by Neale, Kitty
Ruth waited, saying nothing for a while as he continued to eat, but then obviously growing impatient, she spoke. ‘Come on, Adam, what’s this idea of yours?’
‘I’m wondering whether I should offer to share my premises with you. I think there’s room enough.’
Ruth shook her head. ‘It’s kind of you, Adam, but no thanks. I’m not looking for a partner.’
‘Neither am I, Ruth. I’m just trying to do you a favour by suggesting that we share my premises. Our businesses would remain separate.’
‘In that case I must admit it sounds interesting,’ Ruth said, smiling now. ‘But how much would this so-called favour cost me?’
‘Well, Ruth, as a businessman, I can’t offer you something for nothing.’
‘I don’t expect you to.’
‘Right then, how do you feel about a lump-sum contribution towards the original lease and a fifty-fifty split of the bills? That would make it equally beneficial to both of us.’
‘That sounds fair financially, Adam, though when I think about it, in other areas I don’t think it could work. We would be in competition when it comes to lettings.’
Adam had already thought of that and was ready with his answer. ‘Ruth, as I’m already in competition with existing agents in the area, one more, and a fledgling one at that, won’t make much difference. I’m very well established, so much so that there are times during the summer season when I’m so busy that I can’t take on any more clients. When that happens, instead of mentioning my contacts in other agencies, I’d be happy to pass them on to you.’
The waiter arrived to clear away their soup bowls, and Ruth said nothing until he had moved away again. ‘Adam, thank you, but I still don’t think it would work. I’ve got so many plans for how I want my agency to look, the décor, the furnishings and though your premises are in an ideal location they’re in a bit of …’
‘A mess,’ Adam finished for her. ‘Yes, I know, Ruth, but I’d be happy for you to take the place in hand.’
‘How would we divide the space?’
Adam cocked his head to one side and chewed on his lower lip as he pretended to give it some consideration. ‘When I think about it, I don’t really need a lot of room and I suppose I could use the back office while you have the whole of the front.’
‘Really? That would be marvellous,’ Ruth said, her eyes lighting up.
‘Hold on, Ruth. It would have to come at a cost. To make it fair I’d want you to pay two-thirds of the bills.’
‘I’d be willing to do that.’
‘Do we have a deal then?’ Adam asked.
‘I think so, but what about the upstairs flat? If it’s big enough, I’d like to live in it.’
‘As I once told you, it’s rented out, but you’re in luck because their tenancy agreement runs out at the end of January.’
‘In that case, you’ve got a deal,’ Ruth said, holding out a hand for him to shake. Adam took it, hiding his relief behind a smile. He had got what he wanted and soon a nice chunk of Ruth’s money would be going into his bank to clear his overdraft. Little did she know it, but that was just a start. One day Adam intended to gain a lot more. Both the woman – and her bank balance.
Chapter Seven
The new year heralded changes. Penny settled happily into her new school, leaving Lorna free hours to help Ruth as much as she could in setting up the agency. It was such a frantically busy time that Lorna still didn’t feel she could ask for any time off; a situation that continued into the first week in February when they moved into the flat above the office. In the short time they had been back in England this was their third move, and Lorna had begun to feel like a gypsy as once again she had packed and unpacked their things.
Now that they were both living and working together in such close proximity, Lorna learned more about Ruth. She could be impatient, demanding and snappy at times, but as she was under so much pressure to get the agency up and running, Lorna found it understandable.
Now though, on this Thursday afternoon towards the end of February, they were at last close to opening for business. Ruth was going to target the area with a leaflet drop setting out their services, and she had interviewed a young but experienced negotiator who would start work when they opened the agency on Monday.
The sign writer stuck his head inside and said, ‘If you’d like to come and look at it, I’ve finished and just need your approval before I pack up.’
