ACGAS - The Modern Game

by Avengersome

Summary:

Siegfried Farnon is the director of Darrowby Cricket Club, who couldn’t win a game if their lives depended on it. When their coach resigns, Siegfried hires a new coach, who the outdated Yorkshire players may not appreciate… Audrey Hall.

Notes:

• For OverTheDales.

This is for K, who provided the prompt and loads of great ideas to get me started!

Chapter 1: My Kingdom for a Coach

Chapter 1

Siegfried Farnon walked into his home, Skeldale House, with all the calm and quiet his household had come to expect. Namely, none. He had slammed the back door, walked into one of the kitchen chairs, damned near knocking it over, flung open the kitchen door, and was half way through storming towards the front of the house when he came face-to-face with his business partner, James Herriot.

“Good day?” James asked with a smirk.
“Could have been better,” Siegfried frowned. “I’ve just simultaneously saved a mare and foal, and lost a coach.”
“What?” James replied.
“I was called up to Watkins’ farm,” he explained. “Spent three hours saving the mare who was struggling foaling, and then Watkins tells me he’s decided to stop being the team coach! Apparently I’m ‘difficult’. Didn’t bloody think that when I was saving his animals, did he?”
“To be fair, you as a vet and you as Darrowby Cricket Team director are two very different things,” James pointed out. “You with animals and you with people are very different in the first place.”
“I don’t know what you mean,” Siegfried scowled. “Where’s Tristan? Is he here?”
“He’s just finished with the last patient of the day, I think,” James nodded. “I’m off to Dick Rudd’s to see to Strawberry the cow.”
“Bloody stupid name for a cow.”
“And good evening to you too,” James chuckled as Siegfried stomped off again. “Good luck, Tristan.”

Tristan Walker was the third vet at Skeldale. Young but talented, he impressed and annoyed Siegfried in equal measure. And the same was true the other way around. They butted heads repeatedly, but there was also a love and respect in there… it was just often hidden quite successfully.

“Tristan?!” Siegfried shouted as he walked through the house.
“I’m right here, no need to yell,” Tristan said, appearing at the door of the first examination room. “I’m just cleaning up.”
“You? Cleaning,” Siegfried smirked.
“Haha. What are you having a hissy fit about?”
“Are you playing tomorrow?”
“I don’t know, am I?” Tristan asked. “You and Watkins haven’t announced a team yet.”
“Fine, then you’re playing,” Siegfried told him. “I need you to open the batting.”
“Open? I don’t usually get to open.”
“I know you don’t, but now Watkins is no longer the coach, I’m using my privilege to put you into the role you were born for. Dinsdale can move down to 3. He hasn’t scored more than 10 runs all season so far. He’s only kept his place because Watkins is having it off with Mrs Dinsdale and feels guilty about it.”
“Seriously?” Tristan asked.
“Yes, I thought everybody knew,” Siegfried replied dismissively. “Anyway, he’s out, and you’re opening. And if you’ve got any suggestions for a new coach, let me know. Our team needs all the help it can get right now.”

X

It was true that the Darrowby team needed as much help as possible. They were only three games into the new season, but it was fair to say that they had been dire so far. Not just three losses but three heavy losses had been incurred, and they were firmly sitting at the bottom of the table.

It was also true, not that he would openly admit it, that Siegfried could be difficult. But, he insisted, it was for the right reasons. What was the point of being a director of the team if he didn’t raise concerns? Watkins had been a good player in his younger years, but it had to be said, in Siegfried’s mind anyway, that he had never been the greatest coach.

He made questionable decisions, such as insisting on never putting Tristan in to open, and finally Siegfried had told him what he thought… not exactly politely, he would admit, but it had needed to be done. The team was floundering because of those terrible decisions, and Siegfried couldn’t imagine that it would do any worse in his stead.

The team at least seemed fairly happy with the line up he had chosen for the next game, and as he gave them his ‘pep talk’ that morning they seemed positive. That, in itself, was a bit of a breakthrough, and Siegfried hoped that going forward they might take to him more than they previously seemed to. Not that he felt they hated him, but they certainly didn’t seem to want to invite him to parties either.

The game started well, with the Darrowby captain, a gruff middle-aged farmer named Richard Alderson, winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Tristan had got a good start, and while his fellow batters weren’t exactly covering themselves in glory, he kept going. Within ten overs, the batting effort was already better than any previous games, but the wickets were still tumbling, and Siegfried needed to take a break from it all.

Walking around the boundary rope had always been Siegfried’s way of de-stressing during a game. It was nice to say hello to the supporters and also distract himself with the views of the rolling fields that often surrounded the small grounds of the Yorkshire Dales League. Nothing calmed his mind like the views that Yorkshire could give him.

He was half way around the ground, distracted temporarily by some frolicking lambs in a neighbouring field, when the sound of a giggling child took his attention. A little further along the boundary a lady was teaching a boy, who looked to be around 6 or 7 years of age, how to bat. He had a small blue plastic bat and a set of red plastic stumps, and while he clearly knew what he was doing, he had the customary over-exuberance of a small child.

The woman was a beauty, in a modest and simple way. The most attractive thing about her right now was not her figure, which was delightful, or her beautiful long brown hair. Rather, it was the grin on her face as she dealt with the boy. The smile gave her wonderful dimples, and lit up her eyes in a way that captivated Siegfried. He found himself watching her intently, as she demonstrated frankly quite impeccable batting technique to the boy, before bowling an almost perfect slow ball to him.

It wasn’t until she looked up at him with a quizzical smile that he realised he had been staring. With a slight chuckle he walked over and held out his hand in greeting.

“Sorry for staring,” he smiled. “I wasn’t intending to unnerve you. I was just fascinated watching your coaching. You have skills.”
“Thank you,” she replied with another beautiful smile.
“I’m Siegfried, by the way. Siegfried Farnon. I’m the director of the Darrowby team… God help me.”
“They’re not doing too well, are they?” she agreed. “That opening bat’s alright though.”
“Tristan,” he nodded. “One of my veterinary team. I run the Skeldale Veterinary Practice.”
“I thought I’d seen you,” she nodded. “I’m Audrey. Audrey Hall. This is my son, Edward. We just moved to Darrowby a couple of weeks ago from Scarborough. Still getting used to the place.”
“It takes a bit of acclimatising to,” Siegfried chuckled. “But the people are good once you get used to them. It’s nice to meet you. And you too, Edward. You enjoy your cricket, I can tell.”
“Yes, sir,” the young boy replied. “I want to be a batter like…”
“He’s always been enthusiastic,” Audrey interrupted, patting Edward’s head affectionately.
“I can see that,” Siegfried agreed. “You obviously know your stuff though.”
“I used to coach his school team,” she nodded.
“Ah, a professional.”
“Hardly,” Audrey chuckled. “Only a kids’ coach.”
“If you can coach kids you can coach adults,” Siegfried replied. “Would you like to?”
“Would I like to what?”
“Coach adults,” he smiled. “My team coach just resigned. I’m looking for a new one. You clearly know your stuff, I could tell that just by watching and listening to you.”
“I can’t imagine a load of burly fellas wanting to listen to me,” Audrey replied. “But I will admit I like the idea. And it would be a nice way to spend some time… and meet some new people. I’m sure Edward would love it.”
“Good, that’s a deal then,” Siegfried beamed. “We train on Tuesday and Friday nights, and play Saturdays and Sundays. I can’t offer you much in the way of payment, I’m afraid. This team isn’t exactly the richest, as you can imagine, but you will get a small wage for it.”
“Hang on, I haven’t said yes yet,” Audrey chuckled.
“I know,” he grinned, turning to walk away. “7pm on Tuesday at the Darrowby Cricket Ground. See you there.”

Audrey couldn’t help but giggle as Siegfried walked away. She’d only known him for 5 minutes but he’d certainly made an impression already. He was a man who knew his mind, and seemingly one who didn’t take no for an answer. That said, he’d also shown some kindness and support that she wasn’t entirely used to. Maybe she should roll with it. Maybe… maybe she should, for once, do something she wanted to do.

X

Darrowby lost their game, once again, with only Tristan scoring any significant runs and two bowlers taking any wickets. It was yet another humiliating loss, and Siegfried found himself struggling to come up with any words to say to the team that would be even vaguely optimistic.

As he stood outside the pavilion, pondering what he could say to them, he became aware of a presence behind him and turned to see Audrey and Edward walking towards him. They made a cute pair, his hand firmly in hers, his other hand carrying his beloved bat, while she carried the plastic stumps and ball.

