Love Is in the Air

By Samantha Arran

24 year old beautiful Italian Paulina Alvarado, with her university Masters Degrees qualifications is asked to furnish the luxury hotel in London she had designed for business people and their families from abroad, bringing orders into Britain.
Paulina stays with friends and colleagues of her horse business parents and, owing to circumstances, meets for the first time their son, 32 year old Marcus.
Shortly after coming to Surrey, Paulina is introduced to Antonio Verengo, a famous gorgeous Italian polo player and hotels owner. With their affinity she begins to think they have a married future together, when she is broken hearted hearing of his infidelity.
We briefly meet up with Mademoiselle Fleur from the last book, her husband Dominic who is the construction builder for the hotel, and their children.
Samantha weaves her storyline characters into her usual good uplifting read of humour, and how despair can turn to hope through love. Love of God and the love of people.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Apr 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481789271

Samantha Arran

Samantha is a caring mother for her son and is a committed Christian. They live in a beautiful part of Derbyshire. Samantha thanks the ones who have told her they read every word of her books and re-read with pleasure and interest. This one is different again and full of lovely surprises.

Book preview

© 2013 by Samantha Arran. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 04/02/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-8927-1 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

About the Book

To God be the Glory, great things He has done.

All the characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all the incidents are pure invention.

Proceeds are going to my two chosen charities.

By the same author: Trilogy Love Never Fails, revised edition*

Unfailing love

A New Beginning*

Jason and Marigold

Mademoiselle Fleur*

All available from Amazon: Waterstones, and all good book shops.

*Love Never Fails, revised edition, *A New Beginning, *Mademoiselle Fleur and this book are available as eBooks, distributed by Authorhouse to all the major suppliers.

Chapter One

Alessio Alvarado rang his good friends and colleagues Simon and Nina Meldrum. Simon answered. After greetings and enquiries about Nina and son Marcus, Alessio told him, ‘Paulina has completed her years of education as you know, and the hotel she designed for her Masters Degree is almost completed. She has met up with the hotel owners, Mr and Mrs Stockwell, here in Italy. They have accepted Paulina’s designs she submitted for furnishing the hotel.

‘Knowing she has completed university they now need to meet her in the London hotel on Friday of next week. It is short notice for her, but the deadline for the opening is the first or second Saturday in September.

‘This is a big honour but also a huge responsibility. We are very proud of her and she is over the moon to receive such a prestigious order so quickly.’

Simon broke in to say, ‘Nina and I are very proud of our little Paulina. I’ve just realised that its eight years since we saw her, but she has always kept in touch by telephone and letters, especially since our bereavement and Nina’s accident.’

‘Yes, she is very concerned. We also have seen very little of her during these years. With her two years in the Paris Finishing school, and then working so hard for six years at university. Now, Simon, I am asking you as my good and trusted friend, whilst she is in London completing the fittings and furnishings, if she may come and stay with you for this period of say six months?

‘Carla and I would rest easy knowing that she was with you both. Mr and Mrs Stockwell would provide for her to have a chauffeur and bodyguard whilst she is travelling and being away from your home. They are friends of Sir Vickers who owns London Patels store, and have requested Paulina to buy as much as possible from there. She will be secure in Patels.

‘If this is not convenient, we will work out a rota to stay with her in a hotel or rent something. Please be honest with me Simon, Carla and I know you and Nina are not well and are living a quiet life. Paulina would be a big disruption in your lives, but we know she has six months of hard work to complete, and is always in bed early as you are, Simon.’

‘Yes, we are living a quiet life, Alessio, but our Paulina will be most welcome if this is what she would prefer. Good thinking, Alessio, about her security with you and Carla being millionaire horse owners. If Nina and I were in your position, we would provide this security for our daughter. She will be very, very welcome, and we will do everything to make sure she is well cared for and happy. I can’t wait to tell Nina. Has she still got a good appetite?’

‘She has, Simon,’ Alessio laughed.

