Keeping Juliette Company

by Sarah Picson

  ‘But it would take a whole day just to visit,’ Robert said, running a hand through his thick, black hair.

  A sudden stab of guilt pierced his chest and he willed himself to stop complaining, he had no right. Robert took his glasses off and let them dangle from his fingers. With an elbow on each thigh, he massaged his temples, allowing the reality of what the doctor was telling him to sink in.

  ‘Are you sure there’s no other way?’ he asked.

  He knew the answer before even finishing the question.

  ‘Robert, we have new patients arriving every day that require close monitoring and complex medical attention,’ Doctor Marshall explained. ‘We have the best specialists trained in post-trauma recovery, but this isn’t what she needs any more. She requires a different kind of care now.’

  ‘Why wasn’t I given more warning?’

  ‘We are not going to act on this straight away, but you need to start preparing. It may only be a matter of months.’

  Robert closed his eyes and silently accepted the doctor’s logic. He’d allowed himself a few moments of indulgence when the doctor broke the news, but now was not the time to wallow in emotion. He’d already cried enough tears to last a lifetime, he didn’t have any left.

  His mind whirred and clicked as he assessed his options. The map on his phone indicated that Thistleby was almost two hundred miles north from where they lived; travelling that distance each week would be impractical and Robert had never missed a Sunday visit yet.

  He’d worked so hard to keep them on the rails: hiring Moira the first chance he’d got and making sure he was earning enough money to keep Abi living in comfort. As a senior architect in a growing practice, he had recently accepted another promotion and now managed a team of juniors. Working on some of the most daring and challenging projects in the heart of the city meant that Robert was never short of enthusiasm for his job. City life, with all of its bustling energy and urgency, was all he knew.

  But now it all looked in danger of falling apart at the seams. Robert studied it from every angle, his mind working overtime, but he knew what he had to do. He’d known it as soon as Doctor Marshall had said the words.

  Robert stood up, towering over the short, dumpy doctor and shook his hand.

  ‘Take some time to think about it,’ called Doctor Marshall. ‘We’ll talk next week.’

  Robert waved the pamphlet in reply and disappeared out of the office. Striding down the long corridors, he heard murmuring and occasional shrieks piercing the sombre atmosphere of the giant, gothic building, with its high ceilings, cool floors and narrow windows. Something between a run and a canter took him down three flights of stairs to the shadowy entrance hall, and as he burst out of the door, to be embraced by warm sunshine, Robert let out a breath he wasn’t aware he’d been holding.

  Making his way across the car park, he caught sight of his daughter lounging in the passenger seat of the car. Yet again, she hadn’t bothered to come inside, she had only wanted a lift to her friend’s house. With her long legs leaning against the open car window, at fourteen years old it was clear that Abi was going to inherit his height; she already had his black hair, which hung in thick curtains down past her shoulders.

  Her head jerked up, irritation flashing in her eyes as Robert slammed the car door behind him, before dropping back down again, her phone consuming her attention.

  Robert stared at his daughter’s profile, not knowing where to start.

  ‘Abi, we need to talk.’

  ‘Yeh?’ she muttered, without looking up.

  ‘We are going to move.’

  These simple words got Abi’s attention. Her phone fell from her fingers into her lap and she pulled herself up in her seat and stared hard at Robert.

  ‘Move? What the hell, Dad?’

  He turned away from the shock on her face and gazed out of the windscreen at a chattering family that was spilling out of a car in front of them.

  ‘We have to move house,’ he said, not quite believing it himself as he handed her the leaflet. ‘It’s a new facility. A better one.’

  ‘What’s wrong with this one?’

  ‘It’s not right for long-term care.’

  Out of the corner of his eye, he could see her turning the leaflet over and over again in her trembling hands.

  ‘I don’t want to go,’ she said.

  ‘We have to. This facility is hundreds of miles away, we can’t leave her there on her own.’

  It was Abi’s turn now to stare straight ahead and they sat in silence for a few minutes. The air in the car thick and stifling with unsaid words.

  ‘I don’t have a say in this, do I?’ she muttered.

  Robert placed his hands on the steering wheel and gripped it tightly, his gold wedding ring twinkling as sunlight flooded the car.

