5 Peppermint Grove

by Jackson, Michelle

  “Oh hi, Mum,” Julia said with a smile. “Michael is going to come and work with me – I’m about to take on some more products – I need help.”

  Carol hugged her son warmly. “It’s so good to have you home, love.”

  “It’s good to be home, Mum – and you’ve been having a good time from what I hear?”

  Carol blushed. “Don’t mind these two. But tell me, did you not go for that job?”

  “Eh, don’t mention the war, Carol!” Horatio butted in.

  “Okay – I won’t!” Carol said. “Well, to change the subject, I had a lovely time with Gerry and if it’s okay with everyone he’s coming down this weekend.”

  “I’ll be back in the apartment by then!” Michael said quickly.

  “I’ll probably be staying with Odette anyway,” Julia piped up. “It’s Paddy’s weekend and I’m going to the parade with Dylan and the kids.”

  Horatio chuckled. “Are you now?” He winked at his granddaughter.

  “Granddad!” Julia berated. “We are taking the kids out to give Odette a break.”

  “Whatever you say,” the old man grinned.

  Gillian greeted Michael at the reception. She was determined to meet a man and Michael would be just perfect – Dylan was obviously besotted with Julia and she couldn’t be wasting any more time on him.

  “Oh, Michael, lovely to see you again!” she beamed.

  “Hi – Gillian, isn’t it?” Michael smiled.

  She nodded her head like the dogs who sit in the back of car windows.

  “Gillian, Michael is going to be working with us now,” Julia said.

  “Oh really – great news!” Gillian blushed. “If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.”

  “I’ll be straight on to you, Gillian!”

  Gillian giggled at the double entendre and Julia wanted to be sick.

  “Come on, Michael – no slacking now!” she said, ushering her brother into the office where she shut the door and hissed, “Michael, Gillian is insatiable – don’t tempt her – I don’t want her for a sister-in-law!”

  “Uh – I could do worse – she seems nice.”

  “I’m seriously having my doubts – I think she’s attracted to any man with a pulse.”

  Michael titled his head. “That does wonders for my ego, sis!”

  “I’m not worried about your ego! Now sit down and let me show you the accounts – I want to introduce you to the cruise company this afternoon – cruises are going to be a major product this season.”

  Michael covered so much ground so quickly that Julia was confident she had made a great decision. He was pouring out new ideas and they were working like a finely oiled machine in unison.

  The hands turned on the clock on the wall and both were surprised when they saw that it was already three o’clock.

  “I’ll send one of the girls out to get us a sandwich for now – we’ve worked through lunch!” said Julia. “And I have to pop out and meet Lydia in a while. She wants to speak to me about something.”

  Michael raised his head on hearing his old love’s name. “Leave me here and I’ll finish off.”

  “Are you sure? That would be a great help. She sounds upset.”

  Michael raised an eyebrow. “There’s hope for me yet then?”

  “Don’t hold your breath,” she sighed.

  “Okay, talk later, and if I’m still here when you’re finished maybe you can drop me home?”

  “I’ll be right back as I have to be in Howth by six!”

  Julia said her goodbyes to Gillian and rushed out to Wicklow Street where she had agreed to meet Lydia for a quick coffee at the Butler’s chocolate café.

  Lydia was sitting up at a high stool devouring a chocolate truffle when Julia came into the shop.

  “Sorry I’m a bit late – I’ve got a new employee.”

  “It’s okay – I got started,” Lydia said, giving her friend a peck on the cheek. “Thanks for coming to meet me at such short notice. I need to thrash my thoughts out with someone and I trust your opinion more than anyone.”

  “I’m honoured – that you chose me to talk to.” Julia smiled gently. “You are a good friend, Lydia, and deserve to be happy. So is it Peter?”

  Lydia nodded. “Oh Julia – I think I dived in too quickly – I seriously think that he has no intention of ever getting married. It’s like he loves being in a stable relationship with just a certain amount of commitment and he goes there really quickly with his girlfriends and then just strings them on for years.”