‘Paulina coming will be so good for me and Nina. She has been feeling very down recently with suffering discomfort in her ankle and being unable to ride now. Her latest x-ray only yesterday showed the bones aren’t healing as quickly as hoped, and she may need another operation. Naturally, as you and I know Alessio, we are getting older and our bones suffer from wear and tear. Also, the young lady Marcus has been seeing and we very much liked has decided this horse business isn’t the life for her.’

‘How is he?’

‘Well, not broken hearted, I must say. He’s in love with his horses,’ he laughed. ‘Nina has taken it harder.’

‘Carla and I wonder how he will feel about Paulina staying with you.’

‘He will be thankful that Paulina coming is just the tonic his mum and I needs.’ He was going to confess that they must be a burden to him, but held his tongue. Alessio knew the situation.

‘Thank you, Simon. So is it ok if she comes to you next Wednesday morning. Domenico will bring her to you and return later that day—we have a weekend of important races to prepare for. You understand Simon, what these entail.’

‘I do indeed, and it will be good to see him also, Alessio. We’ll collect them from the airport.’

‘Now, my good friend Simon, do not you go to all that trouble.’

‘At least let me send our chauffeur.’

‘Thank you Simon, I will pay for her being with you and any expenses.’

‘We don’t want you to pay—Paulina is our beloved adopted daughter. Please never mention this again.’ Alessio thanked him.

‘We are sad Paulina is leaving us when she has just finished university, but this work is her career and we realise we have to let her go. Staying with you, Nina and Marcus will lighten us.’

‘Hopefully she will settle with us—at least she has a love for horses and will be able to ride.’

‘Carla will be ringing Nina of course, Simon.’

‘An important point, Alessio, is our weather! We are enjoying a dry very warm spell just now as we do, but then it usually turns wet and cold for a while.’

‘I will prepare Paulina. Thank you for this, Simon.’

They discussed a few horse matters before saying bye. With Simon being the head of the family as Alessio was, he had asked Simon’s permission first.

Simon joyfully went to find Nina and tell her this good news, and that Carla was ringing her. She was ecstatic about Paulina coming to stay and Simon said,’ I’ll see if Marcus can join us.’ He texted him, your mum and I have had some good news and need your advice and help.

Marcus texted, Be with you in about twenty minutes.

Whilst waiting and enjoying a coffee, Nina and Simon discussed where Paulina’s rooms could be.

‘The guest’s bedrooms haven’t a shower unit.’

‘They have over the bath, darling,’ Simon reminded her.

‘Paulina is a modern young woman and will need a shower unit. We have another option,’ Nina told her husband.

‘Yes, Rita’s rooms. Let’s ask Marcus.’

Marcus came running.

Simon told him about Paulina. ‘We expected she would visit us, Marcus, but only for the odd weekend with finishing her education and probably getting work in Italy near her family. She has only this morning heard about the London deadline.’

Nina took over not to overtire Simon.

‘Your dad and I wonder if you think it would be right to let her have Rita’s rooms. They are cleaned every week and there is a modern shower unit and bidet in the ensuite.’ She began to cry, Simon also. Marcus felt their pain.

‘Shall we have a fresh coffee?’ he suggested. Nina nodded and he texted Biddy, the housekeeper. Roisin, Biddy’s number one assistant brought it and took the used tray away.

‘In the time limit, I think so, mum, dad. But it possibly will be too painful for you both.’

‘What else can we do? If we had more time, we could have a shower unit put into one of the rooms. We must make her feel welcome and cared for. Her papa said she will be doing very responsible work. It’s the only solution I can think of,’ Simon told him.

‘Good,’ Marcus said. ‘Paulina and her family wouldn’t want her coming to overburden you, with you both not feeling well.’ Simon agreed with him.

