Honeysuckle House

by Christina Jones

  ‘Kizzy.’ Leon’s eyes searched her tear-stained face. ‘Please, don’t judge me until we’ve had time to talk. Please.’

  ‘Go and find Jamie,’ Kizzy repeated, but this time there was a softening in her blazing eyes. ‘I think that’s the most important thing right now.’

  Leon leaned down and kissed her cheek, and with a surge of relief realised that she hadn’t flinched away from him.

  It was a start, he thought, as he drove away from Highcliffe. If he could just make Kizzy understand …

  William would discuss it man to man. He didn’t think William would take sides. And Jamie? Once he realised that his parents’ separation didn’t mean that Leon would be permanently out of his life, surely he’d be all right? But Kizzy, his only daughter. He couldn’t risk losing her …

  Second Thoughts?

  Leon unlocked the door to Felicity’s flat and stepped into the cool cream and white hallway.

  ‘Where have you been?’ She stepped from the bedroom, her hair falling in a glossy curtain to her shoulders, her midnight blue dress accentuating her perfect figure. ‘You’ll have to get a move on if we’re going to make the theatre on time.’

  ‘Felicity, I’m sorry, I can’t go.’ He caught her hands in his. ‘Jamie has run away. Gone to London. I’ve got to see Sergeant Delaney at Highcliffe and then get up there.’ He tried to pull her towards him. ‘I’m sorry –’

  ‘Stop saying sorry!’

  ‘We can make the theatre another night. Felicity, he’s only a kid. Rosie and William have already gone …’

  ‘We can’t make the theatre another night.’ Her voice was icy. ‘The play leaves for the West End next week. Surely if Rosie and William are in London, they don’t need you as well?’

  ‘Of course they do!’ Leon protested. ‘He’s my son, Felicity.’

  ‘And Rosie is your wife. The wife you’ve left. For me. Because you love me. You’ve left them. Do you really think you can just go back? I’m quite sure Rosie and William will be able to cope without you.’ She turned her face away, and her voice was hard.

  Shocked at the bitterness in her tone, Leon moved to take her in his arms.

  ‘Felicity, you don’t mean that.’

  ‘Yes. Yes, I do.’ She turned her head so that her face was hidden behind the curtain of her hair.

  ‘Felicity, please see this my way –’

  ‘No!’ She jerked her head up and Leon was amazed to see the big green eyes filled with tears. ‘You see it my way, Leon. How do you think I feel? No sooner have you left Rosie, cast aside your past for our future, than you’re running to her. The first time something goes wrong with your family – your family, Leon, not mine – then our plans fly out the window! I know leaving wasn’t something you did lightly. But the decision was yours – I didn’t force you. I just don’t know where I stand …’

  ‘Oh, Felicity.’ He sighed. ‘I’m so used to you being strong. I didn’t think that –’

  ‘You didn’t think at all.’ She sniffed. ‘And neither did I. Oh, Leon, I’m jealous! I’m frightened. Frightened of losing you to your wife …’

  He gazed at her steadily. ‘Felicity, darling – I love you. For your strength and now for your vulnerability. But I honestly don’t have any choice. I have to go to London for Jamie’s sake. Surely you can see that?’

  Reaching for a hankie, she nodded. ‘I know. I’m sorry – I’m overreacting. I don’t know how it feels to have a child. You do, so does Rosie. It’s something you’ll always share. Whatever happens in the lives of your children will pull you and Rosie together and I shall be left outside …’

  She gave him a wan smile. ‘Don’t listen to me, Leon. Go and find Jamie. I’ll still be here when you get back.’

  ‘You’d better be.’ Leon held her to him. ‘I’ll make this up to you, darling, I promise you. Anything you want … anything at all …’

  Felicity watched the tail-lights of Leon’s car until they were out of sight. ‘Anything …’

  A smile tugged at the corners of her full mouth. If he knew what she wanted more than anything in the world, he’d never believe it.

  Leon drove away from the police station in Highcliffe, his thoughts see-sawing painfully between Felicity and Jamie. This was only the beginning. How many more times would his loyalties be divided? No, he thought, never divided – shared. Following Sergeant Delaney’s instructions, he headed for the police station in Victoria where they were co-ordinating the search, and where Rosie and William would be waiting for him.

