by Dilys Xavier
Richard tried to slip quietly out of bed the next morning without waking Cecile, but as he pulled up the covers she opened her eyes.
‘Take care, now,’ she said, meaningfully.
‘I’ll ring you later,’ Richard promised, kissing her on the cheek.
As he drove back home he recalled that there had been a lot things left unsaid. Maybe Cecile could pave the way for him to meet with Catherine to work out how to settle things without any undue fuss and animosity. He would like to tell her that there was never anything personal in his quest to claim the inheritance. It was simply his birth right. However, he was concerned for her welfare and determined to make things as easy as possible for her.
When he opened the front door of his house it seemed strange and unwelcoming even though the mess had been cleaned away. It felt colder and more neglected than the night he had forsaken it to spend the night at the Wheatsheaf Inn, but he could not understand why. He grabbed a cup of coffee while he changed, slammed the door behind him and headed for the office. At least he had plenty of work to keep him occupied.
*
Josie tossed and turned all night and as the first rays of the morning sun tinted the clouds on the horizon, she sat bolt upright in bed with the distinct impression that something was wrong. The feeling intensified the more she thought about it. Unable to even consider going back to sleep she made her way downstairs to the kitchen and glanced at the clock on the wall. Ruben Lombard usually invaded the kitchen at about this time to make a cup of tea.
While she waited for the kettle to boil, she pulled a couple of mugs from the cupboard and spooned in some sugar, the overwhelming feeling that something was seriously wrong still tugging at her mind.
I wonder if Catherine’s all right, she thought. Maybe I should look in on her.
She tapped gently on Catherine’s bedroom door, and on receiving no response she knocked louder. Then she pushed the door open. Catherine lay spread-eagled on top of the bed, one arm flung over her mouth and the other seemingly tangled in her dishevelled clothes.
Josie’s heart missed a beat as she cautiously approached the bed. The ragged sound of the young woman’s breathing filled her with alarm as she reached out to shake her shoulder.
‘Catherine?’ The word caught in her throat; she swallowed hard and repeated it. Then with a sudden realisation, she cried, ‘Oh my god,’ snatched up the phone on the bedside table and dialled 999.
The ambulance wailed to a stop and disgorged two young female paramedics. One of them gathered up the resuscitation equipment while the other followed Josie upstairs to the bedroom. The taller of the two women looked around the room and noticed the half-empty whiskey decanter and the bottle of pills and then whispered something to her companion. Josie strained to hear what was being said as they bent over Catherine, but their voices were low and they talked in monotones.
She watched a tube being forced down Catherine’s throat and almost held her nose as a pump disgorged the contents of her stomach. One of the medics slipped a needle into her arm and connected a bag containing some opaque liquid. The two women deftly eased Catherine onto a stretcher and carried her downstairs and into the waiting ambulance. As the driver shut the rear doors of the vehicle, Ruben hurried away to get his car.
‘What’s it all about?’ he asked, trying to negotiate the morning traffic as he listened to Josie’s account of what had happened. ‘Surely she wasn’t so depressed that she’d try and take her own life?’
‘I wouldn’t have thought so, but she was very upset. Maybe she just didn’t realise that the combination of alcohol and painkillers could be lethal.’
By the time they arrived at the hospital Catherine had already been taken into the intensive care ward. After what seemed an interminable age the sister led them into the doctor’s office.
‘It was touch and go,’ he said, soberly. ‘But she’s going to be all right. We’ll keep her under observation for a few days.’
‘When can we ...’
‘You should be able to see her this afternoon,’ He answered Josie’s question before she had finished speaking. ‘But I must warn you she might not recognise you at first.’
The couple barely spoke as they drove home. They consumed numerous cups of tea while they discussed what should be done to help Catherine when she came home from of hospital. Ruben even offered to take her back to his home in the Lake District where his family could keep an eye on her, but Josie quickly squashed that idea. She thought Louise would be better at giving Catherine the support she would need to get over the combined shock of the past few days.
They were still debating the situation when Cecile rang.
‘Where’s Catherine?’ she asked, rather abruptly, as Josie answered the phone. ‘We were supposed to meet for lunch and I’ve been waiting in the restaurant for over half an hour.’
‘Catherine’s in hospital. She’s in intensive care.’
‘Oh, my god,’ Cecile cried, in alarm. ‘What happened?’
Josie patiently explained how she had found Catherine, called the ambulance, and then followed it to the hospital. She related the doctor’s warning and his request that only immediate family would be allowed to visit her. When Cecile protested that she was as much family as they were, Josie reluctantly agreed.
*
Cecile snapped her mobile shut and walked out of the restaurant. Unsure of what to think, she assumed that Catherine must have learned that Richard had inherited the manor, and the shock had tipped her over the edge. Almost at once she discounted the idea. No, Catherine was made of stronger stuff than that. Naturally she would be upset, but not enough to take her own life.
She sat in the car for a long time debating whether to phone Richard to tell him what had happened or call on him personally. However, she had no idea whether he had moved into his new office and anyway it might be inappropriate to speak to him about such a delicate matter in front of his staff. Perhaps it might be better to see Catherine first.