“That didn’t exactly go to plan, did it?” she said with a sympathetic smile.
“None of the games have this season,” Siegfried sighed. “At least Tristan batted well, and a couple of the bowlers didn’t do too badly. I’m trying to find crumbs of optimism for my team talk.”
“Would it help if you could tell them you’ve got a new coach signed up?” Audrey asked.
“That would certainly be something to focus on,” Siegfried nodded, stepping towards her. “Are you thinking of taking me up on my offer?”
“I am,” she smiled. “I like a good underdog as much as the next girl. And I enjoy a challenge. Is there a kids team?”
“Not technically, but feel free to set one up,” he answered. “There is a league. Quite a few kids come with their parents to training too, and they usually just play about on the outfield. If you can mobilise them into a proper team you will have my full support.”
“Alright then,” Audrey nodded, holding out her hand to him. “You have a deal, Mr Farnon.”
“And you have a job, Ms Hall,” Siegfried beamed. “Come on in and meet the team.”

Siegfried led Audrey and Edward into the pavilion and, after making sure that everybody was decent, into the team room. He introduced her to everybody and gave them a bit of a pep talk, before everybody made their way to the bar. These days the mid-game tea and the after-game drink were the highlights of the Darrowby sporting calendar.

“A woman? He’s hired a bloody woman to coach us? He’s lost his mind. Finally lost his mind completely. Moved from just being unpredictably mad to being fully insane.”
“I don’t know,” Tristan said, taken aback somewhat by the aggressive response to the appointment by Halliwell, one of his fellow batsmen. “She seems alright. And we need a coach, you can’t deny that. We’ve not won a thing all season. We’d get beaten by her kid at the moment.”
“I know we’re not great,” Halliwell replied. “And Watkins is no bloody loss. He couldn’t ‘ave coached an egg out a chicken’s arse, but a woman?! Are we that bloody desperate?”
“If she does a decent job, what does it matter what sex she is?” Tristan shrugged. “I say give her a chance. She can’t be any worse than being stuck with Siegfried bloody Farnon as our coach, can she?”
“Well, alright, on that I’ll agree wi’ you. How you cope with working with that madman every day, I’ve no idea.”
“He’s alright as a boss… you’ve just got to get used to how to handle him,” Tristan chuckled. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I need to speak to Jim.”

Tristan walked over to where James was chatting away to his partner, Helen Alderson, daughter of the Darrowby team captain. She was a pretty young thing, but Tristan had always found her a little too forthright for his liking. They had more of a sibling relationship, and he was happy about that.

“Hi, Tris,” she grinned. “Well batted.”
“Thanks, Helen,” he replied. “Pity about everybody else.”
“Aye, it’s not going well,” she agreed. “And so far I can’t see everybody jumping with excitement at Siegfried’s new appointment.”
“No, I’ve just had Halliwell ranting at me about how stupid it is to hire a woman,” Tristan sighed. “Fair warning, Jim, as deputy director you’re going to get an earful I’m sure.”
“I already have,” James nodded, rolling his eyes as he did. “What are your thoughts?”
“On her… she seems nice enough, and she seems knowledgeable,” Tristan replied before chuckling. “On Siegfried appointing her… typical Siegfried. Impulsive, completely wayward, completely oblivious to what his decisions will bring out in anybody else. How you cope with working with him in two capacities, I have no idea. That said… something tells me this might be one of his better decisions, assuming, of course, we can get this bunch of useless cricketers to give Audrey a chance.”
“That’s our challenge then,” Helen smiled. “To help her win this lot over. Where is she, anyway?”
“Last seen heading outside with Siegfried,” James answered. “Don’t quote me on it, but I think he might have more interest in her than just her off-spin bowling.”

Outside, Siegfried and Audrey were sitting on one of the benches by the boundary, while Edward played a little game with a couple of other children. Everybody had been polite to Audrey at the introduction, but they were under no delusion this would be easy. Yorkshiremen could be stubborn at the best of times, and this lot had never seemed particularly able to accept change, even if it might help them win a game or two.

“You’ll win them over,” Siegfried said with a smile. “Just give them time. I’ll be on your side, I can assure you.”
“From what I heard, they think you’ll scare me off before I have a chance to taint the team,” Audrey replied with a slight chuckle.
“I’m difficult, I know I am,” he shrugged. “But it’s because I want the team to do well. Better than it is doing, anyway. I can’t promise we won’t butt heads occasionally on things, but I promise you that when it comes to the sexism of the Darrowby cricketers, I will back you up.”
“I believe that,” Audrey smiled. “Thank you. For trusting me, and also just for being friendly. I haven’t exactly made a lot of friends since I got here.”
“Village folk can be difficult, but they’ll warm to you eventually,” Siegfried told her. “And doing this will help, I think. You’ll get to know a few more people, both through the cricket and also through Edward. Kids tend to be a good ice breaker with even the most stubborn of folk.”
“Do you have kids?”
“No,” he answered with a sad smile. “My wife died 5 years ago. We didn’t have any children.”
“I’m sorry;” Audrey replied. “I’m divorced. My husband was a good cricketer before an injury sidelined him indefinitely and… well, he didn’t react well to it, let’s put it that way. Thankfully Edward doesn’t know the worst of it. He still wants to be just like daddy.”
“I’m sorry,” Siegfried said. “But well done for protecting Edward from it. I can empathise with your husband, although it sounds like I reacted better to my injuries than he did. I was only ever an amateur, but it does break you a little when you realise you’ll never be able to play again.”
“It broke him a lot,” Audrey sighed. “Like you, I understood, but I couldn’t stay any longer.”
“Sounds like you made the right decision,” he replied, tentatively reaching out and taking her hand. “And you’ll settle here, don’t worry. Just give it time. This lot are stubborn, but they learn eventually.”
“I’m sure,” she chuckled. “And at least now I know I have one friend in this place. That’s worth its weight in gold.”
“It is,” Siegfried smiled, gazing out across the cricket ground. “It is indeed.”

Chapter 2: Facing Adversity

Chapter 2

Audrey was quietly rather nervous through Tuesday. Her daily job, currently only temporary, was as a housekeeper at the local pub hotel, and right now she was very grateful that it was a relatively simple job requiring no real focus. Edward had gone to the local playgroup, as always, while she did her few hours of work. It didn’t bring in a massive amount of money, but enough to tide her over at least until the end of the summer holidays. Once Edward was in school full-time again, she would have more time to get a better job.

Once work was finished, she picked up Edward and the two had dinner at home. Audrey loved cooking, and especially for Edward. He was a happy kid who would eat pretty much anything, and so whatever she cooked for him was always greeted with a broad smile and an enthusiastic thank you. If only everybody was so easy to please.

“So you’re going to teach the grown ups how to play cricket?” Edward asked with a confused frown as she got changed into her tshirt and joggers.
“Yes,” she nodded. “Sort of. They already know how to play. They’re just struggling to get it quite right at the moment. So Mr Farnon asked me if I could go and help.”
“But… they’re grown ups.”
“So am I,” Audrey chuckled. “You do know that, don’t you?”
“Yes,” Edward giggled. “But why do grown ups need teaching? Grown ups don’t go to school.”
“Everybody learns things all through their life,” Audrey told him. “It doesn’t just stop when you finish school. I learn things every day.”
“Like what?”
“Like how you’re capable of getting your dinner in very interesting places other than your mouth,” she answered, pointing to the left elbow of his shirt. “How did you get it there? Go and change your top, you daft beggar. Go on. Quickly, or else we’ll be late. Don’t want to be late for my first day coaching.”

X

When Audrey and Edward arrived at the cricket ground, she was disconcerted not to be able to see Siegfried anywhere. He was the one person she had really spoken to so far, and without him she felt even more exposed than she would have felt ordinarily. Eventually, however, she saw Helen and James walking her way, and their friendly smiles made her feel a little more relaxed.