Lorna followed Ruth outside to look up at the elegant, royal blue copperplate script, edged with gold on a cream background which read, Hamilton-Smyth & Mortimer, Property Sales and Services. She smiled wryly. The name had been the subject of many arguments between Ruth and Adam. They were equally stubborn. Adam had said that as the original sign, along with all his stationery and business cards, read, Adam Mortimer Property Sales, Lettings and Management Services, it should remain unchanged.
Ruth though argued that as she was paying more than him, her name should be displayed, and first. It had taken days to come to an agreement, but Ruth was obviously happy now as she peered up at the sign, saying with approval, ‘Yes, it’s fine. I like it.’
Lorna did too and the colour matched the theme that Ruth had chosen when it came to décor and furnishings for the agency. Lorna had expected her to go for an ultra-modern interior, but instead Ruth had chosen mahogany half-panelling and desks, with a rich blue and gold colour scheme. When Lorna had asked her why, Ruth had said that she wanted the decor to give the impression of permanence, of old, solid, trustworthy and reliable class.
It certainly smacked of that, Lorna thought as they went back inside, but she soon had to go out again to pick Penny up from school.
Penny came skipping out holding a drawing, but when they arrived at the agency Ruth was so busy that she hardly spared her daughter a glance. Lorna took Penny upstairs. Though it had taken them a while to settle into the flat, this one was by far the nicest. The living room was large, with high ceilings, picture rails and cornices, along with a large fireplace. The carpet was threadbare in places, but deep red, as were the velvet curtains, and the brown leather furniture, though cracked and old-fashioned, was comfortable.
Ruth had said that as soon as she had more time she would refurnish every room, but for now they would have to make do. The rest of the rooms were of good proportions too and after settling Penny in front of the television to watch a cartoon, Lorna went through to the spacious kitchen to make a start on preparing their dinner.
They ate at five, but it was six-thirty before Ruth came upstairs. While she went to freshen up, Lorna reheated her dinner and asked Ruth when she sat at the table, ‘Did Adam like the sign?’
‘Yes, he’s happy with it,’ Ruth replied as the telephone rang.
Lorna answered it and her stomach lurched when she heard her stepfather’s voice. ‘Lorna, is that you?’
‘Yes, Ted. What is it? What’s wrong?’
‘Your mother asked me to ring you. She isn’t well and she wants to see you.’
‘What’s wrong with her?’
‘It’s some sort of tummy problem.’
‘Has she seen the doctor?’
‘Yes, but whatever he prescribed isn’t making her feel any better and as I said, she wants to see you.’
‘All right, tell her I’ll be there tomorrow,’ Lorna said worriedly, as she said goodbye and replaced the receiver.
‘From what I heard, I take it someone is ill,’ Ruth said.
‘Yes, my mother and I said I’d go to see her.’
‘Yes, I gathered that too,’ Ruth said, looking less than pleased. ‘I suppose you’ll have to go, but how long will you be away?’
‘I don’t know. It depends on how I find her, but hopefully it isn’t anything serious and will only be for a day or two.’
‘This really couldn’t have come at a worse time. I still have a lot to do and the last thing I need is to be lumbered with Penny.’
‘I’ll be back as soon as I can.’
/> ‘See that you are,’ Ruth snapped.
Lorna was usually slow to anger, but concerned about her mother she retorted, ‘You seem to forget that I haven’t had a single day off in five months.’
For a moment Ruth’s eyes seemed to spark with anger, but then she suddenly changed, her manner contrite as she said, ‘Lorna, I’m being insensitive and I’m sorry. It’s just that I’ve got so much on my mind and with the agency opening on Monday I don’t know how I’m going to cope with Penny if you aren’t back by then.’
‘I’ll do my best, but I can’t offer any guarantees.’
‘Thanks,’ Ruth acknowledged, quiet for a while as she picked at her food. ‘If the worst comes to the worst I suppose I could ask Adam to take Penny to school and then pick her up again. I doubt he’d mind. He’s sorted out his office now and as it’s off season he doesn’t appear overly busy at the moment.’
