Escape to the Country

by Patsy Collins

  "OK, I'll make myself scarce."

  "No, don't do that!"

  "I don't mind, honestly."

  "I do. I like Jim, but I'm not sure if I want to be more than friends."

  "OK, I understand." That sounded just the way Leah had kidded herself she felt about Duncan. She now knew she wanted a lot more than friendship from him and decided it was time to prove to herself that she could adapt to life away from London.

  Leah threw herself into farm work more enthusiastically than ever. It was she, directed by Jayne, who collected the orphan lambs from Home Farm. It was a little disappointing not to see Duncan, but as she enjoyed demonstrating her competence to him, it was probably just as well he didn't see her become a gooey mess at the sight of the cute little creatures. She soon had them settled into their new accommodation and it seemed they grew bigger by the hour.

  The other tasks seemed much easier than when she'd first started, because Leah was now so much stronger and fitter than she'd been in London. She felt emotionally stronger and more confident too, no longer needing the approval of Adam or anyone else before she made a decision. Perhaps if she'd felt that way at the start of her relationship with him, things would have been much better between them. Often Adam had little choice but to do as he wanted, because Leah hadn't been assertive enough to make her own wishes known. She wouldn't make that mistake with Duncan.

  A lorry pulled into the yard and Leah went to see what the driver wanted.

  "I'm Dave, I've come for the pigs, love," he explained.

  "Oh, yes of course. I'll get Jayne."

  Leah had known the oldest pen of pigs were due to go to slaughter that day, but had deliberately put the thought from her mind. She had a feeling she wouldn't be wanting bacon for breakfast in the morning.

  The pigs walked up into the lorry with no trouble, which just made Leah feel worse.

  "Doesn't it make you sad?" she asked once the lorry had driven away. "When your animals go off to be turned into meat?"

  "A bit, yes but I can't keep them all."

  "No, of course not."

  Jayne had a call that afternoon. She reacted as though the news were good, then asked the caller to, "Hold on a second."

  "It's Dave, the chap who took the pigs. A mate of his has some little ones to sell and Dave said he'll keep them for me if I'm interested. I was going to wait for a while before getting another batch, but I think we could handle them now, couldn't we?"

  As Jayne negotiated arrangements for getting the piglets, Leah reflected on the 'we'. Obviously Jayne now thought of them as a team. Leah would like to make that a reality.

  She was pleased with how well she coped with life and work on the farm. The lifestyle appealed to her and not just because it meant she was near Duncan. Eventually Leah would have the money from her share of the flat she'd bought with Adam. She could go into partnership with Jayne. Maybe between them they'd have enough to buy Primrose Cottage and the small farm. That should save loads on rent and would mean Jayne no longer had to rely on Oliver Gilmore-Bunce. Leah made the suggestion to Jayne.

  "I'd love to have you here permanently, lovey, but you need to think a bit more before deciding on a partnership. Even if we did really well we wouldn't make a lot of money and the work never stops. I know you're hard working and reliable, but at the moment it's all still a novelty for you. We'd need to look carefully at the finances too. Best not to rush into anything."

  "You're right, of course, I haven't properly thought it out. I will do, but you like the idea in theory?"

  "I like the idea of you moving away from London and setting up home down here very much."

  "That's what I want. I've been wondering what to do about work. I don't want to stay even if the company wants me back, which I'm not sure it does. It seems pretty clear I'm not fully trusted and that someone doesn't want me there. If I just hand in my notice before my name is cleared it might look as though I'm admitting guilt. If they don't hurry up and sort things out, I could claim compensation for constructive dismissal, according to my legal advisor. Oh, it's all such a mess, I just want out of it."

  "They're still paying you, aren't they?"

  "Yes."

  "Then do nothing for now. They owe you that for not trusting you and any money you save now will come in handy later."

  Leah nodded. "Wouldn't it be great if we could buy this place?"

