" Archie pondered
"oh heavens I hadn't thought about that, we might have to commandeer Dunc for childcare duty, this is delicious Arch"
"Thanks. No it will be fine. I hope Mary is alright Jill and Matt must be extremely worried"
"Yes they must but I get the impression Mary is a tough old boot. Now what I want to know Arch is how Duncan is fairing with Lucy down at the pub, we still don't really know what happened with Jess do we?"
"Well he mentioned something the other day about them both wanting different things, but I'm surprised he hasn't said anything to you Lex"
"well I suppose really everything has been so hectic there really hasn't been a chance" she said as she got up from the table yawning and went back to sit on the sofa, Archie joined her and she rested her head on his shoulder.
"yeah I guess you 're right Lex and I am sure in his own time he will say something, but at some point he has to go back to Glenbogle, he can't stay here forever"
"but Arch if you think about it, life there must be very different to how it used to be, perhaps he doesn't feel he wants to stay anymore, yes the work is the same, but the people are different, and lets face it, its the people that make a place. Yes I know Molly and Golly are still there, but you and I have gone, Paul is in charge, maybe he sees himself doing something different now. Remember when he went to work for Hermione and then applied for that job in Glasgow, you said then he had spoken of moving on"
"you're right Lex"
"I usually am" she said smiling "but I guess until he talks to one of us there is very little we can do"
"no but....Lex you know he could stay here, we are going to need some help, in the gardens and hopefully with the business, he could rent the cottage we stayed in when we first got here, what do you think?"
"I think it sounds like a great idea, but we shouldn't suggest it unless Duncan indicates he doesn't want to stay at Glenbogle, he does seem happy here and who knows after tonight he might have a real reason to stay!"
"mmm speaking of the pub, I rang Dan earlier and everything is all set for tomorrow, good of him to let us use the function room for free" Archie stated, as he said it he could feel Lexie stiffen against him and realised she was obviously anxious about Dan.
"yes it was, I do hope everything goes well tomorrow I am quite apprehensive" Lexie said
"Lex, it will be fine, with the two of us together at the helm what could go wrong? We put the ad in the local papers and did that leaflet drop, it has been well publicised in the village, and if nothing else people are bound to turn up for free food" Archie assured her
"You are right Arch, I'm just being silly. I think I'll go and check on Emily and then have a long soak in the bath and then turn in"
"Good idea, I'll just tidy up in here, check everything for tomorrow and join you."
As Archie cleared away the supper dishes he thought about Lexie and her feelings about Dan, he guessed she knew he realised how she felt, but just wished she would say something. He knew there was little he could do apart from reassure her, he sensed though he needed to wait until she said something to him. He knew he would have to ensure as far as he could that Lexie wasn't left alone with Dan, not that he thought Dan would do anything but he knew Lexie would be uncomfortable. He doubted though that Dan would have much to do with them, as they would be in the function room and he would be behind the bar.
Lexie lay back in the hot bubble bath and closed her eyes. Emily had been fast asleep when she had checked on her, holding on tight to Bertie Bear, there was something comforting and beautiful about watching children sleep. She began to think about Archie and how at first he had been almost a little shy with Emily, but then how good he had been playing with her. Lexie smiled to herself and a flutter of happiness passed through her as she thought about him, how much she loved him and what a wonderful father he would be. Her thoughts then turned to the next day and the publicity event and willing it to be a success. If only it wasn't in the pub and if only Dan wasn't going to be there.
Lexie had been so lost in thought she wasn't aware that Archie had entered the room until she felt him massaging her shoulders, she put her hand up to touch his
"I thought you were asleep Lex"
"I think I almost was, mmm that feels wonderful, I knew it was a good idea to have a free standing bath"
"what were you thinking about?"
"oh you" she said smiling "and Emily and tomorrow"
"oh and what were you thinking about me?" Archie asked teasingly squeezing her hand
"how much I love you and what a wonderful father you'll be one day"
Archie lent down and kissed the top of her head
"I love you too Lexie Macdonald, but I think its time for bed for you sleepyhead, I'm going to go and shut up the chickens and then join you."