  ‘I’ll find us a new house. I’ll get a new job and of course we’ll sort out a good school for you.’

  ‘But all my friends are here.’

  ‘Abi, there’s no other way.’

  ‘But why do we —’ Abi started, but stopped suddenly.

  The fight seemed to seep out of her. Robert could make out a shiny film of tears simmering in his daughter’s eyes. He wanted to reach out and take her hand or better yet grab her and pull her to his chest, but he didn’t. He didn’t know how. He had no idea how to help the confused girl sitting next to him.

  ‘We’ll be fine,’ he mumbled. ‘I promise.’

  He hoped with all his heart he could keep that promise. Abi sniffed and picked up her phone.

  ‘Can we just go to Lana’s. I said I’d be there ages ago.’

  Robert pulled his seatbelt on and started the car. The familiar throbbing at his temples playing a stronger beat now, insistent and urgent, as they drove away.

  Chapter 3

  In a cloudless sky, the sun poured generously over Thistleby. A narrow road wound its way through the heart of the small high street, with its neat row of shops, quirky cafés and comfortable restaurants on either side; lampposts standing tall and proud were adorned with hanging baskets bursting with bright flowers.

  At one end of the high street, the smell of cut grass bobbed along on the gentle breeze, as a buzzing lawn mower made its way across a pristine cricket green. At the other end, perched majestically atop a low hill, was St Mary’s Church, with a prominent view across the town.

  It was a bustling Tuesday morning and shop awnings were stretched open wide to invite customers in as they strolled along the pavement enjoying the early September sunshine. The smell of freshly-baked bread from the artisan bakery seemed to reach out and grab shoppers in a warm hug, pulling them to the back of a queue that snaked out of its door.

  Ellie and Jenny got up from a table on the terrace of Charlie’s Coffee Room, leaving behind two empty mugs.

  ‘I’m going to miss this when we’re back at work next week,’ Ellie said.

  Jenny yawned.

  ‘Me too. I’ve got used to taking afternoon naps with Bea, how am I going to cope?’

  Ellie attempted a chuckle, but it got stuck in her throat.

  ‘The summer seems to have gone by so quickly. It’s been three months since our engagement party, but it feels like I’ve hardly got anything sorted out for the wedding at all.’

  ‘I thought you had your trusty folder to help with that,’ Jenny said, with a grin.

  Ellie had started a wedding folder on a whim before she’d even met Dominic. Anything inspiring she came across while flicking through magazines or surfing online would go in the folder. It was stuffed with ideas for floral displays, dress designs, table decorations and much more.

  ‘Yes,’ Ellie murmured, thinking of how often she’d flicked through it on her own recently. She took a deep, decisive breath. ‘Actually, I might go to that little bridal shop at the end of the high street tomorrow and try a few dresses on, do you fancy coming?’

  ‘We should go to Ambleton, it’s got a much better selection of shops.’

  ‘I
guess so.’

  ‘That’s decided then,’ said Jenny, looking at her watch. ‘It’s still early, we can be there in twenty minutes and then we can get some lunch.’

  Ellie’s lips curved up in smile, a lightness spreading through her chest.

  ‘I can’t today, Jen. I’ve got the menu tasting, remember? We’re trying nine dishes!’

  ‘You just know it will be fabulous food at the Thistleby High Hotel,’ Jenny said, in a posh, clipped accent. ‘Have you booked it up then?’

  Ellie squealed in delight.

  ‘Yes! I put a deposit down last week. It’s just perfect. My mum’s going to love it.’

  ‘I was half expecting you to tell me you were going to have your reception at The Bell & Whistle,’ Jenny said, with a chuckle.

  ‘Don’t!’ Ellie cried. ‘Dominic suggested it you know. It was bad enough having the engagement party there.’

  ‘And Dominic’s okay with an expensive hotel? Bet that took some persuading.’

  ‘There’s no way I am setting foot in that pub on my wedding day.’

  Jenny turned to face her friend.

  ‘Ellie?’

  Ellie pulled her sunglasses over her eyes, from where they’d been sitting in her hair.

