by Dilys Xavier
‘Well, I’m glad that’s over,’ Katie said, wiping away a tear as she realized there would be no more visits here to see Aunt Bertha. How life changes, she thought, becoming introspect once again, as she climbed into the car for the journey home. Sadness clouded her mind during the trip; this was the end of another chapter in her life. She knew she would have to make more visits to the manor in order to sort out the remaining items, but it was likely that Richard would be too busy to go with her. Her obvious choice was Pat again… if he was willing to make himself available.
When Pat arrived the next morning, she spoke to him about it straight away.
‘I anticipated something like this,’ he said. ‘Of course I’ll be delighted to help you. I’ll rearrange some of the other gardening jobs in hand, and, under the circumstances, I’m sure everyone concerned will understand.’
He went outside and Katie watched him through the window, feeling quite certain now that she wanted him under the same roof… for her own peace of mind.
‘Listen my love,’ Katie said, when Sam walked in later, ‘Pat has to find another place to live so I think I’ll offer him the annex. I’m a bit edgy sometimes since the Avondale robbery, so it would be nice to have someone here. What do you think?’
‘Why not? Go for it, Mum… it’s a super idea. He’s a great sort to have about the place, good company and he has a sense of humour. On top of that, you know you can rely on him and trust him implicitly. Get it sorted out right now. Don’t hesitate or he might sign up for somewhere else.’
After Sam left, Katie saw an opportune moment when Pat came to the door.
‘I’ll leave early today to finish off a job for Mrs. Walker, down the road. That’ll free time for me to help you at Avondale,’ he said.
‘Thanks, Pat, I’ll appreciate your help. By the way, had any luck in finding a house yet?’
‘No. There’s nothing available,’ he said, looking downcast. ‘The one I intended to look at was taken while we were at your aunt’s place. But the location wasn’t all that good, so I’m not upset about it.’ He shrugged and gave a deep sigh. ‘I think I’ll leave it for now and find a bed and breakfast place somewhere in the meantime. They’re pushing a bit for me to get out of the house, and I can’t say I blame them, under the circumstances.’
He looked so forlorn and unwanted that she almost reached out to take his hand and comfort him. ‘Come with me, Pat… it’ll take only a couple of minutes. I’ve a suggestion.’ She took him through the short corridor off the kitchen that led to the door of the annex, and unlocked it. ‘This little place has its own front entrance, and when this door is locked, the annex is quite separate from the rest of the house.’ She watched his face carefully. ‘Would you like it?’
Pat gave her a sharp glance. ‘You mean this? Are you sure?’ His eyes were wide with surprise.
‘Yes, of course I mean it, and you can move in right now… if you want to.’
‘To be sure, and I’d be a fool to say no, now wouldn’t I for sure?’ he said, beaming. Then he seemed to fumble for words. ‘You’ll charge me a decent rent; I mean, don’t make it cheap just because you know me.’ He looked her straight in the eyes. ‘I want no sympathy, Katie; none at all. Don’t do this because you feel sorry for me.’ He looked around the place she was offering. ‘This is ideal, but it would be only a temporary measure, so rest assured, I’ll clear out of your way as soon as I find something else.’
‘To be honest, Pat, I’m nervous being on my own since the break-in at the manor,’ Katie said. ‘I’d feel a lot more comfortable knowing someone I could trust was close at hand. ‘She rested her hand on his arm and studied his face as she continued. ‘Look, Pat, it’s for my own sake, as well as yours. It’s yours for as long as you wish.’
‘Well, knowing that makes it easier for me to accept.’ A broad smile broke out on his face. ‘I’ll move in at the end of this week, if that’s all right with you. Thanks again, Katie; you’ve solved my problem,’ he said.
Later that day, Tanya called in.
‘Mum, I thought I’d better warn you that I’ve given Cuthbert Alexander your phone number and address,’ she said, looking a little embarrassed. ‘I’ve had enough of Cuthbert’s enquiries, and I’m sorry I ever told him you were my mother. I’m handing him over to you so he can ask you directly what he wants to know.’
‘Oh dear. All right, but I hope he won’t pester me too much,’ Katie said, Tanya was on the point of leaving when Margie’s car skidded to a stop on the driveway. She rushed in, and pecked her mother hurriedly on the cheek.
