by Helen Brooks
Jack laughed. ‘The girl I knew would have blushed when she said that.’
Kate shrugged. ‘That girl grew up fast, Jack.’
‘And I’m to blame.’
‘Mostly,’ she agreed, and went with him to the door.
‘I must try to make amends. But before I leave I want something else.’ He grinned as she backed away. ‘Don’t panic—just your mobile phone number.’ He noted the number in his diary, then tore out a page, scribbled his own number and handed it over. ‘Right then, Kate. If you need me, ring me any time. Goodnight.’ Jack kissed her cheek and crossed the pavement to his car.
Mill House was the main topic of conversation over Sunday lunch next day at the Maitland house. Ben was as interested in Kate’s description of the actual property as his wife, but he hooted at the look on Anna’s face when she heard that Tom Logan had been present.
‘Didn’t Jack trust himself alone with you?’ she demanded.
‘Of course he did. But when the past rears its head between us the atmosphere tends to get a little tense. With Mr Logan there as peace-keeper it was a very pleasant evening.’
Anna sighed in disappointment. ‘No red-hot sex then?’
‘For God’s sake, wife,’ said her husband, laughing. ‘You can’t ask questions like that.’
Kate rolled her eyes. ‘Oh, yes, she can, and frequently does. But, to satisfy your curiosity, Mrs Maitland, I made it very clear to Jack that the only thing on offer is friendship.’
‘He was happy with that?’ said Ben sceptically.
‘He appears to be.’
‘So when are you seeing him again?’ asked Anna.
‘We haven’t set a date. But it’s up to me, anyway. I’m giving Jack—and his father—supper at my place next time.’
‘Is this going to be a regular kind of thing, then?’
‘I hope so. I’m very fond of Mr Logan.’
Anna hooted. ‘And what about Mr Logan Junior? How do you feel about him?’
‘Ambivalent.’ Kate smiled suddenly. ‘Before I left London people kept asking me what on earth I’d find to do up here in the sticks. Time certainly hasn’t hung heavy so far.’
CHAPTER FIVE
INCONFIRMATION of this a message was waiting on Kate’s telephone when she got home that evening.
‘Richard Forster here, Kate. If you’re an Oscar Wilde fan The Importance of Being Earnest is on at the Playhouse this week. I can get tickets for Wednesday or Thursday if you’d like to see it. We could eat somewhere first—or after. Let me know.’
When Kate rang him Richard sounded so delighted to hear from her she wouldn’t have had the heart to say no even if she’d wanted to. Friendship with Jack Logan, she reminded herself stringently, needn’t exclude all other men from her life.
‘I love Oscar Wilde,’ she told him. ‘Thursday would be good. How are you?’
They chatted together for a while, arranged times and discussed eating places for their evening out, and Kate rang off at last, feeling rather pleased with life. Her good mood lasted for all of fifteen minutes, until Jack rang.
‘You’re hard to find,’ he said irritably. ‘You were out this morning, the line was engaged just now—and you’ve had your mobile switched off all day.’
‘And hello to you, too.’
‘Where were you?’
‘Out,’ she said baldly.
‘I gathered that. I went for a run in the park with Bran and called at your house afterwards.’
‘Apologise to Bran for me.’
‘I told you I’d call in next time.’
‘Surely you don’t expect me to hang around on the off chance! Anyway, now you’re on the line it saves writing to thank you for last night.’
‘The kiss was thanks enough,’ said Jack, in a tone that curled her toes. ‘Look, I’m tied up the first half of the week, but how about dinner on Thursday?’
‘Sorry,’ she said sweetly. ‘I’m going to the theatre that night.’
‘Pity,’ he said, after a pause. ‘Another time, then.’
‘Lovely. Goodnight, Jack—’
‘Hold it. Where were you today, Kate?’
She ground her teeth. ‘Sunday lunch with the Maitlands. Satisfied now?’
‘Not by any means. Goodnight.’