  ‘He hasn’t agreed exactly,’ Ellie said.

  ‘What?’

  ‘When I told him that I didn’t want The Bell & Whistle, he seemed to lose interest,’ she mumbled, fiddling with the strap of her handbag. ‘But he’s coming to the menu tasting and he’ll have a chance to look around the hotel then. I just know he’ll agree to it.’

  The friends continued walking along the high street, their flip flops slapping against the heels of their feet.

  ‘What’s the date for the big day?’ Jenny asked.

  ‘The eleventh of May.’

  ‘And does Dominic know the date of his wedding?’ Ellie’s step faltered and Jenny’s eyes widened. ‘He doesn’t, does he?’

  Ellie’s words gushed forth like an open tap that had forgotten to be closed.

  ‘I mentioned a few dates after the engagement party and he said he’d think about them, but he hasn’t let me know. I keep asking and I know he’s been busy with work, but all the venues are booking up quickly for next year. I had to make a decision so I could put a deposit down on the hotel.’ Ellie clenched her jaw and jutted her chin out. ‘Sometimes I think he’d be happy to wait for years until we actually got married. God knows it took him long enough to propose.’

  ‘That’s just men, isn’t it?’ Jenny said. ‘If you don’t give them a shove then nothing happens. Give Dominic another shove, Ellie. A hard one.’

  ‘Maybe,’ Ellie said, staring down at the pavement.

  ‘I can’t believe I’m actually about to agree with Dominic, but it might not be a bad thing to take your time,’ Jenny said. Ellie glanced over at her friend curiously. ‘I mean, look at my marriage, it all happened so fast. I should have read the signs better, but I didn’t.’

  ‘Oh, Jen.’

  ‘Don’t feel sorry for me. I had a great day. Gorgeous dress, big party, all about me, me, me. And who knows, I might do it all again someday. With someone else of course.’ The women dissolved into gentle laughter. ‘Just think about it, that’s all I’m saying.’

  Ellie shook her head.

  ‘No, I’m fed up with waiting. Dominic and I have been together for almost eight years, there’s nothing whirlwind about it.’ Ellie’s phone began ringing from her handbag. She plunged her hand in and rummaged around. ‘If this is Dominic ringing to cancel the menu tasting, I’m…’ She pulled out her phone. ‘Oh, it’s my mum.’

  Jenny threw her arms round Ellie and gave her a squeeze.

  ‘Thanks for the coffee,’ she said, turning into a road that led off the high street. ‘Better be off, I’ve got to pick Bea up.’

  Ellie waved to her friend and slowly put the phone to her ear.

  ‘Hi Mum.’

  ‘Hello. I hope I haven’t caught you at a bad time.’

  Anne Saunders’ efficient voice sprang from the phone.

  ‘No, Mum, you haven’t. How’s Dad? It’s a shame you couldn’t come up for the engagement party.’

  Ellie’s parents had been making the journey to visit her each summer ever since she’d moved here and they never stayed longer than a week. Anne positively adored the quaint town of Thistleby when she arrived and sung its praises loudly, but after a few days it seemed to suffocate her and she couldn’t run out of the door fast enough.

  ‘Oh, he’s fine,’ Anne said. ‘I’ve rung to get an update on the wedding.’

  ‘But we only spoke at the weekend.’

  ‘I know, but there’s a million things you need to be doing to make this a spectacular wedding, Ellie. Now, I’m going into town tomorrow to start looking for wedding outfits and I’m not going to spare any expense. It’s not every day your only daughter gets married.’

  ‘Sounds great, Mum.’

  ‘It will be. I’m taking Nancy with me, we’re going for lunch in that fancy restaurant, Felipos, which your father never takes me to. By the way, did I mention that Nancy’s youngest daughter, Molly, is pregnant again?’

  ‘Yes, you mentioned it last time you called.’

  ‘Pregnant with her third child and she’s not even thirty yet. Nancy’s over the moon of course, it’s her fifth grandchild, but that’s all she goes on about now: how Ethan lost his first tooth, Hannah took her first steps, honestly, she never stops. It’s as if she’s the first person ever to be a grandmother!’

  As she paused to catch her breath, Ellie jumped in.

