They actually enjoyed the quiet time at home. They could do their shopping, potter in the garden, walk in the park or stroll by the river. A favourite pastime for both of them was when Charis sat at her piano and played for him. He would ask, “Do you know Schubert's Serenade?” or “Can you play some Mozart for me?” or “I've always enjoyed Canon in D, do you know it?” And he would sit and listen in awe of her talent and loveliness, wondering what he’d done to deserve her and such complete happiness.
Some weekends when he was not on call they went away. They went to Kent where they visited Chartwell - the old home of Winston Churchill, Hever Castle - Ann Boleyn's family home, and Leeds Castle - dating back to the ninth century, and stayed in a B&B overnight. Another time they drove up through the Cotswolds as far as Broadway and drove to Bourton on the Water, Bibury and the Slaughters as they wended their way home again, once more staying in a B&B. Charis vaguely remembered some of the places they visited when she’d been with her father, but it was such a long time ago and she’d been so very young. It was a whole new experience going with Ben and they always had a wonderful time.
She always enjoyed the weekends, not only because she was with Ben but there were never any mysterious phone calls. She never knew when they would come, but when they did, they terrified her - always the breathing, often a horrific laugh, sometimes he'd say something. “How happy are you now?” or “I'm just waiting” or “One of these days I'll get you.” He always seemed to know when she’d be at home alone. The phone calls never came when Ben was home and she didn't want to tell him…to worry him, even though at times the thought that Henry was watching their house unnerved her. She thought…hoped…prayed that they would stop. She was relieved to know however, that they always came on her landline phone - never on her mobile. Henry obviously didn't know her number, so she was safe when she was away from home, assuming he wasn’t following her, of course.
The horror of little Amanda Billings hadn't gone away either. Nor would it for some time to come. Ben would have to give evidence at the trial. He’d already had to appear when the child's murderer had been remanded and it had brought the trauma of that ghastly night back again. He and Charis had gone to the child's funeral. The sight of the little coffin and the mother's face as her baby was laid to rest was something that neither of them would ever forget.
Fortunately, most of his cases had happy endings. Ben would get called out at night occasionally because of a difficult birth and then return home with news that all was well; a beautiful baby, a happy mother and a proud father.
Meanwhile, Jennifer's romance was progressing nicely. She’d invited David, the weekend after Ben's birthday visit, down to meet her parents…possibly a daunting prospect for him. David had earned a degree in criminology at Leicester University before joining the police and had great respect for justice, judges and QCs, so was somewhat nervous to meet Sir Giles.
Amelia's wedding was the first Saturday in August. Ben and Charis drove down on Friday evening. The wedding was to be at two o'clock the following afternoon at their little village church with a reception to follow at the family home, in the garden. A marquee had been hired and erected on Friday, and Saturday morning was buzzing with people coming and going, setting up tables and chairs, arranging flowers, caterers getting the food organised, hairdressers styling the bride’s and the bridesmaids’ hair. But everyone seemed to know what, where, when and how to do their jobs. It was organised chaos.
Ben watched the frenzy for a few minutes, turned to Charis and said, “I don't think I ever expressed to you my eternal gratitude for the beauty and simplicity of our wedding, did I? I’m so glad God gave me you.”
The wedding went off without a hitch. Amelia looked radiant. She was a lot like Jennifer – there was no doubt at all that they were sisters – but her dark hair was longer and curlier, and she was just a little taller but not quite so slim. She arrived at the church in a horse dawn, open carriage, Sir Giles sitting beside her looking very self-conscious in his morning suit and carrying his top hat. He'd had to endure a lot of ribbing from Adrian and Simon who both insisted he should have worn his QC outfit of breeches, wig and gown. But at least his seat would be taken by Charles on the ride back to the house for the reception. He looked every bit the proud father, however, as he escorted Amelia down the aisle.
Later at the reception, Emily looked around at her family and friends gathered to celebrate her daughter's wedding and felt as if her joy was full to overflowing. She had a beautiful home, a wonderful husband and children she adored. First Elizabeth and Ben. She’d made a terrible mistake in marrying her Arab prince, but from their union had come these two beautiful children.
Elizabeth had given her three precious grandsons; Stephen, Trevor and Rodney, seven, five, and two years old now, and with her little granddaughters, Jessica and Lucy, they were the light of her life. Adrian and Simon were her stepsons but as dear to her as her own children. Adrian and Felicity were now expecting their third child in a few months and Simon's wife Lorraine expecting their first baby. Emily’s family was growing by leaps and bounds. And now with Ben and Amelia both married, there was only Jennifer to go and all her little chicks would have flown the nest. They’d met Jennifer's new beau the previous weekend and been very impressed with him. He was polite, intelligent, kind, thoughtful and seemingly smitten with her daughter. Time would tell if it would lead to anything.
