Beautiful Strangers

by Ellen Dean

  Leaving Beth to her phone call, Lindsay’s gut feeling hadn’t changed. Those blackmail letters were not as kosher as Penny Corday would have them believe. Why? What was going on here? Hyacinth’s name came into her head.

  She would like to meet this Hyacinth woman. She had a bad feeling about her, too, yet despite trying to dig up some dirt, had drawn a blank. Not even a speeding ticket. Pouring herself a drink, Lindsay rummaged through the magazine rack, seeking something to distract her. Medical journals were her only choice.

  She picked one up, idly flicking the pages until her attention was caught by a photograph. Whoa! This is the blonde I saw in the motorway services. She started to read the article about the hard work and fundraising the Dickinsons did for Mrs. Dickinson’s unmarried mothers’ unit. The photograph showed the stunning Mrs. D officially opening the unit in Carlisle, where her practice was based. The magazine was an old one, but the face hadn’t changed.

  They ate in. Lindsay’s idea. Another gut feeling told her that she didn’t want to take the chance of running into Hyacinth while she was with Beth. And she had a thousand questions to ask Beth about Hyacinth, without wearing her police officers hat. Difficult.

  Reluctantly passing up the chance to meet Lou, Lindsay left early keen to run checks on Penny and Victoria, and another one on Hyacinth. She had a dreadful feeling that her precious friend was heading for trouble.

  Chapter 26

  Beth spent a few hours at the hospital before going to Penny’s house in North Yorkshire. She had had no difficulty finding it on the internet. It wasn’t too far from Lou’s, in a round about way, so she decided to give Penny a surprise visit on her way to Lou’s farmhouse with the intention of persuading her to go to the police. The Jag purred all the way there, an absolute joy to drive.

  Penny’s Georgian mansion was similar to Davinia’s, but on a much larger scale. She was in the garden when Beth arrived.

  ‘Beth! What are you doing here?’

  ‘Sorry to arrive unannounced. I know it’s shockingly bad mannered of me, but we need to talk.’

  ‘Come inside.’ Penny led the way through a side door into an over-furnished sitting room. ‘Tea, I think.’ She pressed the servant’s bell by the fireplace.

  She looks ill. ‘Tea would be nice. Thank you.’

  ‘Please bring tea, and biscuits.’ Penny said to her housekeeper who appeared in the shadows of the doorway.

  ‘I can guess why you’re here, Beth.’

  ‘I want to try to convince you to go to the police about the blackmail letters.’

  The housekeeper arrived with the tray.

  ‘Thank you. Just leave it, dear. I’ll see to it.’ Penny instructed. ‘Milk, or lemon?’

  ‘Milk, please.’

  ‘I’m afraid you’ve had a wasted journey.’ Penny passed a cup of tea to Beth. ‘Although it is nice to see you again.’

  Beth’s mobile phone rang. ‘Can I call you back?’

  ‘Where are you?’ It was Lou.

  ‘In a meeting.’

  ‘Oh, sorry. I thought you’d be finished by now.’

  ‘Last minute change of plan. I’ll call you back. Bye.’

  ‘Lou?’ Penny said.

  ‘Yes. I’m really on my way to see her.’ Beth sipped her tea. ‘Are you sure you won’t change your mind? The police would protect you all.’

  ‘You are very sweet to be so concerned and I should never have burdened you with my problem. But no. I’ve decided to sit it out. After all, I may not get another letter.’

  ‘I think you’re brave.’

  ‘Brave? No. Scared? Yes.’

  ‘Well, if you’re sure . . .’

  ‘Yes, I’m sure.’

  ‘I’d better be on my way. Take care.’

  ‘And you.’ Penny stood up. They walked through the house to the front door, and outside to Beth’s parked car. ‘Lovely car, dear.’

  ‘My birthday present from Lou.’ She felt satisfaction at Penny’s thinly veiled envy.

  ‘Well, hurry home to her now.’ Penny pecked Beth on the cheek. ‘You two make the most adorable couple I’ve ever seen.’

  ‘Why thank you. What a lovely thing to say.’

  A few miles along the road Beth pulled over. Thank goodness for mobile phones. ‘I’m on my way, sweetheart. Be with you in about an hour.’