  Poor Rosie. She’d had far too much to cope with in far too short a time, and it was all his fault.

  ‘I’m Leon Brodie.’ He spoke to the policeman on the desk. ‘My son, Jamie … I understand that my wife is here? Is there any news?’

  ‘If you’d like to take a seat, Mr Brodie.’ The policeman’s voice was sympathetic. ‘I’ll get someone to take you through to your wife and let you know what’s happening.’

  Leon perched on a hard bench, but almost immediately a brisk police-woman approached him. ‘Mr Brodie? If you’d like to follow me.’

  ‘My son?’ Leon asked. ‘Have you found my son?’

  ‘Sergeant Donaldson will talk to you in a moment.’ The policewoman smiled, opening the door. ‘Your wife and elder son are in here.’

  William and Rosie looked up expectantly as the door opened, and Leon had never felt more awkward.

  ‘I got here as soon as I could. What’s happening? Have they found him?’

  ‘Oh, yes.’ William answered coldly. ‘About half an hour ago. In an amusement arcade in Soho.’

  ‘Thank God! And they’re bringing him here?’

  ‘Yes.’ Rosie spoke at last. ‘So you’ve had a wasted journey. Sorry to have spoiled your evening.’

  ‘You haven’t … Rosie, I know what you must have gone through.’

  ‘No, you don’t, Leon. You weren’t here to go through it with us. But then, you’re never around when anything matters, are you?’

  ‘Lewis is sleeping soundly,’ Kizzy whispered as she tip-toed back into the sitting room and flopped down on to the sofa beside Lisa. ‘And Otis is lying beside the carry-cot like a guardian lion.’

  ‘He always does.’ Lisa leaned over and refilled Kizzy’s wine glass. ‘They’re inseparable.’

  ‘Like you and William?’ Kizzy teased, noticing Lisa’s blushing face.

  ‘You don’t mind?’

  ‘Mind? I’m delighted. William’s thrown all his energy into the Nook for as long as I can remember. It’s about time he had a girlfriend.’

  ‘Yes, but …’ Lisa stared into her wine glass. ‘I mean, there’s Lewis.’

  ‘Who is the most gorgeous baby in the world – and is no one’s business except yours.’

  Kizzy curled her long legs beneath her with a sigh. ‘Oh – this feels like the longest night on record. Still, it’s a relief to know that Jamie’s OK, though I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes when they reunite him with Mum and Dad.’

  ‘I suppose Mr Brodie will have reached there by now,’ Lisa said, ‘although when William phoned he said it was just him and your mum. Will they all come back here tonight?’

  ‘Goodness knows.’ Kizzy shrugged. ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with Dad. Maybe he’ll realise tonight that his family is more important than this woman.’

  ‘I feel sorry for him,’ Lisa murmured. ‘I know it’s tragic when a marriage ends, but he took me on when I was desperate, and I only ever saw him as a kind, big-hearted man. Whoever the other woman is, I – I can’t blame her for loving him.’

  Kizzy bit back her reply. Of course, it was different for Lisa.

  ‘I don’t know. I’m too close to see it that way. I just know how hurt Mum is. And Jamie. And I took everything for granted – this house, the Nook, my parents, being happy. I thought that was how things would always be!’

  Lisa nodded in understanding. ‘I know. I lost everything because of Lewis. But things do work out, Kizzy. You’ve got to
have faith. Because of what happened to me, I met William – and now your family – and there’s hope ahead. A few short months ago there was nothing.’

  ‘And Lewis’s father?’

  ‘I won’t talk about him. My life and Lewis’s has nothing to do with him. Is that the front door? Surely they can’t be back already?’

  ‘No.’ Kizzy got to her feet. ‘More likely Steven, or Carl and Marcia from the Nook. Goodness – listen to Otis!’ The volley of barking echoed through the house, closely followed by Lewis’s wails.

  ‘No peace for the wicked.’ Lisa jumped up.

  Kizzy padded across the tiled hall, shivering slightly after the snug warmth of the sitting room, and pulled open the front door.

  ‘Andrew!’ She threw herself into his arms. ‘But you weren’t coming home today! I can’t believe it. Tell me I’m not dreaming!’

  ‘You’re not dreaming.’ Andrew cradled her tenderly against him. ‘Although I think I might be! How long have you had a dog and a baby?’

