As soon as she was home, Kathy got straight to it and asked David to help.
‘I wouldn’t know what to say to him. Why me?’ David shut his eyes. He was trying to relax before the evening’s milking.
‘Because you can relate to him more than I can. He’ll listen to you.’
David wanted to say, Why? Because nobody else listens to me!
‘Take him for a walk or something. You two haven’t been up the fells for a while. Perhaps you could take him to that football match you promised. Anything, but please … please help me with this, David.’
‘Okay … okay… . I’ll do something with him this weekend while Alan’s milking, but don’t expect too much. I’m no social worker. But he’ll natter me to death. You know he can’t stop talking; he drives me crazy sometimes.’
Kathy had to hide a smile as she realised she’d got her way with him and felt, this time, she’d won the battle. She knew she had pushed him and forced the issue, and it showed in David’s countenance. He looked grave. He looked thinner in his face, and was developing a scowl, which drew his dark eyebrows ever closer together as he sat pensively, resigning himself to his obligation.
*
Linzi Keldas opened the fridge door to view its contents: a lemon, a packet of lard, some Stork margarine and two eggs.
‘Thank goodness for eggs.’
The dismal contents of the fridge only served to enforce her decision to go home. She had missed lectures for nearly two weeks because of a heavy cold, which had left her feeling drained and in poor spirits. She’d no money and felt miserable and, although the thought of home was small comfort to her, it still had a glimmer of appeal when she considered the lowly straits she’d found herself in.
Wearing only pyjamas and a blue bathrobe and slippers, she wandered through to the kitchen. It was lunchtime and she was famished and her head was thumping with too much sleep. In just one hour she had to be in Newcastle to catch the express coach to Keswick.
‘What a mess!’ she said, as she attempted to wipe some grime from the cooker, her cloth soon becoming smeared with sticky grease. She then whisked the eggs and poured them into a clean pan, to make scrambled eggs.
‘This place stinks!’ she grumbled, as she looked about the dingy flat. The kitchen sink was clogged with dirty pots and pans; the waste bin was over-flowing with empty cans and bottles; her fellow flatmates were all as guilty as she for the mess. She shuffled across the sitting room and pulled back a pair of heavy curtains to reveal clouds of dust and spiders’ webs floating across the room exposed by the early spring sunshine. The gas fire was only just managing to put out some heat.
Linzi wanted to cry at the pathetic state she found herself in. ‘Does nobody ever do anything around here?’ Her two flatmates, both in college, had left the remains of their breakfast on the coffee table: half-eaten bowls of Rice Crispies floating in milk, several cups of cold coffee and side plates strewn about the sitting room which had been left for days, maybe even weeks. She was about to start and clear them away, but thought better of it, and went back to the kitchen to butter some toast.
*
Linzi managed to make an effort with her appearance as she bathed and washed her hair, putting on jeans and layers of tshirts and pullovers. She found an overnight bag and stuffed it as full as she could with dirty washing to take home, put on her navy Parka and wrapped a red scarf about her neck that almost obscured her face.
She just caught the bus in time, and could relax for a couple of hours as they progressed across England. She made herself as comfortable as possible on the back seat and was mesmerised by gazing aimlessly out of the window as they left the busy streets of Newcastle behind.
As the coach stopped at one of the suburbs, Linzi noticed a young woman boarding. She watched for some time as the girl paid her fare then wandered towards the back of the coach and sat just in front of her.
Where have I seen you before? Linzi was perplexed as she peered out from over the top of her scarf. Then she realised this was the girl David ignored at the bus station a few months earlier and the memory of that intrigued her.
As the girl settled down in front of Linzi, she carelessly dropped the contents of her purse on the floor, and the coins rolled about under the seats. Linzi felt compelled to help. ‘I think we have a mutual acquaintance.’ Linzi said, stretching to pick up some of the money and giving it to the girl.
Hannah Robson looked up and said ‘I’m sorry… . Do I know you?’
‘No, I don’t suppose you do. I’m Linzi Keldas.’
