Country Cousin

by Jacqueline Gilbert

  ‘I suspect—Ride a bike.’

  There! He’d done it again. Completely taken the wind out of her sails with his totally unexpected humour. Remorseful, she stammered:

  ‘I am grateful to you, Edward, for rescuing me from a long walk. I ... I don’t think I thanked you properly.’

  There was amusement in his voice. ‘I’ll accept your thanks as said, Eleanor, if you’ll only tell me what this is?’ and he lifted her hand to inspect it in the light from the pale, watery moon.

  Eleanor stared in puzzlement at her fingers. She had used pencil and pastel crayons for her drawings ... so why were they stained? Her frown broke and she smiled up into his face.

  ‘Oh! It’s blackberry juice!’ she exclaimed with a laugh.

  Edward touched her chin with a finger and tilted her face to the light.

  ‘You really are a child of nature, aren’t you?’

  For a crazy split second, Eleanor thought he was going to kiss her, and held her breath, her eyes mesmerised by his. Then he said brusquely:

  ‘Run along and find something to eat. You’ll not get very far on blackberries!’

  Feeling like a twelve-year-old, Eleanor ran into the house, branding herself with scornful comments, and escaped to bed as soon as she could.

  She had an early visitor the next morning, a chastened Vanessa.

  ‘Thanks for not giving me away to Edward.’ Vanessa moved from the bed to stare pensively out of the window at the steadily falling rain. She hunched her shoulders. ‘I wouldn’t have blamed you if you’d had a good moan. I know I’ve not been behaving very well since you came, and I’m sorry.’

  ‘Well, I was wished on you in the first place,’ comforted Eleanor, sipping the cup of tea Vanessa had brought in with her.

  ‘Yes, but I could have been a little more gracious. Dear brother calls me a selfish brat, and I’m afraid he’s right. You being decent about it makes things worse.’ Vanessa turned and leant on the window ledge. ‘I wouldn’t say I was the easiest of companions at the moment, but if you can put up with me...’ She eyed Eleanor thoughtfully. ‘Edward reckons you’ll be good for me.’

  ‘I object to being spoken of as if I were a patent medicine! Was Edward beastly to you?’ Eleanor pulled up her knees and clasped them with pyjama-clad arms. ‘I don’t think I fancy the idea of Edward being angry.’

  ‘He can be rather blistering,’ admitted Vanessa, ‘but he is fair. And I can’t complain—he’s a decent brother, really, protective in a detached sort of way. He taught me to drive, and that should have reduced him to a raving lunatic, but it didn’t,’ she added with a grin.

  ‘It’s a pity he came across me yesterday.’

  ‘Oh, he knew what was going on, but hoped I’d show sense without him having to lay down the law.’ Vanessa pulled a face and Eleanor smiled at the other girl’s matter-of-fact way in which she offered self-criticism ... it was heart-warming.

  ‘He was probably more annoyed because I cramped his style, somewhat, last night,’ said Eleanor.

  ‘Oh?’ Vanessa raised her brows. ‘How?’

  ‘There was this gorgeous blonde he’d arranged to meet,’ explained Eleanor. ‘A Felicity Maddox. She seemed to think I was expendable.’

  ‘She would,’ said Vanessa laughing. ‘She’s one of Edward’s more persistent admirers. He taught her toffy, hence the proprietorial manner. You’ve heard of Maddox Enterprises? Well, she’s the granddaughter. Mother’s hopeful of an alliance—but I don’t know, Edward’s a dark horse, and she’s one of many. Poor Mother is constantly frustrated. Goodness, I nearly forgot!’ Vanessa felt in her pocket. ‘Here’s a letter for you.’ She tossed it on to the bed and then walked to the door. ‘Hugh and Edward are playing golf all day. I thought we’d buzz off somewhere. Duffy will pack a hamper if we ask her nicely.’

  Eleanor looked out of the window, doubtfully. ‘It’s pouring with rain.’

  ‘It won’t last, Sam says so and he’s always right,’ declared Vanessa airily. ‘See you in half an hour.’

  Eleanor finished her tea thoughtfully and then opened her letter from home.

  ‘Sam was right, as you see,’ said Vanessa, peering up into the watery blue sky an hour later, as they walked towards the Spitfire.

  ‘Look, Van, are you sure you want to go...’ began Eleanor, and was silenced by Vanessa’s vigorous shaking of her head.

