by Pam Rhodes
Kath had seen Douglas from a distance at the party, but close up she had to admit that he made quite an impression with his well-cut suit, Rolex watch and blue eyes that were particularly striking against the suntanned skin of his face.
“Miss Sutton, I’ve heard a great deal about you,” he drawled, shaking her hand rather limply.
“You have?”
“Indeed I have. Now, shall we get on with the ceremony? Perhaps you can introduce me by explaining the major role I’ve played in achieving all this. I’ll say whatever needs to be said, and then, after that, the press will be able to get some good photos of me handing over the key. Agreed and understood?”
Kath nodded. She certainly agreed and understood that this was to be a one-man show.
“Don’t worry,” Richard whispered in her ear. “Douglas has no idea what the minibus is like at all. Do you recognize the man who’s just driving through the gate now? It’s Adrian Morgan, the modifications expert we met at the garage the other day. He’s come along to demonstrate the facilities the minibus has to offer and to see what the Good Neighbours think of it all.”
Kath breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh gosh, I’m so glad he’s here. You organized that, didn’t you? Thank you so much.”
“Go on, then!” His eyes twinkled with encouragement as he looked at her. “Your audience awaits.”
“Hello, everyone,” started Kath as she stood in front of the microphone. “Well, in all of Hope Hall’s hundred years, this occasion certainly rates as a Red Letter Day! This beautiful, brand-new minibus has been donated to our Good Neighbours scheme, which plays a practical and enabling role in the lives of many elderly, frail or vulnerable friends in our local community. We have always understood how challenging it can be for an elderly person to remain part of local life once mobility becomes difficult and transport is not easily available. This is the point at which they can become prisoners in their own home, isolated, unsupported and incredibly lonely.
“That’s why we’re so proud and fond of our neighbours in this town, our Good Neighbours in all walks of life who regularly volunteer; not just offering reliable help with transport, but all kinds of other services too – ranging from shopping to hospital visits, hairdressing appointments, social clubs, gardening and chiropody. A myriad of services is lovingly and regularly offered to those who need help in this area, making our Good Neighbours scheme one that is envied across the county. But this wonderful new minibus will catapult the service we provide to unprecedented new heights. The vehicle comes as a gift to us that we never expected in our wildest dreams. It is thanks to the generosity of the Ainsworth family, in association with Apex Finance, that this money was raised via an auction at a garden party Miss Celia Ainsworth was kind enough to host at her own home a few weeks ago. That auction raised enough to pay for this state-of-the-art minibus, which has arrived here today. We owe a huge debt of thanks to the Ainsworth family, and we are delighted to have Mr Douglas Ainsworth with us this morning.”
Responding to applause from the crowd, Douglas grabbed the microphone from Kath without actually looking at her.
“Thank you. Thank you all so much,” he beamed, his face an interesting mix of genuine pleasure and slightly more orchestrated humility. “Really, there’s no need for your applause, because my family and I are delighted to have this chance to support our own little community in this town. Of course, we wish you to have nothing but the best, and this minibus is just that – the very best available for people like you who are getting on a bit and becoming rather unsteady on your legs. The Ainsworths have come to your rescue. We enjoyed our garden event which raised the money for it, and we hope you will enjoy riding in this bus!”
A ripple of rather bemused applause came from the crowd.
“I think it must be time for photos now!” Douglas announced, running his fingers through his hair just to make sure it was tidy.
At that moment, smiling sweetly at him, Kath stepped up to wrestle the microphone away from his grasp. “Thank you so much, Douglas, and that’s exactly what we’ll do in a few minutes, but first I’d like to introduce Mr Adrian Morgan, an expert on the special modifications that have been made to this minibus to make it ideal for the needs of our local users. Adrian, would you be kind enough to describe some of these very special features to us now?”
Douglas’s face darkened with impatience, but his reaction was diffused by Richard, who appeared at his side to congratulate him on the speech he’d made. The audience, however, didn’t notice a thing, because Adrian’s explanation of all the special modifications had them applauding and ooh-aahing with approval. They loved the van and couldn’t wait to give it a try. The photographer caught delighted expressions on several groups of elderly faces before finally inviting a few of the pensioners standing in the front row to take a seat in the minibus and try out some of its luxury features.
And that was how Betty, Flora and Doris, Percy and Robert, all of whom had been determined to have a front row view of the proceedings, found themselves starring in a series of photos that appeared not just in the local paper, but in the society columns of at least two national publications and a couple of glossy magazines. Betty and Flora had their picture taken along with Douglas Ainsworth, who was leaning against the front of the bus with his arms around the two ladies at his side. Doris was singled out for a shot of her being hoisted into the minibus at the back, and Robert demonstrated how the seats could twist to ease the process of getting in and out of the seating area.
But it was Percy who captured the spirit of the occasion more than anyone else. He was photographed leaning out of the driver’s seat window, waving merrily with a cheeky expression of sheer delight on his face. That photo, along with several others, was displayed with pride on the foyer wall of Hope Hall for many years to come after that day, alongside a big wide shot of all the Hope Hall family gathered around the new arrival, smiling broadly for the whole world to see.