Lorna wasn’t so sure. From what she’d seen Adam largely ignored Penny and only acknowledged her existence when he had to. She began to worry about what would happen to the little girl while she was away. There’d be no hugs and kisses, no bedtime stories, things Lorna knew she would have to make up for when she returned.
She just hoped that her mother’s illness was minor and that she wouldn’t be away for too long.
On Friday morning, Myra Redman looked at the clock yet again. It was nearly ten-thirty and she’d expected her daughter to arrive earlier than this.
At last, nearly half an hour later, there was a knock on the door and Myra went to answer it. ‘So, you’ve arrived at last.’
‘It was a bit of a trek to get here from Margate,’ Lorna said as they walked down the passage to the kitchen. ‘How are you, Mum?’
‘I feel a bit better now, but it comes to something when I’ve got to be ill before you bother to come and see me.’
‘I haven’t been able to take any time off, but I’m here now.’
‘I expect you’ll want a cup of tea.’
‘Yes, but you sit down and I’ll make it,’ Lorna said as she took off her coat.
Myra frowned as she looked at her daughter. ‘You’ve put on a lot of weight.’
‘I know, but I’m going on a diet,’ Lorna said as she hung her coat on a hook behind the door and then filled the kettle with water.
‘This came for you yesterday morning,’ Myra said, holding out a brown envelope.
Lorna placed the kettle onto a gas ring before reaching out to take the letter. She opened it, her teeth biting into her lower lip as she read the contents. When she looked up, her eyes were awash with tears. ‘It … it’s the divorce papers from Richard’s solicitor.’
‘There’s no point in getting upset. From what you told me on the telephone you knew this was coming, and as Richard left you for another woman I hope you take him for every penny he’s got.’
‘No, I won’t be doing that,’ Lorna cried, adding with a small sob as she fled the room, ‘I don’t blame him for finding someone else. It’s no more than I deserve.’
Myra froze. She heard Lorna running upstairs, then the bathroom door slammed, but her mind was reeling. No, no! Surely Lorna hadn’t told Richard the truth!
Chapter Eight
Adam looked around his small office, thinking it a come-down, yet knew he only had himself to blame. He’d been so desperate for money that he’d suggested this arrangement, and now his business had been assigned to the side entrance. It wasn’t ideal, but he was hoping to make the best of it.
When Ruth called out that she was back, a scowl marred Adam’s handsome features. She had got everything she wanted, the bulk of the premises along with her name appearing first over the main part of the building, but Adam was damned if he was going to let her emasculate him any further. When she’d asked him to take her kid to school that morning it had been the final straw. As he’d told Ruth, there was no way he was going to do that. He was a businessman, not a flaming babysitter.
Adam took a seat behind his desk to ring Denis Young, the chap he used for maintenance and repairs to the properties he managed. There had been a complaint from one of the tenants about a broken pipe and as he was telling Denis to fix it, Ruth walked into his office.
She perched on the side of his desk, listening to the call and said as he replaced the receiver, ‘Do you invoice your clients for the maintenance costs to their properties?’
Adam gave little away as he said, ‘Of course.’
‘I assumed that your work just entailed finding tenants for the properties you handle and collecting the rent, but it seems far more complicated than that.’
‘It isn’t something you can jump into without experience, especially when it comes to the legalities, tenancy agreements, evictions and such.’
‘Yes, I realise that now,’ Ruth said, a little worriedly.
Adam felt happier as he hid a small smile, willing to bide his time and to let Ruth find out the hard way that it would be a long while before she showed a profit when it came to property management. She was going to blunder into a business she knew nothing about, and when things went wrong, which of course they would, Adam would be there and ready to make his next move.
Lorna had spent a long time in her mother’s bathroom before she was able to pull herself together. She had been expecting to hear from Richard’s solicitor, but as such a long time had passed without a word, she had again dared to hope that he’d changed his mind.