“Glad you’re here,” James told her. “Siegfried sends his apologies. He’ll be here as soon as he can, but he was called to an emergency about an hour ago. As much as he loves this team, ‘the animal always comes first’.”
“That’s his catchphrase,” Helen chuckled. “He’ll get here, I’m sure. But in the meantime you’ve got us to back you up. I think we’ll make pretty good cheerleaders. Don’t let any of these old buggers give you a hard time. Especially not me dad. I’ve told him to behave himself.”
“Somehow I don’t doubt that,” Audrey smiled. “I appreciate the back up. I might need it. They don’t look too friendly.”
“They’re just stuck in their ways,” James told her. “Trust me, they weren’t keen on me to start with. Me and my ‘funny’ accent. You’d think Scotland was another planet the way they reacted to me. But they warm up eventually.”
“That’s what Siegfried told me,” Audrey chuckled. “I’m glad to know he’s not the only one on my side anyway. Thank you.”
“No, we’re with you, don’t worry,” Helen assured her. “Tris is too.”
“Tris?”
“Our one decent batter at the weekend,” James said. “Tristan Walker.”
“Oh, he’s one of the vets, right?” Audrey asked. “With you and Siegfried?”
“Aye, that’s right,” he nodded. “He’s a good lad, if a bit wayward sometimes.”
“He’s young,” she smiled. “We were all wayward at some time, I’m sure.”
“Nah, not him,” Helen smirked, nudging James playfully. “Mummy’s boy, our James.”
“Oi!” James replied, unable to hide a smile. “Behave you. Focus on this bunch of ragamuffin cricketers and backing up Audrey. Come on, let’s get this party started.”

X

Siegfried didn’t arrive at the training session at all, in the end, which had saddened Audrey. Whilst she had got on well with James and Helen, and also Tristan, she missed Siegfried’s support amongst the sexist Darrowby cricketers. While the session hadn’t gone hideously, and some of the men had been fairly receptive to her comments, it could have gone better too.

It was almost midnight when she heard her phone vibrate and picked it up from the bedside table to see that she had received a message from Siegfried. The mere sight of his name on her phone made her smile, and when she opened the message he immediately made her laugh with his customary humour.

‘Was detained by two pigs and a (now extremely broken) fence. As fun as that sounds, I would much rather have been at training. I hope it went alright, and the men weren’t arses to you. If they were, let me know and I’ll sort them out for you (I am now the owner of several dangerously pointy pieces of broken wood which should do the trick). Hopefully will see you for training on Friday night. Sleep well. Siegfried.’

‘Still awake. Glad to hear from you. Training went alright. Some good blokes, some less good. James and Helen were very supportive, and Tristan seems lovely. Edward enjoyed himself. Look forward to seeing you on Friday. Goodnight. Audrey.’

‘Though I say so myself, I hired a good bunch. Pleasant dreams, my dear. Siegfried.’

Audrey couldn’t help but smile. Siegfried was somehow simultaneously old fashioned and modern. Modern in views, it appeared, but distinctly old fashioned in style. And she couldn’t deny that he was the first man she had really taken to in a long time. It was too early to consider what might be, but she certainly looked forward to finding out.

Putting her phone back on the bedside table, she snuggled back down in her bed. Her mind quietened, she closed her eyes and tried to sleep, a smile now firmly fixed on her face.

X

“They weren’t overtly objectionable, I don’t think. At least not that I saw. Just a bit… reluctant. You know what they’re like.”

Siegfried did know exactly what they were like, and precisely what Helen meant when she said that. The men of Darrowby in general could be hard work. The men of the cricket team seemed to have formed the sort of old school bond that turned them into some sort of band of idiots when the mood took them.

“She’s a wonderful woman, and we must take care of her,” Siegfried told everybody over breakfast. “How was her coaching? Tristan?”
“Very good,” Tristan nodded. “She’s got a shrewd eye. Took one look at me and told me I needed to turn my shoulder a little more and raise my chin. So simple but she was bloody right! Dawson bowled his off break at me and I hit it perfectly. That little tweak of stance was exactly what I needed apparently… it was almost annoying. I should have worked that out for myself.”
“Sometimes it takes a woman’s eye to work out what’s wrong with a man, Tris,” Helen smirked, earning a swipe from the end of the table. “Siegfried’s right though. Audrey seems lovely. She’s got her little boy too. We have to make sure they’re both alright. I’ve asked me dad to have a word, but you know him. Not the king of the big talkers, me dad.”
“I don’t think I heard him utter more than a grunt to me until the day I asked you to move in here,” James agreed. “Suddenly I couldn’t shut him up.”
“Tristan, they all like you,” Siegfried told him. “You need to get them on board.”
“I’ve tried. They’re all stubborn as mules,” Tristan moaned. “If they weren’t they might actually be half decent cricketers. They barely listened to Watkins, they’re not going to be any easier on Audrey. She just has to persevere. I’ll be supportive, but she’ll just need to have thick skin.”
“I know,” Siegfried sighed, getting to his feet and wandering off.
“What’s going on?” Tristan asked, following him.
“What do you mean?”
“What is it about this woman that really gets to you?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Siegfried sighed. “It’s not really my story to tell, so keep it to yourself, but I think her husband was abusive. She’s only given away a little, but that’s the vibe I get. He was a cricketer apparently, got injured, took it badly. It just reminded me a little of… well, you know.”
“I do,” Tristan nodded. “But you were never like that… and he didn’t have that excuse.”
“No, he didn’t,” Siegfried agreed, smiling across at Tristan. “You batted bloody well at the weekend, by the way. I’m not sure I said so. He would have been proud.”
“Maybe,” Tristan chuckled. “But thanks. I enjoyed it. Are you going to let me continue to open?”
“We’ll see,” Siegfried replied with a sad smile. “Take it one game at a time, OK?”
“OK,” Tristan agreed. “I’d better get organised. Got farm calls to do this morning. See you later.”
“Drive carefully,” Siegfried told him, leaning back tiredly against the wall as Tristan left. “Come home safe.”

X

When Siegfried got to training on Friday evening, Audrey hadn’t arrived yet. Everybody else seemed to be there, however, and as he walked in he could hear them laughing. His mood at their happiness quickly dipped, however, when he realised what they were laughing about.

“Daft cow thinks she can tell us how to play? Cricket is a man’s game!”
“Women shouldn’t be anywhere near cricket. Except in the pavilion making the teas.”
“She thinks she knows what she’s talking about, but I don’t need to listen to her to know she doesn’t.”

Siegfried gritted his teeth and walked to the centre of the room before whistling as loudly as he could and then directing everybody to gather in front of him. His face was stern, but nobody took that particularly seriously. Siegfried could be difficult, as he well knew, and they were used to the odd mood from him.

“Whilst I am aware that Yorkshire folk are… what’s the polite term… forthright?” Siegfried said. “If I hear anybody being rude to, or about, Audrey Hall, they will be sidelined for a game. If they continue, they’ll be sidelined all season. She is a good person who is trying to help us, and you will show her respect. Women have been in cricket for centuries. The first women’s test match was in 1934, for God’s sake. Acting like women have no place in cricket just makes you all seem stupid and sexist. So cut it out, or you will be cut from the team.”
“Cut many of us from the team and you won’t have a team!”
“Wouldn’t make us any worse, would it?” Siegfried glared at his heckler. “Grow up, the lot of you. Treat Audrey as you would want to be treated yourselves. Understood?”

There were slight murmurs, unidentifiable for the most part, and Siegfried genuinely had no clue if he’d got through to them or not. When he turned around, Audrey was standing in the doorway watching, but before he could say anything, she told Edward to stand with James and Helen, and then walked to Siegfried’s side.

“I’m sorry,” he told her. “I didn’t want you to hear that.”
“It’s fine,” she replied with a smile. “I appreciate the support. But,” she continued, turning to the team, “if you’re going to say summat about me, I’d rather you said it to me face. I’m a big girl I can take it. But it strikes me that those of you who don’t want to be coached by me are ignoring one key factor. I know what I’m doing out there, and judging by the scorecards this season you lot don’t. So I suggest you all get training. Now.”

As the team trudged off with disgruntled expressions, Audrey turned to Siegfried. She could tell he was trying not to smile, and finally she bit her bottom lip and shrugged at him.

“Too much?” she asked.
“Are you kidding me?” Siegfried laughed. “That was bloody brilliant. You’re a marvel. Come on, let’s beat them all into shape.”

Chapter 3: Opening Up

Chapter 3

Training wasn’t too bad, with several more men seeming to accept Audrey’s new job role. Apparently her forthrightness, combined with Siegfried’s telling off, had finally started to work a little. Some were still being stubbornly sexist, but at this rate Audrey hoped to have them all on side in a few weeks.

While nobody expected miracles, everybody looked forward to the Saturday game. It would be a long weekend, with games on both Saturday and Sunday, and that meant everybody would have to work hard, but if they could just make a better job of Saturday’s game that would perk them all up a bit for Sunday at least.

