Harkett's Haven

by Ally Forbes

  ‘Sir?’ Rachel asked quizzically, smiling at him.

  He put his arms round her and pulled her close.

  ‘Yeah....... Mr Fredericks has been with the family a long time and..... old habits die hard. The house is staffed so you’ll meet all the old faces when we arrive.’

  He saw the worried look on her face.

  ‘It’s OK Rachel. You’ll hardly notice anyone’s there I promise.....and I can assure you I want all the privacy I can get.’

  She rested her head on his chest for a moment as he held her close and then broke from him.

  ‘Come on then Sir. Show me the way to home.’

  He smiled and opened the passenger door for her and then they were off.

  Esme was silent in the back, drinking in the different beauty of the city and then the suburbs, the flat calm sea sparkled, dotted with a mixture of large commercial shipping and small yachts.

  ‘We’re heading out to St Margaret’s Bay. The house is in a place called Anna’s Cove. Anna was my great grandmother.’

  ‘So your family’s had this place for a while?’ she asked.

  ‘A long time. The house’s changed a lot since those first days but the Cove and beach and forty acres around are ours. We used to spend the summers here when I was a kid....I loved the freedom that I got here....I could walk out the door and head into the Keadbroke frforest, go camping, barbecue on the beach, sailing.’

  He sighed, revisiting the idyllic days of childhood in his mind. Rachel had a feeling that coming back here triggered these long-buried, happy memories for him. He must have felt again the care-free times he spent here as a child and maybe coming here was his way, subconsciously, of removing them all from the stress and pains of the life they had known. Giving them all a chance of leaving the past behind. At least for a time.

  The road wound through a resplendent green land of trees and lovely homes and clear, dark lakes. Rachel was entranced. They all fell silent until they rounded a corner and in front of them lay St. Margaret’s Bay opening out onto the Atlantic Ocean. The day was beautiful and had brought out the small yachts which visited the islands in the bay and used the anchorages in the coves.

  ‘Dad! It’s................ amazing!’ Esme gasped from the back of the car.

  Rachel couldn’t help reaching out to hold Eric’s hand as it rested on the gear stick and give it an excited squeeze.

  He looked at her and grinned.

  ‘We don’t have far to go now. We’ve to get round to the Aspotogan Peninsula on the other side of the bay. It’s a beautiful drive. The beaches lose their sand in the winter but at this time of year the sand’s back and it’s quite the seaside resort.’

  The road twisted round the bay. Eric drove expertly and carefully and Rachel and Esme filled their senses with the scenery. The sandy beaches were full of families and children, the sea full of small boats and windsurfers. The hill stretching up from the Bay was carpeted in lush green forestry and there were stretches of the road that climbed high above the Bay, dark cliffs plunging from the road.

  The peninsula at the far side of the Bay from Halifax was quiet and had an almost dreamlike quality Rachel thought to herself. The colours were vivid and sharp, the clarity of the air and sky glass-like. Rachel thought that if she stretched out her hand the scene might shatter.

  Eric slowed the car and pulled off the road onto a private drive flanked by two large, weathered granite pillars. The drive stretched in front of them, the road lined by tall evergreens. Eric slowed the car and wound down the windows. The scent of the forest hit them immediately.

  ‘I spent as much time in these forests as I did down on the beach......I made a tree house when I was about your age Esme. I’ll take you both there and we can see if there’s anything left of it.’

  ‘That’s be so cool Dad.’ Esme’s voice was soft and whispery now. Rachel turned to look at her but she was staring out into the forest, and Rachel knew that in her imagination she was racing through the trees, seeing the ladder into the largest tree in the wood and taking that first step.

  Rachel could only watch the road in front of her as it stretched off interminably in front of them. It was like slowly taking off that first piece of sticky tape on that surprise birthday present, desperate to see what it was but wanting to prolong Kng he large the anticipation. The road twisted a number of times and started to descend gradually and then, the forest abruptly stopped and in front of them stretched St Margaret’s Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

  The road descended rapidly towards a beautiful white sandy cove, nestled in the sheer granite cliffs. And there, on a natural plateau, surrounded by emerald green grass was the most beautiful house that Rachel had ever seen.