‘Right,’ Marcus teased to lighten them, ‘let’s look at this as a military operation! a, you need to meet Biddy and Mark. b, order a new bed and Paulina’s requirements, c, I will help Graham move Rita’s bed and any personal belongings,’

‘Thank you, Marcus. We’ll get on with this.’ Nina said with relief beginning to know that a black cloud that had been hanging over her was beginning to lift.

‘When we have the rooms set up, I know Paulina will come often for visits.’

‘Yes, mum.’

She rang Biddy.

Carla then rang and Nina told her how delighted they were that Paulina was coming to them whilst working in London. After exchanging pleasantries and Carla enquiring about Nina’s ankle, Nina asked if Paulina had any special likes or dislikes.

‘She is very particular with her hair and likes a hot milky drink in bed before she sleeps, darling. She will prepare this herself if I may buy her a small refrigerator and microwave. She isn’t a picky eater and still has a very good appetite,’ she laughed.

‘Yes, Simon has mentioned this,’ Nina also laughed.

‘We all were so disappointed you couldn’t attend her Graduations, may we send video films of it and framed photographs of Paulina in her gown?’

‘Please do, Carla, we will love these.’

‘The Principal gave her a glowing reference saying how hard she had worked and gaining the responsibility of designing the hotel is awesome. Now she is carrying a huge responsibility with furnishing it. Mr and Mrs Stockwell have assured Alessio and me they will support her in any way and make sure that she is safe.’

‘That’s very decent of them, Carla. Have you met them?’

‘No. They both have their careers with hotels and married seven years ago. Unfortunately, Mrs Stockwell is too old to have children, but their work is their life.’

Carla had kept in constant touch with Nina. After conversing further Nina said she would get the wheels in motion preparing for Paulina coming.

‘Signorina Paulina is coming to stay with us for about six months, Biddy.’

She was amazed knowing how they had been living virtually in isolation, but knowing Paulina growing up had been the daughter they hadn’t had.

‘I’m so pleased, ma’am. This will be a tonic for you and Mr Meldrum.’

‘Yes, it will. Now, Biddy, after carefully thinking which rooms will be suitable, we have decided on using Miss Rita’s rooms.’

Biddy was very surprised again, but hid it.

‘These are lovely modern young lady rooms, ma’am, and full of light. We clean them every week.’

‘Yes, thank you, Biddy, I know. Shall we go up now?’

‘Yes ma’am.’

Nina went upstairs on to the stair lift Simon and she used. Going into the bedroom she stopped short

‘This is the first time I’ve been in here since,’ breaking off crying. Biddy with all her years of being with Nina cuddled her, then briskly said, ‘we will wash the curtains and clean everywhere.’

‘It looks perfect as it is, Biddy, but empty the furniture. Yes, this will be most suitable. She will need an electric kettle and tea making equipment, a small fridge and microwave. These could be set up on a table in the fireplace hearth with the plugs being either side. A useful plug is against the dressing table.’ She was remembering Rita sat there drying her hair.

‘Is the bed staying, ma’am?’

Nina looked at the beautiful furniture with matching bed head. She sighed. ‘Yes, with a new mattress to her requirement.’

Nina’s phone rang and it was Paulina, ‘Thank you mama2, for allowing me to stay with you.’

Nina sat down. After speaking for several minutes Nina asked, ‘Darling, what size bed do you prefer—and mattress soft or firm and duvet or spread and sheets in what colour?’

‘I’m used to a single bed, darling mama2, with medium support; I prefer a cotton spread and pastel colour cotton sheets, but any colours.’

‘I’ll arrange this Paulina, you are very welcome.’ She was thankful as Rita’s bed was single matching the furniture, but a double wouldn’t have been a problem.

‘Thank you, darling. Now I haven’t many days here left now Mr and Mrs Stockwell know the deadline for completion, and not spending much time with them, my sisters in law and mama are arranging an outdoor party for Sunday.’

‘Are your grandparents coming, pet?’

‘Yes. Mama asks if you, papa2 and Marcus could join us, darling mama2. It would be lovely.’

