“A what?” Guy had never come across the expression before.
“It’s when people take their dogs to visit patients in hospitals or homes; even their own homes, I think. It stands for Pets as Therapy and is supposed to be very calming, and to help when people are missing their own pet. He’s done wonders for the residents here.”
“Sounds like a great scheme. It’s good of him to give up his time.”
“I think he’s pleased to do it. Evidently he does hospital visiting as well.”
Betty hesitated, not quite sure how to break the news of Rufus and Honey’s developing relationship. She could only guess how Guy felt about her and he was a man whose feelings ran deep. Straightforward was the only way, she decided. Better to find out from her than one of the town gossips. She lowered her voice slightly as people do when imparting bad news.
“They’ve been seeing each other.”
Betty could almost see the veil come down over Guy’s face, could feel the tenseness in his body. Her heart ached for him, the lonely boy who had become a lonely man. He looked defeated.
“It’s only been a couple of times, nothing serious I don’t think,” Betty added, trying to soften the blow.
“I suppose it was inevitable she would meet someone soon, a beautiful woman like that. Ah well, it’s none of my business, I suppose.” He smiled wanly at Betty. “It was obvious she was never going to be interested in me.”
To Betty nothing was less obvious but now wasn’t the time to tell him and anyway she didn’t think she ought to interfere. She changed the subject.
“So you managed to avoid being snapped up by one of Candice’s friends.”
“My heart wasn’t in it.”
She left him to unpack.
Guy stood still in his room, not sure what to do next. While he hadn’t held out much hope of his prospects this had nevertheless been a real body blow. He looked at his case, lying on the bed, still unopened.
I could just turn round and go straight back. Maybe if I distance myself it won’t hurt so much.
But Guy wasn’t a quitter and he had a project to see through to completion, something he couldn’t or didn’t want to do from a distance. Also, though he couldn’t have Honey he still wanted to retain her friendship. If all she can do is see me as Basil’s best mate then that’s how it will have to be. Consequently, the next time he saw her it was to apologise for leaving so abruptly and not saying where he was going.
“I needed to see my father, to find out what arrangements he’d made for my mother before I start looking for somewhere for her to live.”
They were standing in the foyer at The Grange and it wasn’t one of the days Rufus visited so Guy knew they were free from interruption. Honey had been nervous about seeing him again but he made it easy for her. Switching on the charm was second nature to him – it was a tool he’d practised and honed over the years by way of self-preservation - and she followed his lead, but to her he’d never seemed further away. She smiled somewhat ruefully, whether because of her own circumstances or because of his mother even she couldn’t be sure.
“And how is Edward? I haven’t seen him for years.”
“Twenty years younger, or at least that’s what he looks like. I can’t imagine what it must have been like living with such a cold fish for so long.”
“Your mother was certainly not in the habit of engaging with anyone as far as I remember.”
“Engaging is the last word I’d use to describe her. Candice couldn’t be more her different if she tried – but that’s what I liked so much about her. She doesn’t try. She’s quite naturally warm and loving and absolutely dotty about my father.”
Honey and Guy had been friends for long enough for her to ask without embarrassment, “And how do you plan to deal with Alexandra?”
“I’m hoping she’s taken enough with Major Cartwright to move to Bens Ford. That’s where he lives.”
“Major Cartwright?”
“Didn’t I tell you? She’s found herself a beau. Retired army major and a widower. Seems he taken quite a shine to her.”
“She must have been trying really hard.”
They both laughed and all the more so when he told her about the coach outing.
“Your mother!”
“You’d better believe it.”
“So you think it’ll work, her moving to Bens Ford? I can’t picture standing at the kitchen sink wearing her Marigolds.”
“It’s funny, that’s exactly what I thought. But maybe, and I realise I’m stretching it a bit here, maybe she’s been spoilt. My father must have seen something in her all those years ago. Perhaps he’s partly to blame.”
“Just don’t let go of that elastic band while you’re stretching. It’ll hit you right in the face. Guy, she was never a warm person.”
“No but she may well have been a disappointed one. My father told me she always wanted a daughter. I’m not sure if he meant as a second child or instead of me; the latter I shouldn’t be at all surprised.”
“You’re being too hard on yourself. Anyway, I still can’t picture her in a cottage.”
“Neither could I at first but just think; if she employs a gardener and someone to do the housework she’ll be living exactly the kind of life she likes. Drastically scaled down, of course, but still lady of her own small manor.”
“And how do you go about finding this small manor.”
“I did some searching online while I was in France. There are a couple up for sale at the moment. In fact I’m taking her to see them now. I don’t suppose? No, that wouldn’t be fair to her. She wouldn’t like it.”
Honey watched him leave. Both had regrets. Neither knew about the other.
As it turned out Alexandra didn’t like either of the properties on offer but she was very taken with Bens Ford itself. All the more so when they so when Guy took her to one of the local restaurants for dinner to find Major Cartwright seated alone at one of the tables. Guy was astonished at the change in his parent. While she didn’t go so far as to simper she certainly became almost little girlish, and definitely much softer around the edges. The major waved at them, standing with old-fashioned propriety as he did so, and introductions were made. Mother and son were invited to join the table.