  ‘Oh, they belong to William – sort of. Come on in …’

  She dragged him into the sitting room, not wanting to let go of him ever again, and surveyed him. Tall, stocky, with a tousle of shaggy dark hair and eyes like melted chocolate. Kizzy thought he was the most handsome man in the world.

  ‘I’ve missed you so much. But why are you home?’

  ‘The coursework was over and I didn’t think there was any point in hanging around. I missed you a bit, too, you know,’ he teased. ‘And after you’d told me about your parents, nothing could have made me stay in Edinburgh a minute longer than I had to. I’ve been driving for hours.’

  ‘You mean you haven’t been home yet?’

  ‘No, I came straight here. Where are your mum and dad?’

  ‘London – rescuing Jamie. I’ll explain later.’

  ‘So they’re back together in London?’

  ‘No. They’re in London together, but separately, if you see what I mean.’

  Andrew laughed, drawing her towards him and burying his face in the flowing cascade of her hair. ‘Oh, Kizzy. This is what I’ve dreamed of, just this, and getting married. Being together for ever …’

  ‘Me, too.’ Kizzy mumbled fervently against his sweater. But even as she said the words, she felt a buzz of panic. Together for ever … That was what her parents must have thought …

  ‘There are so many things to do now I’m home,’ Andrew continued. ‘How are Mum and Dad getting on with renovating the chalet? They’ve been sending me progress reports but I can’t wait to see it for myself. It was a great idea of yours to ask Steven Casey to look out for some bits and pieces – we can make a really cosy little home.’

  He looked down at her lovingly. ‘All you have to do is concentrate on your A-levels. I’ll take care of everything else.’

  Again, Kizzy smiled but deep inside she felt a stirring of unease.

  Lisa appeared in the doorway. ‘Oh, sorry! I didn’t realise …’

  ‘This is Andrew – my fiancé.’ Kizzy moved away from him slightly, but still held his hand. ‘Andrew, this is Lisa Ross, William’s girlfriend. She’s keeping me company while the rest of the family are in London.’

  ‘Pleased to meet you.’ Andrew extended his free hand, his eyes quizzical. ‘Have we met before? You look familiar.’

  ‘No. No – I don’t think so.’ Lisa looked quickly away. ‘I’ve only been in Highcliffe since the beginning of the year. I met William when I started work at the Nook.’

  Lisa turned to Kizzy, her eyes troubled. ‘Would you mind if I went to bed? Lewis is settled again for now, but it’ll only be a few hours before he’s up again.’

  ‘Of course.’ Kizzy nodded. ‘I’ve left a spare nightie and everything in the room for you. Sleep well – and thanks for being here.’

  ‘It’s been great,’ Lisa answered with feeling. ‘Oh, I know the circumstances were terrible, but to have a bedroom and a bathroom …’ She sighed. ‘I’d almost forgotten the luxury. ‘Night then.’

  Once she’d gone Kizzy returned to Andrew’s arms. ‘She’s been living in a really grotty bedsit – and now she’s in bed and breakfast.’

  ‘Poor girl. And the baby and the dog?’

  ‘All of them apparently – and I don’t know any more. William has kept very quiet about her. And she certainly doesn’t want to talk about her past. Now, would you like some coffee? Something to eat?’

  ‘Both! And another kiss … And then maybe you can tell me just what’s been happening here.’

  Jamie slumped in the back of the police car beside the policewoman and watched the lights of London swirl past in the darkness.

  This was like some nightmare that he couldn’t wake up from. He was glad they were taking him back to Mum and Dad – the policewoman had assured him that both his parents would be at the police station to meet him – even if it did mean he was in for a major telling-off.

  London had frightened him. He’d never admit it, of course, but the noise and the lights and the crowds that had seemed exciting when he’d first got off the bus had become intimidating. And he’d run out of money.

  ‘You’re not being arrested,’ the policewoman reassured him. ‘Just rescued.’

  If only they could make everything else all right. Make Mum and Dad be happy together again.

  ‘Nearly there.’ The woman looked down at him kindly. She liked this sad, tousle-haired boy, and was glad that, at least this time, the story had a happy ending. ‘Are you hungry?’

  ‘Starving. I had some chips ages ago.’

  Jamie couldn’t remember exactly when. It seemed like days ago that he’d left the sanctuary of home.