  "We can't, lovey. G-B can't sell. A legal thing was set up by his great grandfather which says Primrose Cottage and the surrounding land can't be sold out of the Gilmore-Bunce family."

  "Oh, that's a shame."

  "Not really. Ownership wouldn't be so great. The rent doesn't cover the repairs. Because it's a listed building it's very expensive and takes ages, that's why things can't always be fixed straight away."

  That sounded like a con to Leah.

  "Are you sure? You're paying more a month than a year's mortgage on my flat in London. I know this is bigger, but prices are cheaper here."

  "I'd forgotten how good you are with the financial and computer stuff. You must have seen the figures when you were helping me and remembered."

  "Yes. Sorry, I didn't mean to pry."

  "You weren't, silly. If there was anything I didn't want you seeing, I'd have said, but I don't have any secrets from you. There's one little detail I think you missed though."

  "What's that?" It couldn't have been a decimal point in the wrong place, Leah didn't make mistakes like that.

  "My rent is annual."

  "Oh!"

  That changed things. How had she made such a mistake? For a moment, she worried the problem with Gilmore-Bunce's accounts could really have been her fault. That wasn't possible though. Even if she had made such a mistake, the money wouldn't have gone missing and the error would soon have been noticed.

  Leah sighed. Her stupid hatred of Oliver Gilmore-Bunce had become such a habit she'd simply expected to see he was overcharging Jayne and so had misread the figures to back up her prejudice. He simply wasn't such a bad landlord as she'd originally thought. Maybe she was going soft now she'd escaped from The City, but she was having a tough time remembering how much she'd hated him. Her past life just didn't seem important anymore.

  "So did you miss me?" Duncan asked once they'd ordered their food.

  "Why, have you been away?" She knew she was wasting her time trying to play it cool, because the way she'd thrown herself into his arms when he'd arrived at Primrose Cottage had given her away completely.

  His gentle laugh confirmed that. He was even better looking when he laughed. The few laughter lines around his eyes showed he laughed a lot and also hinted he'd still be a handsome man in the years to come.

  It had been a shock to see Duncan all dressed up in a suit, but he'd explained he had to pass by on his way home and couldn't wait to see her. For a second, seeing his formal clothing, Leah was reminded of Adam. He'd always looked good in a suit. Duncan did too, but then he'd probably look good in anything. Adam always looked half naked and uncomfortable without a tie and jacket. Half naked would probably be another good look for Duncan.

  Leah gave herself a mental shake and remembered she had other things to think about, such as how to drop casually into the conversation that she was considering making her move from London permanent. As Jayne had suggested she should, Leah thought hard about her future and what she wanted to do. She realised a lot depended on how her relationship with Duncan developed. The future she dreamed of included having him by her side. He seemed keen now, but she'd told him her visit to Winkleigh Marsh was only temporary. Would he lose interest if she became a permanent fixture?

  "Penny for them?" Duncan said.

  "Oh, I was just thinking..." she blushed. It wouldn't exactly be casual to say she was wondering what he'd wear to their wedding. Even less subtle to mention she'd been daydreaming about feeding orphan lambs with children who looked just like him and called her Mummy. "Um, about families."

  "You planning to introduce me to
your parents?"

  She grinned. Perhaps his thoughts weren't so different from hers.

  "They're living in New Zealand at the moment. Dad's a diplomat so he's away more than he's in England. They're hoping to come and stay with Jayne for a few weeks in the summer. I'll be happy to introduce you then." That was easy, she'd effortlessly showed she intended to still be there in the summer and still be seeing him.

  "I look forward to it."

  "What about yours? Are you going to introduce me to them?" Maybe that wasn't casual enough, there was a worried look on his face.

  "I don't know. Dad's not at all well and Mum... We'll see shall we?"

  She reached over and squeezed his hand. "I'm so sorry. Is that where you've been, visiting them?"

  He nodded, the worried look deepened. Leah couldn't think how to comfort him, but after a moment he gave an answering squeeze and a small smile.