"yes Dad" she said as she splashed him with water as he walked past, Archie turned tried to look at her despairingly but he caught her eye and they both laughed. Archie was still dreaming away when Lexie got up at 6am to start to make the bread for the days function, as she entered the kitchen yawning, she was aware of an odd noise coming from the direction of the sofa, it was Duncan who had obviously passed out on his return from the pub the previous evening. Although tempted to wake him, she decided to leave him be and get on with the cooking.
Just over an hour later the breads was rising and the goats cheese and red onion tartlets were in the oven, and Lexie was just thinking about making some coffee, when she heard a little voice calling 'Lexie, Lexie' she realised it was Emily. She dashed upstairs and found her sitting on the top stair hugging Bertie bear, with a tear sliding down her cheek. She took one look at Lexie and her face crumpled
"I want my Mummy" she cried
"oh sweetheart" said Lexie giving her hug "your Mummy will be here soon to take you home, now how about we get you dressed, then go and feed the chickens and fix ourselves a yummy breakfast"
Emily smiled at her and nodded her head, then she looked up at her expectantly and said "do you think Archie will play trains again?"
"well Ems, Archie the lazybones is still asleep and he has lots to do today, but Duncan will play a game with you I'm sure"
"Who are you calling a lazybones" asked Archie as he appeared in the doorway trying to look cross, Emily giggled "you" she said
A little later just as Archie, Lexie and Emily were sitting down for breakfast, Duncan woke up with a start, Emily took one look at his hair sticking up and the red marks on his face from the cushions and started to giggle, as did Lexie.
"good night was it Dunc?" Archie asked
"mmm yes I think so, any cornflakes going?"
"so........" said Lexie "Lucy?"
"yes Lex, something you want to know? oh alright we had a great evening and I'm seeing her again tonight, mm think I'll take my cornflakes and go and watch Saturday morning cartoons" Duncan said
Archie and Lexie gave each other a look and laughed, just as there was a knock at the back door.
"whoever it is they are early its only 7.45" said Lexie as she went to open the door, it was Jill
"hello sorry to come so early but I knew you'd be up and well" said Jill sighing
"Mummy, mummy" cried Emily "come in would you like coffee" Lexie asked
"Hello Ems, yes please Lex, have you been a very very good girl for Lexie and Archie" Jill asked her daughter as she swept her up into a hug giving her a kiss
"yes and do you know Mummy, Archie played trains with me and Lexie let me feed the chickens"
"Emily would you like to come with me to collect the eggs from the hens" Archie asked her, sensing that Jill could do with a breather with Lexie before taking Emily home.
Emily and Archie went to collect the eggs, as Jill sat down on the sofa with a coffee.
"How's Mary" asked Lexie
"oh she is going to be fine it was an allergic reaction to some new tablets she was prescribed, we are bringing her home later today, but it was extremely worrying and I hardly slept once we got home. Anyway thank you so much for having Emily to stay, I can't tell you how much we appreciate it"
"No I was glad we could help and Emily was a pleasure to have around" Lexie told her
"Its the publicity event today isn't it for Occasions and Celebrations, all organised?"
"Yes we are more or less, just a few things to heat up and then transport everything down to the pub, and set up the table and display, all fairly straightforward really"
Jill noticed a hesitation in Lexie's voice "nervous" she asked
"a little, we want the business to be a success, I'm not sure if the pub is the right place for the publicity event" Lexie said her voice tailing off
"oh any particular reason" Jill asked remembering the incident earlier in the week in the pub with Dan, and the concerns she and Matt had discussed
"well" Lexie began, just as Archie and Emily came back into the kitchen
"Mummy, Mummy we found 12 eggs and Archie says I can take some home with me"
"that's lovely, come on darling time we left Archie and Lexie in peace, thank you both so much and we'll try and pop down to the pub later, if not hope all goes well. Now Emily what do you need to say?"
