‘Please, Mum, don’t rush home. We’re all OK here. This is your time. Use it well, eh?’
‘I will, yes, and you’re not to worry. Oh, and as it’s not easy for you to get hold of me, you can always ring Kathleen. But, I will try to ring you as often as I can.’
‘Oh, Mum! Don’t be worrying about calling us. Unless, of course, you might feel the need to talk. OK?’
‘Yes. Oh, and give my love to Sam and everyone.’
Just as she thought the conversation was coming to an end, Lucy was taken aback when Anne asked, ‘Does that “everyone” include Dad?’
‘Well … of course!’
‘And have you spoken to him yet?’
‘No. But I will.’ In truth she had no intention of calling him.
Anne reminded her, ‘He’s still working every hour God sends. I expect he misses you, but he’s being well looked after.’
‘Oh, thank you, Anne. It’s good of you to keep an eye on him, but your father is quite capable of making his own tea. You’ve got enough to do without taking his meals round and running after him.’ Realising that she was being a little too harsh, Lucy quickly tempered her tone. ‘And besides, knowing how busy you are with the baby and everything, I’m sure your father would not want you to run yourself ragged on his behalf.’
‘Oh, no, it’s all right, Mum!’ Anne assured her. ‘Dad’s being well taken care of, but it’s Paula who’s keeping an eye on him. I went round there this morning to make sure he had his breakfast before he went to work, but Paula was already there. I didn’t realise you had asked her to keep an eye on him. Anyway, they were both enjoying bacon and eggs. Then I helped her clear up and we left the kitchen sparkling.’
‘Really?’ Lucy felt physically sick. ‘Paula is taking care of him. Well, that’s good of her.’
‘Yes, and she may be popping round tonight … to keep him company. Apparently there’s some programme they both want to watch on television, so Dad suggested they watch it together. Paula told me not to fret about Dad, because she doesn’t mind keeping an eye on him while you’re away. Paula is a good sister, isn’t she, Mum?’ she finished kindly.
Lucy was truly shaken. ‘Well, she does seem to have everything in hand, doesn’t she?’ she replied eventually.
‘Yes, and she promised me, that it was no trouble at all. So, there you are, Mum. That must be a load off your mind, eh?’
Lucy was thoroughly shocked and disgusted at what Anne had just told her, yet she must pretend that she was grateful to Paula.
‘Yes, of course, and it’s good that you don’t need to keep running round, cleaning the house and cooking his meals. If Paula wants to do it, let her get on with it. Now that she’s on her own and not working full time at the minute, she has little else to do.’
She was desperate to assure Anne that she need not go round every day. Her greatest fear was that Anne might find Paula and Martin together, just as she herself found them in Paula’s bedroom.
To that end, she told Anne, ‘Paula has obviously decided to take the weight off your shoulders, so she might feel hurt if you do interfere. I should leave her be. Since Ray left, Paula seems to have lost her way, and taking care of Dad will give her a focus. Just leave her to it, love.’
‘You’re right, Mum. Anyway, Dad’s always on the telephone, and sometimes he pops in on his way home from work, so it’s not as though we don’t see him, is it? I think he’s making a big effort because Sam’s decided to stay here for the time being.’
‘That’s fine then.’ Lucy was somewhat relieved.
‘We all love you so much, Mum … and we want you to feel strong again. Without you, Mum … whatever would we do, eh?’ Anne finished emotionally.
Lucy was still reeling, but she made a valiant effort to sound her usual self. ‘Oh, sweetheart, that’s a lovely thing to say … thank you.’
‘Take care then, Mum. I’ll tell Dad you called, shall I?’
‘If you like, sweetheart.’
‘Mum … before you go …?’
‘Yes?’ Lucy was anxious that Anne had not detected anything to make her suspicious about her father and Paula.
‘Well, it’s you and Dad really. Have you had a falling-out or something?’
‘Goodness!’ Lucy was partially relieved. ‘Whatever makes you think we’ve fallen out?’