Finally her gaze fell on Charis. She was sitting and talking to Jennifer while Ben sat on her other side, his arm draped casually over Charis' shoulder, gently caressing her arm and watching her face so attentively, his love for his new wife obvious in his eyes. Emily could see that Charis was very aware of his touch from the way she leaned closer to him, constantly looking up at him and smiling. Emily had realised from the time that Charis was a child that she'd had a crush on Ben and hero worshipped him. But as she got older her feelings for him had matured too and she was constant in her love for him. Emily was glad that at last he had realised his love for her. She thought they were made for each other. At that moment Emily watched as Ben pulled Charis a little closer to him. Charis turned her face to her husband and looked into his eyes. He kissed her lightly on her forehead and Charis leant her head on his shoulder. Emily felt her eyes prick with tears.
Oh my, she thought to herself, and then, Oh God, thank you for this wonderful day.
*****
With the wedding over and back home again, Ben's thoughts turned to Meadow Lea Hall and Charis' birthday. In one more week they would leave for their two week holiday. Jennifer had asked for, and been given, two weeks off work and would be staying in their Chelsea home, giving her time to get to know David a bit better, and incidentally allowing Charis to leave without worrying about who would take care of her little garden while they were away. Everything seemed to be falling into place except for the birthday celebration, so Ben phoned Helen and his mother again to present to them the only plan he'd been able to come up with.
Charis was excited to be spending time at her childhood home; the home of her ancestors and her home of the future. She had time on her hands now. Sam's book shop was finally sold, giving him and Eve a nice little nest egg for their retirement. Her part time job was finished and the Music Academy was closed for a six week summer break. She wasn’t needed until the new term started in September so she was able to concentrate on planning and packing for their two weeks away.
It would have been perfect if not for the telephone calls. “I'm still here and I'll never leave you alone” or “One day I'll get you,” always a message calculated to terrify her…and it worked. If she left the house alone, Charis would constantly be looking over her shoulder, waiting. If she was with Ben, she felt safe and unworried. She wondered if she should tell Ben about the calls, but as they really were nothing more than a nuisance, she decided against it. No point in getting worked up over nothing, she’d tell herself.
Charis could hardly contain her excitement as they drove
up to the house. Two whole weeks at Meadow Lea Hall – with Ben. And away from the phone. Heaven on earth!
Ben held the car door open for her. The front door of the house opened and there stood Mrs. Patterson. Charis ran straight into her awaiting arms. A short time later they were settled in the kitchen, a mug of hot chocolate in their hands, Charis' drink of choice as she was growing up, and listening to the Pattersons explain that they were there to take care of things while the Maitlands were gone. It would be just like old times - the good times, thought Charis.
Mrs. Patterson had prepared the best guest room for Charis and Ben, leaving the master suite with all the Maitlands belongings. Charis was perfectly content with that, after all, she’d never used the master suite anyway and her old room wouldn't be big enough for them both. Settled with their things in their bedroom, they decided to take a walk through the grounds; to the little bridge where she’d played Pooh sticks with her father; through the woods where she’d picked bluebells in the spring; into the little orchard where she’d helped her father pick fruit; to the walled flower garden which had been her mother's favourite.
They ate dinner, perfectly cooked by Mrs. Patterson. Charis played the piano, they went to bed and made love with an intensity they hadn’t felt before, until passion spent, they fell asleep in each other's arms. When they awoke the next morning they continued where they’d left off and consequently were late for the breakfast Mrs. Patterson had made for them. They tried to apologise but she stopped them.
“It's wonderful to see the country air doing you so much good,” she said, “and getting a proper night's sleep.”
“The country air certainly did something for us,” Ben agreed and grinned at Charis just as she glanced at him. She quickly looked away as she felt herself blushing and hoped that Mrs. Patterson hadn't noticed.
*****
Charis' first thought when she awoke on her birthday morning was, I'm twenty-one now – all grown up and a married woman. She opened her eyes and saw Ben smiling at her.
“Good morning, lovely lady,” he said. “Happy birthday to my beautiful wife.” For an answer she snuggled up to him. “What would you like to do for your birthday?” he asked. “Your wish is my command, you know. Well, at least for today.”
“All I want is right here,” she replied. “Just you, and more and more of you.”
“You will always have me,” he said. “I love you to distraction. You’re the light and delight of my life.” They lay in each other's arms for a few minutes before he said, “You're going to have to wait until later for your birthday present, but I do have something for you now if you want it,” as he bent to kiss her. She kissed him back with equal passion.
They were late again for breakfast. By the third morning at Meadow Lea Hall, they’d already been late for breakfast twice.
After lunch Ben asked her if she'd like to go for a drive and as they strolled from the house heading for the car he handed her the keys and said, “You drive.”
“Oh no, I can't,” she replied, horrified at the thought.
“Of course you can,” he told her. “You have your licence and I'll tell you what to do. You need to get used to driving again and we're in the country with hardly any traffic. It's the perfect time to start again.”
Very nervously, Charis slid behind the wheel and Ben patiently gave her all the instruction and information she needed. It took about ten minutes for her to get used to the car, but she'd been well taught initially and before long the things she learned came back to her, especially as their new car was easy to drive.