Archie and Lexie crouched down as Emily thanked them for having her to stay, and kissed them goodbye. After Jill and Emily had gone, Archie turned took hold of Lexie's hand and kissed her "you know what you said to me last night about being a wonderful father, well you know don't you, you'll make an even better mother" he said smiling "and children is something we need to talk about, but not now as it is action stations if we are to be ready!" "I know and we will soon" she replied smiling.
"Right" said Archie "Duncan we need you now!" Archie, Lexie and Duncan stood back to admire their handywork, it had been a crazy few hours, but they were ready and so was everything for the event. The exhibition screen had their newly designed logo for 'Occasions and Celebrations', large sample menus and photos. Apart from the table of food with a selection of hot and cold food and sample menus, there was a second table, with enquiry forms, booking forms with menu and meal planners and business cards.
"all we need now are the hungry hordes and one or two people to make a booking" said Archie putting his arm round Lexie's shoulders
"ooo I'm feeling quite nervous Arch supposing someone asks me something I don't know or wants something complicated, or I get the maths wrong working out a price"
"och Lex you'll be fine you ran Glenbogle for years this will be easy" Duncan reassured her
"Dunc's right Lex" Archie said giving her quick hug "look why don't we all go and have a quick glass of champagne to toast our success, I asked Dan to put a bottle on ice for us"
They walked through to the bar area, "ah all ready to go?" asked Dan
"yep pretty much" Archie replied "can we have our champagne please Dan and won't you join us for a glass?"
"here you go and yes I will thanks" said Dan, Archie popped the cork and began to pour out for everyone
"right" said Archie as he raised his glass "here's to the success of Occasions and Celebrations" he said smiling at Lexie, "occasions and celebrations" the others echoed as he leaned in to give Lexie a kiss.
Duncan cleared his throat, looked a bit nervous and said "um Arch, Lex I just want to say its great to be here with you and to think, well all that has happened in the past 6 years and I just want to wish you all the success in the world"
"oh Dunc you're so sweet" said Lexie as she gave him a hug with a tear in her eye,
"thanks Dunc and its good to have you around to help too" Archie added.
Suddenly everything became busy people starting arriving and for the next couple of hours Archie and Lexie were busy chatting to people about the business and serving food and talking about the services they offered. Eventually there was a lull, they were just exchanging notes on who they had met, when Dan came through to the function room. Putting his arm round Lexie he asked "so how's it going?" Lexie squirmed, his arm was a little too tight for comfort and pulling her towards him, Duncan seeing her discomfort said
"Lex where did you say you put the spare enquiry forms and menu samples?", she gratefully moved away leaving Archie to talk to Dan. "Thanks" she mouthed at Duncan, then began "in the blue box under the table I think." Lexie had thought that perhaps she had been over reacting in her feelings, but Duncan obviously saw something, oh that man she thought.
"Lexie hello, how are you I thought I must come and see what this little business of yours is all about" Lexie looked up and saw Margaret Mason the village busybody.
"Hello Margaret, I'm well thanks and you? Come and meet my husband Archie. Archie this is Margaret Mason who is organising the village May Fayre. Margaret my husband Archie"
"nice to meet you Margaret" said Archie shaking her hand "you too Archie, and so kind of you and Matt Langley to offer to do the barbecue and the pig roast at the May Fayre"
"our pleasure Margaret" Archie replied
"oh hello Dan" Margaret said coldly as she noticed Dan's presence in the room
"Margaret" replied Dan leaving the room, Archie and Lexie exchanged a look on hearing this none too friendly exchange.
Margaret turned to Lexie "might I have a word dear?"
"of course" Lexie replied. Margaret took her by the arm and guided over to a corner of the room "now dear I hope you won't think I'm meddling, but I feel I should warn you, but that Dan Shaw has a somewhat unsavoury reputation, pretty young thing like you better watch yourself, mind you "she said looking over her shoulder "with a gorgeous husband like that, you wouldn't want to look elsewhere!"