‘Nothing really … only Dad said you hadn’t called and he seemed worried. You said you haven’t spoken to him yet, and to be honest, Mum, I really thought you would call him first.’
‘Goodness! Don’t you think I tried?
‘Oh, I see … I’m sorry, Mum. I did think you might have been trying. I said that to Dad.’
‘Oh, you know what your father’s like – in and out of the house like a Jack-in-the-box. It’s never easy to pin him down. I’ll catch him later. Besides, from what you’ve told me, it seems he’s being looked after very well.’
‘So you haven’t had a row then?’
‘Like I said … he’s not the easiest man in the world to track down. Just tell him I’m OK. Will you do that for me?’
‘Yes, Mum, and I’m sorry I got the wrong end of the stick.’
‘Aw, that’s all right, love. Stay safe. Say hello to Les for me, and tell Samuel not to get into any bother, but to keep his head down and get on with what he’s supposed to be doing.’
Anne laughed out loud. ‘If I gave him a list of instructions like that, he’d tell me where to go, but I will send him your love.’
‘You’re right, he wouldn’t appreciate a list of do’s and don’ts. Oh, and give my little grandson a great big kiss from his nanna, will you?’
‘I will. ’Bye, Mum. Love you.’
‘’Bye for now, sweetheart. Love you too.’
While Anne put the receiver down, Lucy was still reeling from what she had learned.
For the moment, it was all too much to take in.
Replacing the receiver, she fell back onto the bed.
‘So! It seems Paula is now the Angel of Mercy, eh? Round there all hours, making his tea, curled up to watch television together, and no doubt climbing the stairs to my bed!’ Her voice trembled with anger.
The memory of finding them together in Paula’s bed was still vivid, like a moving picture in her mind. She wondered if she would never be rid of it.
Right now, though, her first instinct was to check out of the hotel and go back home, where she would tackle them head on, once and for all, regardless of the consequences. Greatly agitated, she began pacing the floor, muttering to herself. ‘In my house! Making herself at home, is she? In the bedroom as well, I shouldn’t wonder! Martin and her … together … in my bed!’
She wanted to scream to the heavens, but instead she wept bitter tears.
After a time, when rage had mellowed to sorrow, she felt the need to get outside, to walk in the fresh air and rid the bad ideas from her thoughts.
Too uncomfortable to settle, she paced the floor, up and down, backwards and forwards, sometimes pausing with her hand on the telephone. She was burning to relay what she had just heard to someone who might understand what she was going through … someone who would advise her as to whether she should go back and face it full on. One thing was for sure: it was painfully obvious that Martin was not missing her. Not while he had her sister close at hand. Lucy was sorely tempted to stay here, until her mind and heart were quieter.
She needed to talk things through. But who would she call? Kathleen? No! Kathleen must not be drawn into this particular problem. And besides, Lucy thought Kathleen had done more than enough for her. She could not burden the children with it. Who then? Who would care one way or another about her predicament?
Inevitably, her parents came to mind, and as always, the tears were not far away.
The truth was plain enough. Apart from her dear friend, Kathleen, there was no one in the whole wide world she could call.
Going into the bathroom, she splashed a handful of cold water over her face, then dabbed it dry with the
flannel.
Collecting her handbag, she made her way out of the room, and to the lift, which thankfully was already waiting.
She had no idea where she might go. All she knew was that she had to get out of there. She had to get as far away as she could, and find some quiet, lonely corner, where she might think of what to do next.
When the lift stopped at the ground floor, Lucy got out.
Rather than hand the key in at the desk, where the receptionist might notice that she was upset, Lucy slid it into her handbag. Then, careful not even to glance in the direction of the desk, she took a wide sweep, and headed for the main doors.
In her haste to get away, she was almost running. And when at that moment she dropped her handbag in a panic, she was more flustered when the clip on the bag sprang open and her purse fell out, spilling its contents over the carpet.
Quickly, she grabbed them up and went through the main doors at speed.
