by M A Comley
“Keith has made me manager of the travel agent’s, so I’ll be flat out all week anyway.”
“That’s brilliant news. I’m so proud of you. It looks like everything is slotting into place perfectly.”
“It is. If we can get past our little falling out.”
“It’s forgotten about, I promise. Can I see you at the weekend?”
“Saturday night? I might have to work all day on Saturday. It depends on how busy I am during the week. I need to employ a member of staff to fill my shoes as well.”
“You’re going to be under the cosh. Don’t forget to pick up the car on Monday.”
“I won’t, already pencilled that into my schedule. Will you ring me during the week?”
“Every evening, if that’s all right?”
“It is. Matthew, I love you and regret my actions today. They were silly and inconsiderate.”
“I know you do. You’re entitled to your point of view, just like we are. All we need to do now is find a happy medium, to keep us both happy. I have every confidence we’ll be able to do that.”
“Good. Speak soon. Have a good trip.”
“Thanks. I love you, Lucy Brent, don’t ever forget that.”
“I won’t.” She ended the call wearing a huge smile.
“See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” Trisha said.
“No, you were right. I shouldn’t have flown off the handle like that.”
“He’s forgiven you by the sounds of it.”
“Yep, thankfully. I’m going to miss him this week, while he’s away.”
Trisha laughed. “I’d say it was great timing, what with what lies ahead of you this week.”
13
Trisha turned out to be right. The next six days were frantic but enjoyable, nevertheless. First thing Monday morning, she had called the detective in charge of Shirley’s case. He’d informed her that it was far too soon to release Shirley’s body and that it would be another week or so before that was likely to happen. She relayed that information to Keith. He was far from happy, however, he accepted the position for what it was.
The next job she crossed off her extensive to-do list was to contact the job centre to place the job vacancy. She also decided to run an advert in the local newspaper at the same time. Lucy had needed to close up the shop to pick up her smart new car. The rest of the week consisted of her selling numerous high-value holidays and being kept on the go from nine until five daily. She let out a breath once home time came and promptly fell asleep on the sofa after she’d prepared and eaten her dinner every night.
On Friday of that week, she arranged to interview three candidates for the job. The first was an elderly woman in her sixties, who she considered ideal—the woman later turned down the job as the hours didn’t suit her. That left a young girl in her teens, who Lucy didn’t quite gel with, and a woman close to her age, called Kathy, who had a bubbly personality and seemed eager to please. She rang Keith and informed him that the position had been filled and that Kathy was due to start on Monday the following week. He appeared delighted by the choice but also a little subdued at the same time.
During the week, Matthew showered her with gifts of flowers, beautiful trinkets and jewellery. Although, she found it perplexing that he’d sent her a skeleton keyring one day, a single red rose, and a single white lily on another occasion.
On the Saturday, Lucy decided to stick to the usual routine and close at lunchtime. Business had been booming all week, therefore, she didn’t see the need to push herself more than necessary. She went home and got ready for her date with Matthew. This time, she wore a dress that she’d splashed out on from the boutique next door to the agency. It was a classic midnight-blue dress which clung to her slim figure in all the right places. She also made sure she packed an overnight bag this time as well, although she had second thoughts while packing her bag, wondering if Matthew would deem it presumptuous of her.
She needn’t have worried. He sent the driver to pick her up at six. He stepped out of the gatehouse as the car pulled into the drive and twirled her around as soon as she exited the vehicle. “I’ve missed you so much.” He placed her on the ground and delivered a kiss that left her legs shaking. He took a pace back and glanced down at her evening dress. “That’s beautiful. Is it new?”
“I treated myself.”
“It suits you.”
The driver went to the boot, removed her bag and set it on the ground beside them.
“Sorry, thought I’d come prepared this time.”
“I’m glad, I was unsure whether to mention bringing a change of clothes or not, after the faux pas last time.”
She smiled and wrinkled her nose. “It’s forgotten about, remember?”
“It is. Thanks, Jim. I’ll ring you if I need anything else.”
The driver tipped his cap and drove the car up to the main house.
“What’s on the agenda for this evening? You never mentioned it when you made the arrangements.”
“Sorry, I should have forewarned you. Mother’s having a little soirée in our honour this evening.”
“Ugh…you could have warned me.”
“What are you stressing about, you look perfect to me, as usual.”
“You’re biased.”
He picked up her bag, took hold of her hand and led her inside. They’d scarcely got through the door when he pounced on her, his lips brushing across her face and neck.
She slapped his arm. “Hey, calm down. A girl has her makeup to consider.”
“Sorry, overenthusiastic in your company, as always. I wish it could be you and me this evening.”
“So do I. It’s been a long week without you. Not sure I’m up to interacting with people I don’t know. Can’t we get out of it?”
“Not really. Once Mother has sent out invitations, there’s no going back, not unless you want to piss her off.”
“Thanks for the warning. Hey, you, I’ve got a bone to pick with you.”
He stood back and frowned. “Have I done something wrong? Wait, I shower you with gifts all week and you have a bone to pick with me? Well, that’s gratitude for you.” Although his words were chastising, his tone wasn’t, and there was a sparkle in his eyes.