Lexie was just about to ask her what she was implying when she heard a voice calling
"Lexie, Lexie" it was Emily who ran up to her and gave her a hug "look, look I did a picture for you and do you know my Granny had to go to hospital that's why I had to stay with you, but she's alright now and I did a picture for Archie too, Archie" she said running over to him "look Archie its you and me collecting the eggs from the hens"
"so it is, its lovely thank you very much Emily, I shall put it up on the wall at home"
"Well I had better be going, nice to meet you Archie bye everyone, oh and don't forget May Fayre meeting next week" said Margaret as she left
"I see you have had a visitation for the wicked witch of the west" said Jill rolling her eyes "and I can't believe Emily mentioned Mum being in hospital in front of her that will be all round the village by tea time" Archie and Lexie laughed
"Lex what was she saying to you so secretly in the corner" Archie asked
"I'll tell you later Arch" Lexie replied
"so has it been a success?" Jill asked
"yes it has" Archie told her "we have three dinner party bookings and a 40th birthday party booking for 50 people and the photographer from the local paper turned up when it was really busy, which was great"
"that is wonderful I'm so pleased for you, look I better go I left Mum with Matt but I wanted to see how things had gone and Ems wanted to give you the pictures, come on Ems say good bye."
Archie and Lexie looked round the room after everyone had left, "well Mrs Macdonald" said Archie wrapping her in a hug "I think we can safely say 'Occasions and Celebrations' is well on the way to success"
"sure is" Lexie replied giving him a kiss.
Lexie tip toe-ed out of the bedroom, Emily had fallen asleep quite quickly after the excitement of the evening. She made her way downstairs to the kitchen, Archie was preparing supper. Lexie collapsed onto the sofa
"this children lark is exhausting" she commented as Archie handed her a glass of wine
"come on Lex, you enjoyed it just as much as I did"
"no it was fun and Emily is lovely" they both smiled at each other
"I hope she sleeps alright, mind you she seemed pretty exhausted and I didn't get to finish my story!" Lexie said as she took a sip of wine
"I'm sure she will and you can always finish the story in the morning" Archie replied as he tossed the salad in some dressing
"in the morning!! I don't think so I've got red onion and goats cheese tartlets to make, rosemary and honey bread, oh and feta cheese and olive bread" Lexie said looking slightly worried
"don't worry, I'll help. Supper's ready. I wonder what time she wakes up?" Archie pondered
"oh heavens I hadn't thought about that, we might have to commandeer Dunc for childcare duty, this is delicious Arch"
"Thanks. No it will be fine. I hope Mary is alright Jill and Matt must be extremely worried"
"Yes they must but I get the impression Mary is a tough old boot. Now what I want to know Arch is how Duncan is fairing with Lucy down at the pub, we still don't really know what happened with Jess do we?"
"Well he mentioned something the other day about them both wanting different things, but I'm surprised he hasn't said anything to you Lex"
"well I suppose really everything has been so hectic there really hasn't been a chance" she said as she got up from the table yawning and went back to sit on the sofa, Archie joined her and she rested her head on his shoulder.
"yeah I guess you 're right Lex and I am sure in his own time he will say something, but at some point he has to go back to Glenbogle, he can't stay here forever"
"but Arch if you think about it, life there must be very different to how it used to be, perhaps he doesn't feel he wants to stay anymore, yes the work is the same, but the people are different, and lets face it, its the people that make a place. Yes I know Molly and Golly are still there, but you and I have gone, Paul is in charge, maybe he sees himself doing something different now. Remember when he went to work for Hermione and then applied for that job in Glasgow, you said then he had spoken of moving on"
"you're right Lex"
"I usually am" she said smiling "but I guess until he talks to one of us there is very little we can do"
"no but....Lex you know he could stay here, we are going to need some help, in the gardens and hopefully with the business, he could rent the cottage we stayed in when we first got here, what do you think?"
