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Everything had gone according to plan and the meal in the marquee was drawing to a close. The catering had been superb and had exceeded all expectations. The gathering was like a big group of friends at a large dinner party rather than a wedding reception. However, towards the end when most had finished their dessert, Ron stood and tapped his glass with his spoon.
‘I won’t say ladies and gentlemen but friends,’ said Ron. ‘I want to thank you all for sharing such a special day with us. It means so much to us both,’ and he looked at Maureen who nodded and smiled.
‘I want to pay tribute to the lady sitting next to me, Maureen. Thank you for agreeing to share my life. I can’t tell you how happy you’ve made me in recent weeks. I thought I was destined to live out my days alone here. I even considered selling up and moving to a flat here in Persford. Now I’ve got the most wonderful lady to share my home.’
People clapped and whistled their appreciation.
‘As you know, we didn’t ask for wedding presents but a donation to the cancer charity which I’ve supported since Natasha fell ill. We are most grateful for all your generous donations, be assured it will be hugely appreciated.’
There was more applause. The mood was joyful and relaxed.
‘Now, I hope you’ve enjoyed your meal. There’s lots more wine left so I hope you will help us drink it. Please feel free to stay as long as you like today. We can disperse to the terrace or the lounge. Whatever you like. Well, that’s enough of my boring voice, please be upstanding and raise your glasses to my darling wife, Maureen.’
The assembled group did as requested and raised their glasses. Maureen felt embarrassed. She wasn’t used to being the centre of attention but somehow she felt emboldened. Perhaps it was the wine, perhaps the surroundings. She stood to kiss Ron, then whispered to him that he should sit.
‘This is most unconventional,’ said Maureen, ‘but I would like to say a few words.’
Some people clapped and some banged on the table with their palms.
‘When Gerald and Felicity asked me to dinner that evening, many months ago I was so nervous. I remember sitting in their lounge, holding my glass so tightly that I nearly snapped the stem.’
The wedding guests laughed.
‘Then Ron walked in.’
‘And your heart sank!’ shouted someone, joking.
‘Oi!’ shouted Ron.
‘I saw this tall, handsome, middle-aged man and thought..’ she paused.
‘You thought, what an old codger Ron is compared with Gerald!’ shouted Gerald who was clearly quite drunk.
‘I thought, someone, is trying to play Cupid. How embarrassing. However, somehow we just clicked. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind. When Ron first asked me to dinner I was so nervous I nearly cancelled. I’m glad I didn’t.’
Maureen placed her hand on her husband’s shoulder.
‘Ron, I really believe we are a good team. I’m so happy. Thank you for marrying me and making me Mrs Radford.’
Ron stood and hugged Maureen. Everyone clapped and a few of the women looked tearful. Her speech had been short but sincere and very moving. As Maureen was embracing Ron she felt his mobile vibrate in his pocket. She smiled to herself. It must have been torture for Ron to avoid using his phone for the past couple of hours. Once the guests had left, she knew what his first question would be, money for PersCure.
**
‘Melissa, do you think I could borrow Sidney for a few moments?’ said Ron.
‘Yes, of course, I’ll catch up with Felicity.’
Ron and Sidney wandered over towards the summerhouse away from the guests.
‘So, what do you think, Sidney? Can I afford it easily?’
‘Well, not easily. Three million is a lot in anyone’s money. You would have to borrow it. We’ve used all the liquid cash on the equity the other week.’
Ron was deep in thought. ‘I could borrow against this place? Re-mortgage it?’
‘You could. I’ve really not had much time to think about it. You only phoned me this morning and I’ve been a bit occupied. Remember? It’s your wedding day!’ he joked.
‘Very funny, yes I realise I only sprang it on you this morning but this would mean I could have a controlling stake. It somehow just feels right. Natasha is urging me to do it.’
Either Ron was lying or he’d had some sort of Damascene moment which was unlikely in the extreme. Ron listened to himself, rarely anyone else and though he loved Natasha dearly, he’d never shown the slightest hint that he believed in a higher being or life beyond the here and now.
‘My advice would be to try to find some cash funds, perhaps sell some investments so you aren’t borrowing the whole amount. Business rates are always higher than mortgage rates and also I think it would sit easier with the bank. After all, you aren’t in the first flush of youth.’
‘Yes, but this place must be worth a couple of million, surely?’
‘I don’t doubt it. However, how much do you value it? I mean in terms of your domain, your haven. Secure from the awful world outside.’
‘You’re getting rather poetic, Sidney, it must be the champagne.’
‘Well, it’s very good champagne I grant you. What I’m trying to say is that if PersCure goes belly up, so to speak and you know full well how start-up companies can suddenly fail, then your money will be lost and along with it goes Brensford Manor.’
‘Mmm,’ said Ron, ‘I see what you mean.’
‘Not only that, your health isn’t that great, is it? The bank will take that into account.’
‘I’m fine, I’m not that bad for someone of my age.’
At this remark, Sidney tapped his chest. ‘What about your ticker? It’s in need of a bit of a service. Maureen tells me you are going in on Friday.’
‘Oh, she’s making too much of it. It’s only a day case.’
‘Look, it’s my duty as your accountant to play devil’s advocate. Hopefully, we can find a middle road.’
‘Thanks, well, it gives me a lot to think about. It’s true, I don’t want to be too hasty.’
‘You also need to discuss this with someone else. Maureen is your wife now and decisions should be taken jointly. She’s a wonderful person, Ron and she’s got a good business head. She might create the impression that Hubert was in control but I’m not so sure.’
‘Really? She told me she was more a sleeping partner, that he took all the big decisions.’
‘Remember our conversation the other evening? She’s no pushover. Don’t underestimate her and don’t take her for granted.’
Ron sipped his drink and looked over towards the terrace where Maureen was laughing with the guests. He realised that some of Sidney’s words were true. Maureen did have a steely resolve which was a good attribute. However, Ron needed to make sure he used it to his advantage and didn’t allow it to stop him from living his dreams. Maureen would be an asset to him and their relationship symbiotic. Together they had huge potential to achieve great things, providing she remembered who was in ultimate control of the partnership.