“You’ve put Tristan in to open again?” Siegfried asked as he and Audrey chatted at the ground on Saturday morning.
“I have,” she nodded. “He’s easily the best batter we have, and he was born to open the batting. I plan to keep him in there.”
“Right… OK,” Siegfried nodded slowly.
“Is that a problem?” Audrey asked. “I thought you were in favour of him opening.”
“Oh, I am, yes;” he agreed, forcing a smile. “I just worry about putting him in there every game. Wouldn’t want to injure him.”
“He’s a fit young man. He’ll be fine,” she chuckled, noting Siegfried’s distraction. “Is everything alright? You seem… bothered this morning.”
“No, sorry, I’m fine,” he replied. “Just tired. Got an emergency call earlier than the crack of dawn today. Already feel like I’ve been awake for a day.”
“You should have had a rest and come later,” Audrey said sympathetically. “I can hold the fort with James and Helen.”
“I’ve never missed a game since I took over, and I don’t intend to change now,” Siegfried replied with a frown that quickly softened. “But thank you. I’m sure you’re all more than capable. Which reminds me, are you a social media person? Can’t say I am myself. James handles it for the team and the practice, and he said he’d posted something I’d find ‘funny’ on Instagram.”
“Should we be worried?” Audrey chuckled, pulling her phone from her pocket. “Luckily Instagram is the only one I’m on. I don’t check it very often though.”
“I don’t understand why anybody would want to tell the world about their life,” Siegfried sighed. “Have you found it?”
“I have.”

Audrey handed her phone to Siegfried. On the screen was the team’s post; a photograph of Audrey in the training nets with the caption ‘our new coach #girlboss Audrey’. Siegfried seethed as he read it and then turned and beckoned James over.

“Ah, you found the post,” James grinned, entirely oblivious to Siegfried’s mood. “Good, right?”
“No, not bloody good,” Siegfried hissed. “Did you ask Audrey’s permission to put her face on our social media? Don’t you see that could put her in a difficult position? Possibly even dangerous, for all either of us knows?”
“Oh,” James replied, a look of worry and embarrassment on his face as he turned to Audrey. “I’m… Audrey, I’m sorry. I didn’t think. Should I delete it?”
“No, it’s fine,” she told him, reaching out and taking Siegfried’s hand. “Thank you. I appreciate you thinking of me, and trying to keep me safe. And it’s true that going forward I’d appreciate being asked before I become the poster girl for the team, but actually it is alright. It’s true that my divorce was acrimonious, and that I no longer have a relationship with my ex-husband, but firstly, he’s not a member of the modern world, as far as the internet is concerned, and secondly, he already knows roughly where I am. We have an agreement which he won’t break. He can’t. He would do himself more damage than me if he did. But again, I appreciate your thinking of me, Siegfried. Thank you. And James… thank you for the positive post of my role. I actually do quite like it.”
“Oh good,” James replied with a sigh. “Next time I’ll ask though, I promise. I just didn’t think. I wanted to give you a boost.”
“And you have,” Audrey smiled. “Thank you. Now, let’s get the team ready, shall we? We’ve got a game to play.”

X

“Well, not exactly a win, but that was an improvement,” Helen said as she and Audrey tidied up the scattered gloves and other items the team had left lying around after the game. “They at least put up a fight.”
“Yeah, I was quite proud of them,” Audrey nodded. “They fought, like you said. Made it so it wasn’t just a walkover for the Broughton team. And they’re one of the best in the league, so I have hope for tomorrow.”
“Me too.”
“Talking of tomorrow, can I ask you a question?”
“Of course,” Helen nodded. “What’s on your mind?”
“Actually I’m wondering what’s on Siegfried’s mind,” Audrey said quietly. “He’s been lovely to me, from the first time we met, and so supportive. But…”
“But?”
“When I told him I wanted to put Tristan in to open again tomorrow he nearly flipped at me. Why would that be? What is it with those two? They seem a lot more ‘connected’ than employer and employee.”
“Honestly, I don’t know,” Helen admitted. “I mean, we all live in the same house, so I know what you mean. They are very close, but honestly, I haven’t known either of them that long. Siegfried moved into the town a few years ago and took over his dad’s surgery. Tris moved in a year ago after qualifying and getting offered a job. But they’ve had a connection right from the start. I always wondered if they’d known each other before, but neither of them exactly seems big on talking about their past, so I’ve never pushed it. He is very protective of Tris though. And I suppose he did get that injury this afternoon.”
“He lightly rolled his ankle, and said he was fine twenty minutes later,” Audrey sighed. “He’s a strong young lad, he should be playing every game, but Siegfried doesn’t seem to agree. I don’t want to fall out with him, but there’s no point me being coach if I don’t get some control over the team and what they do.”
“Just talk to him,” Helen told her. “He likes you, that much is obvious. Tell him your concerns and see what he says.”
“You think?”
“I do,” she smiled. “Now, can I ask you something?”
“Of course,” Audrey nodded.
“Could I be your assistant coach?”
“Would you want to?” Audrey asked.
“Yes,” Helen smiled.
“Is this just to wind up your dad and the others a bit more?” Audrey chuckled.
“No, that would just be a nice bonus,” Helen laughed. “I do have a bit of a cricket background. Used to play at school, and I had a trial for the county girls, back in the day. It didn’t work out and I accepted that, but I’d like to get back into it. Can’t see there being a Darrowby Ladies team for a while, so I thought…”
“Sounds good to me,” Audrey smiled, holding out her hand. “Welcome on board.”

X

Sunday morning came and went, with Siegfried being called out to two urgent farm calls before midday. As a result, he turned up to the ground only ten minutes before play, and Audrey couldn’t help but think he looked quite panicked as his eyes searched the team room. It wasn’t until he spotted Tristan, sitting in his usual clothes rather than his whites, that he seemed to relax somewhat.

“Thought you weren’t going to make it,” she said, walking over to him. “Everything alright?”
“Oh, yes, just a mad runaround with emergencies,” Siegfried answered with an apologetic smile. “I was hoping to be here far sooner. Thank you… for not picking Tristan. I assume you didn’t anyway.”
“I would have,” Audrey admitted. “But he told me you had insisted he didn’t play.”
“Good.”
“What is it with you two?” Audrey asked. “You seem far closer than employer and employee.”
“He’s a young lad who needs looking after,” Siegfried answered dismissively. “Excuse me, I need to go and speak to him.”

Audrey watched with a frown as Siegfried walked over to Tristan and beckoned him outside. There was more to these two that met the eye, and she was determined to work out what was going on.

 

“Siegfried, I’m fine,” Tristan said as he and Siegfried stood talking outside. “I’m sitting the game out, as requested.”
“Good,” Siegfried replied. “Because it’s just not worth it. Not worth the risk of you going back out there. Not even as twelfth man.”
“There are only twelve of us here today. If they need a sub I’ll have to go out.”
“No, you won’t,” Siegfried insisted.
“Siegfried, please,” Tristan sighed. “Why are you like this?”
“You know damned well why I’m like this,” Siegfried hissed. “You know why I want to protect you.”
“I do,” he agreed with a defeated nod. “I can take care of myself though.”
“I thought that once too. I was wrong.”
“You were bullied,” Tristan told him sympathetically. “I never have been. Not by you anyway.”
“I know I’m hard work,” Siegfried sighed. “I know I make life difficult sometimes, but I just… I just want you to be alright.”
“I know,” Tristan smiled. “I know. Oh, look who’s here. Young Master Edward. What are you up to, pal?”
“I was playing but I got out,” Edward answered with a pout.
“Ah, it happens to us all,” Tristan told him. “But with practice we get better at not getting out.”
“Your dad was a good cricketer, wasn’t he?” Siegfried asked. “You want to be like him?”
“Yeah,” Edward grinned. “He was so good. And Mummy’s good too, isn’t she?”
“She is,” Siegfried smiled as Audrey appeared at the door. “She’s a good coach too.”
“Flatterer,” Audrey chuckled. “Edward, your friend Ronnie is looking for you. Wants to practice his off-spin on you apparently.”
“Yay!” Edward cheered, running off.
“Ah, to have that enthusiasm and energy,” Tristan smiled. “Excuse me, you two. There’s a tuna sandwich in there with my name on it, I’m sure.”
“Boy does love his food,” Siegfried chuckled as Tristan rushed off. “Everything alright?”
“With me, yes,” Audrey nodded. “With you… I’m not so sure.”
“I’m fine.”
“Something’s bothering you, and it’s something to do with Tristan,” Audrey told him. “If I’m going to mould this team into a winning squad I need to know about my players. So, what am I missing? I heard you tell him he can’t even play as a sub. What are you scared of? Is he ill? If so, I need to know.”
“No, he isn’t ill,” Siegfried replied. “Just needs to be safe. Not to work too hard. Not to…”
“Go on.”
“This really isn’t any of your business,” he frowned.
“Maybe not, but I still want to know,” Audrey replied determinedly. “I can’t coach this team if I have one hand tied behind my back. And trust me, I’ve had plenty of experience of men who don’t tell me what they’re up to behind me back. I’m not doing that again.”
“Your husband?”
“Got drunk, gambled, lost all our money, never wanted to admit it, gambled behind my back, slept around behind my back,” Audrey nodded. “I should have left him for that. Instead I let him carry on, pretended I didn’t know, and only left him when he got angry that none of that gave him the boost he thought it would.”
“Wow,” Siegfried replied, taken aback by the way the words had all tumbled so quickly from Audrey’s lips. “You’ve never told that story before have you?”
“Only in the divorce proceedings,” she sighed. “Honestly, it felt quite nice to just blurt it out like that. Quite cathartic. Now… your turn. You’re bottling something up and I want to know what it is. You owe me that much honesty.”