What an idiot she’d been. Of course he hadn’t, and seeing the divorce petition in black and white was like a blow to her stomach. Richard had cited grounds of unreasonable behaviour as the cause of their marriage irretrievably breaking down, but thankfully not the true reason for his wanting a divorce. He’d been kind, which was more than she deserved, and for that Lorna would be forever grateful.
She was now facing her mother, who was almost hysterical, and though she was trying to calm her down, it was difficult to get a word in. ‘Mum … please, I had to tell him.’
‘No you didn’t. Lots of women have difficulty conceiving and you could have come up with some sort of excuse!’
‘I tried that, but I couldn’t stand the guilt and deceit any longer.’
‘But don’t you realise what you’ve done? Richard is sure to tell his family why he left you. They live close by and they won’t keep their mouths shut! God, it’ll all come out and we’ll never live it down!’
‘I can’t help the way I was born, but all you seem to care about is that people might find out. You act like I’m some sort of freak that you’re ashamed of!’
‘That isn’t true. All I’ve ever done is to try to protect you.’
Lorna was too emotionally drained to argue any more and just said, ‘If you say so, Mum, but I don’t think you need to worry. Richard left me in April last year and if he’d told anyone the true reason why, I’m sure you’d have heard about it by now.’
‘Yes, that’s true,’ Myra said, looking a little placated.
‘I … I’ll finish making the tea,’ Lorna said and to change the subject she turned the conversation to her mother’s health. ‘You said you feel better, but what’s been wrong with you? Ted said something about an upset tummy.’
‘It’s been playing me up and I’ve been worried that I was going the same way as my mother. It’s why I asked Ted to ring you, but thankfully the stuff the doctor gave me seems to have worked at last. He must be right and it’s just acid indigestion.’
‘That’s a relief,’ Lorna said.
‘I expect you think I’ve dragged you here for nothing.’
‘No, Mum, I’m just glad you’re all right.’
‘Now that you’re here, how long will you be staying?’
‘I’ll get a train back to Margate this evening.’
‘Lorna, it’s been ages since I’ve seen you and at least you could stay overnight.’
‘If you needed me I’d have stayed as long as necessary, but you seem fine and Ruth is rushed off her feet at the moment. Once th
ings have calmed down and the agency is running smoothly, I’ll be able to take some time off. I’ll come to see you again then and promise to stay for at least a few days.’
‘Very well, I suppose I’ll have to be content with that, but don’t leave it for too long. I hardly saw you when you lived in Spain and hoped things would be different now that you’re back in England.’
‘Margate isn’t exactly round the corner, Mum, but I will try to see you more often.’
‘I should hope so too,’ she said, and at last, as they shared a pot of tea, things seemed a little easier between them.
Lorna looked around the kitchen, seeing that little had changed. Her mother had lived in Battersea all her life, and in this house for nearly thirty years. It wasn’t large, with a front lounge, this kitchen-cum-dining room, and a handkerchief-sized back garden. Upstairs there were two bedrooms and the bathroom. It was council property, identical to every other redbrick terraced house in Birch Street, but her mother had never shown any ambition to move. Her life was one of routine, socially too, with bingo every Tuesday and Thursday nights while Ted went to the pub. She was only fifty-one, but having lived such a narrow and unadventurous life, she seemed so much older. ‘Mum, it’s a shame you didn’t come to Spain for a holiday. I think you would have enjoyed it.’
‘As I told you when you invited us, Ted doesn’t like travelling. It takes weeks of nagging before he’ll agree to a holiday in Brighton, so you can imagine his reaction when I suggested Spain.’
Lorna wanted to tell her mother that she could have come on her own, but knew it would be pointless. She waited on Ted hand and foot and would never leave him to fend for himself. Instead she asked, ‘Have you ever been to Margate?’
‘Yes, but it was a long time ago. You were just a toddler then and we went on a coach trip organised by your dad’s firm. They were good employers and laid on an outing for their workers and families every year.’