  ‘I don’t often do anything that isn’t basically geared to self. You can laugh, but it’s true, although I don’t think I’m wholly to blame. You must have gathered the sort of upbringing we’ve had ... I’m not complaining, but it has resulted in my being encouraged to use my initiative and be self-sufficient. I’ve been told that both Edward and myself have our fair share of arrogance ... it may be so.’ She shrugged and eased the Spitfire out of a line of traffic, overtaking with confidence and expertise. ‘Anyway, a few weeks ago something happened to shake both my initiative and self-sufficiency, and my arrogance is slightly dented. It doesn’t excuse my behaviour to you, but it may help to show me in a more kindly light... yours is the nicer nature and I’m trading on that, you see.’ Vanessa smiled wryly. ‘The Mansels aren’t used to being thwarted and I’m having to adjust to the idea that I can’t have everything I want at the click of a finger. I’m not explaining too well...’

  ‘You don’t need to explain,’ murmured Eleanor.

  Vanessa carried on gruffly: ‘Edward was-right. He said that if ever you offered your hand in friendship it would be no mean gesture. I can’t see you getting much out of it.’

  ‘Oh, I don’t know. I’ll have a chauffeur for a start,’ Eleanor said lightly, and began to ask questions about the route they were taking. It was no good trying to guess at what had knocked Vanessa off balance, and it didn’t really matter. What did matter was how much of that conversation was revealing. For one thing, Vanessa wasn’t so hard-boiled as she liked to make out, and for another, she was basically a truthful person, even if the truth was against herself.

  ‘By the way, that letter was from my sister,’ said Eleanor, ‘the one who’s being married in April, next year.’ She fished the letter from her pocket and smoothed the creases. ‘She says she has the chance of coming to London this week for a couple of days ... Guy is coming on business. It seems a pity not to take advantage of seeing her, as she’ll be so near. According to this, which she wrote at the weekend, they should have arrived yesterday, and as Guy has a meeting tomorrow afternoon, Kate suggests I meet her then.’

  Vanessa replied promptly: ‘Good idea, and no problem. I have to do my stint at the shop for the next two days. Why not come with me, and we could perhaps arrange an evening out for them—a meal and a show. That would be fun. We’ll rope Edward and Hugh in too.’

  ‘It might not be convenient for them,’ said Eleanor doubtfully, her motives confused. On the one hand she had hoped not to have to see Guy until the wedding, but perhaps it would do her good, be a testing? She would leave it to fate.

  ‘You can ask,’ Vanessa was saying decisively. ‘We’ll do it anyway, even if they can’t. It will be a fitting end to Hugh’s holiday.’ She swung the wheel over sharply and took a right fork in the road. ‘I’m making for Beachy Head, we’ll have lunch there and watch the Newhaven-Dieppe ferries crossing the Channel.’

  They spent an enjoyable day together, making tentative explorations towards friendship, each satisfied with the small inroads made. When they arrived back at Dunsmead, the silver-grey Jensen was parked in the drive and Vanessa brought the subject up of the proposed plans during the evening meal.

  ‘Slade? You say that Kate’s fiancé is Guy Slade?’ Eve Mansel asked, hand poised with the coffee pot. ‘Constance hasn’t written me about Kate’s engagement. She’s very young, of course, at eighteen.’

  ‘It only happened just before I came away,’ offered Eleanor, aware of the interest round the table.

  ‘We know some Slades, don’t we, Edward? I wonder if they’re the same?’

  As usual with ma
ny of his mother’s unanswerable questions, Edward ignored it, and turned to Eleanor.

  ‘If you’ll let me know where I can get hold of your prospective brother-in-law, I’ll make arrangements for the evening.’

  ‘We should have enough contacts between us to get into something decent,’ Hugh acknowledged thoughtfully.

  ‘Oh, anything will do,’ said Eleanor eagerly.

  ‘How refreshing to have such enthusiasm,’ replied Hugh with a smile.

  ‘If I remember rightly,’ Eve continued, ‘Guy is the good-looking one, a blond boy with a good deal of charm. Am I right?’ and she looked expectantly at Eleanor, who was conscious of Edward’s regard from across the table.

  ‘Yes, he is fair, she admitted, knowing her colour was rising.

  ‘Not a boy now, though,’ mused Eve, passing the cups round. ‘He must be about twenty-five. What a coincidence that we know him! And how lovely to have a wedding in the family,’ and she gave an exaggerated sigh and glared at her son and daughter.

