we had postcards from Africa and South America – he climbed to that lost city place, 'straordinary how they lumped bits of rock up there, not much oxygen. Then Indonesia and Thailand and Australia. He'd probably love to have a chat with you about the places you've lived in!'
'Yes, that would be lovely, if I can remember back that far! Sophie and I have been in England since I was eight.' I smile back at him. 'And what about you, Monty? Estate still keeping you busy?'
'No! I haven't run the estate for a few years! When Elizabeth died I simply couldn't face it any more. Simon has been in charge since then; after all, it is his inheritance!'
Again I look down at my cup in embarrassment. It seems pretty clear to me, and also to Monty judging by the uncomfortable silence, that Simon Monkwell couldn't give a toss for his inheritance. Monty eventually says, 'I suppose we ought to get on and talk about this charity event!
'Yes!' I say rather too eagerly. I reach for my notebook.
'I was so glad when your company said you were available,' Morty continues. 'Of course, as soon as Mrs Charlesty told me you were a party planner I knew that we couldn't have anyone else! I'm sorry we could only offer you a smallish fee. Because it was such short notice I had to call Simon to ask his permission and he told me it would be ample.' Ample isn't quite the word. 'And because it's for a charity I didn't want to extract too much money from them.'
They should count themselves lucky Simon isn't here then, I think to myself. 'Oh don't worry about that!' I say aloud. 'Gerald, my MD, was perfectly happy to accept it. So what changed your mind about holding an event here? I always thought Pantiles was strictly private.'
'Simon has been talking about trying to make Pantiles more commercial for a while now, so while we haven't been actively looking for business I thought it would be silly not to take the opportunity when it came along. Besides, it'll give an old cove like me something to do! Thought it would be fun!'
I look at him dubiously. He obviously hasn't been stuck up a ladder at three in the morning when a bird of paradise theme isn't working and Aidan is having the screaming hysterics. 'What information has the charity given you so far?'
'Well, there will be about five hundred guests.'
'So a marquee on the lawn then?' Please tell me they've booked it. Please tell me they've booked it.
'They're using the marquee company that they had booked for the other venue.' Phew.
'And what specifically do they want us to supply?'
'Um, everything.'
'Everything?'
'Er, yes. They gave me a list.' He fishes around in his inside pocket for a few seconds. 'Here! They want catering – they've given me a price per head for that – decorations, tables and chairs, cutlery, crockery and glassware and entertainment.'
I scribble all of this down. 'So not much then,' I say with a sigh while cross-checking the requirements against my standard list of questions.
'Is it too much?' Monty looks anxious.
'No, no!' I say in what I hope is a comforting manner. 'We've just got our work cut out!'
'You will be able to do it though?' he asks anxiously.
Gerald always gives me carte blanche on whether to accept a job or not. Ordinarily I would think twice about accepting this one but I don't hesitate for a second when I say, 'But of course!' I am rewarded by Monty looking excessively relieved.
'Your fee isn't going to be enough, is it?'
'Don't worry! We have the catering for five hundred to factor in now; we weren't expecting that bonus! Can I meet with the charity to discuss details? Soon?' I endeavour to keep a slightly panicky note out of my voice. Clients don't tend to like it.
'I took the liberty of arranging a meeting this Thursday. The marquee company is coming on Friday. They haven't seen the site yet. You must stay with us, Izzy, I absolutely insist.'
I'll be moving in straightaway, I think to myself. 'Thanks, Monty. That'll help. It's a bit of trek back