Siegfried paused, unsure of following this through, but finally nodded. Reaching out, he took Audrey’s hand and led her to a bench nearby. When they sat down together, he took a moment and then began.

“My father was… well, he was something of an obsessive man. A bully, you could say. When I was young I was a good cricketer and, as somebody who had never been that good himself, he focused all of his efforts on making me the cricketer he could never be. For a while that was good, but then it wasn’t. He pushed me and pushed me, forced me to play through injuries until… my body gave up. I suffered an injury that ended my cricket career and damned near ended my veterinary career as well. Once that happened, I was of no use to him. He didn’t give a damn anymore, because I couldn’t be what he wanted me to be.”
“I’m so sorry,” Audrey said gently. “So you worry about Tristan being pushed similarly?”
“Once I was of no use, my father took over the running of this place,” Siegfried continued. “But the team was always quite useless, so he eventually started to focus more heavily on… on my little brother. To the point where I took him away. My father couldn’t raise him alone after my mother died, so my late wife and I took on his care. I wouldn’t let him do to him what he did to me. My little brother… is Tristan.”
“What?” Audrey replied in surprise. “But… why does nobody know?”
“When I moved back here, Tristan was at veterinary college,” Siegfried explained. “I told him he could have a job once he qualified, and he took me up on it, but we agreed it might help if he wasn’t just seen as my little brother. If he was his own man. He is technically Tristan Farnon, but he decided to take Ma’s surname when he moved here. So there… now you know all of my secrets. Please don’t tell anybody.”
“I won’t,” Audrey replied with a smile. “But really, you have to let him make his own decisions. You’re not the bully your father was. And Tristan is a smart boy capable of making his own decisions about his body.”
“I know,” he sighed sadly. “I know you’re right. I just don’t know how to let him go.”
“You’re not letting him go, you’re just giving a bit longer rein,” Audrey told him, squeezing his hand. “Just give him that bit of autonomy. He might surprise you.”
“I doubt that,” he chuckled. “And the team would certainly do better if he batted more. Thank you. For not shouting at me for being an idiot, for trusting me with your story, and for listening to me tell you mine.”
“You’re welcome,” she smiled. “Thank you for trusting me. Now, shall we watch our team and see if they can do the unthinkable and put up a fight?”
“Alright,” Siegfried agreed. “Maybe they actually will surprise us.”

X

For the first time in a year, the Darrowby team won their Sunday game. Only by the skin of their teeth, but they did, and after the game everybody gathered in the bar to celebrate. The fact that most of them would be working in the morning, either in their 9-5 or on their farm, was completely ignored. This was a momentous event, and the alcohol was flowing steadily.

“You’re not having a drink?” Audrey asked, walking over to Siegfried.
“I had one,” he smiled. “But unlike some of these people, I actually do need to keep a clear head. Not the end of the world if you’re hungover working in the bank or the post office. Bit of an issue if I can’t see straight when I’m operating on somebody’s beloved pet cat.”
“Fair point,” she agreed. “Can you believe, I’ve just had a compliment from Mr Blanchard?”
“Bloody Hell, how much has he had to drink?” Siegfried chuckled. “You’re obviously a cult hero now, getting a win out of this lot.”
“Apparently so,” Audrey giggled. “Your Tristan’s good with the kids. He’s got our Edward completely rapt.”
“He’s a good lad… they both are.”
“They are,” she agreed, reaching out and taking his hand. “I’d like to think they were both raised well. Come take a stroll with me?”

With a nod, Siegfried got to his feet and went outside with Audrey. It was cooling as night fell, and it was nice to leave the raucous noise behind. As they reached the boundary rope, Audrey turned to Siegfried and smiled.

“This team means a lot to you, doesn’t it?” she asked. “I mean, you try to hide it, act like you can take or leave a win, but you can’t fool me.”
“I suppose I can’t,” he chuckled. “You’re right. I never managed to win my father’s respect in his lifetime. Maybe I’m trying to do it now he’s dead, I don’t know. But yes, the team is very important to me. And winning today has meant a lot. It feels like suddenly we have hope… thanks to you.”
“I’m not sure I’ve done much,” Audrey replied.
“Audrey, you’ve done everything,” Siegfried told her. “You’ve given a kick up the arse to the ones who needed that, and a supportive word or two to the ones who needed them. You’ve galvanised them into a team for the first time in an age. You were made for this role, Audrey. And it means a lot to you too, doesn’t it?”
“It does,” she agreed. “I always loved the sport. Robert put me off it, after he went off the rails, but Edward doesn’t know all the details. He still wants to be just like his daddy, and that innocence and love of the game has helped. It helps me to still feel positive about it and it’s helped me to rediscover my love for cricket. I really want this team to do well. It would mean a lot.”
“Something tells me, with you at the helm, they will do well,” Siegfried replied, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing her knuckles. “And when they do, you will absolutely deserve it.”
“So will you,” Audrey replied breathily, leaning closer to him. “Do you think anybody would notice if we just ran away?”
“Sadly, I suspect Edward might notice,” he chuckled, breathing in her perfume as his hand gently cupped her cheek. “But maybe they won’t notice this at least.”

Siegfried leaned in and tenderly kissed her cheek, then the corner of her mouth, and finally her lips. The small moan that she made, combined with the way her hands gripped him and held him close to her, spurred him on. It had been a long time since he had felt this, this fire and need, and for a long minute he forgot about the rest of the world completely.

“Wow,” he whispered when they finally separated. “I love your kid, but suddenly I wish he wasn’t here so we really could run away.”
“I know what you mean,” Audrey giggled. “He’ll be at his dad’s next weekend though, so maybe…”
“It’s a date,” Siegfried grinned. “Going to be the longest week of my life until then though.”
“Well, I’m sure we can find a few minutes to spend together in the meantime,” she smiled.
“I’m sure,” he agreed, placing another gentle kiss on her lips. “When something matters to me I can always make time.”

Chapter 4: Carpe Diem

Chapter 4

Over the course of the next week, Siegfried and Audrey stole moments together whenever they could. Edward, it turned out, was a real animal lover, and had really taken to going to Skeldale to help out with the patients.

It had all started one afternoon, when Audrey had called Siegfried and asked if he could look after Edward for an hour due to an extended shift at work. He had happily agreed, collected the lad from the play group, and taken him home to introduce him to the assorted injured animals. Edward had been so excited by the animals, particularly a rat with an injured tail, that they had agreed he could come over regularly to help out.

“Now I understand how Tristan grew up so well,” Audrey whispered in his ear as she watched Edward feeding some cats one afternoon. “You’re brilliant with kids.”
“My wife and I never really thought about having kids,” Siegfried admitted. “Then Tris was essentially our adoptee. I don’t get to spend much time with children, but I must admit I have become rather fond of your little lad. We all have. I think James and Helen are getting rather broody.”
“They’d be good parents. Helen was great with the kids during the game on Sunday.”
“She was,” he nodded. “She was also rather impressive on Tuesday night with the grown ups. Your second in command has a… different way about her to you.”
“She knows the men a lot better than I do,” Audrey chuckled. “She’s allowed to tell them off a bit more abruptly than me. I think her dad’s already regretting me taking her on.”
“Poor Rick,” Siegfried laughed. “Single man with two headstrong daughters. He never stood a chance.”
“What does her sister do? I don’t think I’ve met her have I?”
“No, I don’t think you have,” he answered. “Jenny’s brilliant. Sassy as they come, and a farmer to her core. She’s also, if Rick is to be believed, a pain in the proverbial to live with. Last I heard they’d fallen out and she was living in the outhouse waiting for him to apologise, so she’s also not coming to watch him play cricket.”
“How old is she?” Audrey asked.
“14.”
“14?!”
“14,” Siegfried chuckled. “Rick raised two very independent free-thinking daughters, and I think he’s regretting it now. To be fair to her though, knowing them both, she was probably right in their argument.”
“Mr Farnon! The cat’s just been sick!” Edward said suddenly, with a panicked expression. “Help!”
“Alright, I’m here,” Siegfried told him, rushing to his side. “Don’t panic. Let’s take her inside and have a look at her, shall we? You can assist me, if you’d like.”
“Ma, can I?” Edward asked.
“As long as you do what Mr Farnon tells you, yes,” Audrey nodded, following them both through to the exam room. “Just stand back and let Mr Farnon work unless he asks you to help, alright?”
“Alright, Ma,” he agreed with a serious nod. “But I want to help.”
“And you will,” Siegfried assured him. “But we have to remain safe too, so as your mother says, just stand by until I bring you in. Good lad.”

