by Janey Lewis
Now able to feel elated and excited for her parents, Liberty hoped Deirdre would accept his proposal. Weird as it was, it would, she knew, make her mother very happy if he proposed formally, and that pleased her hugely.
Deciding it was time to go home, she took her champagne glass to the sink and shouted her goodbyes. ‘Call me if you need to!’ And she took herself back over the green. Letting herself in, she found a large puddle of wee and an upset Teal, who had been hiding under the table during Liberty’s outburst and had no idea that everything was sorted out. Picking the lovely dog up and giving her a cuddle, Liberty told her that everything was OK, that she, Liberty, needed to get a life and to clear up the dishes and the floor. As she did so, Liberty continued to chatter to Teal.
‘So, my parents have more romance than I do. I think that I am in love with a man who only sees me when I have no make-up on and usually when I am crying. My business may be failing before it opens, due to my apparent criminal record, and my soon to be ex-husband may or may not be having a baby with another woman. Great. Things couldn’t be better. Come on, let’s go and Skype Savannah to cheer ourselves up.’
As Savannah saw the little pug’s face pushed up against the camera she let out a yelp of laughter. ‘Hello, my friend,’ she said joyfully. ‘How’s everything in Blighty?’
She and Liberty had a good gossip. The children were still being tutored at home, but Khalid had left soon after Gray. ‘Oh, Liberty,’ said Savannah, full of emotion, ‘it was so good having Gray here for a few days.’
‘And are you all right?’ asked Liberty, full of concern.
‘Well, oddly, yes. Khalid’s been lovely, and he has said the children must stay here if that is what I want. All a bit strange, really. He seemed to get on very well with Gray – they kept muttering like best buddies to each other. Khalid seems so much happier here. Gray thought it was the threat of me staying in the UK that made Khalid so strange, and you know better than anyone that I was considering it. But he is being very loving, has asked for my forgiveness, and the children didn’t even notice that anything was out of the ordinary – it was just a big adventure to them. He is still very possessive and doesn’t like me to phone home too much, that’s why I’ve been out of touch, but, strangely, since my return, I have felt much more as though I belong here and I am making a big effort. I may miss England, but my family is here, so you will just have to come and visit.’ She then enquired how things were going with the café and if there was any news of Percy.
After her debriefing, Savannah said, ‘If you need me, I can come, it would be fine. Just say the word.’
Liberty felt such a surge of warmth towards her friend that she squeezed Teal too tightly, and the pup squealed and leapt off her lap.
‘I know what that means, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart, but you must stay put, at least for the time being. Edmund has been a great support. I really miss you, though; it was lovely to spend those few short hours with you.’
Savannah said the same and that it was such a pity they had lost contact for such a long time. ‘We will just have to do our best via Skype and Facebook. Did Edmund tell you that Pa is going off to France soon? So nice for him to be in love again. I sometimes wonder if I have always felt to blame for Ma’s death, and now he has found someone to love, I can settle too. Does that sound odd?’
Liberty smiled. ‘Only coming from you. I didn’t know you had been taking life-coaching lessons,’ she joked. ‘You never know, maybe you will become the perfect wife and Khalid will be able to trust you enough to let you come and visit!’
Savannah closed her eyes and Liberty immediately regretted saying such a thing as her friend blurted out, ‘It would be such a shame if I could never bring the children to Denhelm again.’ They moved swiftly on to the subject of Gray.
Both women agreed Gray had done the right thing in resigning his post, but Savannah was furious that Liberty had kept his sexuality a secret. ‘I think I was always so self-absorbed in my teenage rebellion phase–’
‘Which started when you were about eight,’ interrupted Liberty.
‘–that I didn’t notice my beautiful brother gazing at my boyfriends rather than my girlfriends. He seems to be so much happier now, and this old major friend appears to have taken him in. All sounds ghastly to me, but Gray is good at coping with poverty and sickness. I wouldn’t last half an hour myself, let alone a few months.’
‘No,’ agreed Liberty, thinking of her lovely but spoiled girlfriend. ‘You wouldn’t. But I’m off for a ride on your old horse with Edmund tomorrow.’