‘It would be a bit too much for us at the moment, and Marcus has races, but thank you for that thought, Paulina.’ Nina then quickly said, ‘your papa said that you will be carrying a big responsibility furnishing New Horizons.’

‘Yes, mama2 I will, but Mr and Mrs Stockwell have faith in me and will support me. I honestly, mama2, would not take this on if I couldn’t be staying with you.’

‘You are very welcome, and you will make a marvellous job. You always did apply yourself to everything,’ Nina lovingly told her. ‘Your coming is helping your papa2 and me very much, darling.’ Paulina understood what she was saying. Saying bye, she promised to ring later.

Nina and Biddy went into the adjoining en-suite.

‘Yes, this is very suitable,’ Nina remarked with satisfaction.

‘There is the empty room next to this, ma’am, Paulina may need for her work?’

‘Yes, good idea.’

‘You are up to speed that Signorina Paulina is a professional architectural designer and out at work all day,’ Nina told Biddy. ‘She will need a personal maid. Her mama told me that she is very particular with her hair.’

‘Is it long, ma’am?’

‘No idea—but we’ll find out when she comes. I know that it will still be full of curls,’ she laughed.

‘Thank you for telling me this, ma’am. Claire who cleans early mornings has hairdressing experience and with her other qualities, I recommend she would be ideal for the job. She has been asking for more morning hours.’

‘You know I have complete trust in you, Biddy. With not knowing Claire, I’d better meet with her.’

‘I’ll arrange this, Mrs. Meldrum.’

‘Also Biddy, you will all have a rise in your salaries to cover the extra work.’

‘Thank you, ma’am, it will be a pleasure to see Paulina again after all these years. Please assure her we all will do everything to make her feel comfortable.’

‘Biddy my good friend, I will.’ She cuddled Biddy who had served them faithfully for over thirty years.

They went back down.

Nina rang Marcus asking if he could spare her a few minutes.

‘Are you ill, mum?’

‘No, darling, I want you to send me an on-line order.’

He laughed, ‘Be with you in a few minutes.’

Although Nina still ran the business with her husband and Marcus, she avoided the Internet when she could, thankful their secretary or Marcus did this work!

She told him Paulina’s requirements and he went into a reputable store web-site and they chose a suitable mattress and best quality bedding, plus an electric kettle, a small refrigerator and microwave oven plus a two way individually switched extension lead. After ensuring they would deliver to-morrow morning, he sent the order.

‘If I can help Graham lift or move anything after lunch, I’ll clear my time for this, mum,’ he promised.

‘Thank you, Marcus. Biddy will have items to give to the charity shop. You know best but I suggest a small table in the hearth to hold the electrical equipment?’

‘I’ll arrange this with Graham, mum. Block the fire off.’ He appreciated discussing Rita’s rooms was hard for her. ‘Just had a thought mum, will Paulina need a television?’

‘Carla didn’t include one, but I’ll ask Paulina.’

With his university degrees, Marcus had joined the army which had been his dream and with his university degrees and leadership qualities, he was quickly promoted for a successful career.

Three years ago his elder brother David and his fiancée were killed in a horrific car crash. David and Rita had been at Nina and Simon’s for dinner celebrating their engagement with her parents and Rita’s two younger sisters who were to be bridesmaids.

David, to have a short time with Rita by themselves had arranged to take her home in his car. Knowing this, he had had only a sip of champagne and drunk water with his meal. Travelling, her parents and sisters were following, when coming in the opposite direction a car was weaving in and out at great speed.

The car driver’s were honking their annoyance at this foolhardy dangerous overtaking when it swerved and crashed into David and Rita killing them both outright, also the young teenager driver and the girl who was in the passenger seat.

Two young men and a girl had managed to scramble out of the back trying to get away, but the drivers and passengers kept hold of them—they were all highly intoxicated and were bilious all over the road.

The police and ambulance arrived quickly. The cameras had captured this and the driver’s and passengers all confirmed that David had had no possible chance to get out of the way.