Siegfried worked, with Edward’s help, on the cat for about half an hour, but finally he was happy that he had diagnosed the problem. He then showed Edward how to treat the cat, before returning the cat to its kennel. Once it was happily back and resting, he turned to Edward and held out his hand to him.

“Congratulations, Master Edward,” he told him, shaking the lad’s hand strongly. “You are now an honorary veterinary assistant. That was very well done. Bravo.”

The broad and proud smile on Edward’s face made Audrey’s heart swell. When she had moved to Darrowby she had worried about how Edward would get on, but now she saw that she needn’t have worried. He was getting on just fine.

X

As difficult as he found it, Siegfried had reluctantly agreed to back down and let Tristan play as and when he felt he was fit enough to do so. As a result, Tristan was picked to play in both games the next weekend, and the team was all the better for it.

Their Saturday game was against the best team in the league, but while they did lose they put up a really good fight. The Sunday game was due to be against one of the weaker teams, and so they were all quietly confident.

“You don’t have any pets, I assume,” Siegfried said as he and Audrey strolled along the river that morning, with Siegfried’s dogs running along excitedly splashing in and out of the water.
“No,” she answered. “I had a cat once, but after it died I didn’t get another. What with raising Edward, and feeling like I was also raising Robert, a pet seemed like an unnecessary extra strain. Edward loves animals though.”
“I’d noticed,” he chuckled.
“I want to thank you,” Audrey told him. “For letting him help you at the practice. He’s absolutely loved it. He absolutely loves you.”
“I’ve loved having him there,” Siegfried admitted. “He’s a great kid. You’ve done a wonderful job raising him, and you should be very proud of him and yourself.”
“Thank you,” Audrey replied with a slightly embarrassed smile. “I am very proud of him. He could have been broken by everything that happened, and rebelled, but he’s just such a great kid.”
“He is, and that’s down to you,” Siegfried said, placing his arm around her and pulling her into a hug. “You’re remarkable. Truly.”
“Don’t be daft,” she giggled.
“I am never daft,” he replied, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. “I just know a good thing when I see it.”
“Oh yes?” Audrey replied, biting her bottom lip in a way that drove him mad. “Well, luckily for you I do too. And you’re a very good thing for me, I can tell.”
“I’d like to think so.”

Their kiss, in what they had thought was a nice secluded location, was interrupted by the loud beeping of a horn. Turning, they saw a truck up on the road, with Henry Dinsdale hanging out of the window waving.

“What do you want, Henry?” Siegfried asked.
“Just thought you should know,” he answered. “Arkwright broke his foot this morning! He’ll be out for the season. With Morris out with flu too, that leaves us with only ten men. Summat for you to think on. See you later.”
“For God’s sake,” Siegfried cursed. “And just when I was enjoying myself.”
“Me too,” Audrey smiled. “But that does sound like something we need to sort out.”
“It does,” he sighed. “Although I’m not sure how. If we had more viable options we’d be picking them.”
“Well… what about you?” Audrey asked. “I know you were injured a long time ago, but you seem fit to me.”
“Well, thank you for that,” he chuckled. “But, my dear, I haven’t picked up a bat and ball for 25 years. I’m sure you can do better.”
“Alright then, what about James?”
“Absolutely not the definition of ‘better’,” Siegfried smiled. “I could go out there with one arm and one leg and bat better than young Herriot… What about you?”
“What about me?”
“Couldn’t you play?”
“No, don’t be daft,” Audrey replied. “I’m a decent coach, because I know how to play, but that doesn’t mean I’m actually a good player. And, like you, I haven’t played in donkeys years.”
“Oh… well, we need somebody,” he sighed.
“We do,” Audrey pondered. “And actually… I think you might be on the right lines. Come on.”

“Me?!” Helen asked in shock as Audrey put forward her suggestion. “You want me to play?!”
“You’re capable, we both know that,” Audrey told her. “I’ve seen you bat and bowl in the nets, and you’re great. And you told me you’d had trials at county level when you were younger. This is your chance to get out there and show everybody what you can do.”
“Am I even allowed to play?” Helen asked. “I mean, this league’s all fellas.”
“There’s nothing in the rules that says you can’t,” Siegfried answered, wandering over with his head in a book. “No specification about gender at all in here. I say you can play.”
“Good,” Audrey smiled. “So, you can play… but will you? Please, Helen? We need you.”
“Oh… oh alright,” Helen agreed finally. “But I haven’t got any whites.”
“We’ll figure something out,” Audrey told her. “Come on.”

X

Dressed in borrowed whites, quickly taken in by Audrey, Helen took the field alongside the rest of the team, acquitting herself well as a fielder and an off-spin bowler. It took her a while to convince her father to let her bowl, but once he had she knew she’d won him over. She was bowling more tidily than most of the men, and keeping the runs down, and so despite jeers from the one or two men who still hadn’t got on the gender equality bandwagon, her father kept her bowling.

When they reached the interval, and everybody made their way into the pavilion for tea, she immediately made her way over to Siegfried and Audrey. They had both been watching with great joy, delighted that another of their decisions had come good.

“Well done, you!” Siegfried beamed as she reached them. “You should be playing every week.”
“I’ve not batted yet,” Helen reminded them. “But thank you. That were fun. Have you seen our James?”
“Went off on an emergency call, I’m afraid,” Siegfried told her. “He saw your first wicket though. Looked proud as anything.”
“Good,” Helen smiled. “I’m glad he saw some of me performance.”
“With any luck he’ll be back reasonably soon,” Siegfried said. “It didn’t sound too serious, to be honest.”
“Here’s hoping I give him summat to watch. You coming to get some food?”
“We will in a moment,” Audrey told her. “Team first.”
“She did well,” Siegfried said as Helen rushed off to get some food.
“She did,” Audrey nodded. “So did you. I didn’t know you were such an adept liar.”
“Only when it’s absolutely necessary,” he grinned. “And this is, I’m sure you’ll agree.”
“Absolutely,” she chuckled. “Come on. Let’s get some food before your Tristan eats it all.”

X

Darrowby won their game, with Tristan getting the majority of the runs but Helen also chipping in with a handy 20 not out at the end too. For the first time in a considerable amount of time, they won the game convincingly, and everybody felt chirpy as the teams exited the field.

Once again there was a party atmosphere in the pavilion as everybody enjoyed their post-game drinks. Everybody was going to enjoy themselves, and once more the hangover the next morning was something they were all happy to accept as payment for their revelries.

“Tristan looks to be enjoying himself,” Siegfried chuckled as he and Audrey watched his little brother chatting up the local barmaid in the corner. “How has he got so tipsy so quickly?”
“He’s a happy boy,” she smiled. “And he’s a grown man. Let him make his own mistakes… or good moves, time will tell.”
“Hmm…” he replied. “Letting go is not one of my strong points. But I’ll do my best, at your recommendation.”
“I’m sure you will,” Audrey smiled, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “Good boy.”
“Behave,” Siegfried laughed, nodding in the direction of James and Helen. “Talking of making decisions… how do we think this is going to go?”
“It’s going to go well. I’ve rarely been so confident of anything.”

They both watched as James and Helen talked for a little while, and then slowly James got down on one knee. In his hand was the engagement ring he had rushed off to Skeldale to collect, whilst claiming to be at an emergency, and he now held it up to a clearly shocked Helen.

“I think that’s the longest I’ve ever seen her silent,” Siegfried whispered as he and Audrey continued to watch, slowly joined by most of the room. “For God’s sake, woman, answer him. The tension is unbearable.”