‘Oooh, give Black Charmer a kiss on his big nose from me – and the horse as well!’ Savannah said with a giggle. ‘Is Ed still so severe and gloomy? He seems so negative about taking on the estate. Pa and I thought he would take to it like a duck to water but perhaps we were wrong.’
‘Well, I think it’s going to take time,’ said Liberty. ‘I think Jonathan’s shoes are a big pair to fill, but Edmund is a hard worker, and he will find his place in time. I’m sure he will love it eventually. Goodness, he has only just found out he has to give up his job, take over Denhelm and cope with me along with the rest of the village, let’s give him a chance! Anyway, I had better let you go, give the children a kiss for me. Miss you, call when you can.’ And with that she closed her computer and decided to do some baking; it was the only way she knew how to relax these days.
42
Liberty met Edmund at the stables that afternoon. It was another glorious day, low sun giving the promise of spring on its way, sparkling cobwebs in the hedgerows lit up with dew like diamond necklaces, daffodils waving their mustard-yellow heads in the light breeze. They greeted each other fondly, and Liberty apologised again for her outburst. ‘It was unnecessary and inappropriate for me to behave like that when you so kindly offered to come and stop me being an idiot, so I’m sorry.’
Edmund reminded her that in no way had he offered to come, but had realised why she wanted him there. Before she could revert back to thinking of him as stuffy old Edmund, he then smiled – gosh, this was an almost daily occurrence now – and said, ‘It was my pleasure, and I’m so pleased they are happy. What about you? Was it the alcohol that cheered you up, or are you really OK with the arrangement now?’
Liberty thought for a moment and then replied, ‘I love the idea that they are blissfully happy again. I just hope it will have the fairy-tale ending we all hope for.’ She then lightened the mood by recounting her conversation with Savannah, and they both remarked on how happy she seemed.
‘It’s all a bit unreal,’ commented Edmund. ‘Khalid practically kidnapping the children, and all that horror, and now a few weeks later – bingo, she seems wonderfully content again. I hope it’s genuine.’
They mounted, Liberty helped by one of the grooms. She noted that Edmund’s reins were merely handed to him, and he had to use the mounting block.
As they sauntered through the park, Edmund told her of his regret that he didn’t have people skills. ‘Pa always managed to chat with the workers and make them feel like members of the family. I only seem to put their backs up.’
Knowing how gruff and unfriendly she had always thought him, Liberty wasn’t surprised. He wasn’t the first person a PR consultant would employ, but she just said he should give it time, let them know that he still had the best interests of the estate and its workers at heart, and they would come round eventually. ‘Don’t forget, most of the employees have worked here all their lives. They were hired and taught by your father or someone on his team. It’s different for them now, and they must all be very wary of any changes you make.’
Liberty suddenly remembered Edmund had left before Alain had told her of his plan, and she confided in him that her father was planning to propose to her mother.
‘I can’t work out if that is far too fast or far too slow!’ he said. ‘Let’s have a gallop and I’ll wait for you down at the gate.’ And he raced off.
‘Bloody cheek!’ sc
reamed Liberty, laughing into the wind and kicking Savannah’s old hunter into gear. She was convinced she could beat him, and urged her strong, capable mount forward, but Edmund kept his lead and twenty minutes later they brought up their horses for a breather by the river bank.
‘A heaving chest and rosy cheeks look well on you,’ said Edmund as he patted Black Charmer’s strong neck. Liberty gradually blushed as she realised the black horse couldn’t have rosy cheeks. Was he talking to her? A heaving chest! She hoped not, and then hoped so with secret delight.
The sunlight was glistening on the emerging buds on the alder trees that signalled an end to the long winter. The birds were calling sweetly and there was that tingle of spring in the air.
‘What a perfect day. I don’t want it to end,’ said Liberty, as they walked back to the stables.