  ‘Don’t despair, mater, old thing,’ said Vanessa cheekily, rousing from an unusually quiet spell, ‘we both might surprise you one of these years,’ and her father said dryly:

  ‘Do let us have notice in good time, my dear, for I’ll need to take out a bank loan, knowing your mother,’ and there was general laughter.

  After a moment, Eleanor’s eyes were drawn inexorably towards Edward. He was staring at her thoughtfully and she was pleased with the way she held his gaze and calmly refilled his coffee cup.

  The next day the two girls set out early.

  ‘It’s a nuisance the shop being on the north side, but I suspect it was intentional on Edward’s part.’ Vanessa grinned and added: ‘He’s never liked being too close to the family, and knowing Mama’s beady eyes, I’m not surprised.’ She negotiated a set of traffic lights and hooted at a taxi that was cutting in. ‘When I’m at the Crescent I don’t use the car, I go by tube, much easier,’ she added in exasperation.

  ‘The Crescent?’ Eleanor asked.

  ‘The town house, just off Sloane Square. Quite a handy base. Mr. and Mrs. Hickman live in the basement quarters and look after the place for us. We have a couple of part-time helpers in the shop.’ Vanessa pulled in at the kerb. ‘Here we are—Camden Mews. This is the back. The front is a pedestrian walk, which gives problems for parking but is nice for the customers. Edward lives above, it’s rather super—I’ll show you round, he won’t mind.’

  Eleanor considered this a somewhat sweeping statement, but there was no holding Vanessa, and anyway, she was curious. Edward’s home reflected his image, at least, the one he offered publicly, Eleanor thought, looking round the large main room. It was masculine to the point of austerity, furnished with excellent taste, and was immaculate. Very much a bachelor flat, she mused, returning down the stairs, hardly looking lived-in.

  The shop was not like a normal one, in Eleanor’s opinion, more like a huge sitting room displayed with treasures, and while Vanessa was reading the list of instructions that Edward had left for her, she made coffee and they set to work, dusting and polishing. Most of the customers were tourists and Eleanor enjoyed talking to them, and when things slackened off slightly she wandered round the other shops in the precinct, taking her time, noting that they were mostly antique and bookshops, the atmosphere exclusive and expensive. She returned to share a light lunch with Vanessa which they prepared in a tiny kitchen at the rear, and afterwards Eleanor asked advice as to where she should meet Kate.

  Vanessa’s finger moved expertly along Eleanor’s new street guide.

  ‘Bayswater Road ... Queensborough Terrace, yes, here it is. Why not meet here?’ she suggested, stabbing her finger ‘Your sister won’t know London, will she? It’s better if only one of you charges about getting lost.’

  ‘You say such encouraging things,’ murmured Eleanor, peering over her shoulder. ‘Yes, that’s a good idea, Van. May I telephone Kate now?’ It was convenient, so Eleanor dialled the number Kate had given her and waited.

  ‘Eleanor?’ Kate’s voice came over with peculiar intensity. ‘You can meet me, can’t you?’

  ‘Of course I can, you don’t think I’d let you come all this way without doing so, do you?’ exclaimed Eleanor, laughing. ‘How about meeting at the entrance to the Queensway underground? That’s the nearest to your hotel. Two o’clock ... and wait if I’m late.’

  ‘I’ll wait,’ promised Kate. ‘It ... it’s lovely to hear you, Nell, I have missed you. ’Bye. See you at two.’

  Vanessa returned as Eleanor was replacing the telephone. ‘Anything the matter?’ she asked, seeing Eleanor’s face. ‘Kate sounded rather strange,’ said Eleanor, puzzled. ‘The telephone is a terrible instrument, so impersonal, it distorts the most normal of conversations! I’ve been looking at the map again, Eleanor, and you might just as well go on to the Crescent when you’ve seen your sister and I’ll meet you there. It’s hardly any distance.’ She ignored the sceptical look given her and folded the map, pushing it into Eleanor’s bag. ‘Are you and Kate alike?’

  ‘Heavens, no!’ exclaimed Eleanor with a laugh. ‘Kate’s beautiful ... lovely hair, the colour of ripe corn, blue eyes, a super figure.’ She paused and said reflectively, ‘I’m not surprised that Guy fell for her the minute he saw her.’