“There I was feeling like a lonely old man and a ray of sunshine walked in.”
Guy thought this a bit over the top until he saw Alexandra’s reaction. Feeling as if he’d never met her before, and indeed in this guise he hadn’t, he accepted on behalf of them both and his mother’s beau stood behind Alexandra and pushed in her chair as she sat down. Old world manners which will suit my mother very well. Guy’s role for the rest of the evening was little more than that of observer, though Winston (it’s true) tried to engage him in conversation. Not so Guy’s mother. Her son was delighted to see the major was no pushover and that his mother responded well to being gently reprimanded on the two occasions she spoke out of turn. This will do. Definitely this will do. Maybe if my father…Guy took the thought no further. Edward was happy with Candice and if Alexandra could find happiness with Winston then so be it.
“I see you’re looking at your watch, Dear Boy,” an epithet to which Guy took no exception. “If time is pressing I would be delighted to drive your mother home when we’ve had finished our digestif.”
Guy realised he was de trop and took his leave, shaking hands formally and with much gusto with the major and enjoying it far more than the obligatory peck on his mother’s cheek. Reflecting on an evening that was far more enjoyable than he’d expected he was still smiling ten minutes later when he drove past the Honey Bun and such a feeling of loss descended on him he felt almost unable to finish his journey.
Honey had had a pleasant enough evening as well, double-dating with Suzie and Jack. Resolutely putting Guy out of her mind – an impossible task but she awarded herself at least an e for effort – Honey tried to concentrate on her companions. The clocks had sprung forward and the longer days had it
seemed lightened everyone’s mood.
“Ruff enjoys his walks so much more in daylight. I’d have thought his nose would have been enough but it seems that he, like the rest of us, is grateful for the arrival of spring.”
“Where is he tonight?” Jack asked.
For a moment Rufus looks slightly disconcerted before replying, “Oh, I’ve left him at home. He’ll be okay.”
“Isn’t it rather a long time to leave him,” Suzie wondered, “taking into account your travelling time and all?”
“He’ll sleep right through after the walk he had before I came out. No, he’ll be fine.”
Rufus had recovered his equilibrium but the others were puzzled to know what had disturbed him. All were too polite or felt they didn’t know him well enough to ask. Unusually though he didn’t linger at the end of the evening, excusing himself while they were still drinking their coffee and saying: “I hope you’ll forgive me if I don’t stop. After what you said I’m feeling guilty about Ruff,” and turning to Honey he added, “I’ll phone you tomorrow if that’s okay.”
They all looked at each other after he’d left.
“Have I just been given the brush off or what?”
“I think it’s ‘or what’ but I’d love to know what the ‘or what’ is.”
“So would I, Suzie. So would I.”
Shock Discovery
Honey didn’t lose any sleep over Rufus. The only emotion she experienced was curiosity. If she’d thought his affections were engaged she’d have ended their relationship; she wasn’t dishonest enough to continue where her heart wasn’t engaged. There was no doubt he was attracted to her but it seemed almost as if he was enjoying the companionship without wanting any more, much as she was. Although he’d kissed her a few times there was little passion involved on either side. Honey had been happy to continue in this way, enjoying getting out and doing things after Guy had made her realise how limited her life was. Guy. Always it came back to Guy. Fifteen years or more is a long time to carry a torch for someone who only regards me in the light of a younger sister.
The next time Rufus called he acted as if nothing had happened and asked if she could join him and Ruff for a walk on Sunday afternoon after they’d visited their parents. Honey was glad he hadn’t waited until a chance meeting at The Grange and was surprised to discover that she was looking forward to the outing. Spring had awoken in her a dissatisfaction with her mundane existence (she’d never seen it that way before) and a desire to get out and do things. Spring? Rufus? Guy? What or whoever was the cause she was ready to take her life in her hands and do something.
At The Grange Honey found Derek Thornberry sitting with her mother. Rufus was nowhere to be seen but she was a bit early.
“Hello, Derek. How are you?”
“Enjoying a natter with Daisy here. And you?”
It seemed he and Daisy had struck up and friendship and Derek obviously enjoyed putting people at their ease as much as his son. His residence in the care home was one of physical necessity not mental incapacity and as long as he could find someone to wheel him around he was happy to give his time to anyone who needed him or wanted a bit of company. He asked Honey to find one of the carers so he could leave her alone with Daisy. He didn’t say as much but it was obvious to Honey and she admired his tact. Daisy seemed quite bright so maybe Derek had worked a little magic. She took her mother out into the afternoon sunshine and pushed her around the enclosed garden that had been sectioned off for the exclusive use of the home. The garden, any garden, had always been Daisy passion – witness the naming of her children – and in early April the daffodils were spreading sunshine all over the place. Tulips weren’t open yet and in their present state they had always reminded Honey of paintbrushes, standing as they did on upright stems and with their yet to unfold flowers looking like thick sable brushes that had just been dipped in oil ready for the canvas. Daisy beamed as they passed a bright red camellia, sitting beside a smallish magnolia. With her good hand she pointed excitedly at the base of the tree where bluebells, unready but determined, had forced their way through the earth into daylight.