  ‘I expect we’ll find you something in the canteen,’ she continued kindly. ‘We’ll get that sorted first, shall we – before we see your mum and dad.’

  Jamie grinned at last. She reminded him of Mum. Mum always bothered whether people had had enough to eat and drink.

  Quickly he turned his head away in case the policewoman should see the tears glistening in his eyes …

  ‘He’s on his way.’ The police sergeant at Victoria poked his head into the interview room where Leon, Rosie and William sat in awkward silence. ‘And a word of advice, for what it’s worth. Save the recriminations for later. Just be thankful you’ve got him back unscathed. You can hold the inquest when you’re all less fraught.’

  ‘Yes, of course. And thanks,’ Leon said gratefully.

  William stood up. ‘Now we know he’s OK, I’ll make myself scarce.’ He paused awkwardly. ‘You’ll – er – all go back in Dad’s car anyway, won’t you?’

  Rosie and Leon looked at each other, then nodded. ‘Yes, good idea.’ Leon said. ‘We’re going to have to present a united front.’

  ‘William, thank you.’ Rosie squeezed his hand. ‘I couldn’t have coped without you.’

  ‘You’ve got Dad now. Just get Jamie back home safe and sound.’

  With a tired smile, William left the brightly lit room, and Rosie and Leon found themselves alone together for the first time since their separation.

  ‘That sergeant was right,’ Rosie said warningly. ‘We’ll sort things out later. Don’t blow your top the minute Jamie walks through the door.’

  ‘Me? Since when have I been the heavy father?’

  ‘Since when have you been any sort of father – except an absent one?’ The hurtful words had left her lips before she had time to think.

  ‘I’m well aware of my shortcomings, but I’ve only ever tried to give you all everything you wanted. If that meant spending time away, then –’

  ‘Maybe if you’d spent more time attending Jamie’s school things, or taking an interest in his football, instead of trying to recapture your youth and build a business empire at the same time, we wouldn’t be here tonight.’

  ‘Leave it, Rosie. This is neither the time nor the place to be discussing our problems. We both know what has happened and why. Now the most important thing is to make sure that none of
the children suffers further because of it.’

  ‘At last.’ Rosie’s smile was sad. ‘Something we agree on.’

  ‘We used to agree on everything.’ Leon sighed softly. ‘When did we start drifting apart?’

  ‘Goodness knows.’ She stared at her hands. ‘Probably long before you became embroiled with Brennan and Foulkes and the Four Seasons. And Felicity Phelps …’

  Felicity … Leon thought about Felicity. She seemed so much part of his present and his future – far more vividly real than Rosie, his wife. He wanted to wish that he had never met her, but he couldn’t.

  ‘Mr and Mrs Brodie.’ The door had opened and Jamie’s policewoman popped her curly head into the room. ‘Your wanderer has returned.’

  Trying to be brave, Jamie stared at his parents as they rose to their feet. They looked tired and frightened, not angry. And they were together. With a hoarse cry, the child inside him defeated the teenager’s bravado and he stumbled into their outstretched arms.

  ‘Just a few formalities,’ the policewoman said quietly, ‘and then you can all go home to bed.’

  ‘Home?’ Jamie raised his white face to his parents. ‘Are we all going home together?’

  Rosie and Leon exchanged glances across his head.

  ‘Dad’s driving us all back to Highcliffe, yes,’ Rosie said quietly.

  It probably wasn’t exactly the reassurance that he wanted, but it was the truth. And it would have to do for now.

  ‘He’s asleep.’ Rosie turned back to the front of the car as Leon drove swiftly along the motorway. ‘I don’t think I’ll ever sleep again.’

  ‘Nor me.’ Leon concentrated fiercely on the road ahead. ‘And you were right, Rosie. If I’m going to be an absent father officially, then I’m going to have to make more time for each of the kids. I’ve relied on William’s good nature with the Nook, trusted that Kizzy’s self-reliance would see her through, and Jamie –’ He sighed. ‘I suppose I left Jamie to you.’

  ‘We can talk about this later.’ Rosie swallowed. ‘I’m seeing Paul Beatty about the financial and legal business. I’m determined to hang on to my share of the Nook, you know that. Once I’m assured that we’ll still have a roof over our heads, then we’ll make arrangements for the children. And we’ll never risk another episode like this one …’