“Actually, it’s about the presents. Quite a mixed bag this week, I might add. By the way, I’ve told you before that I don’t need you buying me gifts. It’s not that I don’t appreciate them, well, some of them, but I don’t expect them. I know how much you love me, there’s no need for you to continue trying to get me into your bed. You’ve won my heart.”
“Bloody hell! The gifts aren’t about forcing you into my bed. Anyway, what are you talking about? Mixed bag. Which ones didn’t suit your tastes? I thought they were all as nice as each other and I’m a little put out by what you’re telling me.”
“Umm…maybe I should have kept quiet then.”
“Nope, it’s too late now, spill.” He crossed his arms and tapped his foot, the twinkle never leaving his eye.
“Well, I’m not sure what the hell the single white lily was about. Or the skeleton keyring for that matter.”
He tilted his head and stared at her in confusion. “I didn’t send you those. Why would I?”
She slapped at his hand. “Stop messing about. Of course you did.”
He shook his head, and his mouth turned down at the sides. “I swear I didn’t. Where did they come from? All my presents can be easily traced back to the store where they were bought.”
“You know what, I didn’t think to check. I just presumed they were from you.”
He glanced at his watch. “As much as I’d love to continue this conversation, Mother is expecting us to make an appearance before the guests arrive at seven.”
“Okay, can we revisit this later, when we’re alone again?”
“You bet. I want to get to the bottom of this mystery as much as you do.”
Her mind was swirling during the drive up to the main house. If Matthew didn’t send the gifts, then who
did?
They entered the main hall to find Matthew’s mother and brother, Jake, welcoming some early guests. Jake looked up and glared at her for a split second. Suddenly, all her doubts seemed to make sense. She hadn’t heard from him since he’d threatened her, warning her to dump Matthew. Was this his way of letting his presence be felt? Was Jake behind the weird, possibly nasty gifts? Aren’t white lilies supposed to be the flowers which represent death? No, it can’t be, he wouldn’t do something like that, would he?
Before she knew what was happening, Matthew had transported her a few feet and she was standing in front of his mother and brother.
“Hello, darling, you’re late,” his mother reprimanded Matthew under her breath, her smile fixed in place.
“Sorry, Mother, only a few minutes, and those guests were early,” Matthew defended himself.
“Hello again, Lucy. What an adorable dress, is it new?”
“Thank you. Yes, it’s lovely to see you again, Mrs Wallender.”
“Now, now, none of that, you must call me Cynthia. I’ve been meaning to ring you all week. We’ll speak later if we get the chance. I have a lot to discuss regarding the wedding.”
Uncertain how to react, Lucy turned to face Matthew who was deep in conversation with Jake. They were laughing about something and nudging each other in the ribs.
She turned her attention to Cynthia again and said, “That would be wonderful. If we don’t have time this evening, maybe we can discuss matters tomorrow.”
“You’re staying over?” she asked, her voice high-pitched.
Lucy wished a hole would open in the marble beneath her feet. “Yes, that’s right,” she replied, trying her best to sound confident and forthright.
Cynthia muttered something Lucy didn’t quite catch before she moved away to welcome yet another guest. With the two men still deep in conversation beside her, she felt a little uncertain what to do next. In the end, she sidled up to Matthew and slid an arm around his waist.
“Hi, sorry, got involved there for a moment. Are you all right?” Matthew asked.
“Can I have a brief chat with you?”
He glanced over his shoulder at a crowd emerging through the front doors. “It’s going to have to wait, love. Duty calls. You stand next to me, and I’ll introduce you to everyone, okay?”
Her heart sank. “Okay, I suppose.”
The next thirty minutes were some of the longest in her life. Dull and mind-numbing, and her cheeks hurt at the end of it as she was forced to smile throughout the daunting experience. Once they’d completed their duty, Matthew led her into the vast dining hall and placed a glass of champagne in her hand.
“You did really well, considering we threw you in at the deep end.”
“Thanks. I wanted to have a chat with you about your mother.”
Matthew lowered his voice. “What about?”
“She said she wants to discuss the wedding details. I don’t know how to handle that, Matthew. We haven’t even had the chance to speak about what we want ourselves.”
He shrugged. “Can’t you leave her to it?”
She gasped. “Is that what you want?”
“No, ideally we’d do it all ourselves, but you’ve just been promoted, and I’ve been away all week. Let’s face it, neither of us have had the time to sit down and go through any plans.”
“I can’t do that. I don’t want someone else planning my wedding, do you?”
“It’s not just anyone else we’re talking about, it’s my mother, Lucy. I can’t see the problem, not really.”
“You can’t? Seriously?”
He sighed. “Look, we’ll discuss it later. If you decide you want my mother to take a lesser role in all of this, then we’ll ask her to back off.”
“That’s not what I said at all. I’m just saying that I want to have some input into our big day.”
“As you should. Don’t get upset, we’ll have it out with Mother later.”
“I’m not getting upset, I’m perturbed by the intrusion and want to get it sorted sooner rather than later, that’s all, Matthew.”