  A huge old house of granite and timber with wide balconies on the upper floor, decking stretching out to the front, dominated the plateau. Rachel had always loved the view of the sea she had from her little cottage in Scotland but this.... the sparkling sea glittering in front of them, the sky an unblemished baby blue. Two small yachts cruised close to the shore and the small beach in the cover was pristine and empty.

  ‘Is that where we’re going Dad?’

  ‘Yes. That’s going to be home for a while. Do you like it?’

  ‘It’s......it’s....’

  ‘Wonderful..’ Rachel whispered for Esme and turned to smile at the excited little girl in the back seat. Her face was a picture of eagerness and impatience.

  Eric grinned and took hold of her hand.

  He drove the car down the steep driveway to the back of the house and into an underground car park. Cut out of solid granite, the car park was a stunning feat of engineering, lit by lights embedded in the wall.

  ‘Eric. This is like something from a Bond film’

  Eric laughed.

  ‘My parents loved their cars but didn’t want a garage to interrupt their views. I guess it was a bit of an extravagance.’

  There were three other cars parked but Eric pulled into the space beside the elevator and cut the engine.

  ‘We’re home. Come on. Let’s get in. I’m starving.’

  They all got out the car into the cool underground air and Eric went to the boot and took out their luggage. Rachel went to help him but he shook his head, taking a couple of the cases only.

  Esme threw her arms round Rachel in her excitement, squeezing her hard.

  ‘Come in kiddo.’ Eric nudged his daughter as he passed them.

  Eric pressed a pad on a panel beside the elevator and the door slid silently open. They all stepped into the wood panelled elevator, Rachel and Esme silent and slightly in awe. Eric watched them as they both stared at the writing above the door which changed from ‘Basement’ to ‘Ground Floor’ in almost a blink of an eye. Esme held Rachel’s hand tightly.

  When the doors slid open, they entered a hall that was simply enchanting. The floors were a high polished warm walnut, a large cream runner running from the huge oak door. The walls were a white foil for beautiful seascape oil and watercolour pictures hanging from the original picture rails. An e Ke ran>

  Rachel was speechless.

  An elderly lady appeared at one of the doorways and jumped in shock when she saw them all standing there. Quickly composing herself, she bustled over to Eric and threw her arms around him.

  ‘I’m so glad you’re back....I didn’t think we’d see you again.’

  Rachel couldn’t help smile. The lady was obviously thrilled to see Eric. Her silver hair was swept back into a tight bun, and she had a starched white apron tied neatly around her waist. Everything about her hinted at her efficiency and pride in her job. She was small and plump, almost a picture from a child’s story of a loving fairy godmother.

  She turned from Eric and quickly introduced herself to Esme.

  ‘And this must be Esme. Goodness, you’re so like your father......Well Esme I’m truly delighted to meet you. I only wish we had met sooner. Welcome to Anna’s Cove and Nova Scotia. I’m Agnes and I’m the housekeeper. You’ll
see me around from time to time and you know just to ask if ever there’s anything you need...I have a wonderful larder with all kinds of goodies in it. ’ Agnes winked at her.

  Esme smiled from ear to ear.

  ‘Nice to meet you Mrs...’

  ‘Just Agnes. No need for anything else.’ She smiled and touched the girl’s cheek.

  Eric then introduced Rachel.

  ‘Agnes. This is Rachel Christenson. She’s.....well...she’s someone I’m hoping to spend the rest of my life with.’

  Rachel’s astonishment at Eric’s statement made her momentarily lost for words. Agnes stepped in to fill the gap.

  ‘I’m delighted to meet you Rachel. I can see you and Eric have some talking to do. I’ll leave you to it. There’s some food set out for you in the kitchen. You all must be hungry after your journey.’

  As she left she whispered to Rachel, ‘Don’t let him slip through your fingers.’ She winked at Rachel as she had done with Esme and left.

  ‘Eric.....’ she started, wanting to question him on his outspokenness in front of Agnes.

