by Dilys Xavier
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Richard gratefully accepted the publican’s offer to leave his Saab in the garage overnight and promised to collect it the next morning. While he parked the car Catherine called a taxi. For the whole of the journey, the driver kept up a running commentary about the weather, the state of the nation and why politicians could not trusted, right up until he came to a stop outside Catherine’s house. It was only after the taxi had departed that Richard realised he should have asked the man to take him back to Langley Hall. He was in no state to drive, even if Catherine offered to lend him her car,
‘Are you coming inside, Richard?’ she asked, as he continued to stare at the receding taxi’s taillights. ‘Or are you going to stand out there all night?’
‘I should have asked him to take me home,’ he said.
‘Never mind that for now. We’ll have something to eat first and then worry about it.’ She led the way into the kitchen. ‘I’ve got some frozen dinners I bought for emergencies. Will that be all right?’
They had just finished eating when a car’s headlight lit up the drive. Moments later the doorbell chimed. Catherine opened the door to find her doctor friend, Jeanette Bulger, standing on the doorstep. The woman explained that she had been called out unexpectedly to someone in the area and had decided to drop in to say hello.
‘I’m not intruding am I?’ she said, when she saw Richard slumped on the sofa. ‘I can pop in another time.’
‘No, it’s okay. He’s just a friend.’
‘I’ll make some coffee,’ Richard said, after Catherine had introduced them. When he left the room, Catherine explained who he was and how he came to be sitting in her house in a slightly inebriated state. She went on to relate how they had met, and the circumstances surrounding his claim to Langley Hall. When she explained how he had manage to beat the deadline with his claim on the Hall, her voice broke. It was as if the memory of that fateful day had been seared into her brain.
Catherine recovered herself and then went onto say he had expressed regret that she had been forced out of the place she had always called home. When she mentioned his offer to allow her to live on the premises Jeanette looked at her closely. The woman gently probed her to reveal more about their association and wanted to know why Cecile had broken off the engagement after speaking so highly of him. Unwilling to go into too much detail about that relationship, Catherine concluded by speaking of her visits to Ireland and how Liam had presumed so much of her.
‘I’m thankful that it turned out the way it did,’ she said, emphatically. ‘Not that I wished the little girl any harm, but it did provide a catalyst. It really opened my eyes to the situation.’
‘And what about Richard? What are you going to do about him?’
‘What do you mean ... do about him?’
Jeanette chuckled softly,
‘Oh, come on - it’s quite obvious to me that you love him.’ When Catherine tried deny to it, her friend held up her hand to stop her. ‘Since I’ve been here you’ve extolled his good points, defended him for allowing your best friend to seduce him, and acknowledged that he will be like a breath of fresh air to Langley Hall.’
‘Have I? Have I really?’ Catherine looked astounded.
‘And you seem to appreciate his dress sense, too.’
‘Oh.’
‘Yes, and I’ll tell you something else; I think he loves you too.’
‘But ...’
‘I studied psychology as well as medicine so I know what I’m talking about.’
Catherine was just about to dispute her opinion when Richard returned looking very sheepish. He placed a tray bearing coffee on the table between the two women and retreated to the sofa with his own cup.
‘Sorry I took so long,’ he said, ‘I must have dozed off while I was waiting for the kettle to boil.’
His frank admission caused Catherine to break into peals of laughter. She could not imagine him just dropping off to sleep; he was always so alert and on the ball. When she finally stopped giggling, Jeanette asked the obvious question.
‘How are you going to get home, Richard?’ Before either he or Catherine could answer she said, ‘I think you’d better let me run you back to the manor.’
‘But it’s miles out of your way,’ Catherine protested. ‘No, he’s welcome to stay here, I can make up a bed in the spare room.’
Richard looked from one woman to the other as he tried to fathom what was going on, but when Jeanette mouthed a ‘come with me’ it seemed to make sense. Draining his cup of coffee he clambered to his feet and stretched.
‘Okay, but we’d better go before I fall asleep again.’
Catherine watched them drive away and sighed. One half of her wanted him to go and the other half wanted him to stay. Stay and keep her company. Stay and fill the void that made her life so empty. Jeanette probably thought it was the best thing to do under the circumstances because she and Richard had both drunk quite a bit.
Unable to clear her mind of the thoughts that tumbled over each other, she picked up a torch and made her way down to the stables to check on the horses. By the time she returned to the house it was already late.
*
Richard perked up as the doctor’s car turned onto the main road. He looked sideways at the woman and wondered how she and Catherine had become friends; then he reminded himself that Cecile had been an unlikely companion too. Jeanette Bulger was evidently older than Catherine by some considerable years, but she still cut an elegant figure. Her swept back hair was prematurely peppered with grey flecks, but it suited her face. He decided that she probably had become more attractive as she grew older and it was probable that Catherine would do likewise.
He forced his eyes back to the road ahead for a moment and then turned towards her when she spoke. He voice was soft yet compelling; it demanded an answer.
