He and Jane smiled at one another, glad to be together again even though it had been only a few hours. He offered to carry her bags, and she agreed to let him take the heavier one.
‘Have you bought anything?’ she enquired.
‘A book with photos of the region in the last century,’ he told her, ‘and two CDs – Mozart concertos for woodwind, and German overtures.’
The four of them stopped at a cafe near to the casino to refresh themselves with lemon tea and a slice of gateau. Then they had to step on it so as not to be late back for the coach.
Mike, also, stepped on the gas for the return journey, taking a more direct route. The passengers chatted for a while, then some of them dozed and some looked out of the window at the now familiar scenery. Dave took hold of Jane’s hand and held it for the whole of the journey. She smiled contentedly to herself.
Thirteen
Shirley caused quite a sensation in the dining room that evening in her royal blue flared trousers and her eye-catching white top with blue polka dots. Everyone had sympathized with her over the missing suitcase and were pleased to see her looking so smart again – although she always did, whatever she was wearing.
Ellen wore her new beige trousers and the coral pink top, feeling a little self-conscious about ‘the new you’, as Shirley had called her. Ellen was aware that she looked different – quite modern, and younger, too – but she didn’t want anyone to comment too much about her changed appearance.
The four of them at the table were delighted when Mavis joined them for the meal. She had spent all day with Arthur, and the news was encouraging. He was now in the normal ward for heart patients, in a little side room on his own. He would need to stay in hospital for at least another day, but all being well he would be able to travel home with the rest of the party. A relief to everyone, not least to the drivers. His heart attack had not been as severe as it had at first appeared to be, but it was a warning that he had to take extra care of himself.
‘So you will go and stay with him tomorrow, will you?’ asked Jane, full of concern for the woman she now regarded as a friend. ‘It’s a shame you’re missing the excursions, and Arthur is as well.’
‘His health is far more important, my dear,’ replied Mavis. ‘Freiburg tomorrow … I’d like to have seen the shops there, but we have a free day on Monday. Perhaps by then … But Arthur says I must definitely go on Sunday to Lake Constance and that island where there are all those gardens. Anyway, we’ll see. Now, tell me all about your day. Did you enjoy it?’
It was clear from the happy chatter in the room that they had all had a most enjoyable day. Dinner was later that evening because of the long excursion, and they did not finish until after nine o’clock. The five of them sat together in the lounge. Most of the passengers were all too tired to venture out to the village or even to take a little stroll, but it was pleasant to just sit and relax. Both Jane and Dave said that they had to make phone calls to relations. Mavis had been in two minds as to whether to ring her son and daughter to tell them about their father, but she had decided against it. He was recovering, thank God, so there was no point in alarming them.
The hotel phones were busy that evening. Many of the group had mobile phones but it wasn’t easy to get a satisfactory signal in the mountainous region. ‘And about time too!’ was Alice Rigby’s opening remark when she went to the phone to receive her daughter’s call. ‘I was wondering when you’d remember to ring and see how I’m getting on.’
Jane sighed quietly to herself. But had she really expected anything any different?
‘Sorry, Mother,’ she said. It came naturally to her to apologize even if she hadn’t done anything wrong. ‘I didn’t think it had been all that long, and I didn’t promise to ring every day. Anyway, how are you going on? You’ve settled in OK, have you?’
‘Yes, I suppose so. I’ve been here five days now, and there’s another five to go. I’ll be glad to get home, I can tell you. There’s nothing like your own bed or your own armchair.’
‘But it’s a comfortable place, isn’t it? I thought the lounge looked very nice and homely, and there’s that big television set …’
‘Yes, I suppose it’s alright – could be worse.’
‘And what about the other people there? Are you getting to know them?’
‘Some of ’em aren’t so bad. I’ve got friendly – well, sort of friendly – with a woman called Flora. She’s a bit younger than me, but we get on alright. She’s had the life of Riley, though; more money than she knows what to do with. She’s OK, though.’
‘And are there some men there as well?’
‘Of course there are. More women, though. It seems as though women live longer. But there’s Henry and Jack – they’re not so bad. A bit argumentative, like, but I give as good as I get.’