Cecile had some difficulty convincing the nurse that she should be allowed to see her friend, but the woman finally relented. As she was shown into the room she gasped involuntary. A mass of wires linked Catherine to a machine that blinked lights as it monitored her condition while an elevated bag dripped fluid into her left arm. Tears filled her eyes as she watched her friend’s chest rise and fall rhythmically in response to the machine that regulated her breathing.
As she watched, Catherine slowly opened her eyes. She stared up at her and appeared to be forcing herself to concentrate in an effort to discern who was standing by the bedside.
‘Cecile?’ she said, the word barely a whisper.
‘You’re going to be all right, Catherine,’ she said huskily.
Before she could say any more a nurse bustled into the room and asked her to leave. When she questioned the doctor about what was happening, the man explained that Catherine’s reaction had registered on a monitor and alerted the staff. He went on to say that although she appeared to be out of danger her condition was still critical, but he was convinced that she should make a full and speedy recovery.
What now? Cecile wondered, as she drove home. I suppose I should try to find Richard. She pulled over to the side of the road, dug one his business cards out of her handbag and looked at the home address he had scribbled on the back. Within fifteen minutes she had found the modest little house. As she drew to a stop, Richard turned into the street and pulled in behind her.
‘Cecile, what are you doing here?’ he cried, as she stepped out of her car.
‘I need to speak to you in private. Can we go inside?’
Richard led the way into the house and apologised for the appearance of the place, explaining that the builder had been unable to finish the decorating owing to an emergency job elsewhere. Cecile followed him into the kitchen and waited for him to make some instant coffee. She took the cup from his hand and bit her lip.
‘I have something to tell you. I’ve just come from th
e hospital,’ she said, quietly. ‘Catherine’s in intensive care.’ She recounted her conversation with Josie. ‘She doesn’t think it was a suicide attempt and neither do I, but the doctor said that if Josie hadn’t found her when she did, then he doubted she would have survived.’ Cecile hesitated and then continued. ‘They said she was lucky; apparently the medics were convinced that she had only just passed out when Josie found her.’
‘Oh, dear, that’s dreadful.’
Cecile stared at him as he grappled with the news. He looked stunned. It was as if he was feeling responsible for what had happened. When he made no further comment, she continued.
‘The doctor said she should be able to go home in a few days. I’m rather concerned that she might … er … I mean she’s going to find it difficult to get back on her feet at the manor now that she knows it’s only a matter of time before she has to move out. I thought that the she and I might go away on a holiday together, but that probably wouldn’t work. We’ve been such wonderful friends, but we like each other in small doses and we’d more than likely be arguing after a few days.’
‘Surely she must have some family that she can go to,’ Richard remarked. ‘Where did her mother come from?’
‘Ireland. Sir Hugh met her in Dublin,’ Cecile replied. ‘All her family, except some distant cousins, live in southern Ireland.’ She paused for a moment. ‘You’ve met Louise haven’t you? Well, she’s Catherine’s closest relative. Maybe she could go there for a while. By all accounts it’s a beautiful part of the country, and they get on fairly well.’
Unsure how to respond Richard glanced at his wristwatch.
‘I’d offer to cook you something, but I’m afraid there’s not much in the fridge. Unless you fancy a supermarket takeaway meal.’ When she made a little face, he shrugged his shoulders. ‘We could get something at a nearby pub. Would that be okay?’
Neither of them said a great deal during the meal; it was as if they both felt some measure of guilt about the events that had contributed to Catherine’s situation. When they parted, Cecile promised to phone when she had any further news from the hospital. As she drove home she recalled her words to Catherine.
‘It’s a pity you hadn’t met Richard Carlisle under better circumstances; he could be the right one for you.’
It seemed strange to be thinking that way when she was just about on the point of making a commitment to Richard. One part of her wanted to hang on to him, and the other part did not want to become too involved. Maybe that’s why she wanted to keep her options open. And maybe, just maybe, she wanted Catherine to find that special someone who could help her build a new life.
When she phoned the hospital later that evening the duty nurse told her that Catherine was now fully conscious and making good progress. She passed the message on to Josie and suggested that she might encourage Catherine to visit her cousin in County Kerry.
‘Yes, Ruben and I have already decided that might be the best option for her at this time.’
‘And will you and Ruben stay on until she returns from Ireland?’
‘No, but there’s nothing to worry about,’ Josie said. ‘She’s found a pleasant and competent couple to run the estate, so it’ll be in good hands.’
It was only after she had put down the phone that Cecile realised the full implication of the woman’s words. Even if Louise was able to help Catherine back onto her feet, she would be returning to a house that did not belong to her. And to two strangers she barely knew.
‘Oh, dear,’ she murmured. ‘That could be very intimidating.’
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Catherine was sitting up in bed when Ruben and Josie called into see her the next morning. She smiled wanly as they sat down beside her.
‘How are you dear?’ Josie peered intently at Catherine while Ruben placed some flowers on the bedside table. ‘What did the doctor say?’