‘Tell me about Catherine.’
The question took him by surprise. Slowly and with some hesitation he began to speak about their unusual relationship. How they had come face to face at her cousin’s funeral. He related his reaction to being matched with Cecile at the dinner party and then of the subsequent outcome of that evening. Finally, he admitted that he would like to have met Catherine under different circumstances. He talked almost non-stop until they reached the manor and as Jeanette applied the hand brake he gave a little laugh.
‘Does that answer your question?
‘You do you realise that you’re in love with Catherine, don’t you?’ When he remained silent, she added, ‘And I’m quite sure that she’s in love with you.’ She leant over and opened his door so that he could not prolong their conversation. ‘Neither of you seems to have realised this.’ She smiled and wagged her finger at him. ‘I’d do something about it if I were you - and do it soon.’
Her words swirled around his head as he prepared for bed and he snuggled down beneath the covers. He recalled the night Catherine had invited him to her dinner party and his reaction at that time. She had had looked absolutely stunning. The peachy pink colours of the culottes style outfit had highlighted her flawless complexion, and he could almost smell the faint aroma of the Arpege perfume she had worn. If Cecile had not tempted him away so strongly, he might have tried to pursue her instead.
The family motto came to mind again. Quid Nunc - What Now.
Yes, indeed, he thought, what now? It was one of the strangest situations he had ever been in and he didn’t know quite what to make of it all. Jeanette Bulger’s words came back to taunt him. ‘Do you realise you’re in love with her?’ Could she be right? He was far too tired to think about it now. But as he slipped into unconsciousness he recalled the rest her remarks - and she’s in love with you.
*
Catherine’s sleepiness seemed to depart the moment she put her head on the pillow. She picked up the novel that lay on the bedside table, but found it impossible to concentrate on the words. Dropping the book again, she allowed her mind wander back over the past few months. Sh
e recalled the ill-fated pact she had made with Cecile to find out more about Richard. It had come to nothing; he hadn’t confided anything to her about his claim on the inheritance nor had he taken her into his confidence until it was fait accompli.
In her mind’s eye Catherine saw his appraising look as she had shown him around the manor. He had stayed close by her side, without being intrusive. She was aware of his deep breathing, making her feel as though he were taking every opportunity to store the memory of her nearness and reinforce it with the smell of her scent. However, even as Catherine recalled her appraisal of him at the time, she knew that she had only taken into account the man’s physical attractiveness. Now she had come to appreciate his other qualities.
When she finally doused the light, she slipped into a restless sleep full of dreams. The kaleidoscope of images portrayed facets of Richard that were hard to resist because they seemed so real. She stirred and moaned softly as she responded to his kiss. It set her pulse racing and sparked a reaction that threatened to overwhelm her. Just as they were about to fully embrace, the loud call of a night bird interrupted the dream. She woke with a start and gazed at the space beside her – it was empty. It had been only a dream.
Catherine switched on the bedside lamp and looked at the time. Nearly three o’clock. She took a sip of water and slid back down under the bedclothes and within minutes was fast asleep again. The shrilling phone pulled her back to consciousness the next morning – it was someone looking for the previous owner of the house. After she had brusquely told the caller she had no idea about where he could be found, she propped herself up with a couple of pillows.
The dream sequence had seemed so real that it filtered back into her mind. Had it been wishful thinking? Had Jeanette Bulger’s words triggered the flight of fancy? Or did she really want to make love to him? Unwilling to speculate, she forced herself out of bed and downstairs. There were things to do - boxes to unpack and letters to write, and first and foremost the horses to feed and exercise.
Duke stood patiently as she patted her pockets looking for her mobile phone. Where was it? She could not remember what she had done with it after phoning for a taxi the previous day. Never mind, she’d worry about it later. She swung up into the saddle and urged the gelding out into the field.
*
Leslie looked up in surprise as Richard walked into the stable area the next morning.
‘You’re up and about early, Mr C. Is there anything special you want me to do?’
‘Yes, I’d like you to run me over to the Frog and Bulrush to pick up my car. I’d had a few drinks there yesterday and I thought it better not to drive home,’ he said, by way of explanation. ‘But I promised the publican that I’d collect it first thing this morning.’
Within minutes Leslie brought the Cherokee around to the front of the manor and opened the passenger door for Richard. As they headed out of the estate he enquired about the website, and then asked about the library cataloguing before gently probing Richard about Catherine. Had he seen her lately? Was she happy with her new house? Did she intend to visit the manor at some future date? The questions seemed innocuous enough, but it seemed as if he and Pippa had been discussing his relationship with Catherine as well.
Leslie swung the four-wheel drive vehicle into the courtyard just as the publican was opening up. After thanking the man profusely for allowing him to leave his car there overnight Richard walked around the back of the building to garage. When he opened the car door he saw Catherine’s mobile lying on the floor mat; it must have slipped out her pocket or purse. He punched in her home number, but there was no answer. Oh, well, he thought, I’ll just have to take it over.