  “There are guys like that . . . I did say so before . . .” Julia hated it when she was right.

  “I told him that I’m moving out!”

  Julia could see the pain in her friend’s eyes. She put her hand out to console her. “Are you okay?”

  “My heart was hoping that he wanted the same as me but my gut was saying something else. My head said get out now before I get hurt!”

  Julia nodded. “But maybe you can just enjoy what you have?”

  “Does any woman just want that?”

  Julia shrugged. Commitment was definitely not on her priority list. But most of her friends had different needs.

  Lydia sighed. “I’m going around to collect my things this evening – I’m lucky that I didn’t sell my apartment! Maybe I should just take a break from men!”

  Julia raised her eyebrows. “I think you’re right to trust your gut but don’t shut yourself off from love.”

  “You know me too well! I haven’t the nerve to tell my mother – she thinks he’s the best thing since sliced bread.”

  Julia did know her friend and she was sure that she would do the right thing.

  “I’m there for you if you need me.”

  “I know that. I just needed to say it to someone and you are the person that I trust the most. Thanks, Ju. So who’s your new employee then?”

  “Don’t laugh but I think it’s going to work out really well – it’s Michael.”

  “Your brother?” Lydia asked in amazement.

  “Yes – he came home for an interview and didn’t get the job.”

  “Is he really home for good?”

  “Oh God, yeah – he was becoming one of those miserable homesick Irishmen crying into his pint. He’s been up in the Abbey Tavern every evening with Granddad since he got back and he’s happy out.”

  Lydia smiled. “He’s not the settling down type either.”

  “All he’s talked about for months is settling down. I seriously think that he will settle for the first girl he meets that will have him.”

  Lydia laughed. “I feel I’ve been very harsh with him.”

  “Don’t feel bad – he’s his own worst enemy.”

  “Maybe I’ll give him a second chance then?” Lydia joked.

  Julia warned. “Give him time to prove himself.”

  “I’m only joking – I’m going to give myself some time before I jump into another relationship. But, tell me – are you really meeting Dylan at six? I was stunned when I read your text.”

  “I, eh, yeah – funny but we’ve been hitting if off rather well and he’s a great support to Odette and the kids – we’re both trying to help ease things for her.”

  Lydia couldn’t wipe the grin off her face.

  “What’s that face for?” Julia asked defensively.

  “I always knew you would cave in eventually.”

  “What?”

  “Oh nothing.” Lydia stood up. “I’ll let you go but I’ll keep you posted on my decision.”

  Julia stood up and kissed her friend on the cheek. “I have saved so many calories! I forgot to order a coffee and chocolate – I’ll have to meet you more often!”

  Lydia walked away with the elegance of a swan and Julia wished that her friend would find happiness soon.

  Michael heard a little tapping noise on the door.

  “Yes – come in!”

  Gillian peeked her head around the door and batted her lashes.
r />   “Hello – I was wondering if you would like a coffee or anything? You’ve been working very hard.”

  “Oh, a coffee would be lovely – thanks, Gillian.”

  “How do you like it?”

  Michael was so tempted to say ‘with you on top’ but refrained. “Eh, black, please – no sugar.”

  Gillian trotted out in the new shoes that she had bought which were five inches high and desperately uncomfortable. They were a vain attempt to help her feel as tall and elegant as Julia but had only succeeded in giving her blisters.

  When she returned she placed the cup on the table in front of Michael, making sure that she was revealing some cleavage. Her bra had successfully pushed up her small bosoms to make two plump appealing curves.

  “Thank you for making me feel so welcome.” He grinned.

  “Oh, I could make you very welcome . . .” She had said the words before she realised and stopped.

  Michael laughed. “Could you now?”

  It was all the encouragement that she needed. A pent-up impulse took over and she sat herself up on the desk, looking Michael right in the eyes all the time. She lunged forward and smacked her lips on his.