Hannah’s large brown eyes flashed wide open and thoughts of David came straight to her mind. This girl must be his wife! Hannah thought, as she recognised Linzi behind the layers of clothing. She couldn’t explain why, but felt disappointed as she realised this was the girl she’d seen David embracing at the bus station. ‘Oh! Do you mean David?’ Hannah was cautious.
‘Yes. I believe you know him?’
Hannah, immediately wanting to play down much knowledge of him replied, ‘Oh, only in that I work with Barry Fitzgerald.’
‘Yes I know.’ Linzi was disappointed in Hannah’s complacency.
Hannah sat half-turned in her seat and was surprised that Linzi had recognised her from what must have only have been a fleeting glance at the bus-station a few months earlier.
‘Are you going back to Windermere today?’ Linzi asked.
Hannah turned again and guessing Linzi wanted to talk, was glad of some light conversation that would help pass the long trip back to Cumbria. ‘Yes. I’ve had the week off. Barry wants me back for any emergencies over the weekend.’
‘Are you going home too?’
Linzi sighed as she replied, ‘Yes, but reluctantly I’m afraid. To tell you the truth I’ve had the flu and I’m broke and I need to borrow some money off Davey. That’s if he’ll cough up!’
Hannah mused and thought it a strange request to have to borrow money off your own husband - still, they were a strange family.
As Hannah looked puzzled, Linzi tried to explain. ‘I’m a student you see, and I can’t manage on my grant.’
‘Doesn’t David help you out?’
‘Phoo! Why should he?’
‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.’
‘That’s okay. It’s just that my brother’s probably loaded and he doesn’t like opening his wallet, especially to me.’
‘Oh, your brother… . He’s your brother.’ Hannah was surprised to find she was relieved. ‘I’m sorry. How stupid of me.’
‘Who did you think I was?’ Linzi laughed. ‘Oh my goodness. Surely you didn’t think I was his wife! I wouldn’t be good enough for Mr Perfect. I’m afraid Davey’s got a severe case of narcissism. Whoever marries him would have to be better than him, and he thinks no one like that exists.’
Hannah was uncomfortable in the way the conversation was turning. ‘So what are you studying?’
‘Oh … Business Studies; book keeping and stuff like that. Well, I’m supposed to be, but I’ve just had two weeks off sick and, to be honest, I don’t know if I’ll go back after the Easter break.’ Linzi surprised herself at how open she’d been to this stranger, but Hannah’s smile and her warm brown eyes had drawn out her very thoughts and compelled her to speak.
‘How much longer do you have to do? I’m sorry; I don’t even remember your name.’ Linzi continued.
‘Hannah … Hannah Robson. I’ve just less than two years until I sit my finals. How about you?’
‘I’m in my second year, but I very much doubt I’ll finish.’ Linzi whinged.
‘You can’t give up now! You’re nearly there. If you flunk out now, the last eighteen months will have been wasted.’
Hannah sounded enthusiastic and Linzi wondered how she could be; being a student herself, she must understand how difficult it was. But Hannah was free. She wasn’t stuck in college, day in and day out. At least Hannah could do some practical work and travel about.
‘Oh, it’s just
so very, very boring. Please don’t tell Barry, will you? He knows my mum and if this gets back to her, she’ll worry sick and natter on at me. Have you met my mother?’
‘Yes. She’s a lovely woman,’ Hannah smiled. ‘I’ve met your little sister too.’
Linzi warmed to Hannah and guessed for the first time in years, that she’d made a new friend. ‘Does your family live in Newcastle?’ Linzi had recognised her accent.
‘No, we live in a small village just outside Durham. Just Dad and me, that is.’
‘Do you have any brothers and sisters?’
‘No, only me. My mum died of cancer two years ago.’
‘I’m sorry,’ Linzi paused and sounded sympathetic. ‘You know about my Dad, do you?’
‘Well … sort of. I’m sorry too.’
‘I think my mum’s just beginning to pick up the pieces now. I’m not sure about Davey though.’
Hannah thought it strange that this surly young man should be referred to as “Davey”. Barry had called him that once or twice and, somehow, the name of affection didn’t lend itself to his person.