They were gone for a few hours, having stopped for afternoon tea in a pleasant village overlooking a little green and pond with the obligatory ducks. They pulled up outside the house, the front door flung open and Jennifer ran out saying, “Happy birthday, Charis! Oh, happy birthday!”
“Thank you,” smiled Charis as she returned the hug she was being given. “But what are you doing down here?”
“We just had to come and wish you happy birthday. We'll be leaving tomorrow, but I wanted to see your lovely home and it seemed the perfect time to come.”
“Who is we?” enquired Charis.
“Oh, I came with David,” Jennifer answered as nonchalantly as possible, but looking slightly embarrassed.
Charis looked around at Ben who was leaning against the car and grinning at her.
“Let's go inside,” he said. “I expect Mrs. Patterson will be preparing a special dinner for us. We'll need to get changed and we don't want to be late for that too, do we?”
As they walked inside Charis turned to Jennifer and asked her where David was.
“Oh, he's in the kitchen, chatting to the Pattersons,” was her reply. “I'll just go and see what they're up to,” and she disappeared towards the back of the house.
Ben and Charis made their way upstairs. Once in the privacy of their bedroom, he pulled her into his embrace and kissed her while his hands began to undress her.
“No,” she shook her head. “We don't have time.”
“We always have time,” was his response.
“We can't be late again,” she protested.
“I've asked Mrs. Patterson to postpone dinner until eight,” he explained.
“What on earth is she going to think?” was Charis' reaction.
“I expect she's thinking that I want to make love to my beautiful wife, and not only are you wasting time but you're falling down on your job. Do I have to undress myself as well as you?” He proceeded by removing her blouse as they talked and then reached behind her as he undid her bra, softly whispering endearments in her ear.
Afterwards, as they lay quietly together, he said, “I think Mrs Patterson was right. The country air does seem to be working its magic.” He kissed the tip of her nose and said, “Go and have your shower first and I'll make the bed.”
When she returned to the bedroom, he had the blue dress she'd worn in Cairo lying across the bed.
“Wear this for me this evening will you, please? I want to remember our first night of magic.”
“I didn't pack that!” she exclaimed.
“No,” he looked a little sheepish. “I sneaked it into the boot while you weren't looking.”
She did her hair and dressed while he showered and they walked down the stairs just fifteen minutes before dinner was due to be served. They weren’t late at all.
The sound of voices emanating from the drawing room had Charis looking enquiringly at Ben.
“Probably just Jennifer and David chatting to the Pattersons,” he explained as they walked towards the door. He opened it and stood aside for her to enter.
“Surprise!” She heard Jennifer’s voice.
Jennifer and David, Emily and Giles, and James and Helen were all there to celebrate her birthday. She was kissed and hugged and congratulated by them all before she turned to Ben and said, “You've been busy again.”
“Yes,” he admitted. “I wanted to do something special for your birthday.” He took her in his arms and kissed her. “Happy birthday, my darling girl.”
Mrs. Patterson appeared in the doorway. “Dinner is served,” she announced.
The dining room looked elegant and festive. The table was set for eight with the best linens, china, crystal and silver, flowers and candles. Charis breathed a deep sigh of happiness and turned to Mrs. Patterson. “Please, you and George must join us,” she said.
“No lovey.” Mrs. Patterson shook her head and answered using the pet name she’d called her when she was a child. “This is my birthday present for you. I was never able to give you a proper party when you were growing up. I want to do this for you now.”
Charis threw her arms around her and hugged her tightly. “I love you Mrs. Patterson,” she said. “I don't know what I would’ve done without you.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
“Well, go on now, lovey.” Mrs. Patterson was delighted and a little embarrassed at Charis' show of affection. “Have a wonderful evening wi
th your family. George and I will see to everything for you.”
The first course was home-made carrot soup served with crisp bread rolls still warm from the oven, followed by apricot-glazed chicken breasts and an array of vegetables. Instead of the usual dessert, Mrs. Patterson served a tastefully decorated birthday cake complete with twenty one candles that Ben lit and they all watched and cheered her on as she attempted to blow them out in one breath. The cake was Charis' favourite; chocolate layer cake filled with fresh picked raspberries and cream. They had plenty of Shloer, sparkling water and fruit punch, to drink and as Mrs. Patterson filled their glasses once more, Ben stood to toast his wife.
“To the most beautiful girl in the world,” he said as he raised his glass, “Who has made me the happiest man alive. I adore her with all my heart and soul.”
Charis stood, put her arms around him and kissed him with all the love she had in her heart, then shyly thanked her guests before they all made their way back to the drawing room and through the french doors into the flower garden. Ben flipped a switch and like magic the fairy lights blinked on and bathed them all in soft light. A small table and a few chairs had been set up on the little terrace by the doors and on the table sat an ornately wrapped present.
She turned to Ben. “From you?” she asked.
“From all of us,” he answered.
By this time the Pattersons had joined them and everyone watched as she opened her gift. It was a large photograph album, each page delightfully decorated, the first few pages of her parents, Paul and Elizabeth at their wedding, and then pictures of Charis as a baby and all through her growing up years.
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