“Look at the bluebells, Honey!”
Honey knelt down in front of her mother and took both hands in hers.
“Yes, Mummy. They’re beautiful.”
Impossible to tell if Daisy saw the tears in Honey’s eyes but they flowed unashamedly when they reached the bottom of the garden and Daisy pointed again.
“Honeysuckle!”
It was indeed honeysuckle; not yet in flower but advanced enough for an expert to identify it – and Daisy was an expert. The delight on her face was still apparent when they returned to the lounge. To such an extent that Betty asked, “What on earth have you two been up to? You look like you’ve swallowed all the cream.”
Daisy began to doze and Rufus appeared from whichever room he and his father had been occupying. Honey smiled at him, the incident of the other evening forgotten in her joy at her mother’s pleasure. She put out her hand to pet Ruff before kissing Daisy on the cheek and going outside. The walk was vigorous and exhilarating and Honey and Rufus were both flushed by the time they got back to The Grange. Rufus put his dog in the back of the car and turned to say goodbye.
“Let’s hope Ruff’s had enough exercise to sleep through,” Honey said, unintentionally reminding them both of their previous meeting. Is that an added flush to his face? Maybe he’s regretting the abruptness of his departure last time. Whatever it was, Rufus kissed Honey on her forehead – in spite of her height he needed to bend his head to do so. He was a tall man though not as tall as Guy, and it was of Guy she was thinking as Rufus drove away.
“Would you like me to walk you home?”
Talk of the devil. She turned to greet him, the old familiar smile giving her more pleasure than a whole afternoon had with Rufus.
“I’d like that, Guy. Yes, please, if you have time.”
“I’ll always have time for you, Honey.”
She was startled, not at the words because they could have been said light-heartedly, but at their intensity. Guy was no longer smiling and Honey, in an effort to calm her nerves, took his arm in sisterly fashion and said: “Shall we?” Unfortunately the sisterly arm she’d put through his didn’t feel like that at all and, when he took the hand she’d threaded through, her fingers tingled.
“Okay, I’ll race you from the gate,” Guy said, remembering she was someone else’s girl. “Like when we were kids.”
“Your legs are a bit longer than mine now. It’ll hardly be a fair contest.”
“I’ll give you a start then. Go on. I’ll count to five.”
By the time they got to the Honey Bun both were breathless and laughing – and completely at ease with each other.
Alexandra Ffoulkes it seemed had undergone a personality change. She became accommodating and pleasant to such an extent that Guy wasn’t at all sure he didn’t prefer the earlier version. At least he’d know where he stood with her then. He didn’t trust his mother in this new guise although, as he hadn’t trusted her before, there was no change there. But now he didn’t know how to behave around her. No way could he be the affectionate son she suddenly seemed to want but his innate kindness wouldn’t allow him to shun her completely.
“Won’t it be wonderful if it all goes through?” She’d found a cottage which it seemed was perfect for her. That in itself was a miracle. “We can have Sunday lunches together. I’ll be able to organise roast dinners just the way you like them.” Guy was at a bit of a loss to know how she came to be aware of his preferences as she’d never taken any interest in the past. He was also sure that the said roast dinners would not be prepared by her own sweet hands but the very fact that she was ready to organise them at all spoke volumes.
“I shall be delighted if everything goes smoothly and of course it will be lovely to have lunch with you occasionally.” There was no way he was going to commit himself to anything regular, not that he thought she’d be able to keep
it up anyway. “If progress continues the way it has been we ought to be able to complete in three weeks.”
“I can’t wait to get into my own place. They’ve been so kind at the hotel,”…was this his mother speaking?!...“but it isn’t the same, is it?”
“How is the major? Have you seen him recently?”
His mother displayed a coyness that made him feel slightly squeamish but he pushed the feeling away.
“Three times a week, sometimes four. And he’s such a gentleman. Your father was never so solicitous.” Guy frowned and she had enough sense at least not to continue in that vein. “So many years I lived in this area and there’s so much I’ve never seen. You should get out a bit yourself,” Alexandra suggested, not appreciating that her lack of parenting skills when he was a child might have had a lot to do with his current lack of knowledge of his home patch.
“Well I’m delighted you’re enjoying yourself, Mother. You’ll have to forgive me, I need to get back to see the construction manager.”
It was a lie but a kind one and no-one was more astonished than Guy when his mother said, “Yes, of course. I understand,” when he knew full well she’d been hoping he’d stay longer and in the past would have made that perfectly clear. “The major will be here soon. He’s taking me for a spin.” Ah, that would account for it then.
Guy was back in the foyer at The Grange talking to Betty when Rufus pushed his father through on their way to one of the lounges.
“So when are you going to bring Connie and the girls? A man has the right to see his own grandchildren, doesn’t he! It’s been months.”
Rufus looked around guiltily but didn’t see Guy and his manager as they were in a large alcove that turned the area into an ‘L’ shape and were hidden from view.
“It’s difficult, Dad. The distance; school; and then the children are always doing something at the weekend,” they heard him say as the two men disappeared through the doorway.
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