  ‘Shhhh. We’ll speak later..........Come and I’ll show you round the house.’

  Esme made for the stairs and Eric followed, pulling Rachel behind him. She couldn’t help laugh, the sheer excitement of being in the house and Esme’s infectious enthusiasm was catching.

  He turned to her as he chased Esme up the stairs and said, ‘I’ve got some people coming tomorrow....people I can’t wait for you to meet.’

  Being here had changed Eric; he was full of energy and enthusiasm for life, a lightness of spirit. Their relationship was progressing at a whirlwind pace and she wasn’t sure she was keeping up. She felt caught in his vortex Kin lightn but wanted to go where it carried her. Wherever that may be.

  10.

  They reached the top of a wide staircase which opened out on to a narrow balcony that overlooked the living area, The view took Rachel’s breath away. The fireplace was the focal point in the room; a lovely oak fire surround with red brick insert piled high with logs. The room had a beautiful high polish dark wood floor and sumptuous cream sofas. Bookshelves covered one wall. One wall was entirely glass looking out to the ocean, the sunlight streaming in, telescope positioned on a tripod for anyone who cared to look closer.

  ‘Dad. It’s just awesome.’

  Esme had spotted the downward flight of stairs and ran down them, straight to the glass wall and stood stock-still, gazing out at the seascape in front of her. She looked so small and fragile as she stood silhouetted against the magnificence and enormity of the view that Rachel wanted to hold her, protect her.

  ‘It’s ......’ Rachel couldn’t think of the right words to describe this wonderful place but Eric pulled her close and kissed her.

  ‘I knew you’d love it...it’s meant for us.....you, me and Esme.’

  Rachel pushed his arms from her.

  ‘I think we’re moving too fast Eric. I haven’t been able to stop and think.’

  ‘There’s nothing to think about. I love you. I want to be with you. ....... please give us a chance Rachel. Leave the past behind....’

  She turned from him, not wanting him to see the tears well in her eyes, desperate to accept his promises, his offer of a new life.

  Sensing her distress he put his arms round her and whispered, ‘I promise everything’s going to be fine. You just have to trust me.’

  Rachel nodded, unable to speak for fear she might weep.

  He kissed her neck and left her to join Esme.

  ‘Agnes is a wonderful cook. Let’s go to the kitchen and see what she’s left for us.’

  Rachel bit her lip hard, trying to get a grip on the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her and walked down the staircase to join Eric and Esme. They left the room through a large set of double doors and back into the hall they had left.

  Eric took them to the kitchen, a luxurious blend of traditional white units and stunning modern convenience. The dark wood floors gleamed and a large kitchen island with dark granite worktops was stunning. The kitchen was both beautiful and welcoming. Eric made his way to the large, fully-stocked glass-doored wine chiller and pulled out a bottle of champagne.

  ‘I think we need to mark this occasion.’

  He took the foil off the bottle and expertly popped the cork without spilling a drop. He took three champa NޢXp> gne glasses from the overhead rack and filled both his and Rachel’s glass, putting only a quarter into Esme’s. He topped up her glass with orange juice and handed them all their drinks.

  Esme beamed her delight as she took the tall, elegant glass in her small hand, proud that she was joining in with this toast.

  ‘To being here with my girls. To new starts and the future. .........To leaving the past behind.’

  He held Rachel’s gaze and chinked his glass with her and Esme.

  They opened the fridge to find an enormous range of beautiful dishes, a quiche, a chicken pie, a bowl full of baby potatoes, salad.....the range of delicious home-made food was delightful and they grabbed plates and chose what they wanted, eating together at the breakfast bar.

  They laughed and enjoyed the simplicity of the moment, the act of coming together to eat as a family.

  Rachel recognised that she was becoming a part of this small fractured family, an important person to Esme. She was the glue that was binding them all together, perhaps for the first time in many years.

  Esme stifled a yawn as they finished their meals and Rachel groaned, placing her hand on her satiated stomach.

  Esme yawned again.