A slow smile spread across Kate’s face as he disconnected. How lucky that Richard had asked her out first. Otherwise she might have been tempted to say yes to Jack. Instead he could just wait until she invited him to supper with his father. She liked Richard Forster’s restful, unthreatening brand of charm, whereas there was something about Jack these days that made her uneasy. Not just the kiss last night, though that had been scary enough, if only because it made her crave more of the same. But she had a feeling that deep down, offers of friendship or not, he had some kind of hidden agenda. Kate’s eyes narrowed darkly. If there were any grudges to be harboured she had far more right to them than Jack. She’d been so young and trusting back then. She’d never dreamed that he would refuse to see her again after she left for London. She’d fondly believed that they’d kiss and make up once she made the first overture. She kept on believing it—right up to the day she heard Jack had married Dawn Taylor.
The next few days were fully occupied. Kate got up early each morning to work on her computer, and in the afternoons went on with her decorating. By Thursday the evening with Richard Forster was a welcome change from wielding a paint roller. The acting was good and the small theatre full, and afterwards they discussed the play over supper at a new restaurant near the Guildhall.
‘So how are you settling in?’ asked Richard later, over coffee Kate had asked for very deliberately so he wouldn’t expect any when he drove her home.
‘I’ve just finished painting my bedroom. Tomorrow the new mattress arrives and with luck I’ll have the room ready to sleep in by bedtime.’ She smiled cheerfully. ‘After that it’s one more room to go, and then I start on the garden.’
‘Do you like gardening?’
‘I used to when I was growing up here, but I haven’t done any for years. I’ve been watching TV gardening programmes lately to pick up tips.’
‘You might want to find someone to do the rough work if the garden’s been neglected,’ advised Richard.
‘It’s been kept in pretty good nick, fortunately, and it’s not big. I can easily manage it myself. I’ve invested in some spanking new garden tools, so once the weather gets warmer I’ll make a start.’
On the journey back to Park Crescent Richard asked if Kate was free for dinner on Saturday, but she shook her head.
‘Sorry. I’m off to the Cotswolds for the weekend to see my niece.’
‘Some other time then. Enjoy your trip. I’ll give you a ring when you get back.’
To Kate’s relief Richard stayed in the car when they reached the house. ‘I’ll wait until you’re safe inside,’ he said, smiling.
Kate smiled back warmly, grateful to him for making it clear he didn’t expect to be asked in. ‘Thanks again, Richard. Goodnight.’
Kate felt very thoughtful as she locked up. Richard’s request to see her again was rather worrying. She had no intention of seeing anyone on a regular basis right now, least of all a man she suspected of pining for his wife. Frowning abstractedly, she checked her messages and found a very short one from Jack.
‘I hope you enjoyed the play, Katie.’
She pressed the replay button, sure she must have missed something, but the electronic voice said, ‘End of message.’
Kate went to bed in pensive mood, wondering, not for the first time lately, whether she would have moved back here if she’d known about Jack’s divorce. But it was done now. Jo loved it here, and Kate had Anna and Ben for support if—if what? If friendship with Jack Logan proved to be the slightest threat to her life with Jo, she would simply dispense with it.
Kate left town at mid morning the following Saturday and after a leisurely drive arrived at her Cotswold hotel in time to settle in and cha
nge her clothes. She ordered a lavish tea for later then set off in good time to have a word with the head-mistress before collecting Jo at Manor House School, which was a typical Cotswold structure in honeyed stone with the steep-pitched roof and mullioned windows common to local architecture.
Kate was conducted straight to the headmistress’s office, and once the greetings were over Dr Knight gave her the information she was anxious to hear.
‘Joanna has done remarkably well since her return this term, Miss Durant. She is a mature child, and is coping bravely with her personal tragedy. There may well be tears when she’s alone, but I have emphasized that she can come to me, or to Miss Hayes, my deputy, at any time. And Matron keeps a close eye on her, of course.’
‘Thank you,’ said Kate gratefully. ‘It was very hard to part with her when I brought her back at the beginning of term. But during our weekly phone call she seems to be coping.’
‘She’s doing well, I assure you. And, in confidence,’ added Dr Knight, ‘Joanna told me she is very happy to be making her home with you, Miss Durant. She tells me you inherited a house.’
