Abandoned Child

by Neale, Kitty

  Ruth glanced at the clock. It was six o’clock, and she reluctantly said, ‘Yes, all right. I’ll see you tomorrow.’

  As Carmela left and Ruth took charge of her daughter, her mind was still on the future. Thinking about it a little more, she realised that even if it was possible, the thought of setting up a nightclub left her cold. Ruth enjoyed her status, her standing in the community and having left that sleazy world behind, she didn’t want to return to it. There had to be something else she could do, something that wouldn’t cost a fortune to start up, but a lot depended on how much she’d get from the sale of the villa.

  She’d have to get an agent round to value it, but since inheriting the place Ruth had developed an interest in the property market and had a fair idea of what it would sell for. That train of thought sparked an idea and she felt a frisson of excitement. She lacked experience, but surely it wouldn’t be that hard to learn and not only that, it should be relatively easy to set up.

  Yes, her idea could work, Ruth decided, and as long as she employed experienced staff, her own lack of knowledge wouldn’t be a drawback. Of course, as she spoke very little Spanish, it made more sense to open the business in England. There was no fear in that thought now, and as long as she kept well away from the Soho area of London, it was unlikely that anyone would ever recognise her.

  In fact, she had no need to live in London. She could choose anywhere in England to run a respectable business – safe then in the knowledge that she had left her tawdry past behind.

  Chapter Two

  Maureen woke late the following morning. She had a quick shower and then threw on a thin cotton dress before going to look for Lorna. She wasn’t in the house, but Maureen saw her sitting outside on the terrace. Lorna looked so sad, and though she had said it was her fault, Maureen still cursed Richard for leaving her cousin.

  In an attempt to cheer Lorna up, Maureen threw open the glass doors and danced her way outside, loudly singing last year’s Abba hit, ‘Dancing Queen’. Lorna’s expression immediately lifted and she joined in, waving her arms in the air as she sang along. When they finished the chorus, Maureen joined her cousin under the huge parasol that shaded the garden table where she saw a basket of fresh bread, and a selection of jams.

  As Lorna poured her a glass of fresh orange juice, she said, ‘I hope this is all right. I don’t usually have a cooked breakfast.’

  ‘It’s fine, thanks. Perfect,’ Maureen assured her and tucked in while looking across the terrace to the small garden beyond. It was a nice little house, but nothing compared to Ruth’s stunning villa with its large swimming pool. She felt a twinge of envy, a resurfacing of the jealousy she’d always felt when it came to the woman she’d known as Adrianna. Yet it wasn’t just jealousy. There was something about Adrianna that had repelled her and still did – something in her eyes that was cold and calculating. She was a mother now, yet it was still lurking there beneath the surface and contradicted her friendly smiles.

  ‘What would you like to do today?’ Lorna asked. ‘We could go down to the front and take a dip in the sea.’

  ‘I can’t swim, but I’ll be happy to paddle and sunbathe,’ Maureen said. So far, there had been no mention of Richard, but if Lorna wanted to confide in her, she’d listen. If not, rather than upset her cousin, Maureen decided not to probe.

  ‘After that, we’ll come back here to change and I’ll show you a bit more of the area. Perhaps have lunch further along the coast?’

  ‘That sounds good to me,’ Maureen said.

  Thankfully Lorna hadn’t suggested asking Ruth to join them, and that suited Maureen just fine. Lorna seemed fond of Ruth, so for her cousin’s sake Maureen had put her feelings to one side, and though it looked like they were getting on well together, deep down she didn’t like Ruth, and never would.

  Ruth was eating a solitary breakfast. She was deep in thought, planning her business venture, yet the more she went over it, the more daunting it became. Maybe she should just forget it – think of another way to replenish her coffers, but nothing suggested itself. The thought of working for someone else didn’t appeal, and anyway, other than exotic dancing she lacked any skills. Ruth’s memories drifted back to the clubs again; to her performances, the men ogling her, and she shuddered, determined that no matter what, she’d never return to that life.

  What she needed, Ruth finally decided, was to talk to someone with business experience – someone who could advise her. Her late husband’s friend, Charles Pentlemore, came to mind. He’d run a successful wholesale business in London before retiring to Spain and though what Ruth had in mind was different, he still might be able to provide some of the answers she needed.