  Lou gave her directions and then rushed round the already tidy house plumping up the cushions again. She wanted Beth to love this place as much as she did.

  Chapter 27

  Beth pulled up in front of Lou’s farmhouse. Its warm stone walls glowed a welcome in the early evening sunlight, and Lou was waiting outside to greet her.

  The moment she stepped out of her car Lou wrapped her in a bear hug. ‘I have missed you so much.’ Lou kissed her passionately.

  ‘Me, too. You don’t know how glad I am to be here.’

  They stood locked in each other ’s arms.

  ‘You’re hungry, I hope? I’ve cooked for us.’

  ‘You have? That’s wonderful. I’m starving.’

  ‘Good. Let’s eat first, shall we? And then I’ll show you around the place. You’re going to love it here.’ Lou took Beth’s hand. All thoughts of Penny’s situation evaporated.

  Lou led the way through the front door along a wide hall and into the comfortable living room. Using her best crystal and china, she had spent hours setting up a small dining table for them, arranging and rearranging the setting, until she felt she had got it right. She had placed the table in front of the French windows hoping Beth would be impressed with the wonderful view across the dale, and then arranged the curtains to create an intimate setting. Burning candles flickered soft shadows across the table and gentle music played discreetly in the background completing the romantic ambiance. Beth’s face glowed with enchantment.

  ‘Please make yourself at home.’ Lou hurried off to the kitchen to get the food giving Beth a chance to survey the room.

  Beth thought it was perfect and had it been hers she would have furnished it in much the same way. She loved the soft yellow on the walls and the two comfortable cream leather sofas arranged to face each other in front of the fireplace, with a heavy reclaimed pine coffee table between them. Around the room occasional tables held either vases of fresh flowers or stacks of books and magazines. Several equestrian paintings hung on the walls, and Beth assumed they were of Lou’s horses.

  ‘I hope you haven’t gone to too much trouble,’ she called when she heard the sound of clattering dishes coming from the direction of the kitchen.

  ‘No, I love cooking.’ Lou’s voice sounded falsely airy.

  Beth assumed it was a fib. A star as big as Lou probably never interfered with cookers if she could help it.

  Lou’s hands faintly trembled as she dished up the meal, a lasagne. Beth knew Lou needn’t have worried about making a good impression. The meal was a success and Beth enjoyed every morsel of it.

  After dinner Lou was keen to show Beth around her farm. They started outside as Lou proudly told her the history of the place.

  ‘There were lots of outbuildings. More stables, barns and buildings than I have now. Some were demolished or simply fell to bits. Even this brook...’ Lou jumped over the stepping stones. ‘... is supposed to have been rerouted.’

  ‘What about the wood over there?’ Beth pointed, ‘Was that chopped down and replanted?’ she was trying not to laugh.

  ‘I do go on, don’t I? But I just love this place.’ She stepped over a muddy patch.

  They larked about like a couple of kids, splashing water as they jumped backwards and forwards across the stones. Suddenly Beth froze.

  ‘Lou,’ she spoke sharply, ‘do people have access to the woods, or to your land?’

  ‘No. This is all private property. Strictly invitation only. Why?’

  ‘I’ve just had the weirdest feeling . . . I think someone’s watching us.’

  ‘Don’t be daft. There’s no-one here but us.’ Lou chided. But as t
he sun dropped, she wasn’t so sure.

  She pulled Beth to her, ‘Do you feel safe now? I’d never let anyone hurt you.’

  ‘Yes, I know that.’ Beth looked over Lou’s shoulder, eyes wide, trying to see if anything moved in the distance.

  Lou kissed her. Beth’s senses leapt in response. The trees swayed with the breeze and so did she.

  The splash from further up stream distracted Beth, unsettling her again. She was sure someone was out there, watching.

  ‘Listen . . . what’s that noise?’

  ‘Probably a duck.’

  ‘Well, fuck the duck. Come on. Let’s go back to the house.’ Lou gave in. ‘Okay, you win. You are just so sensitive. Your imagination is running away with you.’