  "I did mention you actually. Dad asked if you were as pretty as May. She'd have been your gran wouldn't she?"

  "That's right."

  Their food arrived at that moment, meaning Leah couldn't find out how he'd answered his dad's question without it seeming she was fishing for compliments. Appropriately enough, the meal was beautiful. Even in London she'd not seen food better presented. Her warm camembert tart on its bed of salad would have been attractive even without the redcurrant sauce drizzled into heart shapes around the edge of the plate. It was almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

  She looked up to see Duncan too was enjoying his food. Leah was glad he had an appetite at least as healthy as her own. She always felt so greedy around people who just picked at their food.

  "Talking of family, how's Jayne doing? By the look of her this afternoon she's recovering well."

  "Yes, she's absolutely fine. She dosed herself up with some of her herbal remedies, but she's followed all the medical advice too. She goes to bed a bit earlier than she used to, but I think she only stayed up late before because she was worried. She's almost completely back to normal now."

  "Really?" He gave a mock shocked look.

  "Normal for Jayne, I meant."

  "That's OK then." He grinned.

  When they'd finished their food he said, "Did you find out what that herbal tea she made us drink was for?"

  "Er, yes."

  "What?"

  "It was a love potion, apparently."

  "Ah."

  Leah concentrated on pouring wine in order to avoid meeting his gaze.

  "And she goes to bed early, you say?"

  "Yes, if you come in for coffee we'll just have Tarragon for a chaperone." She could feel herself blush so it probably didn't matter much that she was finding it hard to sound casual.

  The second course arrived right on cue. It was just as artistically presented and just as delicious as the starter. They didn't talk much, but his expression whenever she glanced at him told her all she needed to know.

  "Would you care to see the dessert menu?" the waiter asked.

  For the first time in her life, Leah wanted to say 'no'. The food was wonderful, but no competition for what she hoped would happen after Duncan drove her home.

  "Please," Duncan said. He gave her a teasing smile. "You weren't in a hurry to get away, were you, Leah?"

  "Well, I..."

  "If I take you back too soon Jayne might be worried you haven't eaten enough and get up to make you a snack."

  "In that case, I'm not in a hurry, no."

  The creme brulee was worth savouring, so the delay wasn't too agonising.

  Duncan declined the waiter's offer of coffee. "I think we'd rather have violet tea."

  "I'm sorry, sir I don't think we serve that."

  "Not to worry, I know a place that does."

  The waiter smiled to show he knew a joke had been made even if he had no idea what had made Leah blush and dissolve into giggles.

  Duncan opened the car door for her, but he pulled her close before she could get in. "What am I going to do with you, Leah?"

  She was sure it was a rhetorical question, but kissed him anyway as a clue to the answer. He held her tight as he kissed her back. Leah moaned and felt herself go limp in his arms.

  "Get in the car, woman," he muttered huskily as he released her.

  He drove carefully, but gave the impression of being frustrated by the slow speed made necessary by the narrow lanes and tight corners. Duncan braked sharply outside Primrose Cottage to avoid the car parked right by the turning into the yard.

  Leah guessed he said something uncomplimentary about the lack of consideration shown by the driver, but she wasn't really listening. She was concentrating on the car, willing it not to be one she recognised.

  By the time Duncan had parked, the driver of the other vehicle had followed them, on foot, into the yard. Before Duncan had switched off the engine, Leah wrenched open the door and jumped out. Her legs felt weak and her high heeled sandals were hardly appropriate for the farmyard, but she forced herself to stride with apparent confidence towards the visitor.

  "What are you doing here?" she hissed. How many times had she asked him to bring her to visit Jayne and been fobbed off with feeble excuses? Then, after she'd fled to the comfort of Primrose Cottage after her troubles at work she'd practically begged him to come and he'd cut her off with a reminder they were finished. Now, just when she least wanted to see him, he turned up.

  "Leah, I need to talk to you," Adam said.

  "I don't have anything to say to you." She did, but none of it was polite and it no longer seemed important.