He kissed her on the cheek and whispered, “Keep your voice down, you’re making a show of yourself.”
That was when a warning alarm went off in her head. Should she ignore it or act upon it? That was the dilemma running through her mind at present. She decided to give Matthew the benefit of the doubt and fixed a smile in place for the time being. After ten minutes of tiresome introductions, to people whose names she’d instantly forgotten, her duties were apparently over, and Matthew took her to one side to have a chat.
First out of his mouth was an apology. He kissed her gently on the lips. “I’m sorry, love, I shouldn’t have snapped. I hate these kinds of events, they always set me on edge.”
“I wasn’t happy about the way you spoke to me, although I’m willing to let it slide this time.”
“This time?” he queried, his head tilting.
“You heard me. I’m an independent woman, Matthew. I’ve fought hard to find my status in this world, and I don’t expect you, or anyone else for that matter, to assume I’m going to conform to their way of thinking or doing things.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Umm…yes, I think we’ve already established that last weekend. Can we call a truce?”
“I suppose so. But I still want a say in our wedding plans, if that’s all right with you?” she added, her tone laced with sarcasm.
“And you will. Look, you’ll get used to Mother in time. She’s only trying to help. Use her experience in dealing with large functions, that’s all I’m suggesting.”
“I’ve never objected to her having an input, I welcome it. What I’m displeased with, if you will, is her telling me that she’s arranged things.”
“Has she said that?”
“Not as such. I can’t help sensing that’s the way it’s going to be, though. This is our day, yours and mine.”
“Ooo…are we having a lovers’ tiff?” Jake interrupted, sneaking up behind Lucy and almost giving her a heart attack.
She turned to glare at him, huffed out a breath and went in search of a drink with Jake’s and Matthew’s laughter filling her ears.
When Matthew eventually caught up with her, she was gazing out of the large full-length window at the garden, which was lit by pastel shades dotted between the shrubs.
“Friends?” Matthew whispered in her ear.
She sighed. “Yes, I never said we weren’t.”
“That’s not the impression I got. I know folks have mentioned it in the past, you know, about a wedding being one of the most stressful times in a couple’s relationship. I just never expected it to be this stressful straight out of the starting blocks.”
“Believe me, neither did I. Maybe it’s the wrong time to be organising a marriage, after all that’s happened in the past few weeks. Heck, it’s only been about a month since we first met.”
He shrugged and stared at her with lost puppy dog eyes. “My love, if you want to call it off, all you have to do is say the words.”
She returned her gaze to the floor again, insecure about what to say or do next.
“Your silence is worrying me,” he prompted.
“I hate being out of control of my own future. There, I’ve said it, that’s all I’m prepared to say on the subject. So, either you have a word with your mother and ask her to work with me on this or…”
She raised her head and saw that he was frowning.
“Or? I can’t believe you’re willing to give me an ultimatum.”
“I’m sorry. I feel overwhelmed, I suppose, and out of control. I hate that.”
“I understand. I’ll have a word with Mother, see if we can’t put everything right before things go too far, how’s that?”
“I appreciate it. I hope it doesn’t stir up a hornet’s nest. Your mother seems the type who would take offence to someone telling her to back off.”
“You’re probably right, but it’s a risk I’m wil
ling to take if it’ll make you happy.”
“I don’t mean to cause any bother, Matthew. I swear.”
He slung an arm around her shoulders and pulled her in for a hug. “I know. All I ask is that you’re open with me. I don’t want you to dwell on things to the extent that they start to eat away at you.”
“I promise. I’m so lucky to have you.”
“You are,” he agreed.
She jabbed him in the ribs. “Oi, you!”
“Come on, we should mingle. That’s another thing you’re going to have to get used to doing. It goes with the territory, darling.”
“I’ll get used to it. My head is in the wrong place right now. I’ll do my best.”
“That’s all I can ask. I’ll be right back. I want a quick word with Mother while she’s alone.”
Lucy watched Matthew hurry across the room and was startled when someone whispered in her ear from her blind side.
“Are you causing bother again?”
She spun around to find Jake barely six inches away. “Excuse me? I’m doing nothing of the sort.”
“I don’t believe you. A word of warning, you won’t win.”
“Win what?” she asked, her eyes narrowing to match his.
“If there’s a contest going on between you and Mother, she’ll always turn out to be the victor…just saying.”
“Thanks, not that there is anything of the sort going on. It’s all in your imagination, Jake.”
He smirked. “You keep telling yourself that. I know the signs.”
“What signs?”
“Of a relationship when it’s about to implode due to Mother’s interference.”
“Seriously? Are you all there?”
“Flinging insults my way isn’t going to improve things either.”
She crossed her arms and demanded, “Pray, tell me, what will?”
“Get used to there being three people in your relationship, that’s all I’m prepared to say.”
“By that I take it you’re referring to Cynthia?”
“Of course. I’d say you’re quick to cotton on but so far I’ve had to point every nuance out to you.”
“You really are a piece of work, Jake. How come you’re never willing to show your true colours when Matthew is around?”