“Good morning, Honey. I’ve come to buy some of your delicious cakes. I have visitors for tea this afternoon,” he said, his eyes laughing at her because they both knew that she knew that he knew…well, that she’d heard the arrangements being made.
“Would you like anything special or shall I choose for you?”
“Everything is special, Honey. Yes, please choose for, say, six. Just in case I fancy something later on.”
Guy would have been reassured had he known how much his visits upset her composure.
“Of course, the mini ones would have been nicer if you have guests,” she said as she handed him a box of assorted slices of gateaux. “I’ve been working on my quote. I’ll get it to you tomorrow if that’s okay.”
“Talking about tomorrow, am I right in thinking you close on Sundays?”
“Fortunately I do, except in the summer when I have some help. I tried opening seven days and week, and goodness knows I need the income, but there’s only so much one person can do. What with spending so much time in the kitchen as well I have to have some time off.” Now why did I have to tell him the story of my life?
“Fancy a walk down by the river? I couldn’t help thinking when I was there yesterday how much we all used to enjoy it.”
“What!”
“A walk. By the river. It’s what people do. I promise not to push you off the boulders if that’s any incentive.”
“It would be more of an incentive if I could push you off. However, comparing your size and mine and remembering what a toad you were, I think I’d come off worse in that encounter. Yes, a walk would be lovely. Thank you.”
“Toads! We could look for toads.”
“You’re such a child.”
“Make yourself comfortable, ladies. I’ll just go and organise some refreshments.”
Guy came back a few minutes later followed by Betty Grant who was wielding a trolley laden with dainty sandwiches and some of Honey’s delicious cakes. She set them on the table and was turning to leave when Guy said: “No, please don’t go. I’d like you to join us if you wouldn’t mind.”
She looked at her watch.
“Unless you have something urgent,” he said, noticing the gesture.
“I’ll just pop off for a couple of minutes to arrange for someone else to do the residents’ tea. I usually incorporate it with my afternoon rounds but I can do that later. I won’t be long. Please start without me, but you be sure to save one of those pastries.”
“You’d better be quick. They may not last that long,” Guy said, smiling as she scuttled out.
Mary insisted on pouring the tea, by which time Betty had returned.
“You may all be wondering why I’ve asked you here today, not that it isn’t a pleasure to entertain you any time, but there’s obviously more to it than that on this occasion.”
“And there we were thinking you just wanted to reminisce about old times,” said Mrs Worthington with something remarkably resembling a twinkle in her eye.
“Yes, while you were out organising tea Dorothy was just telling me about the apple episode and asking what kind of mischief you used to get up to in school. I told her you were a model pupil.”
“I knew I could rely on your discretion, which brings me nicely to the point. I’m laying my trust in you all, not because I want you to spy for me, I wouldn’t dream of asking you that,” he paused, his eyes as alight with laughter as Mrs Worthington’s, knowing full well there wasn’t very much happening in Rills Ford that these three women didn’t know about.
“It’s about your plans for The Grange?” said Mary.
“Yes. Betty here knows exactly what I have in mind and I’m hoping it will serve several ends, but at the moment I’m being tarred by the brush of my mother’s reputation.”
All three women watched him sympathetically. Betty because she’d been housekeeper at The Grange in Alexandra’s day, Mary because as his teacher she knew how cold the young boy’s family had been and how much it had dented his confidence and self-esteem, and Dorothy because she had been his and Basil’s youthful guardian angel. Scrumping wasn’t the only scrape she’d got them out of. He’d chosen his allies well.
Guy stood and went over to a large dresser to retrieve some rolled up papers.
“When we’ve finished our tea I’d like you to have a look at these. I think you might find them interesting. Betty’s seen them already, of course. Any plans for the care home had to have her approval first, in my opinion. But there’s more.”
“Let’s have a look now,” said Mrs Worthington. “I’ve always taken my tea cold.”
“Well I haven’t. When you’re a teacher you have to throw it back while it’s still scalding or the bell is calling you away before you’ve had a chance to drink it. As headmistress it’s a bit more civilised but I’ve never lost the habit.”
“There’s no hurry. Maybe you’d like to tell us what happened at The Honey Bun. Guy said there was quite a reaction to Suzie’s article.”
“There certainly was, Betty, and I must say this young man handled beautifully.”
They continued to talk about the townspeople’s comments until they’d finished their tea, Betty pointing out that the sins of the mother were being visited on the child.
A set of plans and elevations were laid on the table, held down by anything that could be used as a paperweight.
“There are plans for The Grange as well but it’s all internal work and needn’t concern you. What I’d really like is your opinion on these but it may be helpful if I give you a bit of background information first.”
“I can hear a bell frantically ringing, Guy. Do you mind if I just go and check? It may be nothing but I don’t like my charges to get agitated.”
“Of course, Betty. There isn’t anything here you don’t know about but please come back if you have the chance. Why don’t we sit down while we’re waiting,” he said to the other two, “and I’ll fill you in?”