‘Yes, I’m sure you do, Mother.’ Jane smiled to herself.
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘Nothing at all … I’m glad there are some people you can talk to. They’re not all zombies, then, like you thought they might be?’
‘No … no, I have to admit that they’re not losing their marbles. Funny ideas, though, some of ’em. I don’t always agree, and I’m not afraid to say so. There’s Henry, for instance. His son comes to see him, with his latest lady friend. He’s been married twice already, so Henry says, and this one – well, he might marry her or he might not. Living in sin, they are – that’s what they used to call it in my young days – but it doesn’t seem to matter any more. Henry doesn’t think it’s important.’
‘I suppose we have to move with the times, Mother.’
‘Well, some of us don’t want to move. I’m old-fashioned about marriage, and I don’t care who knows it.’
‘But it’s really none of our business, is it? I don’t know why we’re even talking about it.’ Jane was getting cross. There was her mother, wittering on about the views of some old chap, and this phone call was costing her an arm and a leg. ‘Aren’t you going to ask me about my holiday?’
‘Oh … yes, of course I am. I haven’t forgotten you’re gadding about in Germany. Enjoying it then, are you?’
‘Yes, very much, thank you, Mother. I’m having a lovely time. Germany’s a beautiful country, and the people are nice and friendly, too. We’ve been on some interesting trips, and this hotel is very good, especially the food, and that’s one of the main things of course. Some of it is rather like we would have at home …’ Jane stopped, realizing she was beginning to sound like a travel brochure. ‘Yes, it’s all very nice.’
‘I’m glad you’re having a good time. Make the most of it while you can.’ Was her mother inferring that it might be her one and only such trip? ‘What about the folk on the coach? Are you getting on alright with them?’
‘Oh yes, they’re a very friendly crowd. You don’t get to know everyone, of course, but I’ve got friendly with two ladies and … some others as well.’ Now was not the time to tell her mother about the very attractive man she had met, or about the elderly man who had had a heart attack. ‘Yes, it’s all turning out very well, Mother. I think that’s all we can say now, isn’t it? You’re OK, and so am I. So I’d better say cheerio. It’s costing quite a lot to ring from here, but I’ll call you again, perhaps after the weekend.’
‘Are you on that mobile thing?’
‘No, it’s the hotel phone. The signal’s not good here, for mobiles. So …’bye for now, Mother. Take care of yourself, and I’ll see you soon.’
‘Yes. You take care of yourself as well. I’m glad you’re having a nice time. You deserve it.’ Her mother’s last words were uttered quietly, and Jane wondered if she had misheard them. Then, ‘Goodbye, Jane … love,’ she said. ‘See you soon.’
She heard the phone go down, and she, too, hung up. That hadn’t gone too badly. It was hard to tell with Mother, but, reading between the lines, it seemed as though she might well be enjoying herself at the Evergreen home, more than she was letting on.
‘H
i there, Dad,’ said Peter. ‘Great to hear from you. Are you having a good time?’
‘Wonderful, thanks,’ said Dave. ‘Yes, I’m really enjoying it all. But tell me about you and Kathryn, and the farm. All going well, is it? No problems?’
‘No, none at all. Everything’s going well. Kathryn’s been helping me with the cooking, not my strong point, you know. And she’s coming to stay for the weekend. Her dad said she could have a couple of days off, so she’ll be here till Monday. Everything will be nice and shipshape when you return.’
‘Very good,’ said Dave. He had a relaxed attitude regarding his son and his fiancée. Kathryn sometimes stayed the night with Peter, and he knew it would be considered stuffy to make an issue of it nowadays. They were sensible young people and well, it seemed to be the norm these days. ‘I know you won’t let things go to pot on the farm. It’s your livelihood as much as mine, isn’t it?’
‘Yes, and it means a lot to Kathryn as well. Anyway, like I said, it’s all OK here. What about you? You’re having a great time, then? You certainly sound on top of the world.’