Lucy had no idea that her rushed exit had been seen by those at the desk. ‘My word! She’s in some haste, isn’t she?’ That was the receptionist, who was grateful for the momentary respite from the awkward conversation she was having with her new guest, a businessman with a lovely smile. ‘Wonder where she’s off to, in such a dash?’ she remarked.
Dave Benson had also seen Lucy’s hurried exit and had recognised her instantly. ‘She does seem a little flustered, doesn’t she?’ He was surprised to see Lucy again, and asked, ‘Is she one of your guests?’
Like the receptionist, he was eager to bring the conversation to a close. ‘I think we’re almost finished here,’ he said. ‘I have only one complaint to speak of: that I was not informed earlier that I was being transferred here, to the Meridian’s sister hotel. It was not the best welcome I have ever experienced – to be walking into what looked like a bomb site, only to be told that the hotel was undergoing a complete refurbishment, and that I, along with others, was being transferred to various sister hotels. I have no problem with that, but I would have expected a prior warning.’
‘I do understand that, Mr Benson, and I thank you for being most patient. I can assure you that notices were sent out, and I’m sorry you seem to have been overlooked, probably because, as you say, it was a last-minute booking.’
With his mind on Lucy, he gave no answer, until she went on, ‘I really am sorry. But we do have a very nice room ready for you with a harbour view, and as compensation we’ve arranged free breakfasts throughout your stay with us.’
Dave was past being interested in what she had to say, but he thanked her all the same. ‘That’s very kind. So we’ll let the matter rest there, shall we?’
‘Yes, thank you. I’ll call a porter to take your luggage up.’
But Dave was now in a hurry. ‘Is it possible I could leave my bag behind the desk? I need to go out just now. I’ll collect my belongings on the way back.’
‘Of course!’
Dave opened his overnight bag, slid the briefcase inside, snapped the lock shut and swung the bag onto the desk. ‘Thank you.’
Then he gave the receptionist a smile to remember, before hurrying towards the main doors, his eyes peeled for a sight of the woman from the bus shelter. He did not want to let her out of his sight a second time.
Behind him, the receptionist reached under the desk for a small bottle. She drew it out and was about to take a sip when another guest arrived. ‘Oh! Good afternoon, Mrs Armitage. What can I do for you?’ With sleight of hand, she discreetly returned the bottle to its hiding place.
Outside, Dave Benson went in search of Lucy, his heart beating rapidly.
He glanced along the jetty … no signs of her. He scoured the walkway and the far harbour-side, but while there were people milling about and children playing, there was no sign of his woman.
He was just minutes behind her, so where could she have gone, so quickly?
He crossed the street and walked along by the row of little shops. He peeped into each one, and still there was no sign of her.
Disappointed, he turned to walk back, and there she was, seated on a bench alongside the beach. Even though she had her back to him, he knew he was not mistaken. The wild, thick brown hair gave her away.
As he drew closer, she appeared to be so lost in her own little world that he was made to wonder if it was right to impose himself on her.
Disheartened, he actually turned and started to walk away, but the compulsion to speak with her was too powerful. Swinging back, he quickened his feet in case he might be tempted to change his mind.
The skirt of shingle across the walkway made a crunching sound beneath his feet as he went on towards the sandy beach. His heart was warmed by the knowledge that at long last he was about to make contact with her again. Since their first hurried meeting, he had kept her in his mind; hoping and wishing that he might see her again. He had no idea why he had been so drawn to her on that cold, dark night, but the experience had left its impact.
Maybe it was because he recognised a kindred spirit in her. Certainly, there was an air of loneliness about her … a certain vulnerability.
He knew only too well how easily the cruelty of life could bring a person down.
But there was something else about her. Something strong yet needy. Something immensely beautiful in her deeper nature, that allowed her to creep into his mind and heart.
The nearer he got to her, the more nervous he felt.
Twice he paused, and twice he started off again. What’s wrong with you, man? he chastised himself.