Inspired by the freedom he had just enjoyed on his ride, and by Liberty’s company, Edmund uncharacteristically replied immediately, ‘OK, let’s not end it. I’ve a yearning to get out of the village. Let’s take a jaunt. Get dressed up in your finery. I’m taking you to supper at the best establishment in the area – The Dark Horse, have you heard of it? I happen to know a chap who can get us a last-minute reservation, even on a Sunday night.’
‘Or a girl whose father is that chap? Oh, what a good idea! You are clever, it will take our minds off everything, and what with your Pa and my parents, we deserve a bit of fun too!’
She left Edmund to deal with the sour looks from the stable lads, and raced off home to call Alain on his mobile, hoping that she wasn’t interrupting . . .
‘Oh, no hope, darling, you know us – we’re booked a month in advance.’ Liberty sighed, but she should have known. Unbeknown to Liberty, her mother was gesturing at Alain’s side. Getting the gist of what Liberty was asking, she gave Alain a hefty kick in the shins. Alain spluttered and said, ‘I’m sure we will manage something, though – we’ll do what is done in these emergencies and put up a spare table for you.’
Alain was eager to do anything he could to please Liberty, but he knew his crack team in the kitchen would be stretched to full limit and the amuse-bouches were waiting to be prepared. But he also knew they would have spares in case of mishap and a fridge full of ingredients, so why not challenge them? Two extra diners. He felt a little guilty about not being there, but he certainly didn’t want to leave his beloved’s side now. Deirdre had taken the opportunity when he was on the phone to get out of bed at last and he could hear her happily splashing in the vast tub in the bathroom of their beautifully appointed suite. Eager to be in the water with her, he called his second in command and instructed him to move some tables and fit in the one they kept for last-minute VIPs or regular customers they indulged occasionally.
Meanwhile, Liberty was flustered. She thought it might be more relaxing to stay the night, and they could then both enjoy rather more wine, but how would she ask Edmund? In the end she called him and said there were two free rooms on offer. Edmund got the message and said that would be just fine, but privately he regretted the availability of more than one room.
Liberty primped and preened. No matter if Edmund only thought of her as an escape from the estate, she wanted to look her best. Gleaming, oiled, waxed and cleansed she emerged from the bathroom in a cloud of Fleurs d’Oranger by Serge Lutens, much to Teal’s disapproval. The little dog looked up at her shimmering owner, and glowered as only a pug can glower, knowing she would be left behind.
‘Don’t worry, my friend,’ said Liberty, picking the pug up and scratching her tummy. Her excitement was catching, and Teal cheered up when told she was going to be looked after by Sarah at Dijon and Custard’s house.
As they were going to stay the night, Liberty chose to change into her evening wear on arrival. It would be more comfortable that way on the drive down. She picked a dark green corseted Victoria Beckham dress with little sleeves and an on-the-knee for decency hemline, but with a cleavage-enhancing neckline for Edmund, who just might notice she was a woman and not merely a friend of his sister. Alligator-skin knee-high boots with four-inch heels and pearls for her wrists and ears would keep the outfit smart but not too obvious. Pearls always make you feel ladylike, she thought. ‘Even though my heart will explode if I don’t get to kiss his handsome face soon,’ she said with a giggle to nobody in particular as Teal scampered downstairs to puggle round and round by the front door, eager to visit her friends.
Liberty dressed for the journey in slim black trousers, a black polo neck and ballet pumps, and took her Birkin for her overnight things. She had a small bright purple leather Prada clutch for the evening that could hold perfume and lipstick.
Her cheeks glowed from the hairdryer and her eyes had been enlarged with emerald green and violet eyeliner and lashings of black mascara, so she wouldn’t have to spend hours in the bathroom once there – something Percy had always criticised her for.
Edmund had said he would pick her up at seven. The journey would only take twenty-five minutes, and as supper was at eight thirty they would have time to settle in and have at least one drink before dinner.
Edmund was early in his eagerness, and driving past the green he caught sight of Liberty racing back home, having dropped off Teal.
‘Am I late?’ she asked as he got out of the car, resplendent in his dinner shirt, his jacket hanging in the back.
‘No, am I overdressed?’
‘Oh, no! I thought I would change there, save getting myself crumpled. Is that OK?’