"I think it sounds like a great idea, but we shouldn't suggest it unless Duncan indicates he doesn't want to stay at Glenbogle, he does seem happy here and who knows after tonight he might have a real reason to stay!"
"mmm speaking of the pub, I rang Dan earlier and everything is all set for tomorrow, good of him to let us use the function room for free" Archie stated, as he said it he could feel Lexie stiffen against him and realised she was obviously anxious about Dan.
"yes it was, I do hope everything goes well tomorrow I am quite apprehensive" Lexie said
"Lex, it will be fine, with the two of us together at the helm what could go wrong? We put the ad in the local papers and did that leaflet drop, it has been well publicised in the village, and if nothing else people are bound to turn up for free food" Archie assured her
"You are right Arch, I'm just being silly. I think I'll go and check on Emily and then have a long soak in the bath and then turn in"
"Good idea, I'll just tidy up in here, check everything for tomorrow and join you."
As Archie cleared away the supper dishes he thought about Lexie and her feelings about Dan, he guessed she knew he realised how she felt, but just wished she would say something. He knew there was little he could do apart from reassure her, he sensed though he needed to wait until she said something to him. He knew he would have to ensure as far as he could that Lexie wasn't left alone with Dan, not that he thought Dan would do anything but he knew Lexie would be uncomfortable. He doubted though that Dan would have much to do with them, as they would be in the function room and he would be behind the bar.
Lexie lay back in the hot bubble bath and closed her eyes. Emily had been fast asleep when she had checked on her, holding on tight to Bertie Bear, there was something comforting and beautiful about watching children sleep. She began to think about Archie and how at first he had been almost a little shy with Emily, but then how good he had been playing with her. Lexie smiled to herself and a flutter of happiness passed through her as she thought about him, how much she loved him and what a wonderful father he would be. Her thoughts then turned to the next day and the publicity event and willing it to be a success. If only it wasn't in the pub and if only Dan wasn't going to be there.
Lexie had been so lost in thought she wasn't aware that Archie had entered the room until she felt him massaging her shoulders, she put her hand up to touch his
"I thought you were asleep Lex"
"I think I almost was, mmm that feels wonderful, I knew it was a good idea to have a free standing bath"
"what were you thinking about?"
"oh you" she said smiling "and Emily and tomorrow"
"oh and what were you thinking about me?" Archie asked teasingly squeezing her hand
"how much I love you and what a wonderful father you'll be one day"
Archie lent down and kissed the top of her head
"I love you too Lexie Macdonald, but I think its time for bed for you sleepyhead, I'm going to go and shut up the chickens and then join you."
"yes Dad" she said as she splashed him with water as he walked past, Archie turned tried to look at her despairingly but he caught her eye and they both laughed. Archie was still dreaming away when Lexie got up at 6am to start to make the bread for the days function, as she entered the kitchen yawning, she was aware of an odd noise coming from the direction of the sofa, it was Duncan who had obviously passed out on his return from the pub the previous evening. Although tempted to wake him, she decided to leave him be and get on with the cooking.
Just over an hour later the breads was rising and the goats cheese and red onion tartlets were in the oven, and Lexie was just thinking about making some coffee, when she heard a little voice calling 'Lexie, Lexie' she realised it was Emily. She dashed upstairs and found her sitting on the top stair hugging Bertie bear, with a tear sliding down her cheek. She took one look at Lexie and her face crumpled
"I want my Mummy" she cried
"oh sweetheart" said Lexie giving her hug "your Mummy will be here soon to take you home, now how about we get you dressed, then go and feed the chickens and fix ourselves a yummy breakfast"
Emily smiled at her and nodded her head, then she looked up at her expectantly and said "do you think Archie will play trains again?"
"well Ems, Archie the lazybones is still asleep and he has lots to do today, but Duncan will play a game with you I'm sure"
"Who are you calling a lazybones" asked Archie as he appeared in the doorway trying to look cross, Emily giggled "you" she said
A little later just as Archie, Lexie and Emily were sitting down for breakfast, Duncan woke up with a start, Emily took one look at his hair sticking up and the red marks on his face from the cushions and started to giggle, as did Lexie.