  Ruth had bumped into Charles socially on many occasions since Laurence had died, but hadn’t seen him recently. He sounded a bit surprised to hear from her when she rang him, but agreed to meet her for lunch.

  That left Ruth the rest of the morning clear, so after a leisurely swim she was in a good mood and allowed Penny to join her in the pool. Her daughter had learned to swim almost before she could walk and was like a fish in water, ducking and diving, frolicking like a seal until Ruth grew impatient at being splashed and climbed out.

  ‘Mummy, watch me,’ Penny called.

  Ruth towelled herself while looking at her daughter’s exuberant antics, but then called Carmela to take over her supervision. She would shower now, and then dress to impress before going to meet Charles Pentlemore.

  ‘It’s lovely here,’ Maureen said as they left the beach to walk along the wide promenade. It had been too hot to sunbathe for long, but she’d been reluctant to go, as a good-looking bloke had been giving her the eye. Deep down she dreamed of meeting a nice man, of settling down and having a couple of kids, but nice men didn’t want to date strippers. The ones who ogled her in the club only wanted her for one thing, but she wasn’t going to oblige, well, not unless they had very deep pockets, Maureen thought with a chuckle.

  ‘Hello ladies.’

  Maureen turned and was chuffed to see it was the bloke from the beach, a friend with him. ‘Hello to you too,’ she said flirtatiously.

  ‘Would you like to join us for a drink?’

  ‘No we wouldn’t! Go away!’ Lorna said sharply.

  His eyebrows shot up at her tone, but then he shrugged, ‘Fine, please yourself. Come on Barry, let’s go.’

  Disappointed, Maureen watched as they walked away and said, ‘That’s a shame. I rather liked the look of them.’

  ‘You can go for a drink with them if you want to,’ Lorna said, a touch churlishly, ‘but I’m too upset about Richard to even think about other men.’

  ‘Of course you are,’ Maureen said, ashamed of her insensitivity.

  ‘Oh, Maureen, I’m sorry for being such a misery. You’re on holiday and I’m spoiling it for you.’

  ‘Don’t be daft. I haven’t seen you for ages and I’d rather spend my time with you,’ Maureen assured her cousin.

  Lorna gave a smile, albeit a small one, and soon they were back at her house having a cold drink before they changed to go out to lunch.

  Maureen wore a blue mini dress and, mindful of the sun this time, she picked up her large-brimmed cotton hat. Lorna appeared in a below-the-knee flowery yellow dress that was cinched in at the waist and did nothing for her plump figure. As usual she wasn’t wearing a trace of make-up which was a shame, Maureen thought. Lorna was so negligent about her appearance, but with the right clothes and a decent hairstyle, she would look really attractive.

  ‘Are you ready to go?’ Lorna asked.

  Maureen nodded, glad that there was still no mention of Ruth joining them. The less she saw of her, the happier she’d be.

  Unaware of Maureen’s feelings, Ruth was on her way to her lunch appointment dressed in a cool, cream linen dress, the thin brown belt around her slim waist matching her sandals and handbag. She had brushed her hair back to fasten it at the nape of her neck, and her make-up was carefully applied to emphasise her slanted
, green eyes.

  At twenty-nine years old, Ruth knew from the attention she drew that she looked good. With her chin slightly raised, she walked haughtily into the restaurant, where she saw Charles at a table set for two.

  ‘Ruth, it’s lovely to see you,’ he said as he rose to his feet to kiss her on both cheeks. ‘How are you?’

  ‘I’m fine,’ she said, taking the chair that Charles pulled out for her.

  ‘You look wonderful, my dear. I’ve already ordered a bottle of white wine, but if you’d prefer something else …?’

  ‘A chilled wine will be lovely.’

  ‘Well, this is nice, Ruth. I haven’t seen you since that do at Joyce Mapleton’s place. You were with a young chap from the British Consulate; Rupert wasn’t it, or Roger?’

  ‘Rupert.’

  ‘Yes, of course. How is he?’