  ‘Dad’s a bit better then?’

  ‘I said he’s fine, didn’t I?’ her mother snapped. ‘Honestly, I don’t want to talk about your father’s bad hip every time we speak on the phone.’

  Trying to ignore the sting of her mother’s tongue, Ellie wished it was her dad she was speaking to, with his quiet voice and reassuring presence. A former teacher himself, he was one of the reasons she went into the teaching profession. Whenever she thought about him, she always pictured him in his favourite armchair in the living room, drinking an ale and reading his newspaper.

  ‘Now, have you thought about what flowers you’re going to have? When is the date? Sometime in May, didn’t you say? Tulips and hyacinths will be in season.’

  ‘Yes, May,’ Ellie murmured, slinking into the shade of a shop awning.

  ‘Now, what’s going on with the church? You must have a church service! I spoke to Father Andrews just this Sunday and he told me that he’d be more than happy to do the service if you want to come and get married here, which I think is an excellent idea. He still remembers you as a little girl, you know. Oh, have you booked a band?’

  ‘No, not yet, Mum,’ she said, kicking at a pebble on the ground.

  ‘But why not? You’re not back at school yet, are you?’

  Ellie took a deep breath and tried to channel the limitless patience her father seemed to have when dealing with his wife.

  ‘No, I don’t go back until —’

  ‘I didn’t think so. What have you organised so far?’

  Ellie stood up straighter.

  ‘The venue. It’s the Thistleby High Hotel. I’m going there for a menu tasting right now with Dominic.’

  ‘Oh, that sounds marvellous,’ her mother said, her voice flowing like honey into Ellie’s ear now. ‘Don’t let me hold you up then, off you go. Remember to avoid anything with garlic in it.’

  ‘Yes Mum,’ Ellie said. ‘Say hi to Dad for me.’

  ‘Oh, Ellie, just focus on your wedding, that’s the most important thing right now. Goodbye.’

  The phone went silent, but her mother’s voice still reverberated around her head.

  ~

  The midday sun beat down and Ellie slid her sweaty fingers through her hair. She considered going to wait in the cool, air-conditioned foyer, but the receptionist had given her a look of such pity when she’d gone back in for the third time to inform
him that she was still waiting, that she couldn’t bring herself to go back inside. The menu tasting had been due to start forty minutes ago, but there was no sign of Dominic.

  Ellie paced back and forth between the pillars flanking the hotel’s grand entrance, debating whether to go ahead with the tasting by herself. She imagined being sat inside at a table with a white, crisp tablecloth, being served delicious food and drink by well-mannered staff. Alone.

  She shook her head and muttered to herself.

  ‘He should be here. I’m not doing this by myself.’

  She had the strongest urge to kick over one of the expensive-looking flower pots neatly arranged beneath the Georgian sash windows.

  As sweat trickled down the backs of her legs, her mind began to work overtime. Had Dominic been involved in an accident? Had he been called out to an emergency job? A burst pipe? Did it matter? She’d only asked for an hour of his time.

  There was a crunch of tyres on the gravel driveway and she let out a huge sigh of relief as a van with D M Plumbing emblazoned on the side, made its way towards her.

  ‘I was beginning to think you weren’t coming,’ Ellie called, as Dominic jumped out of his van.

  His eyes scanned the front of the red-brick building, with its sparkling windows, rose bushes curling up the walls and soft, classical music drifting out from the lobby.

  ‘I got caught up,’ he said.

  ‘Come on,’ she said, grabbing his arm and dragging him inside.

  ‘Better be good food,’ Dominic muttered. ‘I’m hungry.’

  After making her final apologies at the reception desk, they were led along a corridor with plush carpet and busy paintings on the wall, into a high-ceilinged ballroom. Sunlight streamed onto the creamy walls through generous windows and immediately Ellie began picturing where all the tables would go. There was a bar down the other end of the room and several glittering chandeliers hung above their heads.

  ‘It’s perfect,’ she whispered.

  Dominic was more focused on a table that the waiter was leading them to.

  Smoothing a thick, cloth napkin over her lap and accepting a small glass of white wine, Ellie found it impossible to keep the grin from her face.