‘Men are peculiar things,’ Hannah continued. ‘My father never talks about my mother, and I think if he did he would feel better.’
‘I get the impression Davey wants to talk about Dad, but my mother, as fragile as she looks, is a tough cookie. She sometimes doesn’t seem to care.’
‘I’m sure she does. Your mother seems a lovely person. It’ll just be her way of coping.’
Linzi knew this was just what everyone else was saying and continued. ‘Are you going straight to Barry’s?’
‘Yes, I live in the flat above the surgery.’
‘We’ll give you a lift, then. Either Davey or my mum will meet me today. We can’t leave you standing at the bus stop, can we. We must make up for our Davey’s ignorance last time.’
Hannah didn’t want to be a nuisance. The practice was a long drive from Keld Head, and yet she was intrigued to see how Linzi interacted with David; maybe it would reveal something about him and that thought tempted her. ‘Well, only if they have time.’
‘Would you like to come out for a drink with us on Saturday night?’ Linzi next asked.
‘Who would be there?’
‘Me … Davey… . His friend Tony Milton. His sister Joanne. Then there’s Darren Watson from Langdale. I have my eyes on him; he’s a dish… . Just those few. That’s all.’
‘Oh, I don’t know. You’re kind, but they might not want me there. I’d feel like I was intruding.’
‘Rubbish! You’ll bring some culture to our group.’
With the spontaneity of their conversation the girls were soon looking at the Cumbrian fells, and as they fast approached Keswick, Blencathra and Skiddaw were there to welcome them, looming above them in the last of the early evening light. Mist on the summits and a sprinkling of snow in the gullies were just visible to the eye.
‘Do you like the Lakes, Hannah?’
‘Yes, I love it here. I’ve settled here better than anywhere else. But, I must admit, I don’t like these farmers. They’re a cantankerous lot.’
‘Oh, you’ll get used to them. It’s probably because you’re a woman and they don’t think you’re up to the job. I hope Davey was kind to you?’
Hannah couldn’t tell Linzi what she really thought of David.
But as they jumped from the coach, Hannah found herself disappointed to see Linzi’s mother sitting in the Rover waiting. Kathy had decided that she’d given David enough to think about with her problem with Tom and daren’t ask any more favours of him.
‘Mum. I think you know Hannah? Can we give her a lift to Windermere? We can’t leave her standing at the station, can we?’ Linzi looked at Hannah for any hint of a reaction but there was none.
Kathy wound down the window, popped her head out and saw in the semi-darkness, Barry’s pretty assistant. ‘Jump in, Hannah. Of course we’ll take you home.’
*
During the drive to Windermere, Hannah asked after Silver and her calf. Kathy described in detail how David had spent hours, under sufferance, walking around the foldyard trying to give the animal some exercise, and was happy to say she was now doing well.
‘I’m sorry about the state of the car.’ Kathy apologised, as she noticed Hannah remove a half-empty packet of crisps she’d just sat on, and pulled away several lengths of baler string and pieces of straw.
Sitting in the back of the Rover, Hannah felt comfortable with Kathy. Then she noticed a man’s brown woollen pullover that had been thrown carelessly on the backseat beside her. She couldn’t help but pick it up, gently fold it, and rest it on the seat beside her.
10
ON HIGH AND VERY WHITE STONES
‘She’s from County Durham.’ Linzi cuddled Sarah then struggled to release herself as the child hung on firmly around her neck.
David had just come in from a hectic milking session. Several cows had developed mastitis and he wanted them all safely treated, so Alan wouldn’t have any problems with them in the morning. He went to the washbasin and, quietly unconcerned, washed his hands.
‘Yes. I liked her as soon as I saw her,’ Kathy said. ‘Sarah hasn’t stopped talking about her since. How much longer is she here for?’
‘Only until July, I think. Depending on whether Barry needs her over the summer.’
David continued to scrub his fingernails with his back to his family, only half-listening. Who on earth is she talking about? he thought, not really caring. Barry needs her over the summer; Sarah knows her.