  ‘I have no idea. It wasn’t a serious relationship and he was posted elsewhere months ago, the Far East I think.’

  The waiter arrived with the wine and after he had opened it they ordered their food, both choosing just a salad. While they waited, Ruth didn’t bother with any more social chat and instead outlined her plans. ‘So you see, I don’t know if the sale of my villa will provide sufficient capital to set up the business. I’m hoping you’ll be able to advise me.’

  ‘You would probably be able to lease premises, though of course it depends on size and location, but before we look at staff costs and other outgoings, tell me why you want to do this, Ruth?’

  ‘Financially I have no choice. It’s a question of needs must.’

  ‘I assumed that Laurence had left you comfortably off?’

  ‘I thought he had too, but I’m afraid I only have sufficient funds to last me for about another year. After that …’ Ruth trailed off.

  ‘I see,’ Charles mused, his gaze somehow speculative as he looked at her. ‘So that’s why you’ve come up with the idea of opening a property agency.’

  ‘Yes, and as I’ve seen the rising trends, both here and in England,’ Ruth enthused, ‘I think there’s money to be made in that area. I could manage lettings.’

  Charles reached out and laid his hand over hers. ‘Ruth, commerce is a man’s world and a beautiful woman like you shouldn’t have to worry about business matters.’

  The salad arrived and Ruth was glad of the diversion as it gave her an excuse to pull her hand away. From the way Charles was looking at her she was becoming uncomfortably aware that he was flirting with her. He was in his mid-seventies, with white hair above a tanned face that was lined with age. After being one old man’s trophy, she wasn’t going to be another’s. She grew tense now as she looked down at her meal without appetite.

  ‘Ruth, I could help,’ Charles said as he picked up his cutlery.

  ‘That’s very kind of you, but I’m not looking for a partner. I just need advice on setting up the business.’

  ‘You misunderstand me, my dear. I wasn’t offering a business partnership. I’m a wealthy man and I’m offering to look after you. I’d see that you’d want for nothing.’

  Ruth managed to stay calm, but only just, her tone hard as she asked, ‘And just what would you want in return? No, don’t tell me, I can guess.’

  With a sickly smile, Charles said, ‘I’m glad we understand each other.’

  Ruth removed her napkin from her lap and threw it on the table as she reared to her feet. ‘I came to you for advice, that’s all. I may have financial problems, but I’m not for sale and never will be!’

  ‘Ruth …’

  She ignored his call and marched out of the restaurant. Ruth had wanted advice, but instead she’d been propositioned. It sickened her, but she had also learned a valuable lesson. By showing her financial insecurity, she had made herself look vulnerable. It had been a mistake, but one that she would never make again.

  Chapter Three

  Maureen had flown home that morning, leaving Lorna feeling down in the dumps. Her cousin’s exuberant presence had helped to keep the agonising thoughts of Richard with another woman at bay, but now the house felt empty again and a sense of loneliness washed over her. There was really only one person she could confide in, one who would understand why Richard had left her, yet Lorna doubted her mother would be sympathetic. Despite that, for a moment Lorna was tempted to ring her, but fearing her mother’s reaction, she decided against it. She had always felt that her mother was ashamed of her and she would probably just berate her for telling Richard the truth, something she now decided to hide from her.

  Lorna could barely remember her father. She’d been just four years old when he died in a tragic accident, and then, just before her thirteenth birthday, her mother had married again. From the day he had moved into their home, Lorna had felt that Ted Redman resented her presence and she had never been able to think of him as her stepfather. She had felt in the way as her mother’s life began to revolve around Ted, and even now when she went to visit them, he made her feel so unwelcome that Lorna was glad to return to Spain.

  Lorna felt lost, alone, with no one to turn to as she faced an uncertain future and was almost on the point of tears when there was a knock on her door. Glad of the distraction, she hurried to answer it.

  ‘Hello,’ Ruth said brightly. ‘I’ve called to see if you and Maureen would like to come round to my place for lunch and a dip in the pool.’

  ‘That sounds lovely, but Maureen left this morning.’

  ‘Did she? Well that explains why you look a bit down. I assumed she was here for a fortnight.’

  ‘No, just a week and I miss her already.’