It took another moment, but finally Helen nodded enthusiastically. James jumped to his feet and lifted her into his arms, and the whole room erupted in applause. As everybody moved to congratulate the young couple, Siegfried looked around the room and spotted Helen’s father in the corner. He hadn’t moved, and so after a quick nod to Audrey, Siegfried walked over to him.

“You alright?” he asked.
“Aye,” Rick nodded, clearly trying to bottle in some emotions that were threatening to explode. “Aye, I’m good. Our Joan would’a… she would’a been reyt happy.”
“She would,” Siegfried agreed. “James is a good lad.”
“Aye, he is. I weren’t reyt sure at first, but he’s a good ‘un for sure. And our Helen adores him. Clearly.”
“Clearly,” Siegfried chuckled. “Go and congratulate them, Rick. Show her you’re happy for her. Go on.”

With a nod and a gruff clearing of his throat, Rick walked over towards the now-dispersing group of well wishers. A moment later, Tristan appeared by Siegfried’s side seeming rather tipsy but still somewhat compos mentis.

“I think the lovebirds should get some time alone tonight,” he said in a mock hushed tone. “So I’m going to take Maggie back to her place and stay there. Shhh…”
“Who are you asking me to keep this quiet from?” Siegfried frowned. “You will behave yourself, won’t you?”
“In what way?” Tristan asked in confusion.
“In the ‘please don’t make any babies tonight’ way,” Siegfried answered, as though he was talking to an idiot. “Protection, dear boy. Protection.”
“Oh, never fear,” Tristan replied with a sage nod. “Always got that covered. Packet constantly in my pocket.”
“I did not need to know that, but thank you anyway,” Siegfried told him. “Have a good time. See you tomorrow.”

Siegfried couldn’t help but chuckle as Tristan stumbled back to Maggie and then left the pavilion with her. Once they were gone, he went over to Audrey and pulled her into a gentle kiss.

“You seem happy,” she grinned.
“I am,” he nodded. “Remember what we talked about earlier?”
“Yes,” Audrey replied.
“How about tonight? Tris has run off with the barmaid. Maybe those two over there would like the house to themselves tonight.”
“Maybe they would,” she grinned. “If you’re ready, so am I. Carpe diem.”
“Oh, I love a girl who can talk Latin at me,” Siegfried growled, kissing her again. “Come on. Let’s go.”

Chapter 5: Finishing on a high?

Chapter 5

Siegfried and Audrey worked out a plan to spend as much time together as possible, despite Edward’s return, and Edward continued to ‘work’ at Skeldale after playgroup most days. All three of the Skeldale vets had really taken to the boy, and they all enjoyed having him around.

After his heroics with the sick cat, Siegfried had officially named him the Skeldale Cat Assistant, and so part of his ‘job’ was to feed and clean out any cat patients. He took the role very seriously, and it continued to make Audrey so happy and proud to see how much he enjoyed his role, and how conscientious he was about it.

“You are so great with him,” she said as they stole some kisses while Edward was helping Tristan with something. “You’ve made him so happy, letting him help out here.”
“It’s a pleasure to have him,” Siegfried smiled. “Everybody loves working with him. And I particularly love the part of the day where you come around after work.”
“Mmm… do you?” Audrey grinned.
“I do. I wish I could see you even more. Especially after last weekend’s fun.”
“That was amazing,” she sighed happily. “I wish we could be together more too, but you know why I’m timid, don’t you? You know it’s not you. I adore you. I just…”
“You need to protect Edward,” Siegfried nodded, kissing her lips gently. “It’s alright. I understand perfectly. I mean, I hate it, but I understand.”
“I can live with that,” Audrey giggled. “Let’s hope Tristan keeps him occupied for a while right now so you can keep kissing me.”
“If he brings him back too quickly, I’m going to fire him,” he replied. “What’s the point in being the boss, and his big brother, if I can’t rely on him to give me time to kiss the woman I adore?”
“Mmm… quite right.”

X

“You know, I don’t think I’ll ever stop smiling at the sight of you sitting there scoring games,” Audrey said as she sat down next to Siegfried that weekend. “Have you always done it?”
“I miss the odd one,” he answered, picking the correct coloured pencil from his box. “But I’ve been doing it most weekends since I retired as a player. It was a good way to occupy my hands and my mind when I was finding it hard to acclimatise to the new non-role, I suppose. I’m glad it makes you smile.”
“It does,” she nodded. “There’s something just so endearing about you and your box of pencils.”
“I’m glad I amuse,” Siegfried chuckled. “Where’s the boy?”
“Playing catch with James and some of the other kids,” Audrey answered, resting her hand on his leg. “Helen’s batting well again.”
“She is. She’s a revelation,” he agreed. “Between her and Tristan we’ve got a chance of winning yet another game today.”
“At this rate we could actually have a chance of winning the league,” Audrey said. “With Brawton losing their last couple of games, the table’s opened right up, and we’re making our way steadily up it.”
“If we can just finish in the top half it’ll be an almost unreal improvement,” Siegfried told her. “The idea of winning it is just… well, it sounds like a ridiculous pipe dream, and yet, you’re right. We’re winning, and the top teams have suddenly lost a few games. It means we’ve got a shot, as long as the team keeps on improving. I can barely believe it. You’ve worked miracles, my dear.”

Audrey watched with a broad smile as Siegfried talked about the team’s chances. Once again, he was trying to tone down his enthusiasms, as though winning would be nice and that was all, but the excitement was seeping through. It would mean so very much to him if the team won, she knew that, and suddenly she desperately wanted it. Not just for herself, and it would mean a lot to her too, but more so for him. This team had been his life for so long, and he deserved a bright end to this season.

“We can do it,” she said, squeezing his hand. “Both of us. I may have taken on the coach role, but you do so much with this team, and you downplay that. You act like you do so little, but you’re the heart and soul of this team. And we can win. We can take the trophy, I know we can.”

Siegfried couldn’t help but beam at Audrey as she talked. Her enthusiasm was contagious. She may not have been with the team for that long, in the grand scheme of things, but she was so committed and passionate about it, and about the game in general. If the team could win, it would make her so happy, he knew.

“We can,” he nodded, lifting her hand to his lips. “We can. Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Everything,” Siegfried smiled. “You haven’t just turned this team around. You’ve turned my life on its head, and I will be forever grateful.”
“Likewise,” Audrey grinned, only turning her attention from him when a loud cheer went up. “Oh, looks like your Tristan has just got to 100. Good lad.”
“Bravo!” Siegfried cheered, getting to his feet. “Well done, my boy!”
“Helen’s nearly to 50 as well,” Audrey said as Siegfried sat back down. “She’s really taken to this.”
“She has,” he nodded. “And it seems to me, correct me if I’m wrong, that her involvement in the team has helped to finally bring the last couple of sexist farmers around to the power of women in the game.”
“They do all seem to be a lot more on board now, I must admit,” Audrey agreed. “I’m not sure what seemed more impossible at the outset, winning the league or winning that lot over.”
“Both seemed highly unlikely,” Siegfried chuckled, taking her hand again. “But then, you are a miracle worker, my darling. That much is not in dispute.”

X

As the season continued, the team continued to get better and better. Other team members started to get good scores and decent wicket hauls, and they suddenly went from unwinnable to unbeatable. In the last few weeks it became clear… they could actually win the league. They just needed to win two of their last three games, and the trophy would be theirs.

The first of their last three games was an easy win against the team at the bottom of the league. The second game was a narrow defeat to the team just below them in the league. And that left the last game, and that was against the might of Brawton CC. After a few losses in a row, Brawton had picked up again, and had won their last few games with ease. As a result, this final game of the season was a ‘winner takes all’ game. Whoever came out on top… would take home the trophy.

The night before the final game, Audrey and Edward had ‘had a sleepover’ at Skeldale House. Edward had been ‘working’ with James until quite late, and so had stayed for dinner. After dinner, he had gone to sit and watch the animal he had been working on, and finally Siegfried had suggested he sleep over so he could check on ‘his patient’ first thing.

So, with Edward quietly snoring away in the spare room, dreaming of his future career as a vet, Siegfried and Audrey had spent the night together. Being intimate had been somewhat scary at first, both having been unintentionally celibate for years, but they had quickly discovered that it was the greatest thing in the world. They liked the same things, and both loved to give as much as receive. When they were together, everything seemed to be right with the world, and falling asleep and waking up in each other’s arms was the most wonderful feeling.