“That girl can certainly bake,” Mrs Worthington said, cutting one of the remaining pieces of cake in half. “I shouldn’t, I know, but they’re irresistible. So come on, Guy, what is all this really about?”
“Some of it you already know. It’s in the public domain. There are other things, things I don’t want spread about and as such I’m putting my faith into three of the four women who acted in loco parentis when my mother had better things to do. Daisy, of course, can’t help but she’s as much involved as anyone and more than most. The Grange has been her home for some time and I know Honey is concerned about the effect any change would have on her and the other residents.”
“I believe change isn’t good for people as they get older,” Mary responded. “Familiarity is very important.”
“It’s something I’m well aware of. What Honey doesn’t know, what nobody knows apart from Betty is that the facilities here are inadequate for the job we’re trying to do. It’s only because of the proposed plan that we’ve been allowed to continue functioning. The Grange isn’t fit for use but we are being given a stay of execution until such time as the residents can be rehoused.”
“What haven’t you told anyone? It would have got you off the hook straight away.”
“You saw what happened at The Honey Bun, Dorothy. What chance have I been given to explain?...exactly,” he said when there was no reply. “Ah, Betty, glad you could make it back. I was just telling Dorothy and Mary about how we’re hanging on by our fingertips.”
“That’s a relief. I must admit I didn’t like carrying the responsibility alone.”
“Nor should you. The responsibility is mine and so must the solution be. There are two options as I see it. We could gut this place and bring it up to an acceptable standard – but where would the residents go while all that was going on? – or we could have something purpose built where every thought has gone into making as right as possible for anyone who lives there.”
Guy had their interest, he could see that. No-one spoke so he continued
.
“This is no sudden whim. It’s been on my mind for some time to come home and obviously I’ve been in constant contact with Betty here. I drew up the plans a while ago. Maybe you‘d like to look at them now.”
They moved to the table where Dorothy and Mary had their first look at Guys vision for the future, but futuristic it was not. The elevation of the proposed care home showed its architecture to be in the same style as The Grange itself, not the modern monstrosity people had jumped to the wrong conclusion about. The plan showed the internal places to be divided into living quarters, each with its own bathroom, several reception rooms, a state of the art kitchen and dining room, a small hairdressing salon and three other spaces which as yet had no designation.
“It’s magnificent, Guy. But…”
“Wait a moment if you will Mary. Before you say anything I’d like you to see the rest.”
Guy moved back to the dresser and pulled out another set of plans which he laid on top of the first.
“This is a second project which at the moment nobody in Rills Ford seems to know about though they’re at perfect liberty to go to the Planning Office and see what’s been lodged.”
“A block of flats!”
“Yes, Dorothy, but not any block of flats. You can see the same architectural design in the elevation here and the fact that there are only two storeys. The idea is that this building too will stand in the grounds. Let’s face it, there’s a huge acreage here which nobody has an opportunity to appreciate. Of course now that I’m home I could spend my days walking my ‘territory’ but I’d much sooner see it being put to good use.”
“But why would you want people living on your property, Guy?” asked Mary.
“These flats - as you can see there are only eight - are intended for staff and family members of the home’s residents. While most of the people are local some of their relatives are not. Two of the flats will be left for the use of those visiting relatives, thus encouraging them to come while at the same time enhancing the quality of life of our own people.”
Dorothy and Mary were beginning to get a glimpse of a suspected but before unseen side of Guy Ffoulkes.
“You’re talking huge investment here, Guy. How do you propose to finance such a large project?”
“It’s a good question, Mary, and that’s where the confidentiality part comes in. Shall we sit down again and I’ll explain.”
Once they were all settled Guy took his time, looking from one to the other to reassure himself he was doing the right thing. He saw only trust and trustworthiness.
“I intend to finance it myself.”
“What!”
“It will cost a fortune. Two fortunes.”
“Yes, Dorothy, I know, but I’m a very rich man. I’ve been lucky enough to reach a level of wealth where the money comes in much faster than it goes out. What I’m about to tell you now must go no further than this room.”
The ladies looked hurt, as if disappointed he thought they might betray his confidence.
“No, don’t look like that. It wasn’t an accusation it was a statement. I have several projects like this one all over the world. I will provide the finance and the land to build. After that the two buildings will be run as a single non-profit making concern. Fees will necessarily have to be charged but they will only be at a level to cover costs and a trust will be set up to administer the whole. I absolutely do not want the local population to be aware of my role in this. Most people have condemned me and that’s up to them. Far be it from me to shatter their illusions.”
Alexandra Ffoulkes has a lot to answer for, Mary thought. He isn’t going to court anyone’s affection in case it’s thrown back in his face.
“It shall be as you wish,” she said. “Why have you told us?”
Guy smiled and they all saw the vulnerable boy again.
“I’m not immune. I wanted to have some friends on my side. That and the fact that there’s nothing goes on in this place without one or other of you knowing about it.”