‘Hi, Mum… hi Tanya, how are you doing?’ she said, giving her sister a hug as well.
‘Fine thanks, and what about you… and the latest boyfriend?’ Tanya asked, grinning.
Margie flopped onto the settee and spread herself lengthways. ‘He’s a dream. Perfect. Couldn’t wish for better.’ Then she turned to her mother. ‘And what about... that colonel you met, Tom. Is he still around, Mum?’
‘Well, sort of. He disappears for days at a time, and then turns up again, quite suddenly,’ Katie said. ‘He seems to have quite a few business deals going, but, yes, I suppose I could say he’s still around… sort of.’
Margie gave her sister a naughty wink. ‘Tanya… our Mum’s collecting boyfriends. We’ll have to keep an eye on her, or she’ll be getting a name for herself.’
‘Oh, leave her alone, Margie. It’s all innocent stuff, and it’s time she got a life.’
‘By the way,’ Katie said, deliberately ignoring their banter, ‘Pat is going to rent the annex. I’ll feel safer with someone under the same roof.’
‘Ooh,’ Margie said, winking again. ‘It gets better and better, but I must say I like the jovial Irishman. You could do a lot worse than have him around; he’s a nice man, and very obliging. I’m happy with that.’
‘Yes, Pat is delightful,’ Katie said, smiling, as she thought of the big improvement outside already.
‘Oh, I forgot to tell you,’ Tanya said suddenly, ‘I did eventually get through to Elspeth, but she said she’ll drop in on Saturday, anyway.’ She looked imploringly at her mother. ‘Oh darn it, that’s tomorrow. Sorry, I forgot to tell you that.’
Katie merely shrugged. ‘If that’s so, then I suppose I’d best get some cooking done before she comes.’
‘Sorry, gotta rush off now, Mum,’ Margie said, giving Katie another hug, as she passed on her way to the back door.
‘Me too,’ Tanya said. ‘But I’ll be over again as soon as I can.’
Katie watched them both leave, and then turned to the cupboard, pulled out all the ingredients needed to make meals for the next few days, and got busy.
Elspeth turned up bright and early the next morning, all smiles and full of questions as usual. ‘Now tell me all the latest; you’re bound to have lots to say.’
As Katie began to relate what had happened since they had last spoken, Elspeth kept quiet, hanging on every word. Just as Katie was about to say that she had rented the annex to Pat, there was a loud knock on the front door. Katie opened it to find Cuthbert Alexander standing on the threshold, a smile reaching almost from ear to ear. She gasped with astonishment. There was no mistaking him. The man had hardly changed; he still looked like the Cuthbert she knew in her school days — except that his brace had gone, and his smile was now perfectly even. In fact, she was surprised at how good looking he was.
‘Well, well, after all these years we finally meet again,’ he said, ‘and you’re as lovely as when you were sweet sixteen, Katie. I’ve been so looking forward to seeing you.’ He shook her hand vigorously. ‘I heard about the tragic loss of your aunt, and I just had to call to offer my condolences.’
‘Thank you, Cuthbert. Do come inside,’ Katie felt grateful that Elspeth was there, if only to help entertain the man. ‘You remember Elspeth Astelle from our schooldays, don’t you?’ She’s staying with me for a short while.’ His face broke into another expression of delight when he saw Elspeth appear i
n the hallway.
‘My word,’ he said, his eyes wider than ever, ‘I wouldn’t have known you. You’ve blossomed from the tiny little Elspeth I remember in school.’ He scrutinized her face, as though examining every feature one by one. ‘How lovely to see you as well.’
Elspeth blushed deeply, but managed to retain her composure. She had always had a huge crush on him in the sixth form, and from the way she looked at Cuthbert right now, Katie sensed that she still fancied him like mad. Elspeth took hold of his hand with both of hers, and it seemed to Katie that she never wanted to let him out of her grasp.
‘Like a coffee, Cuthbert?’ Katie asked, already pouring one for him. ‘Why not join us for lunch as well? I’ve made plenty, so it’s no problem if you’re free.’
‘Er… I’ve another appointment, I’m afraid,’ he said, looking a little embarrassed. ‘I’m so sorry… I had no intention of disrupting your morning like this.’