Heartbroken and in shock, Rita’s parents and sisters were taken back to Nina and Simon’s who were preparing for bed. Simon at this sudden tragic news suffered a heart attack and was rushed into hospital. Rita’s dad, Julian and Nina, went with him whilst Biddy and staff cared for Heather and the two younger girls. Marcus was sent for and given compassionate leave.

With his military training, Marcus took charge bringing chaos into order. It was decided that, although they didn’t want to, Heather and Julian took their daughters back to the security of their home and school friends. A counsellor was brought in.

David was cleared with the evidence of the cameras and the testimonies of the other drivers and passengers, also having only the tiny amount of alcohol. He had a clean driving licence and his reputation was honourable.

No-one was invited to the combined funeral Marcus arranged. On Simon, Nina, Heather and Julian’s instructions it was a very low key but tasteful service at the Crematorium. Both families were in deep mourning at their loss and the injustice of it.

To have been celebrating the happiness of the engagement and the promise of David and Rita marrying, having a family, running the horse business, was so unbelievable. They all turned away from God. Simon of course was unable to attend and Rita’s sisters were taken out for the day. After a meal at Mulberry Manor, Heather and Julian returned home to their girls.

Marcus resigned from his army career—his superiors understood the circumstances knowing the responsibility of providing employment for scores of people in their fifteen stalls stud farm and race horse business built up through family generations. Simon was eventually allowed home but had been warned he would have to take great care. Marcus put his disappointment behind him and merged himself into the business, encouraging Nina to continue her office work in the mornings only. Simon and Nina lived quietly not inviting people or socialising.

Simon had discussed with Marcus he felt they had been selfish taking him away from his dream. He and Nina had wanted more children, but it hadn’t to be. Marcus assured him he and his mum had always supported and loved him all his life, and had been unselfish when they must have wanted him to come into the horse business, but he had chosen the army. He missed the army life but settled into the business and loved all the horses and this way of life he had been brought up in, also thankful to be able to make his parent’s lives easier.

On the third anniversary of David and Rita’s death Simon suffered another heart attack, despite all their efforts to prevent this as they had been warned that this could happen at any time. After Nina and Marcus spending the night in the hospital they returned to Mulberry Manor to shower, change and pick up pyjamas and Simon’s other needs.

Nina, in her haste to get back to her beloved husband fell down the stairs and badly broke her ankle bones and damaged the tendons and ligaments in her right foot. She was devastated knowing it was her own careless fault. Her foot and leg was put in plaster and she had to have pain relief injections.

Simon was well enough to return home a couple of days later with the instructions again for him to live a quiet life. Thankfully, it had been a minor attack but another warning. Nina also now used the stair lift Marcus had had put for his dad after his first heart attack.

Marcus had wanted them to have rooms prepared for them downstairs, but they both wanted to be in their bedroom they had shared from marrying. Aids were put into Nina’s bathroom.

Carla and Alessio had constantly asked to visit them, but Marcus advised not for the time being, as he had had to refuse offers of other visitors. Everyone understood.

Paulina, knowing she would be completing university the next spring time, bided her time to ask to visit until then, and continued to ring them often and sent letters and picture postcards. She hoped Nina would allow her to visit or stay when she knew she was coming to London for the opening celebration of the completed hotel. Mrs Stockwell had promised she and her family would be invited. This was before she knew she had won the Interior Designing for the hotel.

Biddy brought Claire to meet Nina, who said after introductions, ‘Miss Biddy has recommended you, Claire, so this is good enough for me.’

‘Miss Biddy told me Signorina Alvarado is very particular with her hair, and needs to look immaculate with working in Patels store.’

‘Yes, that’s correct.’

‘May I ask if she has a backwash basin available, ma’am?’

‘No, there isn’t Claire. My backwash basin was vital for my hair now I have the plaster on. Thank you for this. Of course Signorina Alvarado will need a back wash. I’ll have a word with Mr Marcus.’

She texted