Page 56 of The Mad Marchams

There was a horrendous creak as Freddy wrestled with one of the huge doors. Mabel and Colin helped him, and it took their combined strength to open a wide enough gap to slip inside. The single electric bulb that illuminated the space still worked and the smell of oil was an indicator of how the carriage house had been converted for the later earl’s motor cars. It was dry inside and the roof was intact, which was promising.

Colin looked up at the ceiling. “Now all we need is an expert or two to tell us how to get this into working order…”

“And luckily I know just the right people,” Mabel said, linking her arm through his. “Two of them will be here this afternoon.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

General contractor Ted Bevin and interior designer Gavin Arkenden-Smith could not have looked more different if they’d tried. Ted wore jeans, steel toe cap boots and a work shirt topped with a bright orange safety vest. His safety helmet rested on the sofa beside him, where he perched uneasily.

Gavin had long wavy hair and wore an Edwardian smoking jacket complete with a waistcoat and cravat. His trousers were pressed to perfection and his shoes gleamed as brightly as his teeth.

Mabel held up the teapot. “Would either of you like more tea?”

“No thanks, luv,” Ted said. He had a pencil behind his ear that he’d used to stir his tea.

“I’ve imbibed an elegant sufficiency thank you, Mabel,” Gavin said. “Now where is darling Colin? I can’t wait to see him again.”

“Did you attend the same school?” Mabel asked.

“Oh no, darling, I’m not posh enough for Eton. My parents sent me to Marlborough.”

Ted cleared his throat. “I went there.” He looked at Gavin. “You were a year above me.”

Gavin stared hard at Ted. “Oh my god, yes! I remember you! You were a wonderful rugby player.”

Mabel stayed quiet as the two men bonded over mutual acquaintances and what had happened to them. In her opinion the better a team got along, the more successful a project would be. Back in the day she, Iko, Deepak, and Joss had been inseparable.

“Now where exactly does Colin wish me to start on this mausoleum he calls home?” Gavin asked.

“I believe he wants to start with the stables and the coachyard. We’re thinking they could be converted into a tearoom and restrooms for visitors.”

“The perfect place.” Gavin nodded. “Close to the house but also separate.”

Mabel turned to Ted. “We’re going to require your expertise to survey the site and decide what infrastructure needs replacing.”

Ted picked up his phone. “I had a quick look on my way in and took some pictures. I think you’re going to need a complete power, waste, and water pipes redo. We won’t see the extent of it until we get down into the ground.”

Gavin sighed. “Which means you won’t need me for months.”

Colin came in and both men stood up to greet him and shake hands. He settled beside Mabel, his smile warm. “I do apologize for my lateness. I was on the phone to my bank.”

“Ugh.” Gavin shuddered. “I hate discussing money.”

“Unfortunately, I have a tight budget,” Colin said. “Bumpy recommended you, Gavin, but I don’t have his money sources.” His tone was pleasant, but Mabel was impressed by his directness.

“Who does?” Gavin replied. “Not all of us are lucky enough to fall in love with the daughters of football club owners.”

“Which team?” Ted asked.

“I can’t remember, something in the Premier League—or is it two teams?” Gavin frowned. “I’m not really up on that. I prefer rugby and tennis.”

“To get back to the matter in hand,” Colin said, “Ted, I’d like you to do an in-depth survey of the foundational work we’ll need do before we can start on anything above ground.”

“I can do that.” Ted nodded.

“And Gavin, I’d love you to draw up some plans for organizing and decorating the space to make it look like it’s always been part of the house.”

Gavin raised his hand. “There is a teensy problem with that, dear one.”