‘I’m feeling much better, thanks. The doctor said I should be able to go home tomorrow.’ She squeezed the older woman’s fingers. ‘I’m sorry I caused you so much worry. I should have known better than to mix painkillers and whiskey.’ She patted her stomach. ‘I feel as if I’ve been pulled inside out, and my throat is red raw.’
‘I’ve brought you a change of clothes.’ Josie pointed to the overnight bag in Ruben’s hand. ‘I don’t think I’ve forgotten anything.’ When the couple were assured that she was all right they said goodbye.
It seemed like a month to Catherine before the next morning dawned, and she was dressed and waiting in the departure lounge when Ruben arrived to take her home. He kept up a running commentary as he threaded his way through the traffic, telling her that the horses were being exercised regularly, that Leslie Johnson had phoned to say he had received the letter confirming his appointment, and Josie was still coping very well with everything. He mentioned nothing about the inheritance; it was as if he had decided not to talk about anything that might remotely upset her.
When he brought the car to a halt in front of the manor Ruben smiled.
‘Here we are then, safe and sound.’ He watched her as she stepped cautiously out of the vehicle and stretched before taking a long look around the gardens. ‘Everything all right, Catherine?’
‘Yes, thanks.’ She gently massaged her neck with both hands and then sighed. ‘The doctor said that I may have jarred a vertebrae, or something, and that’s what caused the headache.’
‘But it’s gone now?’
‘Yes, thank God.’
When they all sat down after lunch to discuss the current situation, Ruben explained that he was having difficulty coping with the workload because of his age. He wanted to hand things over to the new man as soon as possible, and Josie also expressed her desire to go home.
‘I understand perfectly,’ Catherine said, ‘and I’m so grateful to you both for the kindness you’ve shown me.’
‘We both think it might be a good idea if you went away for a while so that you can have time to sort things out in your mind and recuperate from this upset,’ Josie said, and glanced at Ruben. ‘I had a talk with Louise and she said that you’ve already agreed to visit her for a few weeks.’
‘Yes, I was toying with the idea,’ Catherine said, cautiously, ‘but I’m a bit concerned about leaving everything to Leslie and his wife too soon.’
‘I don’t think you should worry about that,’ Ruben said, assertively. ‘For one thing I think the man is quite capable of handling the job, and for another it won’t be your responsibility to worry about for much longer. You must put yourself first.’ When Catherine began to object, he held up a restraining hand. ‘Now don’t take that the wrong way.’
‘Ruben’s right, dear,’ Josie interjected. ‘I’m sure they’ll be will be able to manage the place satisfactorily, so it should be all right to leave it in their hands. Besides it will help you get used to the idea of not living here anymore.’
Catherine gave a small sigh.
‘Yes, it might help me make the break. I’ll give Louise a ring straight away and tell her to expect me within a few days.’ After cousin had gone from the room, Catherine rang Cecile and rearranged their luncheon date, then spent the rest of the morning sorting through the mail. But rather than return to the tiring task after lunch she made her way upstairs to her apartment and slept the afternoon away. Josie looked up from her crossword as Catherine returned to the lower floor later in the day.
‘Is everything all right?’ When Catherine assured her that it was, she smiled. ‘Good. In a few days you’ll have put it all behind you.’
Two days later the Johnson’s arrived to take up residence. They took the best part of the day to settle into the place, stable the hunter and hack they brought with them, and unpack their belongings. When he was convinced that he was no longer needed, Ruben Lombard announced his intention to leave. The following day he handed all the keys over to Leslie and wished him well.
Catherine had to swallow hard to clear the lump formed from her throat as he said
goodbye. She kissed his cheek as he clasped her hand before climbing into his car.
‘Take care now, and thank you once again for all your help.’ She waved goodbye until he had driven through the main gate and turned to Josie in an attempt to overcome the emotion she felt. ‘I don’t know what I’d have done if he hadn’t been able to step into the breach at such short notice.’
The scene was repeated within forty-eight hours as Josie prepared to leave. And once again Catherine found herself shedding a tear as she said goodbye. ‘You’ve been a godsend; I couldn’t have managed without you.’ She held the woman’s hand firmly as they kissed each other. ‘I’d be dead if it weren’t for you.’
After she had gone, Catherine made her way upstairs and dressed for her luncheon date with Cecile. Her friend was just stepping out of her car as she pulled into a park space on the other side of the road and they went into the hotel restaurant together. While they waited for the waitress to show them to a vacant table Catherine noticed a few people casting sideways glances at her. Two women looked up as they manoeuvred past them, and one of them nudged her companion and whispered something that sounded like, ‘Isn’t that ...?’
An awkward silence settled over the two friends as they took their seats. It was as if neither of them wanted to talk about the events of the past few days. Cecile glanced at the menu and then deliberately placed it face down on the table.
‘We’ll order later, shall we? I think we both need a drink.’ Before Catherine could respond she had caught the eye of the waitress and asked for a bottle of Rohaja.
The proprietor brought the wine to the table and pointedly asked if everything was to their satisfaction. He continued to hover nearby until Cecile thanked him again, this time more firmly.
‘I feel as if everyone’s watching me,’ Catherine remarked quietly. ‘Are they, or is it my imagination?’
‘Well, you are something of a celebrity.’