  * * * * * * * *

  Penny crouched low in the bracken. She’d got what she came for. She put her camera away in its case, and headed back to her car. She couldn’t wait to give the photo to H. She hoped that this evidence of Lou and Beth being together would stop H from making her play for Beth. She could not bear the thought of H leaving her for Beth.

  * * * * * * * *

  Once inside the house, Beth insisted Lou lock all the doors. She couldn’t explain why she felt so badly shaken.

  ‘Brandy for you.’ Going to the global drinks cabinet in the living room, Lou poured a generous measure and handed the glass to Beth.

  ‘Thanks. This is a lovely room.’ Beth waved her arm, anxious to recreate some warmth and intimacy. ‘Did you do the interior design yourself?’

  ‘Yes. I did the entire house. Would you like to see the bedroom?’

  ‘Love to.’

  ‘Right then, gorgeous. Come with me. Bring the brandy — it’s playtime.’

  Beth lay back on the king-sized bed while Lou slipped into the bathroom and came out wearing a stunning diaphanous creation and joined Beth on the bed.

  Lou dipped a finger into the brandy before putting it to Beth’s lips, then slid it momentarily into her mouth. Turned on, Beth lifted Lou’s negligee. In a flash Lou was straddling Beth and both gasped with pleasure as they made contact with one another. Lou instinctively started to move, pushing hard as Beth arched in response. Leaning forward so Beth’s face was almost lost between her breasts, Lou reached into a bedside drawer and pulled out a vibrator.

  ‘Oh my, you are naughty! What are you planning to do with that?’

  ‘Well, doctor, I thought you might like some vibrational therapy.’ Lou switched on the vibrator.

  ‘Yes, please, I’m always open to new therapies, particularly something vibrational.’ Beth flashed her eyes, and grinned cheekily. She became wildly excited as Lou teased her, running the toy all over her body, generating a myriad of tingling sensations. ‘Oh, this is good. It would be great for people with arthritis.’

  ‘Beth, be serious!’ Lou’s laughter exploded. ‘If I push a little harder, will you be more serious?’ Her pubic bone ground into action against Beth’s.

  Soon Beth was matching her rhythm. Almost reaching orgasm Lou eased herself up slightly. Beth grasped the vibrator and thrust it into Lou who rode it with passion, her juices soaking Beth’s hands as she reached her peak.

  Exhausted they lay together enjoying the afterglow.

  Holding Beth tight, Lou said, ‘I have something important I need to say to you.’

  Beth’s heart sank at Lou’s seriousness, suddenly scared in case she wanted to end the relationship. ‘Is something wrong?’

  Leaning on her elbow, Lou looked intently at Beth then she cradled Beth’s face in her hands. ‘There’s nothing wrong. In fact it‘s never been more right. I have waited all my life for you, and I don’t want to be apart from you for a second longer than necessary. I love you, Beth McConnell and I want you to move in with me.’ She held her breath waiting for Beth’s answer.

  Struck dumb, Beth’s mind careered into overdrive. She wanted to say yes, but there was such a lot to consider. Was it too soon? This lifestyle, as luscious as it was, was still new territory. She did love Lou. She knew that for sure. So what’s the problem?

  ‘Well, beautiful . . . what do you say?’

  ‘Sweetheart, I’m flattered, I really am.’

  ‘But?’

  ‘Well . . . ‘ Beth was floundering, ‘there’s such a lot to consider. And, darling, this is really sudden, unexpected.’

  ‘That’s not a no then?’

  ‘No, it’s definitely not a no. Can we talk about it in the morning, please? ‘

  Satisfied she couldn’t push the issue, Lou agreed, reaching over she switched off the bedside light, then held Beth tight.

  Beth didn’t sleep much. Millions of questions and ‘what ifs’ whizzed around in her head.

  * * * * * * * *

  Over breakfast the next morning, Beth gave Lou her answer. She would live with her. Despite the early hour Lou cracked open a bottle of Krug to celebrate.

  Happiness radiated from Lou’s entire being. ‘Promise you’ll move in soon. We’ll have a wonderful life together, you’ll want for nothing. You won’t have to work, unless you want to that is. I can take care of us both.’