Maggie’s mobile rang. It was Phil. She knew it would be. For nearly two weeks since Phil had first asked for her phone number they had slipped into a routine of having a quick chat in the morning before she headed off to work, knowing they would catch up again in the evening when there was time for more leisurely conversation. They never seemed to run out of things to say. They talked through their day, commented on the news headlines, sympathized about aches and pains, grumbled about or recommended television programmes they’d seen, giggled, reminisced and even sang songs from the old days to each other from time to time! It was easy, it was companionable and it added such anticipation to every day that Maggie glowed with the pleasure of it.
“Hello, you! How was your day?”
Maggie loved his voice; warm and deep, with the suggestion of a smile in every word.
She told him about her day – about the excitement of the new minibus being delivered, and how glamorous it had been with members of the press and photographers there, capturing every wonderful moment.
“I bet your cakes went down well!”
“Let’s just say there were none left.”
Phil hesitated for just a moment. An immediate shiver of cold foreboding slid down Maggie’s backbone. “Any chance that I might be able to try one of your cakes before too long?”
She couldn’t gather her thoughts quickly enough to answer.
“Maggie, you and I get on like a house on fire. I can’t ever remember a friendship that has become so comfortable, so natural, so utterly wonderful as the one we’re already sharing. You feel it too. I know you do.”
Maggie cleared her throat, uncertain that her voice would work. “It’s just all happening so fast…”
“Yes,” he agreed, “but we are old friends. We share our roots and so much more than that. Every time we talk we discover more and more that we have in common. Megs, this just feels right.”
She felt breathless, unable to speak.
“I can tell you’re nervous. I am too. I don’t want to risk losing your fri
endship by pushing too hard too soon. But I’d love to see you, Megs. I long to see you.”
“Er…” Maggie stopped. She had no idea what to say.
“Promise me you’ll think about it.”
“Okay.”
“Oh, Megs, have I done this all wrong? I’m so sorry if I have. Please don’t push me away, please don’t!”
She couldn’t answer.
“Can I ring you in the morning?”
“Okay. Bye.”
She ended the call without waiting for his reply, then slumped back into the cushions of the settee, her face pale with shock at how quickly everything had changed.
She couldn’t meet him. Phil would take one look at how she’d let herself go, how plain and dowdy she was, and would know he’d made a dreadful mistake. And the thought of seeing that reaction in his eyes created a gnawing agony deep at the very heart of her. She’d been through that once already. The husband she’d loved for years had been so disappointed with the way she looked he had traded her in for a younger model. She’d learned a hard lesson from that. Looks mattered. They mattered to Dave, and without a doubt they would matter to Phil. Whatever other qualities she may or may not have, they came in a dowdy package. What man would want that?
She looked down at the phone in her hand but couldn’t make out the words on the screen for the tears that were misting her eyes. Pushing the OFF button firmly, she pulled herself off the settee and headed for the kitchen in search of a comforting cup of hot chocolate.
Among all the usual bills and notices that arrived in the post that morning, Kath instantly spotted a smart-looking cream envelope addressed to her personally. Sliding her finger along the top to open it, she pulled out a single sheet of thick silky paper that had the address of Ainsworth Cottage beautifully embossed in the top right-hand corner. Glancing down the page, she saw that it had been signed, very simply, “Celia”.
Dear Kath
Both Richard and Douglas have spoken in superlatives about your contribution to the proceedings on the day the minibus was handed over to your Good Neighbours scheme at Hope Hall. The proof is in the delightful photographs, which captured the spirit of the day so graphically. We have been thrilled with the response to those photographs, many of which were used alongside editorial pieces in significant national and local publications.
I wish to thank you most sincerely, not just on behalf of my own family, but also on behalf of Apex Finance, which received some very welcome and positive feedback as a result of their involvement in this charitable activity. I have no doubt that you and the Hope Hall team will put the minibus to excellent use, and wish you all many happy times as a result of it.
On a personal level, I feel that perhaps you and I didn’t get off to the best of starts. Richard has told me very firmly that it was my fault, and that I was off-hand and impolite on those first occasions when we met. If that was the case, I apologize without reserve. I know there was a lot on my mind around then, but that is no excuse for rudeness. It won’t happen again.
In fact, Richard and I were wondering whether you would consider joining us for dinner later this week so we can get to know each other a little better. Would Friday suit? Trevor will be with us too. Unfortunately, Mary is otherwise engaged that evening, but Trevor is happy to combine our late afternoon business meeting that day with a dinner for us all later on. I’ve arranged a table at the Swan Hotel at 7 pm. I hope that will be convenient for you.
I await your response.
Regards
Celia
Kath had to read the letter twice to come to terms with Celia’s abrupt about-turn in attitude. She’d said that Richard had told her in no uncertain terms that she’d been rude and off-hand towards Kath, and that an apology was required. She could never have imagined Celia taking orders from anyone, but Richard’s opinion obviously mattered to her and she valued his advice.