  ‘Come on sweetheart. I’ll show you your room. It’s right next to ours so if you need anything during the night just come and see your dad.’

  Esme didn’t appear to think anything of the fact that Rachel and Eric would be sharing the same room, the same bed. Rachel was amazed at how she had been accepted into Esme’s world, into her small, precious family as quickly as she had been. There had been a deep, instinctive attachment from the first.

  It was early evening and as light as mid-day outside but Rachel was starting to think that getting some sleep was a great idea. She felt full and relaxed, warm and comfortable and the thought of a long soak in a bath and a long sleep were very attractive.

  ‘Eric. I think I’ll follow you both up; I need a bath and sleep too.....I can hardly keep my eyes open.’

  Esme held out her hand for Rachel to take and together they waited for Eric to lead them to their rooms.

  Eric stood and bent to kiss Esme and then Rachel in turn.

  ‘Follow me ladies.’

  He took Esme’s hand and they followed him back into the hall and up the stairs, this time turning away from the main living area and its stunning views and up a smaller set of stair. The bedrooms in this part of the house were set off a mezzanine hallway, which itself was lovely; wide and beautifully furnished with antique chests, stunning watercolours on the wall and soft lighting. A beautiful old Persian runner on the old wood floor led them to the far end of the corridor.

  Rachel and Esme looked at each other and laughed, loving the house, feeling excited to explore the place, delighting at what they saw in front of them.

  Eric opened a door at the end of the corridor and took them into a large room. The curtains were already drawn and the bedside lights cast a cosy, welcoming glow.

  Esme ran to the double bed and jumped on it. The bed was covered in crisp white cotton sheets, cream blankets folded neatly over the small pouffe at the end of the bed. A large comfortable reading chair sat beside a large antique chest of drawers.

  Esme lay flat out on the bed and hugged one of the pillows.

  ‘Dad, if this is your house then why haven’t we visited here before?’

  Eric sighed and sat on the bed.

  ‘It never seemed to be the right time.....but we’re here now and the time is definitely right...... ....that’s what matters.....’

  He held her hand and bent over to kiss her.

 
‘Do you want me to run you a bath Esme?’

  ‘I’m too tired.’

  She rubbed her eyes.

  ‘Sure ....well....your suitcase has been unpacked and your clothes are in the chest of drawers over there. You can get changed and tuck up. Give me a shout when you’re ready...I’m just going to show Rachel our room.’

  Esme smiled and hugged him and went to the chest of drawers to check if what her father had said was true.

  When she opened the drawer and saw her clothes neatly laid out she turned to him astonished,

  ‘How?...’

  He shrugged and smiled. ‘I’ve often thought that Agnes has a bit of magic about her.’

  ‘Dad!,’ she laughed and rolled her eyes.

  Rachel loved her laugh, loved to see Eric and his daughter so easy with each other. This place was healing a wound, working its magic. Maybe Agnes did have a touch of magic about her but the house was sparkling with it.

  Eric took her hand and led her from Esme’s bedroom.

  ‘We’re just across here.’

  He opened the door to the room directly opposite Esme’s..

  The room was enormous and split level. It was lit by soft lamp light provided by the two bedside lights and two floor lamps. A large low-level bookshelf spread across one wall, filled with a variety of well used paperbacks and old hardcovers. Large seashells and beautifully shaped pieces of driftwood were positioned randomly on the shelves and fresh posies of flowers in clear glass bowl vase were dotted on the wide expanse of warm mahogany surface.

  A cream chaise and two large reading chairs were positioned to take advantage of the large expanses of window. The view was spectacular, the window beautifully framing the cliffs at the north side of the house. The sun was setting and the cliffs were silhouetted in dark magnificence, the sky a dusky warm pink.

  ‘This place Eric. It’s just magnificent.’

  She walked past the bed on the upper level of the bedroom and went to sit in the armchair, tucking her legs up under her. She leant her head back into the cushioned softness of the chair and closed her eyes, sleep threatening to overwhelm her.

  Vaguely she heard Eric move from the room and the sound of water running and she drifted briefly off to sleep.