‘Nonsense. You’re not interrupting, and I insist you stay, Cuthbert,’ Elspeth said firmly, quickly turning to Katie for support. ‘He must stay, mustn’t he Katie, for the sake of old times?’ She was adamant as usual, and once convinced he should remain for a while, Cuthbert sat down with them and seemed to make himself comfortable.
‘Well, give me your news first,’ he said, ‘and then I’ll give you mine.’ He nodded, listening intently as Katie gave a quick resume of her life since school, and then he listened equally enthralled as Elspeth told her story.
‘So, you’re both widowed,’ he said, looking solemn and shaking his head. ‘As for myself, well, I’ve lived mainly for my job at school, but finally I’ve realized there’s more to life than just work. I never married — still looking for the perfect partner, I guess,’ he finished, with a whimsical smile. ‘Tell me,’ he said, ‘his eyes glazing over as he thought. ‘What ever happened to Doug Jones and Hardy Peregrine. Either of you know?’
‘No idea, sorry,’ Katie said. ‘Most of those who went to university took jobs far away from home. We lost touch with most of our pals in the sixth that way.’
As they enjoyed their meal, they reminisced about their school days, and caught up on the news about the few other class members of the same year who still lived locally. It was almost three hours later before Cuthbert left, with the firm promise to call again.
After he had gone, the silence was noticeable. Elspeth fell quiet and then sighed deeply. ‘Isn’t he such a darling? And he doesn’t seem to have changed at all.’ There was a sudden gleam in her eyes, and Katie could have sworn it was the same lovesick look she always had in school when Cuthbert was around.
If only, Katie thought, a wicked smile curving on her lips… If only I could get those two together, it would be wonderful. She had her hands full coping with Tom and Rex, and she could do without an old school friend knocking on the door because he was at a loose end.
Yes, she mused, that would be fun. I’ll play cupid to those two. All she had to do was get the man totally interested in Elspeth. But how?
Chapter Nine
Elspeth was in the kitchen helping Katie clear up, when Pat called at the back door.
‘I’ve been given some extra time at the cottage,’ he said, ‘so there’s no need to rush all my things over here this coming weekend.’
‘That’ll be a big help to you,’ Katie said, ‘but take the key to the annex today so that you can bring your belongings over at any time that suits you.’ She reached over to the shelf to unhook the key, and thrust it into Pat’s hand.
‘Thanks,’ he said, jiggling the key and looking as though he wanted to say more before he left. He turned and walked away, and as Katie watched him disappear into the garden, she could not help but admire his powerful physique; having someone like him so close really would make her feel safe. Moreover, it was only now that she realized how the very thought was exciting her; he was a super person to be with, so caring, so thoughtful, and so jovial. Now that the idea was to become a reality, she could hardly wait to for him to move in.
As nosey as ever, Elspeth had stayed within earshot to find out what Pat was talking about, and the moment he left, she walked up behind Katie, and turned on her.
‘You never said you wanted to let the annex.’ Her lips were drawn in a straight line of annoyance as her thoughts etched themselves on her tight little face. She let out a puff of annoyance. ‘Really, Katie, why didn’t you tell me? I’d love to come and live close to you, and we could both go to all the village functions, go out together whenever we chose, and go to the…’
Katie held up her hand. ‘Too late, Elspeth, I’m sorry. You’ve got your own lovely home, so I wouldn’t have thought you’d be interested. As for Pat, he’s in a tight spot right now. He has to find another place pretty soon. He’s good to me, and it’s the least I can do for him. So that’s that.’
For a while, Elspeth had the sulks, but snapped out of it immediately when Katie suggested treating her out to dinner at the local inn. It was Saturday, so the quaint little place was full, and Elspeth’s attention was focused on the other diners, relieving Katie of having to entertain her. They were late getting home, and having eaten so well, and imbibed some, they both headed for bed as soon as they got in.
After a hearty lunch the following day, Katie took Elspeth for her favourite ride around the Wye Valley again, and the day passed very quickly. It was early evening when her visitor decided to drive home, and Katie breathed a sigh of relief as she watched the tail end of Elspeth’s vehicle disappear at the end of the drive. Now she would be able to relax for a little while and do exactly as she pleased. She shuddered slightly, sensing how silent the house was now, and suddenly decided to pay a visit to Sam for an hour or so. Steve was out, which gave them an opportunity for a quiet chat.