  ‘I promise I will move in soon. I love you so much, and I do want to be here, with you. God, it’s going to be hell going back tomorrow. I can’t not work, Lou. I love my job and besides I’m bloody good at it. I can travel until I find something suitable at a hospital nearer here.’

  Overwhelmed with love they spent a euphoric time. They made exciting plans. They would cruise the world, fly to New York for Christmas shopping at Macy’s, ski in Aspen, ride in a gondola in Venice. Their list was endless and they were floating on cloud nine.

  Chapter 28

  On Sunday afternoon, mentally exhausted, dizzy with happiness, Beth was hit by a reality check.

  Sitting at Lou’s kitchen table, drinking coffee, she allowed some unwanted sanity to seep into her thoughts. Lou was outside talking to Frances, oblivious to Beth’s doubts. Wearing a white polo shirt, thumbs hooked in the back pockets of her slim fitting blue jeans, Lou looked gorgeous.

  What am I to do? Beth thought. Organizing her work schedule would be difficult, to say the least. And it was possible for Lou to be away for days, even weeks at a time, so sometimes Beth would be returning to an empty house. Not the ideal. Then she thought about the route, up and down the busy A1, and driving in and out of Newcastle could be a nightmare. Already she felt exhausted. And to cap it all a surgeons work isn’t nine to five. She was never sure when her working day would finish. Often she stayed over at the hospital if she was concerned about a patient, and surgery required a sharp mind and a steady hand. Then she remembered that Lou had mentioned work in America. What was happening with that? A final sobering thought brought her crashing back to earth. What about Hyacinth?

  She could only imagine how life would be living with Lou, but the thought of being without her was unbearable. Maybe this was what you would call the honeymoon stage, what if it all turned sour? Then where would she be?

  During the long drive home Beth’s mind ran away with her and she began to panic. What on earth have I agreed to do? She didn’t want to hurt Lou yet she felt terribly pressurized. She concluded, rightly or wrongly, that Lou was rushing things. Her newly discovered lifestyle offered a lot

  of uncharted territory. Maybe she should give herself time to explore it, instead of nesting. She had certainly suppressed her feelings by refusing to acknowledge her true self for long enough. She blamed Hyacinth for all of this, but there again, if she hadn’t met H, she would have continued to go around in ever decreasing circles denying the real Beth McConnell.

  In any case she decided that she would advertise for someone to share the Newcastle apartment with her, which was something she‘d planned to do anyway. Then, if things worked out with Lou, that would be one problem solved. Perhaps it was the fear of losing her independence that spooked her. She had no intention of becoming a kept woman, and when she thought about it, Lou buying her the car put her into that category. Over
the weekend she had tried several times to discuss the matter, but Lou refused point blank. She knew exactly how much the car had cost so had left a cheque under Lou’s pillow. It was way over the top for a birthday present.

  And what would her family think about her living with a woman, having a lesbian couple in the family? She didn’t think they would have a problem. Her mother was a liberal thinker. But could she risk it? Oh, decisions, decisions.

  Beth’s concentration was wandering and she had developed a thunderous headache. Hardly surprising with everything she had on her mind. Although she was almost home, she decided she needed a break from driving, so pulled into Washington Service Area. She would have a cup of tea, the eternal comforter, and maybe browse through the magazines. She might even resort to taking a couple of painkillers.

  Heading into the café her attention was caught by a familiar face. Not wanting to be seen Beth ducked behind some advertising boards neatly avoiding Penny Corday. What was she doing here? And who was she with?

  For a split second Beth thought it was Hyacinth with

  Penny, but the blonde hair was slightly darker, the body, although just as lithe, was actually a little slimmer than H’s. Then it dawned on her, this must be the same girl she’d caught a glimpse of going upstairs in the hotel. She must have been meeting up with Penny.

  Trying to get a better look, wishing the girl would remove her sunglasses, Beth bumped into the advertising boards. Diners nearby turned to stare at her clumsiness, but luckily the clatter didn’t halt the conversation between the two women.

  Beth didn’t dare move. Penny would see her if she looked across.

  Penny and her friend were so relaxed in each others company it seemed obvious to Beth these two knew each other well. Beth couldn’t hear their conversation, but witnessed the H lookalike hand a small purple pouch to Penny.