  "Leah, what's happening?" Duncan asked.

  "Nothing. He's just going."

  Both men glared at each other. If either had ever shown any violent tendencies, she'd have been sure they were about to fight. As it was, it seemed possible they might.

  Leah stepped between them and turned to Duncan. "He was the someone in London, but it's all over now."

  "No it isn't," Adam insisted. "Leah, I made a terrible mistake. I must talk to you, please let me explain."

  "It's too late," Leah said. She didn't know if the tears forming in her eyes were from frustration, anger or regret.

  "It doesn't have to be. I love you."

  Leah gasped. Never before had he said he loved her without being prompted. Never before had he said it in front of anyone else. Could he really mean it?

  "Yeah and proved it by abandoning her when she needed you most?" Duncan asked.

  "I don't have to prove myself to you,"Adam said.

  "No, only to Leah and I think you've already done that."

  Duncan stepped close. "I don't want to leave you with him, Leah, but I think I'd better let you listen to what he's got to say. You might regret it if you don't and I want you to be completely sure how you feel. Call me later, eh?" He squeezed her tight, kissed her gently on the mouth, then walked away.

  Chapter 12

  "Well, go on then. Explain," Leah hissed at Adam. She didn't really want to hear his answer any more than she wanted to hear the sounds telling her Duncan was turning his car and driving away from her, but it was clear she was going to have to.

  Adam approached as though he wanted to kiss her.

  She took a step back. "You made a terrible mistake, you said?"

  "Leah, it's so good to see you."

  "If you're so pleased to see me now, why didn't you come here with me, or visit when I asked you to? Why did you call me or reply to my messages and texts?"

  "I should have. I'm sorry. Things have been very difficult for me at work and I've missed you."

  He tried again to reach out for her her. Again she moved away.

  "Things were rather difficult for me at work if you remember, but you weren't there to support me."

  "I know, I know. I should have been. I'm so sorry." He stepped closer. When Leah stepped back again he looked surprised. Had she always been so easy for him to talk round, she wondered.

  "Could we possibly go inside? I've had a long drive up here and whe
n I got here your aunt didn't seem very pleased to see me."

  "Any reason why she should?" It wasn't nice of her, but she was pleased he'd had to wait for nothing and enjoyed seeing him squirm. So often in the past he'd made her feel small in front of his friends or made her afraid to say what she thought for fear of causing an argument. She thought it might do him good to know how it felt to be nervous about what you said and unsure of how the other person would react.

  "No, no of course not but well, I need the toilet."

  "And Jayne wouldn't let you in?" Leah was suspicious. It didn't seem likely that Jayne would be so inhospitable. Maybe Adam was trying to make it seem someone other than he was in the wrong. He was good at that.

  "When she explained you were out, I said I'd wait in the car. The lights went off soon after, so I didn't like to disturb her."

  Adam uncomfortable and at a disadvantage was such a novelty for Leah she almost felt sorry for him.

  "You can use the toilet, but then you've got a long drive back. I've got nothing to say to you."

  When Adam emerged from the bathroom he said he had something for her in the car. "If I fetch it, will you let me back in?"

  "All right."

  She didn't want the flowers or whatever he had bought, but she was curious to see what he thought might win her round.

  He returned with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. Leah didn't accept them from him but she allowed him to follow her into the living room.

  "Does that dog bite?" he asked when he spotted Tarragon sprawled in front of the dying fire.

  "No, of course not."

  Tarragon greeted Leah in rather a half-hearted way. She wasn't surprised; he wasn't used to being awake at this time of night. She was surprised though when the dog completely ignored Adam.

  Adam tried again to present the flowers. When she still didn't take them he put them on the coffee table and launched into a long, complicated apology for his terrible behaviour. Watching him squirm lost its novelty value and Leah felt genuinely sorry for him. She didn't want to be on bad terms with anyone and as they still had to sort out about the flat she'd have to speak to him again. It would be so much better if they could be friendly.