  He was too startled to move but the next voice he heard was his sister’s and she was not happy.

  “What’s going on here?”

  Gillian jumped down off the desk and started to button up the shirt that she had opened before delivering the coffee.

  “Ju – we were just having a coffee.”

  “Is that what you call it now?” Julia couldn’t believe her eyes and she was feeling very disconcerted by the scene.

  Gillian wanted the floor to open up. “I’ll just go out to the bed – I mean desk – and tidy up – eh, goodbye, Michael, Julia.”

  A mortified Gillian closed the door behind her.

  Michael had a wild cheeky grin on his face and Julia wanted to hit him.

  “Your first day in the office and I can’t trust you! I’m a stupid fool to think that you have changed. I was even telling Lydia that you’d changed but you haven’t at all.”

  Michael got up from his chair and went over to his sister.

  “Ju, I’m sorry, I swear I was just sitting here and she made a lunge at me – you can see I was just sitting at the desk.”

  “But I bet you led her on!”

  “I swear, Ju – it was just friendly office banter. Please, I’ve had a great afternoon – I do want to work here.”

  Julia didn’t know what to believe. She looked at her watch – she had forty-five minutes to get to Howth.

  “Just pack up here, will you,” she said sternly. “I’m in a rush.”

  Chapter Fifty-eight

  Angela was quiet when Ruth got home from her chat with Brian. She had sat in the sun for most of the day and was scribbling on a notepad.

  “Hi, love, how was your day?”

  “Fine, thanks, Mum. In fact, it was a bit strange – I can’t stop thinking about what you told me. You know I met Brian – I hope you don’t mind but I had to tell him.”

  Angela nodded. There had been a tremendous lift of the burden from her shoulders since she had spilled her soul the night before.

  “You have to do what is best with the knowledge now – I’m sorry that I never told you before but I hope you believe me when I say the timing had to be right and it is now.”

  “I do, Mum – I wouldn’t have understood if you had told me in Dublin.”

  “And I’ll have to tell your father – I think that’s why he didn’t come out here, to be honest. He has been dreading the day that you would know the truth. I think we should ring him and tell him that everything is going so well.”

  “I’ve been thinking about him – it’s important that he hears how much I love him. Do you mind if I make that call now?”

  “I think that would be a good idea,” Angela agreed.

  Ruth lifted her phone and dialled the number in Sutton. It was early morning in Dublin but she knew that her father would be up.

  “Dad?”

  “Ruth, how are you getting on – is your mother there with you?”

  “Yes, she is – we are having a lovely time. How is Dublin?”

  “Not too bad today – it’s been very mild.”

  “Mum is finding her way around – she says Perth’s changed a lot.”

  “I’d say it has. Is it very hot? Although I suppose you have air-conditioning now?”

  “Yes, it’s roasting.” She paused. “Dad, there’s something I need to tell you. Mum’s been chatting with me about the things that happened before you left Australia.” She looked over at her mother who was biting her lip nervously.

  There was silence at the other end of the line, until he said, “Oh really?”

  “Dad – I know the truth and I want you to know that I love you – you are my dad – that is the way it’s always going to be.”

  A sob came down the line. It was difficult for Fred to deal with this now – on his own and so far away from his daughter and wife.

  “Angela had said that she might tell you when she was out there. It doesn’t change a thing, Ruth. You are my little girl – and I know I don’t say it often enough but I love you.”

  Ruth felt a lump in her throat. “I love you so much, Dad. I’ll be home for Christmas, I promise, and I’ll ring you often.”

  “I know that – now put your mother on.”

  Ruth handed her mother the phone.

  Angela was shaking as she took the receiver. “Thanks, love.”

  Ruth left her parents alone to speak to each other in privacy and went into her bedroom to change out of her work clothes. Her laptop was open on her dressing table and she went over to check for messages on Skype. There was a chat message from Julia. She was asking her to pick up the painting that she had bought in Fremantle prison and completely forgot about with the trauma at home. Ruth decided to Skype her quickly.