"good night was it Dunc?" Archie asked
"mmm yes I think so, any cornflakes going?"
"so........" said Lexie "Lucy?"
"yes Lex, something you want to know? oh alright we had a great evening and I'm seeing her again tonight, mm think I'll take my cornflakes and go and watch Saturday morning cartoons" Duncan said
Archie and Lexie gave each other a look and laughed, just as there was a knock at the back door.
"whoever it is they are early its only 7.45" said Lexie as she went to open the door, it was Jill
"hello sorry to come so early but I knew you'd be up and well" said Jill sighing
"Mummy, mummy" cried Emily "come in would you like coffee" Lexie asked
"Hello Ems, yes please Lex, have you been a very very good girl for Lexie and Archie" Jill asked her daughter as she swept her up into a hug giving her a kiss
"yes and do you know Mummy, Archie played trains with me and Lexie let me feed the chickens"
"Emily would you like to come with me to collect the eggs from the hens" Archie asked her, sensing that Jill could do with a breather with Lexie before taking Emily home.
Emily and Archie went to collect the eggs, as Jill sat down on the sofa with a coffee.
"How's Mary" asked Lexie
"oh she is going to be fine it was an allergic reaction to some new tablets she was prescribed, we are bringing her home later today, but it was extremely worrying and I hardly slept once we got home. Anyway thank you so much for having Emily to stay, I can't tell you how much we appreciate it"
"No I was glad we could help and Emily was a pleasure to have around" Lexie told her
"Its the publicity event today isn't it for Occasions and Celebrations, all organised?"
"Yes we are more or less, just a few things to heat up and then transport everything down to the pub, and set up the table and display, all fairly straightforward really"
Jill noticed a hesitation in Lexie's voice "nervous" she asked
"a little, we want the business to be a success, I'm not sure if the pub is the right place for the publicity event" Lexie said her voice tailing off
"oh any particular reason" Jill asked remembering the incident earlier in the week in the pub with Dan, and the concerns she and Matt had discussed
"well" Lexie began, just as Archie and Emily came back into the kitchen
"Mummy, Mummy we found 12 eggs and Archie says I can take some home with me"
"that's lovely, come on darling time we left Archie and Lexie in peace, thank you both so much and we'll try and pop down to the pub later, if not hope all goes well. Now Emily what do you need to say?"
Archie and Lexie crouched down as Emily thanked them for having her to stay, and kissed them goodbye. After Jill and Emily had gone, Archie turned took hold of Lexie's hand and kissed her "you know what you said to me last night about being a wonderful father, well you know don't you, you'll make an even better mother" he said smiling "and children is something we need to talk about, but not now as it is action stations if we are to be ready!" "I know and we will soon" she replied smiling.
"Right" said Archie "Duncan we need you now!" Archie, Lexie and Duncan stood back to admire their handywork, it had been a crazy few hours, but they were ready and so was everything for the event. The exhibition screen had their newly designed logo for 'Occasions and Celebrations', large sample menus and photos. Apart from the table of food with a selection of hot and cold food and sample menus, there was a second table, with enquiry forms, booking forms with menu and meal planners and business cards.
"all we need now are the hungry hordes and one or two people to make a booking" said Archie putting his arm round Lexie's shoulders
"ooo I'm feeling quite nervous Arch supposing someone asks me something I don't know or wants something complicated, or I get the maths wrong working out a price"
"och Lex you'll be fine you ran Glenbogle for years this will be easy" Duncan reassured her
"Dunc's right Lex" Archie said giving her quick hug "look why don't we all go and have a quick glass of champagne to toast our success, I asked Dan to put a bottle on ice for us"
They walked through to the bar area, "ah all ready to go?" asked Dan
"yep pretty much" Archie replied "can we have our champagne please Dan and won't you join us for a glass?"
