Time for New Beginnings

by Mette Barfelt

“What are you having for dinner today?”

  She startled and turned around. “Erik, you scared me. Thanks for the nice evening we had.”

  “Are you flirting with him?” Veronica asked and fluttered her long eyelashes. Bettina was horrified. She recognized the woman from the knitting café. Neither Sara nor Emmelin had been fond of her, and they allegedly had good reasons. It was the same woman who had hurt her ankle at the opening of the guesthouse, and who had caused so much drama afterward.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Well, I thought you were engaged. Which means you should have other things to do than stand in a public place, giggling with the doctor.” Veronica turned to Erik and pushed her chest out even more. Her bosom was impressive. Her tiny waist made her look like Barbie, and she knew how to make the most of it. She tossed her blonde, waist-long curls, and smiled sweetly. “I feel like I need another appointment with you, Erik. See you.” Then she wriggled off on her sky-high heels, knowing for certain they were both watching her walk away.

  “What a cheek,” Bettina said and shook her head.

  Erik smiled and drew her closer. He lifted her dark hair. “Don’t mind Veronica,” he whispered. “She’s infamous in town. I don’t know anyone that likes her.”

  She could feel his closeness, and her pulse started beating faster. His spicy aftershave tickled her nose and made her thoughts run wild.

  “What are you doing here?” It was obvious what he was up to in a grocery store, so it was a silly question. But she needed to divert her focus.

  “My fridge is empty. I’ll drop by on Monday to check on Mathilde.”

  She suspected that it wasn’t just Mathilde he was coming for. “Preben’s parents are leaving tomorrow so it will be calmer. Christel will also be leaving sometime next week. I may persuade my aunt to get out of bed then. It’s about time.”

  “Good idea. We’ll continue to encourage her.” His eyes went to the brown wooden clock on the wall. “I have to get going. The kayak is waiting.”

  When she got back with the groceries, the others were in full swing playing croquet in the garden. Preben was restless and never sat still for long. He preferred things going on all the time, especially if it involved speed and suspense. Like go-carts, rafting down river rapids, or skydiving. The options in Solvik were limited. There weren’t many activities of this kind. Peaceful pastimes fitted better here. How would it be when they were married? It was one thing to live here only on the weekends, but something completely different to live here permanently. She consoled herself that the capital with all it had to offer was close by. It could easily be combined with life at the coast if he made an effort.

  Bettina put the groceries away and started preparing the lunch. She would serve a selection of cured meats, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, and potato salad. She’d start on the potato salad because it took the longest to make. But first, she had to give her aunt some attention.

  She took the steaming hot mug of tea and found her in bed as usual. Mathilde looked fine, and the tablecloth she was sewing was already half-finished. That wasn’t at all strange since she embroidered all day long. How could she never tire of it? And where did she get the material from? Did she keep all this fabric and the threads stored somewhere? She doubtlessly kept them in the apartment, but Bettina would never dream of snooping around. Her aunt was grumpy enough as it was. Imagine if she was caught red-handed with her head buried in one of her drawers.

  Mathilde barely had time to look at her. “Dear me, there’s my tea, finally. But where are the cookies?” She looked around as if they might be hidden behind her servant’s back.

  “I thought you would be fine until lunch is ready. It won’t be long.” She felt annoyed by the demanding woman. She took a deep breath, to avoid saying anything she’d regret. It wasn’t stuffy in the apartment today, rather the opposite. It smelled fresh and crisp, so Mathilde must have managed to open the windows on her own. She wasn’t utterly helpless, after all.

  “There are limits to how long I should have to wait.” Mathilde didn’t look at Bettina but wrinkled her nose, so her glasses ended up on the tip of her nose, about to fall off the edge. It was evident that lunch should have been served by now.

  Bettina chose to ignore it. “Would you like to take a stroll in your beautiful garden? The others are outside playing croquet in the fine weather. Or you can sit on the bench and rest if you prefer. Watch the kois in the pond.”