  ‘Come swim with me, Aunty,’ Penny urged.

  Lorna was used to this routine. Carmela didn’t work weekends and if Ruth knew that Richard was away she was fond of inviting her round to keep her daughter amused. Not that Lorna minded. She enjoyed being with Ruth and Penny, but her heart was heavy at the thought that this time Richard wouldn’t be coming back.

  As Penny tugged at her skirts and looked up at her appealingly, Lorna forced a smile and said, ‘All right, darling, I’d love to swim with you.’

  ‘And you’ll stay for lunch?’ Ruth asked.

  ‘Yes, and thanks. I’ll just get my swimsuit,’ she said, thinking that a dip in her friend’s pool and then lunch might take her mind off Richard and her financial worries for a while.

  They walked to Ruth’s villa, where on the back terrace sun loungers were set around the kidney-shaped pool, with parasols to offer shade. They were soon making the most of the water, Penny frolicking and Lorna happy to play with her while Ruth, after a short dip, settled on a lounger.

  It was Lorna who saw to Penny when they both climbed out of the pool, and when the child was absorbed with her dolls, shaded by the fronds of a palm tree, Ruth suddenly sat up and said, ‘I’m going to sell my villa and return to England.’

  Lorna hadn’t seen a sale board outside and surprised, she gasped, ‘But why?’

  ‘If you must know I’m bored with my life here. I’m still only twenty-nine and want to achieve something for myself. With that in mind I intend to set up my own business.’

  It seemed a bit odd to Lorna. Ruth was wealthy and had never shown any signs of boredom, her life a constant round of social activities and shopping for lovely outfits, along with hair and beauty treatments. ‘What have you got in mind?’ she asked. ‘Are you going to open a hairdressing salon, or something like that?’

  ‘No, and you’ll probably think I’m mad, but I’d like to go into the property business.’

  ‘I used to work in an estate agency so I certainly don’t think you’re mad.’

  ‘Did you? I had no idea,’ Ruth said, looking suddenly animated as she perched on the edge of a lounger. ‘I thought you were a secretary.’

  ‘Yes, I was, for the owner of an agency. I handled his paperwork, and also did typing for the sales team.’

  ‘Lorna, this is wonderful. I’ll be able to pick your brain.’

  ‘Mummy, I’m hungry.
’

  Ruth rose to her feet and said impatiently, ‘It’s impossible to talk with these constant interruptions. I’ll make us some lunch and then Penny can have her afternoon siesta.’

  Lorna called Penny over and hugged her, thinking that Ruth didn’t realise how lucky she was to have such a lovely daughter. Tears welled in her eyes. She felt empty, lost and alone again, made worse by the knowledge that for the rest of her life she would be longing for something that she could never have.

  Ruth had been busy since her encounter with Charles. She had spoken to an agent about selling the villa and it had been interesting to see how he worked. Photographs of the property had been taken, a board would go up shortly, and now he would market the villa, none of which seemed overly difficult to Ruth for the amount of commission he charged. She felt the procedure used would be virtually the same in England, but finding out that Lorna had worked for an estate agent was a stroke of luck.

  ‘Please, sit down,’ Ruth said, after placing a bowl of pasta salad on the dining room table, along with some cold cuts of meat and cheeses. ‘I’ll just get the bread.’

  When she returned, Ruth saw that Lorna had put a selection of food on a plate for Penny and had cut it up for her, the child eating happily. Hopefully, after her antics in the pool and a full tummy she’d be tired, her siesta a long one. When she saw that her daughter’s plate was empty, Ruth rose to her feet and said, ‘Come on, time for your nap.’

  Penny obeyed immediately, which was no more than Ruth expected. The child knew better than to play her up and Ruth ushered her to bed, abruptly telling her to go to sleep before closing the door.

  ‘She’s such a good little girl,’ Lorna said when Ruth returned to find her clearing the table.

  Impatient to gain information, Ruth said, ‘Leave that. I’ll do it later. You carry our drinks onto the terrace and I’ll get a pad and paper to take notes.’

  ‘Ruth, I don’t think I’ll be of much help to you,’ Lorna said when they sat down. ‘I was just a secretary.’