‘Tell me, Mum, how are you getting along with the professor?’
‘Rex? Oh, fine; as far as I know. I haven’t seen him since before Aunt Bertha’s funeral, but I expect he’ll be around one of these days.’ She looked quizzically at Sam, wondering if she should voice what was on her mind; she needed to see how Sam would react. ‘He’s invited me to spend a holiday with him at his villa in Majorca. I haven’t said I’ll go,’ she added hurriedly.
Sam gaped at her for a moment, and then giggled. ‘Oh, Mum, that’s great. You’d be stupid not to. Go on, take advantage of the offer.’ Then she frowned. ‘But I don’t think Richard would like it, though. He’d probably worry, because he thinks Rex is a bit of a ladies’ man.’
‘Rubbish,’ Katie exclaimed. ‘Anyway, so what?’
‘Exactly my sentiments,’ Sam said. ‘You’re a big girl now, Mum, and able to look after yourself, and that’s what I told Richard. If Rex did put a foot wrong, I’m pretty sure you’d make him toe the line quick-smart.’ She leaned closer to her mother. ‘Seriously though, you could do with a break, and it would be nice to have him look after you and take you around. On top of that, he’s a perfect gentleman. Go on, Mum, it’ll do you the world of good.’
Katie nodded. ‘Yes, I know… maybe I’ll do just that, but say nothing to the others yet; I’m still mulling it over in my mind. You see, I’d hate for Rex to get the wrong idea.’ She hunched her shoulders, then tapped the table with her finger as she spoke. ‘The idea is really quite exciting, and I wouldn’t be committing myself in any way.’
‘Exactly, Mum. So, why not bring up the question next time you see him? Make sure the time is right, and take great care not to show any eagerness that could be misconstrued; that would be a disaster.’
Katie nodded. ‘Yes, that’s good sound advice. I’ll see how things work out, and let you know.’ She glanced at her wristwatch. ‘I’ve a few jobs to do before bedtime, so I must go now,’ she said, feeling a lot more settled in her mind than when she arrived at Sam’s. On the drive home, she contemplated what she would say to Rex, and hoped that by now he was over his annoyance that she had chosen for Pat to drive her to the manor. That display was obviously the spoilt little boy syndrome revea
ling itself; spoilt, indulged, and used to getting his own way.
But it was days before Rex turned up again, and she sensed that his manner was a little more guarded than usual.
‘I was passing so thought I’d call in to see how everything went at Avondale Manor,’ he said, quite casually.
Katie studied the man for a minute, quietly admiring his impressive appearance and stature, but regretting his few slightly undesirable characteristics.
‘Oh, hello Rex. Lovely to see you. Do come in,’ she said, opening the door wide. He followed her into the sitting room, and sat down when she gestured toward a chair. ‘Why not stay and have some lunch with me?’ She gave him her sweetest smile.
Rex appeared a little puzzled at her invitation, and hesitated briefly. But his little sideways smile and the sudden appearance of a twinkle in his eyes did not go unnoticed by Katie. ‘Thank you. I will,’ he said, by now sitting down in comfort. At first, the atmosphere seemed a little strained, but as Katie continued to describe what had taken place at Avondale Manor, and told him what she had decided to do about the antiques and the house itself, he seemed to loosen up. He asked all kinds of questions, until eventually they were enjoying a pleasant repartee. It was he who brought up the question of Majorca again, inadvertently giving her the opportune moment she needed.
‘The family renting my villa are leaving in a couple of weeks,’ he said, ‘so I’m going there for a little break myself, and really looking forward to it.’ He lowered his head and very quietly said, ‘Just say the word, Katie, and all the arrangements can be made for you to come with me. And, as I promised, no strings attached. It’s just that I really would appreciate your company.’
‘I’ve thought it over carefully, Rex, and, yes, I’ll take you up on your offer. Thank you.’
She had to bite her bottom lip to not burst out laughing at the surprised look in his eyes at her acceptance, but he adjusted quickly and took her hand in his.