Yes, everything’s just fine. The scenery, and the hotels, and the food. Germany’s a lovely country. A good crowd on the coach, too. Nice, friendly people. And … I’ve met someone, Peter. Somebody I like very much.’
‘Well, well! I take it you mean a lady?’
‘Of course I mean a lady!’
‘Come on then, Dad. Tell me more.’
‘There’s not a great deal to tell at the moment. She has the seat next to me on the coach. She got on at Preston – that’s where she lives – so we met when I joined the coach at the next stop in the Midlands. She’s called Jane; a few years younger than me, and she’s very nice. We just seemed to click, if you know what I mean.’ Dave laughed. ‘That’s an old-fashioned word, “click.” It’s what they used to say ages ago when you got off with a girl.’
‘So, you and this Jane have clicked, have you?’
‘I’m hoping so, Peter.’
‘Well, good for you, Dad. I’ve been telling you for ages that it’s what you should do – find someone to share your life. There’s no point in dwelling on the past, especially as it wasn’t very happy. So, do you think it will go any further with Jane? Have you said anything to her?’
‘I think she knows I’m getting fond of her, and she of me, at least I hope so. Yes, I’m sure she is.’
‘And does she know about the circumstances? About … Mum?’
‘Er … no. I must confess I’ve not told her everything, not yet. She thinks I’m a widower, although I didn’t actually say so. She probably assumes I am because she’s a widow. Her husband died two years ago. They were very happy together, from what I gather. So, it’s rather different for her, you see.’
‘But you deserve some happiness now, Dad. Why don’t you tell her how things stand? It’s not your fault that my mother’s being so damned difficult.’
‘I like to think I might have a future with Jane, although it’s early days yet. We’ve known each other for less than a week, although it seems much longer. But she’s the sort of girl – woman, I should say – who would want something permanent, if it ever got that far.’
‘But you don’t really know until you ask her, do you?’
‘No, but another problem is that she has an elderly mother, an awkward so and so, from all accounts! They live together, but the old lady’s staying in a home this week, very unwillingly.’
‘You never know, she might decide she wants to stay there. Gran did.’
‘I rather think Jane’s mother is a very different kettle of fish from your gran. Anyway, we’ll see. It’s my problem, but I don’t want it to be too much of a problem right this minute because we’re having such a good time together, Jane and me. She’s a lovely person. I know you’d like her.’
‘Yes, I’m sure I would. But listen, Dad – nothing ventured, nothing won. Put your cards on the table and see what she says. You might be able to sort it out.’
‘I’ll wait for the right moment. I don’t want to spoil things. Perhaps towards the end of the holiday. I’ll be more certain then about how we feel about each other.’
‘Yes, you do that, Dad. We’d better say cheerio, hadn’t we? You’re running up quite a bill. Anyway, all the best … to both of you. Take care, and I’ll see you soon.’
‘Yes, you take care as well. Good to talk to you. Love to Kathryn, see you next week. ‘Bye for now.’
‘Hello there, Sally. Sorry I’ve been so long ringing you, but you know how it is. I’ve been so busy, what with one thing and another.’
‘What do you mean, I know how it is? How should I know what you’re getting up to over there, Mike? You promised to ring, and it’s five days now. And here I am, over here, tearing, my hair out.’
‘Hey, steady on, Sal. What’s the matter? This isn’t like you.’ His wife sounded really uptight and Mike was concerned. She was normally quite a placid person, took things in her stride, although she had been getting on to him lately about being on her own with the children, and the problems she had with them, at least with Tracey.
‘What’s up, Sal?’ he asked again. He was even more worried when he heard Sally, at the other end of the phone, give a sort of choking sob.
‘It’s our Tracey, isn’t it?’ she managed to gasp. ‘She’s only got herself excluded from school.’
‘What! She’s been expelled?’
‘No, not expelled, excluded, I said. Just for a few days, her and two friends of hers. But it’s bad enough. I’m so ashamed, and she seems to think it’s all highly amusing. At least she did until I grounded her. She’s not allowed out, and I’ve confiscated her telly and phone until she goes back to school on Monday. Oh, Mike! I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’ve told you, it’s getting too much for me to cope with on my own.’