‘Good idea. Get your things, then we can be off.’
They drove in companionable silence, listening to Handel on Radio Three. ‘Bloody car – marvellous off road, and super comfy, but in true Range Rover spirit something always seems to go wrong. My radio won’t tune into anything else. I think it’s trying to improve my interest in classical music, which I have to say, is working, although on long journeys it can become soporific unless they are playing a requiem or an opera.’
As they drew closer the car’s navigation system told Edmund they had reached their destination. Liberty gave him instructions to arrive safely at the hotel by driving to the bottom of the hill and then taking a sharp left, at which point they could see a large sign saying ‘The Dark Horse. Restaurant with Rooms. One Mile. Unmade Track.’
‘Blimey, how do people negotiate this after a few too many?’ wondered Edmund.
‘It’s a sign of the restaurant’s popularity that people put up with it,’ said Liberty as he crawled up the bumpy, potholed track, fringed on either side by thick forest. ‘I think it’s quirky. Townies see it as an adventure and country people feel they should be able to cope because others do. But it’s worth it when you get there.’
Even in the dark, Edmund could appreciate the atmosphere of the place. With the last corner negotiated and the forest cleared, as they drove over a stone humpbacked bridge crossing the stream that lazily meandered through the hotel grounds, they could see the grand old building that housed Alain’s pride and joy. It nestled into the hill as though it had grown from the ground up rather than having been built on to it. it was lit by soft floodlights on the outside, and from within the promise of fires and snug rooms peeked out of the windows. It looked tranquil, elegant and very romantic . . .
‘Don’t be alarmed by the brown bath water – it comes straight from the river,’ explained Liberty, feeling excited to be back. ‘Shame it’s still too cold to have a drink outside,’ she reflected. ‘It’s stunning on a summer’s evening with the lavender out and the roses over the walls.’
They parked at the rear and carried their own bags into the hotel. A cosy hall with squashy sofas and roaring fire served as a reception of sorts and Gary, Alain’s manager, raced over, full of apologies and horrified they had to carry their own things.
‘Don’t be silly,’ said Liberty as she kissed him and introduced Edmund.
‘A drink first?’ he suggested.
‘I’d like to change my clothes first,’ said Liberty, and Edmund ag
reed. ‘Let’s put our things in the rooms and then we can relax.’
‘Rooms? Rooms?’ said Gary with a straight face, looking down at his computer screen, but Liberty noticed the tiny smile threatening to break out.
‘Yes, Daddy phoned, I think.’
‘No problem,’ said Gary, back to his usual professional best and carefully refraining from continuing his little joke. ‘I’ve given you the Garden Rooms, two charming rooms in the west wing. I am sure you will be very comfortable.’
Seeing other guests arriving, Liberty suggested that as she knew where the rooms were she would take the keys and they could find their way. ‘And thank you for fitting us in,’ she said, smiling at Gary, pleasure fizzing through her at this unexpected jaunt. She hadn’t spent a night here since she was a child.
‘Thank you, my dear, and do let me know if I can do anything at all to make your stay more pleasant.’
Opening the door to Edmund’s suite, Liberty reflected there would be very little anyone could do to improve their surroundings. The walls of both suites were, as she knew, decorated with birds and plants on silks and linens, and they had massive bathrooms whose tubs sat by the windows so the view could be fully appreciated. A fire twinkled behind a guard in Edmund’s sitting room, and a cooler with a bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs sat beside a bowl of fruits. Next to the espresso machine in the corner, a little porcelain bowl held freshly baked buttery shortbread and ginger biscuits.
The half-tester bed was already turned down for the night. No obvious TV, but Liberty showed Edmund how to press the button by the bed, whereupon the mirror on the opposite wall above the fire turned into a flat screen.
‘Oh good, I can check the rugby. You go and get changed. Do you want a drink downstairs, or to have the champagne here?’
‘Let’s have a glass before we go down. We can always take it with us.’
Amazed to find more of the same champagne in her own room, but with an added bowl of the chocolate truffles her father knew she loved, Liberty quickly changed into her dinner dress and retouched her make-up.