  Mathilde put down the tablecloth and straightened her back. She looked at her in horror. “They are what? Are they ruining my lawn? Well, I never!” She was so upset that Bettina started to worry about her heart. “They’ll damage the lawn,” she kept saying. She moved the tablecloth even further away as if it was the reason for her lawn being ruined.

  “No, of course they won’t. It’s not golf they’re playing. We’re talking about a quiet game with balls. No one is damaging anything. But if it will calm you down, I’ll ask them to stop playing.”

  Mathilde looked relieved. “Yes, please do. Now, hurry up.” She waved her out the door.

  Bettina was close to bursting with laughter. It wasn’t kind to laugh at her. She went down to the kitchen and continued with the potato salad. She had no intention of asking them to quit playing croquet. The patient had no way of seeing them from her apartment, so there was no danger. They were playing at the back of the house. She was glad Preben had found something to do, so he didn’t go crazy. And his parents needed to get active. They couldn’t sit inside and play cards and eat all day. Also, it was an excellent pastime for Christel.

  ***

  Christel enjoyed spending time in the garden. As long as she was wearing a jacket, the temperature wasn’t bad for the end of September. When winter approached the leaves would start falling and make it complicated to play croquet on the lawn without having to rake the leaves. She hadn’t played this game in years. Preben had found it in the garage and convinced her to join in. It was good to get some exercise, even though her belly was heavy.

  Christel was happy to spend time with Preben and his parents. She had missed them so much. She knew that now. She hadn’t understood fully how much she had missed them until she met them again here in Solvik. She had spent time these days thinking through what had been, and what could have been. But she had concluded it was a waste of time to linger on this. She was longing for little Ted to be born and had to focus on that. Preben had the wedding to plan and enough to keep his mind occupied.

  Christel suspected that Bettina was having a difficult time with them all staying here. It was understandable. She wouldn’t have known how to handle a situation like this herself. She had grown fond of Bettina and wished her all the best. But now Preben had dropped a hint that they ought to stop by her apartment with the stroller and the other equipment they had bought. He had never been to her new apartment, so she didn’t know what to think of his suggestion. Her own car was too small to fit all the things, but she had already prepared herself to make two trips. It was no worse than that. Preben had argued that everything fit in his car; therefore, it was the most practical solution. He had brought his car this weekend, just for this reason, he had told her when Bettina was out grocery shopping.

  She knew that the hostess was preparing lunch now, and felt bad for not helping. It was the least she could do when her stay was so relaxing. She would go inside as soon as this round was over.

  ***

  Bettina had prepared everything and was setting the trays on the table when she heard them in the hall.

  “I’m heading upstairs with some food. Help yourselves in the meantime.” She had to check if Mathilde had calmed down, and was pleasantly surprised. Her aunt appeared to have forgotten the ruined lawn and gave her a tiny smile when she accepted the tray.

  “This looks good.”

  Bettina smiled back and thought this was promising. She wasn’t used to positive words from the Tower.

  “Bon appetit.”

  The others had star
ted eating when she came back. “We’re thinking of making a trip home to Christel’s this afternoon,” Preben said and put a spoonful of potato salad on his plate.

  She looked at him, bewildered. “We?”

  “No, Christel and I. There’s not enough space in her car, so I brought mine. It’s during the weekend that we have time for things like this. She has to get the equipment home.”

  Bettina was slightly confused but saw the logic in his explanation.

  “Haha, what a superb idea,” Willy chuckled and tenderly stroked Christel’s hand. “You should avoid heavy lifting when you’re pregnant. I remember that from Elfrid’s days.”

  “Willy, that was after the birth, because I had a C-section,” his wife said dryly.

  “Oh yes, I remember now. But the same possibly applies now. Better be careful.”

  “How is Mrs. Fredriksen doing?” Preben asked. “Isn’t it about time she joins us and takes on her part of the workload?”

  “Absolutely,” Bettina said and told them about her condition. They had finished the meal and were having coffee.