Kath found herself wondering about the dynamics of Celia and Richard’s relationship. He was able to combine efficiency and achievement with concern and kindness. Kath had been at the receiving end of both, and had sometimes found it a heady mix to be in the company of that charming, dynamic man. But when it came to dynamism, Celia won hands down. She was driven by business and the need to excel at everything she did. Richard couldn’t fail to find that exciting and attractive. But it was also clear that he brought a calming, steady influence to Celia’s busy life. No wonder she responded positively when her partner was such a rooted, down-to-earth, lovely man.
Perhaps the dinner on Friday evening would give Kath a bit more insight into the two of them. Having a chance to get to know such influential and altruistic entrepreneurs could only be of benefit to Hope Hall. On a personal level, however, Kath didn’t particularly relish the idea of seeing just how close Celia and Richard were. That was for them to know and of no earthly relevance to her. At least Trevor would be there, so she wouldn’t end up feeling like a gooseberry about to be eyed up by two hungry lovebirds.
Phil sent several emails. He texted, rang and left voice messages. Maggie was tempted to reply, but she found a new determination in herself which surprised her. She was going to stick to her decision. He would get the message. If he didn’t quite understand why she had closed down on him, that was a shame. She couldn’t tell him, so he didn’t need to know. He’d get over it and move on.
That new-found determination helped her to decide how to respond to another appeal she had chosen to ignore. She sat down at the laptop and steeled herself to start typing.
Dear Dave
I apologize for not replying earlier to your email. In fact, I didn’t know what to say, so I ended up saying nothing. But then Darren came to see me the other evening. He told me about meeting up with you and what you had said. He is plainly very worried about you and thinks that I might be able to help you in your present situation.
I’ve given this a lot of thought over the past few days. I can’t deny that it saddens me to think of you unhappy, not coping practically or emotionally with the situation in which you now find yourself. You and I have spent most of our lives together, so I remember very clearly how you react when you’re unhappy or under extreme pressure. But I also know that you can be clear-headed and determined when you decide to follow a certain path. You felt that certainty when you met Mandy. You were absolutely sure of your feelings when you set up home with her. The two of you decided to create a new life together. Pregnancy never needs to be an accident these days. Aurora is the result of that positive decision you and Mandy took together.
A new partner, a new family, a new home, a new baby – each one of these might cause stress in the most settled of relationships, but having to face all of them at once must be really tough. New babies disrupt the smooth running of any household, and Aurora is only being the new little person she is. But she’s growing up day by day, and before long, when you’re able to get more sleep, when your future living arrangements are more settled, and when you and Mandy can relax into the family life you’ve chosen, I do believe you’ll feel a great deal happier and more confident than you do right now.
You asked Darren to see if I would consider taking you back. The answer is no. We have both moved on. After the dreadful upheaval, fear and pain of the past year, I’m finally finding my feet. I love my new home. I enjoy my job. I’m making new friends. I will be okay. I believe you will be too.
I don’t think Mandy would appreciate the two of us being in touch at the moment when she is postnatal and probably feeling exhausted and vulnerable. Concentrate your care on her, Dave. I wish you well. I always will.
Love
Mags
Liz had set up coffee and sandwiches in the far corner of the balcony lounge as all the interested parties came together to discuss the final arrangements for the Centenary Celebration Day that was coming up at the end of the month. On this occasion, they weren’t discussing the church service that was due to start the day off, but were confining themselves to what was planned
to take place at Hope Hall itself once the service was over. Their conversation covered items that needed attention, such as timing, police presence for traffic control with such a large number of people crossing their busy road, transport for their elderly guests and car parking. They also needed to ensure seating was erected in the old school playground with a large video screen, which would allow the audience to see the detail of the foundation stone ceremony with ease, because there was little space in front of the plaques themselves. Another video screen and extra seating were to be placed inside the foyer in case the unpredictable British weather sent guests scurrying inside. They considered who would look after their VIP guests, who would make sure photos were taken, and what modern-day and historical displays should be on show in the foyer. Then they moved on to speak about the buffet in the main hall, to which all were invited, as well as the programme for the rest of the afternoon.
“We’ve decided to have a tea dance, because they would have been really popular a hundred years ago,” explained Kath. “We often have them here at Hope Hall and they’re always well supported. Over to you, Maggie. How are the plans going on this?”
“We’ll have all of our round tables out right across the bottom end of the hall, as well as others lining the side. Each table will be beautifully laid out with white tablecloths, china crockery, proper cups and saucers, and lovely antique cake stands. We’ll make sure this traditional high tea is just scrumptious, and when they’ve finished, our guests can work off the calories by dancing to our 1920s-style jazz band. I’ve seen this group before. They have a great MC and a wonderful knack for getting people up to dance. I think it should round our special day off really nicely.”
The meeting went on for about half an hour after that contribution, but Maggie found her mind was wandering. She missed hearing from Phil. For days after their last conversation, she had kept her phone switched off whenever she wasn’t at work, and had only turned it on when she wanted to ring someone herself. Phil had tried to get in contact with her for several days, but finally, in the last message she listened to with tears sliding down her cheeks, he said that he’d got the message. He didn’t understand why their friendship had changed so dramatically, but he realized that there must be something she didn’t feel able to share with him, at least not at the moment. He ended by saying that he hoped with all his heart that in time she might feel able to make contact with him again.