  ‘I only hope it was more than looks he fell for,’ said Vanessa slowly. ‘Looks aren’t really important, are they?’

  ‘Oh, I know,’ Eleanor put in quickly, ‘and I’m sure there is something more. Kate’s a bit silly sometimes, but she’s still very young, isn’t she, at eighteen? I’m sure she’ll make Guy a good wife.’

  ‘What a great champion you are, Nell. Okay, so sister Kate is a smasher, but don’t do yourself down by comparison.’ Vanessa looked her over. ‘Hazel eyes, clear magnolia complexion, thick, glossy hair have their own attraction ... and you have lovely teeth.’

  Eleanor burst out laughing. ‘You sound like a television advertisement!’

  ‘You wait. One of these days I’ll go to work on you, and you’ll be surprised at the results,’ warned Vanessa, shooing her out of the door.

  Eleanor followed the directions to the nearest tube station, thinking of the evening ahead. Kate had been thrilled with the idea of a theatre outing and so arrangements had been made through Edward and Guy for them all to meet at eight o’clock. They would see the show together and then go on afterwards for a meal somewhere. During this piece of news Kate had sounded perfectly all right; the rest of the conversation, however, had sounded odd, as if she was labouring under a certain amount of tension.

  Eleanor sighed and boarded the crowded train. She would know soon enough if anything was the matter with Kate, and as for tension, she was labouring under some herself. She had to meet Guy some time and she supposed tonight was as good a time as any, but she wished it could have been less public. The others would be there, and Edward ... Edward, who knew how she felt about Guy, and whose sleepy blue eyes missed nothing.

  No, tonight was not going to be easy to live through.

  CHAPTER THREE

  ‘It is impossible to be in love and be wise.’

  Francis Bacon

  As Eleanor emerged from the underground station she looked anxiously around until she caught sight of Kate, and seeing her face, she was sure something was wrong. The October day, although sunny, had a nip to the air, and she turned up the collar of her camel coat and tightened the belt as she hurried towards her.

  Eleanor was surprised at the fierceness of her sister’s hug when they met. They crossed the busy Bayswater-Road and made for Kensington Gardens, arm in arm, matching their steps. When they reached the Gardens they made for the direction of the Round Pond and when all normal questions regarding the family had been asked and answered, Eleanor said quietly: ‘Is anything wrong, Katie?’ and was not surprised when her sister suddenly burst into tears. She immediately put her arms round her, asking quickly:

  ‘Kate, whatever is the matter? Is it Guy? Have yo
u fallen out with Guy?’ Kate shook her head, unable to speak, and fumbled for her handkerchief. Eleanor continued firmly: ‘What is it? Come and sit down on this seat and tell me.’ She waited until Kate had gained some degree of control and asked again: ‘What is it?’

  After a few moments Kate began to talk in a low voice, stumbling now and again and interrupting the flow with shuddering sobs.

  ‘I’ve been an awful fool, Nell, you’ll not believe how silly I’ve been, and I can’t go to Father for help and I just don’t know what to do! It’s my own fault... I was stupid and I can’t believe now that I let it happen. I can’t tell Guy, I just can’t! I love him so, and he thinks I’m p—perfect. I shall just die if his mother finds out, I can imagine what she’ll say because she doesn’t r—really approve of me, you know, and if she finds out...’

  ‘Kate, stop!’ begged Eleanor, thoroughly alarmed at the rising hysteria in her sister’s voice. ‘Calm down and don’t worry. I’m here and I can help. Finds out what? You’re not really telling me anything.’

  Kate swallowed hard and began to twist her handkerchief nervously between her fingers.

  ‘When I had the chance to come with Guy I was so pleased, Nell, you c—can imagine. Mrs. Slade sent for me and told me I could b—buy some clothes and charge them to her account, as part of my wedding gift from her. Guy’s cousin, Margot, lives in London and it was arranged for her to take me round. Mother wasn’t too keen about that, b—but I persuaded her it would be all right, I wanted to go with Margot, although I’d never met her. She’s older than us, Nell, about twenty-six, and awfully attractive and dresses out of this world! I liked her from the first, although she kept on teasing me about coming to London for the first time, she couldn’t get over that. Anyway, it was all tremendously exciting and I was enjoying myself enormously, and then...’ She stopped and stared miserably at the ground.

  ‘Go on, Katie,’ prompted Eleanor gently.