“Mmm…” Audrey mumbled, opening her eyes and smiling up at Siegfried. “Hello, gorgeous.”
“Hello, beautiful,” he beamed, before placing a gentle kiss on her nose. “Waking up to your face is just perfect.”
“Ditto,” she grinned. “I want to do this all the time.”
“I wouldn’t argue,” Siegfried replied, taking a deep breath before saying something that had been on his mind for sometime. “I… I love you, Audrey. I love you with all of my heart.”
“Oh,” Audrey said, tears lining her eyes. “I love you too. I really truly do. You’re… you’re the most wonderful man I’ve ever known. You’re all I want.”
“Oh, sweetheart,” he said, gently kissing her again. “You don’t know how happy that makes me. I know we haven’t been together too long. And I know that you have to consider Edward, and do what’s right for him. I won’t pressure you to move any faster than you want to, but if you ever wanted to move in, I would be more than happy for you to do that. Much more than simply happy, I can assure you. You mean the world to me, and I would love to spend as much time as possible with you.”
“I’d like that too,” she grinned. “Let’s get today’s game out of the way first, and then I’ll talk to Edward about it. He adores you, and this place, so something tells me he wouldn’t object. But I need him to know he gets a say in it.”
“Absolutely,” Siegfried nodded. “You are a fantastic mother. Edward is extremely lucky.”
“I’m the lucky one,” Audrey replied, a couple of tears rolling over her cheeks. “Lucky to have him… and lucky to have you.”

X

The day of the final game of the season arrived, and Audrey could tell that everybody was nervous. It was a big day, there was no denying that, but she had to try and calm their minds, so she called everybody into the team room for a meeting before the game began.

“I know you’re all nervous,” she said as they gathered together. “And I am too, if I’m honest, but I believe in you lot to do your absolute best out there. We may have got off to a rocky start, but I think we can all agree we’ve come a long way since then. And the team has turned around completely. From a team that couldn’t buy a win to a team that is a formidable force. Brawton are also a formidable force, we can’t deny that, and if we lose to them today it’ll be annoying, and upsetting, but it won’t be shameful. We will still have come second in a league that we were at the bottom of a couple of games in. That will be truly amazing. Please remember that. Whatever happens today, I will be so very proud of every single one of you. And I know you all feel the same way about each other. So, I want you to get out there and just do your best. That’s all anybody asks. Best of luck, everybody. Let’s end the season well. Off you go.”
“Nice pep talk, coach,” James grinned as the team made their way out. “I should have videoed that and put it online with another #girlboss tag.”
“No thank you,” Audrey chuckled. “Let’s just hope it does some good.”
“They can do this,” James replied. “They’ve been the strongest team for the last month or two.”
“I know,” she nodded. “But nerves can do a lot. Where’s Siegfried, by the way?”
“He took Edward off to get a drink. He was complaining he was thirsty. They’re coming back now.”

Audrey turned to see Siegfried and Edward returning, hand-in-hand, from the tea room. Edward had a little carton of juice in his hand and was chatting away to Siegfried about something, and the sight made Audrey’s heart swell. Siegfried was so good with Edward, and Edward absolutely adored him. She knew that, far from having an issue with the idea of moving into Skeldale, the lad was going to be very excited by the plan.

“Sorry we missed your pep talk,” Siegfried told her with a smile. “But the start sounded good.”
“I think it went well,” Audrey replied, leaning in to kiss him. “You’re very cute. Both of you. Let’s go and watch the game.”

X

The game was tight, to say the least, with both teams playing very well. With only two overs left of the Darrowby team’s batting innings they still needed 18 runs, but luckily they still had Tristan and Helen at the crease.

At the boundary rope, Siegfried had stopped scoring the game. He couldn’t focus. He was too nervous, despite trying to make it look like he wasn’t. Instead, he and Audrey were sitting together holding hands, with Edward on Siegfried’s lap. None of them took their eyes off the action at all. They couldn’t. It was far too tense.

“I’ve never heard this ground so quiet,” Audrey chuckled when they reached the end of the penultimate over. “But then, 12 to get off the last over is pretty anxiety inducing.”
“Do you think they’ll win, Ma?” Edward asked.
“I think they will,” she nodded. “I think Tristan is going to hit a six early in this over and then it’ll be plain sailing.”
“What do you think, Mr Farnon?” Edward asked, looking back at Siegfried.
“I think your mother is very smart, so I’m going to trust her judgment,” he answered, winking across at her. “My little brother is also a very good batsman, and Helen is like a whippet running between the wickets. They’ll make it. Not a problem.”

Audrey couldn’t help but chuckle at Siegfried’s attempt to seem completely blasé, but as the final over slowly passed by, his grip on her hand got tighter and tighter, proving his nerves.

Luckily, her prediction turned out to be correct. Tristan hit a six on the second ball, after running a quick two on the first. Two quick singles off the next two, left two runs to get off the last two balls, and suddenly everybody felt calm. Right up until Tristan hit the ball straight up in the air off the penultimate delivery, anyway. He was caught easily, leaving two to get off the final ball, and Helen to get them, having managed to scamper to the other end just in time before the catch.

“Oh, Lordy,” Siegfried said, squeezing Audrey’s hand again. “Good luck, Helen.”
“She can do it,” Audrey told him. “She’s a star in the making. Have faith.”
“If you believe in her… I do,” Siegfried replied with a smile. “She’s can do this.”

It felt like it took the Brawton team an age to set the field for the final ball, but eventually the bowler ran in, bowled a short ball, and Helen pulled it away effortlessly for a six which soared right into the car park, hitting the Brawton team bus and smashing a window.

The rest of the Darrowby team ran onto the field, and Helen was hoisted high into the air on Tristan’s shoulders. At the boundary edge, Siegfried and Audrey both stood and watched, with Edward standing on the bench between them. They both had tears in their eyes, and finally they turned to each other.

“I am so proud of you,” Siegfried told Audrey. “You achieved the impossible. You are truly remarkable, and you deserve this win and this trophy. You are amazing.”
“I was about to say the same about you,” Audrey replied, wiping the tears from her eyes. “I’m so happy for you. And for Tristan, Helen, and everybody. But especially for you. You deserve this, after all the years of work you’ve put into this team. This is for you.”
“I love you,” Siegfried told her. “Edward, would you like to move into Skeldale House? You and your ma?”
“Yes, please!” Edward grinned. “Are you and Ma going to get married?”
“We might, eventually,” Audrey chuckled, hugging him, and then leaning to kiss Siegfried. “But let us do this one step at a time, alright? We love each other. That’s a good start.”
“A very good start,” Siegfried agreed, turning as Tristan walked their way with Helen still on his shoulders. “Well done, you two! You’ve earned this trophy, the pair of you. And Helen… that was one Hell of a last ball hit. You broke their bus as well as their hearts.”
“I do try,” she giggled. “Let me down, Tris. I’ve got a fiancé to go and hug.”
“I see a barmaid who looks ready for a hug too,” Audrey winked as Tristan put Helen back down on the floor.
“Oh yes,” Tristan grinned. “See you both later.”
“Little brother?” Siegfried said, making Tristan turn in surprise. “Audrey and Edward are going to move into Skeldale House. That alright with you?”
“Definitely alright,” Tristan agreed with a broad smile. “Congratulations… big brother.”
“Well, look at you two,” Audrey grinned.
“I thought it was about time,” he chuckled, kissing her. “Honesty is the best policy, right?”
“Right,” she nodded. “Do you see yourself getting married again?”
“I never thought I would,” Siegfried admitted. “But with you… with you, yes, I can. Easily, in fact. What about you?”
“The same,” Audrey smiled. “After Robert, I didn’t think I would. But I love you. I would gladly marry you.”
“Then let’s make a promise,” he told her. “I think we both know it’s far too early for an actual proposal yet, but let’s promise that when we feel it is an appropriate time, we won’t hesitate. When the time is right, we’ll say so, and if we both agree, we’ll marry. Agreed?”
“I am happy to make that promise,” Audrey agreed with a broad grin. “Very happy. I love you.”
“I love you too,” Siegfried replied, kissing her happily, and then turning to Edward. “Shall we go and join the party, young Master Edward? Somebody mentioned a cake earlier.”
“Cake!” Edward grinned. “Ma, can I have some cake?”
“You can, love,” Audrey chuckled, lifting him down from the bench and then taking one of his hands whilst Siegfried took the other. “Let’s go and enjoy the party. Seems to me there’s plenty to celebrate.”

The End

Notes:

Thank you to everybody who has read this little story. I hope you’ve enjoyed it.

Barring any insistent plot bunnies, I am now taking a bit of a break in order to work on something non-fanfic.

Thank you, as always, for your lovely support.