Time Restored Chapter 10 The Lunch Autumn 2021 CE They were sad to be leaving an area behind they'd fallen in love with in such a short time.
Jenna made Tim take a short diversion off the A303 so that she could touch the walls of the Fontilla State Arch once more before returning to Nottingham.
The tinglings were even stronger still and she couldn't wait until they were actually staying there.
You could always leave me here and you go back and do the packing she teased.
When they got back there wasn't actually that much to pack anyway,
Just clothes and personal items.
They'd decided to keep their house as a place to come back to if ever needed so they left all the furniture behind.
As they had left in such a hurry just less than two weeks ago the fridge had some perishables to be dealt with.
Jenna was about to start cleaning it but Tim sensibly interjected It was on its last legs,
I'll order a new one to be delivered tomorrow.
They were settling into the idea that things were going to be different.
Over the coming week they invited selected neighbours and what close friends they had round for a drink,
No more than two or three people at a time.
Over a glass of champagne or two they shared their good fortune using Graham's suggestion of a more modest windfall.
Jenna had told her closest friend and hairdresser,
Mandy that they'd like to pay off her mortgage.
Mandy didn't have to think twice.
Tim had found out that his boss was about to be kicked out of his premises as the landlord was selling.
It made it even easier for Tim to hand in his notice when he offered to be the new landlord and that he didn't want any rent,
Just free car servicing.
Jenna had also taken the agent Anna's advice on board about having a property portfolio.
There was a new-build estate within walking distance of her hospital.
She used Anna to do a great deal with the property company to block-purchase 33 two-bedroom starter homes.
When she popped into the hospital to hand her notice in in person she was happy to share that their lottery win had made it possible to offer some extremely low rental properties out to hospital workers.
She omitted to let on exactly how many.
Just after midday on the Wednesday,
Anna rang.
They were the proud owners of Bradley Grange.
They called Graham to let him know.
He was thrilled of course,
But Jenna suspected that he knew already.
Having wrapped up most of their affairs in yet another whirlwind week they headed back down south on the Saturday to what felt more like home already.
They moved into the arch that evening and had supper prepared and brought up by one of the chefs from the Beckford.
Jenna had the weirdest unworldly dreams that night.
She guessed that this was a result of actually being inside the stones.
Graham had told him in the week that he'd booked the Beckford's private dining room for Sunday lunch to celebrate their acquisition of the Grange.
He told Jenna and Tim that he'd invited some guests who would be a surprise and for them not to ask him to spoil it in advance but to be ready and seated in the dining room at midday.
Anna was their first surprise,
Who arrived with Sophie the concierge.
Jenna was first to see the threats.
It was Sophie who pointed them in this direction and Anna who helped them with the successful bid.
They were quickly followed by Ben and Sam the bar manager from the Bradley Hare and the groundsman from the Grange.
They recognised two of the three guests that accompanied Graham Jackie,
Who had taken them to Stonehenge and Matthew,
Who showed them the clock at Salisbury Cathedral.
Graham let them off the hook by saying You only met Michelle briefly,
So probably don't recognise her.
She sold you the copy of my book in Watkins.
That's the first book I read in about five years,
Said Tim.
Loved it.
Well,
I have plenty more books you'll like.
Where that came from,
Said Michelle.
Jenna shot a quizzical look at Tim but was interrupted by the popping of a cork from a magnum.
When all held charged glasses,
Graham said A toast to Bradley Grange.
Jenna and Tim learned that the guests were all staying at the Beckford Arms overnight.
Graham had obviously been doing some planning behind the scenes.
As lunch wore on,
These details all became a blur as they got more and more into the wine flight accompanying what turned out to be a five-course Sunday banquet including a specially requested starter of the Arnold Bennett Soufflé and a main course of Chateaubriand.
Graham had arranged this meal just so that tongs would loosen.
Sam was very forthcoming about what needed attention in the house and what was involved with the upkeep of the grounds.
Anna also explained how she could fast-track completion on the sail within about eight weeks.
So might we be in the gatehouse for Christmas,
Asked Tim.
Easy-peasy,
Said Anna.
I know what cages to rattle and Sophie will open some secret doors for us.
And I'll get it decorated next month,
Said Sam.
What,
Before we legally own it,
Asked Jenna.
Don't worry,
The administrators haven't visited for two years and won't know,
Said Sam.
Besides,
Me and Ben will be doing it.
Not before I've chosen the colours,
Said Jenna,
Who then changed the subject.
So,
Graham,
She asked.
When will the school be open for the 36 students you mentioned?
And when will the tutors arrive?
There's a bit of organisation to do as we have ideas for what happens in each of the six hexagons,
Said Graham.
But we're aiming to be open by the spring equinox next year.
Which is when exactly,
Asked Tim?
The 22nd of March,
Chipped in Sophie,
Head of the concierge.
I'm hoping you'll let me plan your opening party.
Graham continued.
And now you've both read the book,
I'm assuming you will be amongst the first intake of students.
Yes please,
Said Jenna,
With Tim just nodding.
So when do we get to meet the tutors?
Well,
You are in the presence of seven of them already,
Said Graham,
Waving his hands at their surprise guests.