He could not reasonably understand why he felt he must talk with her again. Unfinished business, that’s what it is, he thought. Once I know she’s all right, I’ll be able to get her out of my mind.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
UNAWARE THAT DAVE was approaching, Lucy was in a world of her own. A warm, kindly world, of light and sunshine, with children’s innocent laughter carried to her on the wind.
Sitting here, in this lovely place, miles from home, it was a little easier for her to shut out all her sorrow and fears, and feel somehow at peace with the world.
Her gaze was drawn to the seagulls soaring on the breeze. She smiled, thinking if she could only be as free as that … no responsibilities or regrets … just to open your wings and let the warm breeze take you where it would.
In this delightful, familiar place she was beginning to feel settled and more positive. Yet still she could not decide what to do.
There were so many questions running round in her head. Was her marriage over? Was it her fault in some way? Did Martin truly want to spend the rest of his life with Paula? And did Paula want that? Or was she just toying with him, as was her nature?
No! Martin was a grown man, capable of making his own decisions. Like Paula, he was in the wrong. Both he and Paula should be made to answer for what they had done.
With all that in mind, Lucy asked herself how she might now deal with the embarrassing and awkward position she had been put in. Whichever way she turned, she found herself in the most impossible situation. At least for now she was the only one who knew the sordid truth – apart from Kathleen, who would never reveal a confidence.
Unaware of Lucy’s torment, Dave Benson was moving ever closer, still agonising as to whether he was doing the right thing in making contact with her. After all, she had refused his invitation that night they first met, so what made him believe she might want to talk with him now?
He deliberately gave a little cough, so as not to alarm her.
Lucy spun round, astonished to see him there. When he smiled at her, she was concerned that he was actually making a beeline for her.
‘Please … don’t leave on my account.’ He realised she was making a move to get up from the bench. ‘I saw you in the hotel and I thought I might come and find you. I’m sorry if that sounds a bit forward and intrusive, but it’s not meant to be.’
He was now standing before her. ‘Please, may I sit down here, next to you?’ His smile was warm and friendly. ‘Only I�
�ve got a kind of corn on my little toe, and it’s begnning to aggravate me.’ He gave a little-boy smile. ‘It really hurts,’ he lied lamely.
Lucy knew it was a ploy, but she had to smile. ‘Well, in that case, you’d best sit down.’
As he sat down next to her, he realised that Lucy was making another move to leave. ‘No, don’t go, please stay … just for a while.’ He held out his hand in friendship. ‘I’m Dave Benson, and I’m glad I found you again, especially after that night at the bus shelter. I know, it was rude and thoughtless of me to ask you if you would like to join myself and Nancy at the pub. I promise you, I do not make a habit of asking strangers to join me for a drink.’
‘So, why did you ask me, Mr Benson?’
‘Well, first, the name is Dave, and the thing is, I could see that you’d been crying, and I really did want to make sure you were all right. Also, you might have caught pneumonia in that damp bus shelter.’
Lucy shook her head. ‘I had no intention of staying there for too long, and besides, I was wearing a warm coat.’
He put his arms out in despair. ‘I am sorry … really I am. And I do realise now that I was too forward, for which I sincerely apologise. You obviously needed time to yourself, and I do regret intruding.’ He dared to lean forward. ‘So … am I forgiven?’ He again put on that little-boy-lost face. ‘Please?’
Lucy thought he was so very charming that it would be churlish of her to walk away now. After all, what harm could he do her, out here, in the open?
Also, she had not forgotten how kind and concerned he had been on that particular unhappy night.
Dave was careful to maintain a fair distance between them. He did not want to scare her off now that he was making headway. At least they were talking and, more importantly, she was not running away this time.
Settling back into the seat, Lucy accepted his apology, and thinking he might leave now, she continued to look out to sea.
Her quiet gaze followed the colourful speedboats as they shot across the water. There were so many boats out there. She could see any number of speedboats; also a smattering of colourful fishing boats, and even a man in a racing boat towing a skier behind him.
The Runaway Woman Page 23