He rang her front doorbell a number of times, walked around to try the back door and then checked out the stables. There was no sign of her anywhere. Then he noticed that Duke was missing from his box. That meant she was out riding. He hesitated for a moment and then decided to push the mobile through the letterbox, but before he lifted the flap it rang.
Richard switched it on without thinking and heard a child’s voice on the line. He listened to the girl say how much she missed Catherine and wanted her to come back. Just as he was about to say something in reply, a man’s voice took over. He spoke rapidly as though he expected to be cut off; and the theme of his message was the same: He wanted Catherine to change her mind about things; he’d do anything to make her happy, and he pledged his undying love. Highly embarrassed by the man’s outpourings, Richard coughed loudly and asked who was speaking.
‘Who is that?’ Liam demanded. When Richard identified himself, Liam shouted. ‘Oh – I know about you; you’re the bastard who put her out of her home. Why are you using her phone? Has she been two-timing me? I’ll not be made a fool of by any woman,’ he snarled, and then hung up.
Unsure of what to make of it all, Richard decided it was none of his business so he switched off the mobile and slid it through the letterbox.
The next few days seemed exceedingly long and very frustrating. Time and again he sat down at the computer and started to load extra material for the website, only to get up again and walk outside. Leslie and Pippa kept out of his way as he wandered mindlessly around the property. When Aunt Agnes phoned and asked why he had not called lately, he offered to take her out to lunch. The elderly woman soon had him talking about the things that were weighing on his mind and once again she counselled him to let things work themselves out.
‘What’s meant to happen will happen,’ she said, as he kissed her cheek goodbye. ‘Just don’t try to understand everything.’ She clasped his hand. ‘Your mother ran away to marry the man of her choice, and although it didn’t work out as well as she had hoped, she was happy.’
‘What are you trying to tell me, Agnes?’
‘You’ll have to wait and see won’t you?’ Unwilling to enlarge on her words she shut the car door and waved him away.
When he returned to the manor, Pippa told him that Agnes had phoned and asked for Catherine’s telephone number. Now why should she do that, he mused? What is she up to? There seemed to be no logical reason. In an effort to take his mind of things, Richard drove over to the golf club and joined three other members to make up a foursome. By the time they had finished the game and returned to the clubhouse dinner was being served. They had just finished dessert when his mobile rang. It was Agnes Frobisher.
‘I’d like you to pop over tomorrow,’ she said, ‘about three o’clock.’ When he asked why, she replied. ‘Never mind. You just trust me.’
Right on the dot of three, he pulled up outside her house. She opened the door, took the bunch of flowers from his hand and ushered him inside. His mouth dropped open when he saw Catherine sitting on the far side of the room.
‘What ...?’
‘Sit down Richard,’ Agnes’ tone of voice brooked no refusal. ‘Catherine has been telling me about her doctor friend, the one who gave you a bit of advice when she dropped you off the other night.’ She held up a restraining hand as he tried to speak. ‘Yes, she phoned Catherine and urged her to do the same thing.’
‘But I ...’ Richard began and then stopped again as Agnes continued.
‘I really can’t see any reason why you two can’t work something out. It’s quite clear to me that you have a high regard for each other.’ She looked from one to the other. ‘And I dare say it goes a lot deeper than that as well.’
There was a distinct twinkle in Catherine’s eyes, and she tried to suppress a smile as Richard shook his head in disbelief. It was quite evident he had no idea that Agnes was going to set up the meeting. She walked across the room, sat down beside him on the sofa and pulled his letter from her handbag.
‘Is the offer still open?’
‘You mean - to come back to the manor? Why, yes, of course it is.’ She smiled as he added, quietly, ‘I’m wondering if you’d consider, er… a bit more than a working partnership?
‘Mmm, I like the sound of that,’ she said, softly, with a sparkle in her
eyes.
‘So do I. Oh, Catherine, my love, so do I.’ Richard’s voice choked with emotion as she twined her fingers through his.
Agnes tiptoed out of the room and closed the door behind her as he gathered Catherine into his arms and kissed her. When she returned after a long absence she bore a tray laden with cups and saucers and a large chocolate cake. She slid a slice onto a plate and handed it to Richard, then, in an aside to Catherine, she added quietly, ‘I’d best give you the recipe for this cake. I can tell you’ll be needing it.’ Agnes knew better than to encourage them to stay; they needed time together now. She quickly silenced Richard’s protests that he thought it rude for them to rush away, and all but pushed them out the door.
With her heart pounding from excitement, Catherine followed Richard back to Langley Hall in her own car. When she pulled up beside the Saab, he opened her door and drew her out and into his arms. For a long moment they gazed into each other’s eyes, then kissed, over and over.
Without a word they sauntered hand in hand towards the manor, and as they drew near, the sun broke through the clouds and lit up the house and gardens in a beautiful golden glow. It was as if the shadow that had dominated Langley Hall for so long had finally been eclipsed.