  “But she can’t go on like this.” Willy looked at her in dismay, as if it was the first time he’d heard about her aunt. His face suddenly lit up with a smile. “I know. I’ll personally take a trip upstairs and charm the old grouch.”

  He stood, determined, and filled a glass of sherry as an offering. Then he adjusted his silk scarf and made sure his hair was in place. It was so stiff that it was always in place. But it wasn’t as wet as usual, so perhaps the grease had been replaced with a more environmentally friendly hairspray.

  Bettina didn’t know what to think of his suggestion. Naturally, he couldn’t barge into her aunt’s apartment. She was in bed and would find it both embarrassing and shocking to be visited by an unfamiliar man.

  “Mathilde isn’t old, Willy. She’s ten years younger than you. And she doesn’t want visitors. The doctor barely obtains an audience. She would be highly upset and feel indisposed by the sight of you,” said Bettina. She pictured the meeting and knew the likelihood of her getting acutely sick again was high. She shuddered at the thought of continuing to take care of the patient. This was not a smart move. And she didn’t want Mathilde in a worse mood than she already was. Although her spirit wasn’t all that bad today.

  “Nonsense. I’m going now.” He made sure his suit was straight and looked pleased with his corpulent body.

  Bettina got up automatically. If he was serious, she at least had to go along for damage control. She reluctantly followed him. Willy walked with a straight back as he always did, and with a sophisticated look on his face. He was wearing a charcoal suit today, the same outfit he had played croquet in. She had never seen him in anything but a suit. Today’s silk scarf was violet. He carefully stroked his hair one more time, preparing himself mentally.

  “Mathilde will be furious,” she warned him but was at the same time curious. It couldn’t get worse than it already was. Her aunt had to understand that she couldn’t stay in bed forever. It was for her own good.

  “It is what it is. Leave it to me.”

  Bettina knocked on the door and entered the living room, and then the bedroom. Mathilde sat in her flowery flannel nightgown with her embroidery in hand and didn’t grant her a single look.

  “I’ve just had my lunch. Am I not even allowed to eat in peace?”

  Willy cleared his throat and walked over to the bed with determined steps. “Mrs. Fredriksen, I’m Willy Thorsvik.” He reached out his hand, took Mathilde’s in his and held it tight.

  Mathilde’s face matched the burgundy roses on her nightgown. She looked at him, horrified. “Well, I never! What is he doing here, Bettina? I’ve told you that I don’t want visitors. And a stranger, no less. Is this another new doctor? Is he going to force me to go to the hospital?”

  “Mrs. Fredriksen,” Willy said and stroked Mathilde’s hand to calm her. Or was there an ulterior motive behind that as well? Bettina wasn’t sure.

  “I’m Preben’s father, so we’ll be family soon. And I’m so happy to meet you. I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. I’ve heard many nice things about you.”

  Mathilde pushed her chest forward and straightened her back, but permitted him to keep her hand. “You have?”

  “You’re the one behind the landscaping of this wonderful garden. Yes, it sure is amazing. You could make a fortune advising others how to create gardens like this. Have you considered that?”

  Bettina watched the scene with a mix of shock and amusement. Her aunt was not unaffected, but in fact quite flattered. She had never seen her like this before. It was incredible what some encouraging words could do.

  “Thank you for the kind words. Is this glass for me?”

  “Haha, but of course. I was so entranced with you that I completely forgot about the sherry. I made it a double. You know, they’re so little and slip down so quickly. But what are these lovely embroideries?” He looked at the colorful flowers she was working on with interest.

  “It’s my hobby,” Mathilde said and gave him a sincere smile, of the type Bettina had never seen before. “I’ve embroidered many.”

  “Yes, I can see that your walls are filled.” He looked around the room. “They really are fantastic. You haven’t considered holding an exhibition?”

  Bettina had to turn around, so as not to laugh. Who would exhibit embroideries? Willy was a charmer, there was no other word for it. But if it could lighten her aunt’s mood, why not?