Kate gave a few details about it, then got up to leave. ‘Thank you for seeing me, Dr Knight.’
The headmistress smiled as she shook hands. ‘I’m always available if you have concerns. In the meantime, if you go down to the main hall and sign the book, Joanna will be there in a few minutes.’
Kate went downstairs to join a crowd of people on the same mission, and soon afterwards a bell rang and teachers ushered a stream of girls of various ages through the double doors.
Jo’s bright hair was easy to spot among the tide of grey tweed overcoats. She said a word to a teacher, then came hurrying through the crowd, and Kate hugged her close for an instant.
‘Love the pinstripes!’ Jo cast approving dark eyes over Kate’s trouser suit.
‘Must get some mileage out of my old work clothes. I’ve signed the book. Should I be checking you out with someone?’
‘I’ve already done that. Miss Hayes says I must be back by half past six.’
‘Let’s go, then.’ They made their way through the chattering meêlée of girls and parents and went out to the car. ‘I thought we’d have tea at my hotel,’ said Kate as they drove off. ‘Either in the lounge there, or you can sprawl on the bed in my room and watch television while you pig out on sandwiches and cake.’
‘Guess which I prefer!’ said Jo, with a giggle which did Kate’s heart good.
‘So how are you, Miss Niece?’ she asked bluntly.
Jo sobered. ‘I’m OK, sort of. I still have bad times, but not so often now.’
‘Are they at night?’
‘Sometimes. But the mornings are the worst when I wake up and realise I’ll never see Mum and Dad any more.’
Kate swallowed a lump in her throat, unable to speak for a moment.
‘I get over it by thinking of something else,’ went on Joanna. ‘You and the new house, Anna and Ben, even Josh and Leo, the terrible twins. Or I concentrate on a maths test or the prep I’ve got to get through later.’ She straightened in her seat. ‘Mummy wouldn’t want me to be crying all the time.’
Listening in awe, Kate had to remind herself that Jo was only thirteen. ‘You’re absolutely right, darling. So what social events are delighting you this term?’
‘There’s a disco next Saturday night. Just girls, though.’
‘I thought you socialised with the boys from King Edward’s occasionally.’
‘Not in the junior school, worse luck,’ said Jo, pulling a face. ‘Was it the same with you?’
‘I went to an ordinary co-ed day school, with boys around all the time. At your age I was more interested in hockey and netball than any of that lot.’
Jo cast a mischievous glance at Kate’s face. ‘How about right now? Have you met anyone since you moved back home?’
‘Yes,’ said Kate with perfect truth. ‘Lots of people. I told you about Anna’s party, but since then I’ve had dinner with an old friend and I’ve been to the theatre with a new one. And here’s some stop press news. Anna’s going to have a baby!’
This information diverted Jo so effectively from Kate’s social life that she talked of nothing else until they reached the hotel. Kate collected her key and asked to have tea sent up as soon as possible, then took Jo upstairs to a pleasant double room overlooking the grounds at the back of the building.
‘Cool,’ said Jo, impressed. ‘Can I watch television?’
‘You can do anything you like—within reason!’
Jo went off to explore the bathroom, exclaiming about the various products provided by the hotel, then came back to prop herself up on the bed and spend a happy few minutes with the remote control before finding a channel with a rerun of Grease.
‘This is brilliant,’ she said with smile of satisfaction. ‘Can we have lunch here tomorrow, too?’
‘If you like. Or would you prefer a scenic drive and a country pub somewhere?’
The smile faded. ‘No, thank you. I’d rather come back here.’
Kate could have kicked herself. No child would fancy driving far after losing her parents in a road accident. ‘Good choice. The receptionist told me they do a very good Sunday lunch here.’
Jo brightened. ‘It’s sure to beat school dinners!’
When a waiter arrived to deposit a laden tray on the small table Kate sent him on his way with a generous tip and pulled up two basket chairs. ‘Right, then. Let’s see what they found for us.’
Jo gazed in delight at the array of sandwiches, crumpets, cakes and scones, and two bowls of fresh fruit salad.
‘Wow!’ she said, and shook out a napkin to protect her grey uniform skirt. ‘May I start?’