‘Anyway, I asked her to come out with us tomorrow night. Is that all right with you, Davey?’ Linzi looked longingly at her brother.
‘Mind what?’
‘HANNAH ROBSON … COMING WITH US … FOR A DRINK … TOMORROW NIGHT!’
Still confused and embarrassed, David wondered how Linzi knew Hannah Robson. ‘I don’t know who you mean.’ David lied as he turned to her, drying his hands on an old towel, knowing he couldn’t give a better reply.
*
Hannah unpacked her holdall and carefully folded her clothes away. The small flat above the practice still felt warm, despite being empty for the week. Barry’s wife, Eleanor, had put the central heating on and had stocked the fridge and larder with fresh milk and bread. Hannah knew Barry and Eleanor spoilt her and they treated her like their own.
If Linzi could have seen Hannah’s flat it would have depressed her all the more. Not that Hannah always had it easy. She’d lived in some dreadful places at the university, and some diabolical cottages and caravans supplied by some not-so-generous veterinary practices. She too had struggled and, like Linzi, had often felt like giving up, especially when her mother was ill. And once her mother died, she felt a pull so strong to return home to support her grieving father; Hannah would have given everything up, there and then, if not for the dying wish of her mother to continue. But this little flat of Barry Fitzgerald’s was sparse yet warm and Hannah kept it clean. It was painted white throughout, with a handful of Lakeland scenes hung on the wall. She’d just a few essentials: a television, a bed, a sofa and even some luxuries, like the central heating and a shower, and the use of the telephone in the hallway.
The practice itself lay high on a hill, amongst woodland, on the outskirts of Windermere. The grand house that had belonged to Barry’s father had once been lavishly decorated and furnished to a high standard, but Eleanor’s disinterest had let things get untidy. The money was there, but she had neither the desire nor the will to do anything with it. Barry was always too busy to offer any help and too satisfied to want to. Yet, when things were purchased, they were done to excess.
Tonight, Hannah contemplated the invitation that Linzi had made. She was half-wanting to accept, and then half-hoping she would be called out on an emergency. She thought she would like to see Linzi again and help her if she could. Hannah was glad that she’d stuck with it and knew Linzi would regret the decision if she dropped out now. But the thought of an even
ing with David brought out a bit of devilment in Hannah. It may be her chance to get even with him, thinking how much she could hurt his narcissistic ego. But Hannah doubted that he would want her there and felt certain no phone call would come to make a definite date.
Hannah hadn’t felt particularly lonely in Windermere. When she had a day off, and that was seldom, she would drive off to the lower fells and take Barry’s Lakeland terrier with her. Windermere and Bowness were always alive with visitors, winter and summer. Hannah loved looking around the little shops and boutiques, occasionally treating herself to some quality walking gear and enjoying breaking them in.
Searching through the kitchen cupboards to find something quick and easy to make for her tea, Hannah finally settled down in front of the television with a plate of tinned spaghetti on toast, when she felt a hint of uncertainty creep over her.
*
‘Come on, Davey… . Get up!’ Tom was jumping up and down on David’s bed.
David pulled the covers over his face to screen him from the light and from the claws of the black dog that was standing with all fours on top of him.
‘Go away, Tom. It’s too early!’ David’s voice was muffled under the covers.
‘Mum says we should get an early start!’
‘Clear off NOW … ! And take the dog with you, for pity’s sake. Come back in an hour and maybe bring me a cup of tea.’
David did manage to get back off to sleep and was so comfortable, that he felt reluctant to get up, let alone spend a day walking. Still, he’d promised and didn’t want to let his brother down. He hadn’t any idea where they would walk or what he was going to say to Tom. He’d tried not to think about it and had succeeded to some extent; except for the occasional niggle in the back of his mind. But an hour later he was sitting up in bed, drinking the tea that Tom had brought him. He still felt uncomfortable and had some disquieting thoughts that he couldn’t clearly recall. As he searched his mind, he realised that they were more than just the problem with Tom.
Northern Spirit Page 14