  “You know, Mrs. Fredriksen, I thought I would find an old lady in this bed. But you are youthful. And so gorgeous. Were you ever a model?”

  Bettina couldn’t take it any longer. She sneaked out of the apartment and held her mouth. She was bubbling with laughter but had to be quiet so as not to ruin everything. She hurried down to the others and told them what had happened in the Tower.

  “I’m not surprised,” Elfrid said, with a grimace. “He’s a challenge to live with, but I’m glad if something positive can come from his flirting.”

  14

  Mathilde couldn’t believe her luck. A man was visiting her room. And what an attentive man. Full of pretty words, and with a twinkle in his eyes. She was sure he had winked at her several times. He was tanned and nicely dressed. He was wearing an expensive suit with a real silk scarf around his neck. And here she was in her worn-out nightgown that should have been thrown away years ago. She had never been subject to anything this embarrassing her whole life. She could feel her face turning entirely red at the thought of it.

  Fortunately, Bettina had disappeared, so she got time alone with the charmer. Honestly, she didn’t need a chaperone at her age. And now he was on his way to undress her…

  ***

  A few hours later Bettina got her biggest shock so far. They were sitting in the living room, talking about the wedding, when Willy and Mathilde suddenly appeared. She gasped and covered her mouth. The sight in front of them was unbelievable. Her aunt was freshly showered, had her hair done, and wore makeup. She was standing there in her Sunday best and high heels, looking triumphantly at them.

  “I’m feeling considerably better,” Mathilde informed them. She started walking around the living room as if she hadn’t seen it in a long time, which she hadn’t. “I must have had a virus.”

  Sure. Bettina smiled to herself. To think that Willy had been able to get her spark back, and get her interested in both her appearance and being together with other people. She felt a great relief, but at the same time uncertainty for what was in store for her now. Would Mathilde try to take over everything? And how would they divide up the responsibilities? She had many thoughts and questions.

  “I’m so glad to see you here, Aunt. Would you like to have a look at the new coffee maker? Maybe you’d like something other than chamomile tea?”

  “Yes, please, I think I might.”

  They walked into the dining room, and she showed her how the machine worked. Mathilde studied it thoroughly an
d pushed the button for hot chocolate. “Look at it. This is something else, rather than my chamomile tea.”

  “Yes, it has many choices.” Bettina smiled and hoped they could work well together in the future. Anything was better than having to run up to her aunt’s apartment.

  “And here are your cookies on my lovely tray, I see.” Mathilde looked contently at the selection and nodded to herself. “I’m sorry that I’ve been difficult and grumpy. You don’t have to be polite and deny it, because I have. I know that life must go on. I’ve been doing some thinking lately. I can’t bury myself in grief as I’ve been doing. It’s enough that Herman is buried.”

  Bettina couldn’t agree more. “I think you’re right. Would you like me to show you the guest rooms?” It was best to use the time well now that she was finally up. No one knew how long this positive attitude would last but, hopefully, Mathilde was out of bed for good.

  “Yes, please.”

  They went right away before Mathilde could change her mind. Out in the hall, she peeked into the living room. “Christel, is it all right if my aunt has a look at your room? She hasn’t seen it after it was finished.”

  “Sure, go right in. It’s open.”

  Mathilde performed a thorough examination of all the rooms. She had a close look at the curtains and checked the quality of the smallest details. That was why everything was so consistent on the first floor. Mathilde knew her stuff.

  “I have to compliment you on your paintings. I noticed your signature. They fit perfectly in the guest rooms.” Mathilde took her time walking around and was in no hurry.

  “Thank you. I’m glad you like it.”

  They went down to the dining room. “Would you like to rest in the living room with the others while I get started on dinner? I was planning on making pizza.”

  “That I can. We’ll be family soon, as Willy pointed out, and they leave tomorrow.” Mathilde walked steadily on her high heels, and Bettina admired her upright carriage.