‘Yes … yes, I can see that, love.’ Sally sounded really distraught. ‘So what’s she been doing to get excluded? I’m sure it can’t be anything too dreadful. Not our Tracey.’
‘She’s only been stealing from the Tuck Shop near to the school, hasn’t she? Her and that Nicky and Kim. I never did like those two girls! They were caught red-handed by the chap that owns the shop, and he marched them right back into school. And of course Miss Fielding sent them home right away, when she’d written all the parents a severe note – that we had to reply to to prove we’d received it – saying how they’d let the school down and all that. Honestly, Mike, I’ve never been so ashamed in my life.’
‘Yes … yes, I can see that it’s quite serious, it really is,’ said Mike. He was remembering, though, the time when he and his mate, Colin, had pinched some sweets from Woolies. They’d not got caught, and they’d had a real good laugh about it. But Mike, secretly, had felt ashamed. He had been brought up to be honest and trustworthy. His dad would have belted him if he’d found out, though he had never done so, only threatened it. He appreciated, though, that it was regarded as a serious offence by the school and by Sally as well. ‘What has she to say for herself?’ he asked.
‘She says they only did it for a dare. Some other girls egged them on. She’s really getting out of hand, but maybe this will teach her a lesson.’
‘What did they pinch?’
‘Oh, a packet of crisps and two Mars bars. What the heck does it matter what it was! It’s the humiliation of it. I’ll never be able to lift up my head again, everyone knowing she’s a thief.’
‘Now come along, Sally love. It’s not as bad as all that. Get it into perspective. It’s just a silly prank, very childish really, for girls of fifteen. Now if she’d been bullying other girls I’d have been more worried. They had an incident of that not long ago at the school, didn’t they?’
‘Yes, they did. And Tracey wasn’t involved, thank God. No, she would never do anything like that. She’s always been a kind-hearted girl. She’s just got rather out of hand recently.’
‘Well, try not to worry too much, love. I’ll be home on Wed
nesday, then I’ve got a day or two off until the next tour; that’s to Scotland, for a week. But I’ll see what I can do about staying in the UK permanently. Bill and I have been discussing it.’
‘So how’s the tour going?’ Sally sounded a little calmer now. ‘No problems?’
‘Well, just a few. We mislaid somebody’s suitcase. It went off to Austria on another tour, so I’ve to go and collect it tomorrow at a halfway point. And an old chap had a heart attack and was rushed to hospital, but they think he’s going to be OK.’
‘Good grief! It sounds as though you’re earning your money this week. There might not be so many problems if you stayed in the UK.’
‘I wouldn’t say that. There’s always something to cope with. But I’d be home more often, that’s for sure. Bill’s thinking of packing in the Continental tours as well. He’s met a lady on the coach this week. He seems really taken with her.’
‘So he’s decided it’s time to settle down, has he? Goodness knows what you coach drivers get up to! Somebody said that to me, but I told her I can trust my husband.’
‘And so you can, love …’
‘I just want to see more of you, Mike. And so do the kids. I’m sure Tracey would be better if you were over here.’
‘I’ll see what I can do, I promise. Now, are you feeling a bit calmer? It’s not the end of the world, you know. It’ll be a nine day’s wonder at the school, and I’m sure Tracey will have learnt her lesson.’
‘Yes, I’m feeling a bit easier now I’ve told you about it. It was all getting on top of me.’
‘Yes, I know. Try not to worry any more. I’ll see you soon. Love to Tracey and Gary. Don’t tell Tracey her father’s cross with her, or anything like that! You know I’ve never been hard on them, but I will try and be there with you more of the time. Anyway, I don’t think we can say any more at the moment. ‘Bye for now. I love you, Sal …’
‘Love you too, Mike. Take care, won’t you? See you soon …’
Fourteen
The coach party would be setting off later on the Saturday morning as the excursion was a half-day one to Freiburg, just a short distance away. They would leave at ten o’clock, have lunch in Freiburg, then set off back at half past two, leaving them free for the rest of the afternoon to do as they pleased.
First Impressions Page 16