  “How are you, Julia – I’ve been needing to speak with you – we’re finding out amazing things here.”

  “Oh really, I can’t wait to hear! Sorry for the late notice about the painting – I only remembered it today.”

  “I can drop out there now. Mum and I need to go for a walk so we can go there – that’s where we were last night when she told me about my father.”

  “What about him?”

  “Julia, I hope that you’re sitting down for this. My father was the son of Charles Walters who owned Number 5.”

  “What? I don’t believe it! Angela had an affair?”

  “No, she was working for the family in a restaurant. It was awful, Julia. She was raped – and I am the product of it. I’ve been trying to get my head around it all day.”

  Julia was stunned.

  “Oh my God – I don’t know what to say – are you okay?”

  “Kind of, in a crazy way – I mean, it’s too weird – it probably hasn’t sunk in properly.”

  “Oh, Ruth, I wish I were with you! Look, ring me if you’re upset at any time – won’t you?”

  “Yeah, but I think was better hearing this while I’m in Australia – I think I would have been distraught if she had told me back in Dublin but here it feels like I am where I am meant to be.”

  “You are half-Australian – oh my goodness! We needn’t have got you that work permit after all! Oh, I’m sorry, Ruth – I don’t mean to be flippant – I’m just shocked.”

  “Hang on – I’m not sure if that would be true – I mean, I know my father’s name is on my birth cert so I probably wouldn’t be entitled.”

  “That’s crazy news – so the man who owned Peppermint Grove . . .”

  “Was my grandfather!”

  “Well, that’s fate if ever I heard it!”

  “That’s what Brian said.”

  “How are things going there?”

  “Fantastic – I really like him, Julia. Thanks – none of this would have been sorted if it wasn’t for you.”

  “I’m sure it would have
but I hope that I didn’t make things worse. Poor Angela – it must have been awful for her, carrying this information around for so long.”

  “I’ve been thinking that too. But she feels better now that it’s all in the open. I’ve talked to my dad too and he is so relieved. Listen, I have to go here – I’ll get that painting for you.”

  “Thanks, I owe you – just hang on to it for me.”

  “No worries!”

  “Hey, Ruth, you’re even sounding like a really Aussie now! Love you – miss you.”

  “Me too – bye, Julia.”

  Ruth smiled as she switched off her laptop. It felt so much better now that the truth was out in the open. She would get the painting for Julia and stroll around Fremantle with her mother. She had an ocean of possibilities ahead of her.

  “It’s a lovely painting, isn’t it?” Ruth said to Angela as they drove back from their brief visit to Fremantle Prison.

  “I was never fond of Aboriginal art but that picture is very relaxing or something – I don’t know what it is.”

  “It’s the symmetry. It’s the way that all the parts are equally balanced. I can see why that appealed to Julia.”

  “Brian will know whether it’s good art or not.”

  “Yes, he might even know what it means. He said he might call by later if we were home early – is that okay with you?”

  “Of course – I’m tired anyway and going to have an early night – I was jotting down my thoughts today while you were at work. You know, talking with you has sorted out a lot of things that were crowding my head for years. Thank you, love, for taking it so well.”

  Ruth didn’t know what to say. She didn’t have a choice in the matter and she felt sad for her mother. She also felt sad for her father – she loved him dearly and nothing would change that.

  They arrived home to find Brian sitting in his Jeep outside the house. He jumped out immediately and came to meet them.

  Ruth took out the painting from the boot and showed it to him.

  “Nice work – it reminds me of the ‘Country’ landscapes that the Abos make in the desert. Huge aerial murals made from stone and sand, giving a kind of maplike bird’s-eye view of the desert landscape. They are telling a story about dreaming – and usually planned out perfectly like this painting. This guy is a mathematician of some sort.”