A Step Too Far
As luck would have it, Sunday dawned bright and beautiful, the sky showing that deep blue that only occurs in autumn and spring. Honey couldn’t help feeling a frisson of anticipation as she showered and dressed. She packed a picnic hamper in the hope the weather would keep its promise and was ready and waiting when Guy arrived at ten o’clock as arranged.
“My goodness this takes me back,” he said when he saw her in colourfully striped woolly gloves and a hat that couldn’t quite control her escaping curls. “You look like a child again.”
“I feel like one.”
“What’s that?” Guy asked, pointing to the backpack as she worked her arms into its straps.
“Picnic. Oh, are you in a hurry. I didn’t think.”
“No, I’ve got all day. Here, give it to me. A picnic is a lovely idea. I’ve got a rug in the car but there were plenty of available tree stumps when I went there the other day.”
“You’re taking the car?”
“Only so we can make the most of our time there.”
“I can’t get into your beautiful car with walking boots on.”
“Of course you can. They’re dry, aren’t they? Look, if it’ll make you feel better take another pair with you just in case.”
“In case you push me into the river,” she said, smiling but challenging.
“I promised I wouldn’t do that and I never break a promise.”
Honey knew this to be the truth from things Basil had let drop when they were children. She was quite sure it had led to Guy taking the rap for someone else on more than one occasion. Not Basil; he would never have allowed that to happen, but there were others who were less principled.
“It’s just as I remember it. Like you, Guy, I haven’t been here for years. What a beautiful day you’ve picked. You might have ordered it.”
“Who’s to say I didn’t?”
“You may be very tall but I don’t think that’s what’s meant by being nearer to God.”
After a wrangle over who would carry the backpack, a wrangle which Honey lost because arguing was silly even if her independent spirit found it difficult to give in, they moved at a steady pace into the woods and joined the river bank, following the water upstream. Neither spoke for some time. There was no awkwardness between them, just that each was enjoying the peace of the day and the companionable silence. After a while Honey stopped. Three paces ahead before he realised, Guy turned round with a raised eyebrow, concern written clearly on his face. Honey’s stomach did a somersault. It was a look just like the one that had caused her to lose her heart to him all those years ago. She’d tripped and grazed her knees and he’d helped her up. Characteristically she’d brushed him off, assuring him she was okay. He’d shrugged then and moved on. They were twelve and fourteen at the time.
“Is something wrong?” he asked her now.
“Coffee. I need coffee.” She smiled up into his face and he smiled back but turned away almost immediately. She couldn’t have known how much he wanted to take her in his arms.
“Ah, your table awaits, Madame,” he said, leading her to a fallen trunk where someone before them had smoothed away the bark to make a suitable resting place. This early in the year the trees weren’t in full leaf yet, only the buds promising what was to come. The sun shone through the branches, dappling the ground beneath.
“I remember Bas and I used to come fishing here. We rarely caught anything but if we did we always threw them back. Nobody ever believed us when we said we’d hooked one that was this big,” he said, stretching his arms out as far as they would reach, the sparkle in his eye no less pronounced than that of the sun-kissed water as it tumbled over the boulders nearby.
“I wonder why. Surely they didn’t think you’d lie about a thing like that.”
“I never lie. I may not tell the truth all the time but I never lie,” Guy said, suddenly serious.
“No, it was a joke. I didn’t mean…you know I didn’t.
”
“I’m sorry. Throwback. Something that happened a long time ago.”
She didn’t ask and he didn’t tell her.
“Are you ready? Let’s pack these things away and move on,” he said and after a few moments they managed to shake off the awkward moment in the pleasure of their surroundings. After about half an hour Guy stopped and pointed.
“There’s a rather nice area over there. I saw it the other day but I didn’t go over; I wasn’t wearing the right shoes. Today however…You game?”
“Only if you stay with both feet on the bank until I get to the other side.”
“I’m saddened you don’t trust me,” Guy said, trying to look hurt and failing miserably.
“Of course I trust you. I’m just hedging my bets.”
“Okay, then. You first.”
Honey managed the boulders with no trouble though she did have a little wobble in the middle.
“You’re turn.”
“On my way.”
Only it didn’t quite work out like that. For some reason – Guy blamed on the backpack – he lost his balance and ended up in the water. In itself this wasn’t much of a disaster aside from the ignominy of falling in. However, in trying to save himself he got his foot caught underneath a rock and twisted his ankle.
“Owe! That really hurts.”
At first Honey thought he was joking in an attempt to draw her back into the river but she realised when she saw the colour drain from his face that he was in real pain.
“Hang on, Guy. Don’t try to move. I’ll come and give you a hand.”
Honey tried very hard to maintain her own balance but in the end they both got very wet indeed. She managed to dislodge his trapped foot and they stumbled to the bank.
“Can I take off your shoe and have a look?” she asked.
“It’s probably better to leave it alone. I don’t think it’s too bad really, it’s just the shock caught me out for a minute. If we remove the shoe the likelihood is it will swell up and it’s a long way back to the car. Do you drive? I’m not sure I’ll be able to.”
Honey Bun Page 5