"here you go and yes I will thanks" said Dan, Archie popped the cork and began to pour out for everyone
"right" said Archie as he raised his glass "here's to the success of Occasions and Celebrations" he said smiling at Lexie, "occasions and celebrations" the others echoed as he leaned in to give Lexie a kiss.
Duncan cleared his throat, looked a bit nervous and said "um Arch, Lex I just want to say its great to be here with you and to think, well all that has happened in the past 6 years and I just want to wish you all the success in the world"
"oh Dunc you're so sweet" said Lexie as she gave him a hug with a tear in her eye,
"thanks Dunc and its good to have you around to help too" Archie added.
Suddenly everything became busy people starting arriving and for the next couple of hours Archie and Lexie were busy chatting to people about the business and serving food and talking about the services they offered. Eventually there was a lull, they were just exchanging notes on who they had met, when Dan came through to the function room. Putting his arm round Lexie he asked "so how's it going?" Lexie squirmed, his arm was a little too tight for comfort and pulling her towards him, Duncan seeing her discomfort said
"Lex where did you say you put the spare enquiry forms and menu samples?", she gratefully moved away leaving Archie to talk to Dan. "Thanks" she mouthed at Duncan, then began "in the blue box under the table I think." Lexie had thought that perhaps she had been over reacting in her feelings, but Duncan obviously saw something, oh that man she thought.
"Lexie hello, how are you I thought I must come and see what this little business of yours is all about" Lexie looked up and saw Margaret Mason the village busybody.
"Hello Margaret, I'm well thanks and you? Come and meet my husband Archie. Archie this is Margaret Mason who is organising the village May Fayre. Margaret my husband Archie"
"nice to meet you Margaret" said Archie shaking her hand "you too Archie, and so kind of you and Matt Langley to offer to do the barbecue and the pig roast at the May Fayre"
"our pleasure Margaret" Archie replied
"oh hello Dan" Margaret said coldly as she noticed Dan's presence in the room
"Margaret" replied Dan leaving the room, Archie and Lexie exchanged a look on hearing this none too friendly exchange.
Margaret turned to Lexie "might I have a word dear?"
"of course" Lexie replied. Margaret took her by the arm and guided over to a corner of the room "now dear I hope you won't think I'm meddling, but I feel I should warn you, but that Dan Shaw has a somewhat unsavoury reputation, pretty young thing like you better watch yourself, mind you "she said looking over her shoulder "with a gorgeous husband like that, you wouldn't want to look elsewhere!"
Lexie was just about to ask her what she was implying when she heard a voice calling
"Lexie, Lexie" it was Emily who ran up to her and gave her a hug "look, look I did a picture for you and do you know my Granny had to go to hospital that's why I had to stay with you, but she's alright now and I did a picture for Archie too, Archie" she said running over to him "look Archie its you and me collecting the eggs from the hens"
"so it is, its lovely thank you very much Emily, I shall put it up on the wall at home"
"Well I had better be going, nice to meet you Archie bye everyone, oh and don't forget May Fayre meeting next week" said Margaret as she left
"I see you have had a visitation for the wicked witch of the west" said Jill rolling her eyes "and I can't believe Emily mentioned Mum being in hospital in front of her that will be all round the village by tea time" Archie and Lexie laughed
"Lex what was she saying to you so secretly in the corner" Archie asked
"I'll tell you later Arch" Lexie replied
"so has it been a success?" Jill asked
"yes it has" Archie told her "we have three dinner party bookings and a 40th birthday party booking for 50 people and the photographer from the local paper turned up when it was really busy, which was great"
"that is wonderful I'm so pleased for you, look I better go I left Mum with Matt but I wanted to see how things had gone and Ems wanted to give you the pictures, come on Ems say good bye."
Archie and Lexie looked round the room after everyone had left, "well Mrs Macdonald" said Archie wrapping her in a hug "I think we can safely say 'Occasions and Celebrations' is well on the way to success"
"sure is" Lexie replied giving him a kiss.