Using dinner later as her excuse, Kate ate very little, content just to drink tea and enjoy Jo’s account of tests she’d done well in and others she hadn’t, of goals she’d scored in netball, the dance session with her friends in front of Top of the Pops on television on Friday nights, and the wild, but much admired, exploits of Giles, the brother of her friend, Emma.
‘How old is he?’
‘Oh, quite old. He’s in his first year at university.’
‘That old!’
Jo grinned as she spread cream and jam on a scone. ‘Jane’s got a brother, too, but he’s only fifteen.’ She sighed. ‘I would have liked a brother—or a sister.’
Kate’s heart contracted. She put out a hand to touch a rather sticky little paw. ‘I’m sure Anna will let you have a share in the baby.’
Jo’s eyes lit up at the thought. ‘I wonder what she’ll have. Will Anna have a scan to find out?’
‘I’ll ask when I get home.’
After driving Jo back to school Kate felt at rather a loose end when she returned to the hotel. To pass the time until dinner she had a shower, fiddled a lot with her hair afterwards, and then rang Anna for a chat.
‘Hi, Mumsie. How are you?’
‘At this time of day fine. You do not, however, want anything to do with me in the mornings. How’s Jo?’
‘Doing well, thank God. She assures me she’s coping and her headmistress confirmed it.’
‘She’s got grit, that niece of yours. Did you tell her about the baby?’
‘Of course I did. She was thrilled to bits. She asked if you’re going to find out what sex it is.’
‘Good heavens no! Give her my love tomorrow, but say we’d rather wait until the baby’s born. Oh, by the way—breaking news. Jack Logan has invited the Maitlands to dinner at Mill House next weekend. I trust you’re suitably impressed.’
Kate blinked. ‘I certainly am. Enormously. Is this pay back for gatecrashing your party?’
‘Must be. Lucy will be livid.’ Anna gave a little cough. ‘Has he asked you, too?’
‘No. The honour’s all yours.’
‘He only rang today. Maybe there’ll be a message waiting for you when you get back. And report in the minute you arrive, please; the weather forecast’s not great
.’
Kate went down to the crowded, noisy bar in thoughtful mood. She ordered a glass of wine and sat down at the solitary vacant table to study the menu.
‘The other tables are full. Would you mind if I shared?’ said a pleasant male voice, and Kate looked up to see a man who looked vaguely familiar.
‘Of course not. Do sit down.’
‘I saw you at Manor House School this afternoon,’ he said as he took the seat opposite. ‘I’m Philip Brace. My daughter Leah is a pupil there.’
Kate smiled, enlightened. ‘Ah, I see. I’m Kate Durant. I’m visiting my niece, Joanna Sutton.’
‘In that case could I persuade you to join forces with me for dinner?’ He gave her a rueful grin. ‘I’d be grateful for company.’
‘Was your wife unable to come?’ asked Kate pointedly.
The smile vanished. ‘We’re recently divorced—very recently. It’s my first turn to take Leah out this weekend.’
‘Oh, I see,’ said Kate, wishing she’d kept her mouth shut.
Philip Brace looked at her levelly. ‘I can leave you in peace if you prefer.’
‘Not at all. I’d be glad of company, too. Have you driven far?’
Having established that they lived less than thirty miles from each other, they discussed Jo and Leah, and exchanged opinions on the education the girls were receiving before breaking off to give their orders to the hovering waiter.
‘I would have felt conspicuous as the only person on my own,’ Kate admitted, once they were seated in the formal dining room later.
‘I get more than enough of it on my travels for the firm.’ He smiled hopefully. ‘I’m driving Leah to Chipping Camden for lunch tomorrow. Would you and Jo care to join us?’
Kate explained about the tragedy which had turned Jo against car journeys, and said something polite about joining forces some other time.
Philip shot her a look as he poured the wine he’d ordered. ‘If I get too pushy just tell me to back off.’
‘Oh,I will,’ she assured him, smiling to take the edge off her words.
‘One question,’ he went on, once their first course was in front of them. ‘If you are Jo’s aunt, is there a matching uncle?’