In the clubroom, she automatically plumped up the cushions on the chairs, checked coffee supplies and straightened the pile of audio tapes on the table by the sewing machine. The club was fitting well into the business, with the members gearing up to help her make a success of Worldwide Knit in Public Day just a few weeks away.
Only last week they’d decided to have a sponsored knitting marathon on the day. Plans were also being made for a Christmas craft bazaar. Would Mattie be prepared to take on the organization if she returned to Bristol?
Katie climbed up to the attic room. She glanced into the bedroom as she went past. Her new mattress had arrived yesterday and she’d happily made up the bed. Now everything was ready for her to move in. Despite Leo’s reservations. Leo. Katie pushed all thoughts of Leo firmly from her mind.
If Patrick hadn’t arrived unexpectedly she’d planned to move in by this weekend but his arrival had complicated things. It had seemed easier to stay at the cottage but she’d definitely decided to move in this week and give Mattie back her space.
Opening the window, she took a deep breath as she looked out over the river towards the castle. Did she really want to leave again? Let people down? More importantly, let Mattie down? Why hadn’t her dream job materialized before? Why hadn’t Patrick proposed before? A little niggle in her head responded with, ‘Because he didn’t need to’. Round and round went her thoughts until finally she closed the window and left to meet Patrick.
Patrick was sitting in his car on the embankment by the Royal Avenue Gardens waiting for her and leant across to kiss her cheek as she slid into the passenger seat. The diamond solitaire engagement ring in its opened box sparkled in the sunshine on the dashboard.
‘I was afraid you were going to be late,’ he said, ‘and I really do need to leave on the next ferry but one. So, Katie….’ He turned to look at her. ‘Are you staying down here or coming back to me and your proper career?’
‘Can I have some more time to think about it, please, Patrick? Get the summer season over. See how….’
Patrick shook his head and interrupted her. ‘Sorry, no. Today is decision time. If you’re not joining me in the company I need to find someone else to take your place to start organizing things.’
The niggling feeling she’d had suddenly fell into place inside her head as Katie realized what was happening. Patrick was putting his new company before their own engagement and personal happiness.
Silently, Katie stared out of the window and knew there was only one answer she could give Patrick. She sat there trying to put her decision into words that wouldn’t be too hurtful for him.
He reached out and took her hand in his. ‘I have missed you, Katie. Please come back to me. Accept my ring.’
Katie turned to look at him. ‘You say you’ve missed me. That you want to marry me – but do you love me, Patrick? You haven’t hugged me really close since you arrived – and you’ve never uttered those three little words.’
‘Katie, I’ve told you before, I’m not a demonstrative type of man. I do want you in my life so if it helps you to decide – I love you.’
Katie smiled faintly. ‘You sound like a certain prince wondering what that thing called love was.’ She took a deep breath before adding, ‘You’ve been a good friend and a good boss but I don’t think you love me. I’m a convenient and useful solution to certain things current in your life. In other words, I think you’re just trying to use me for your own ends.’
As he went to protest, Katie continued, ‘Just listen. You think I’m wasting my time down here, that I’m only doing it for Mattie. The truth is, I love running A Good Yarn. I also love living back down here. A year ago if you’d offered me my dream job in the media I’d have been there, no question. But today….’ Katie shook her head. ‘Today it’s not what I want any more. I guess I’ve outgrown those dreams because now my dream is to make a success of A Good Yarn. So I’m staying down here. It’s where my life is now.’
Silently she stared out at the boats on the river and watched a seagull land on the roof of a boat-trip kiosk before turning to Patrick and saying gently, ‘I don’t want to marry you either, Patrick. I’ve realized I don’t love you any more than you love me. I can’t marry you without loving you.’ She removed her hand from his. ‘I’m sorry, your ring is not for me.’ Leaning forward she closed the lid on the ring box.
‘Your decision,’ Patrick said, picking up the ring box and putting it in the glove compartment. ‘Have to say I think it’s the wrong one but then I would, wouldn’t I? Can’t believe you’re turning not only me down but also the final chance of having any sort of media-based career. Think the regrets will begin to haunt you in about a year. You’d better go.’
Katie opened the car door, turned to give Patrick a gentle goodbye kiss on the cheek and got out.
Before she closed the car door she leant in and looked at Patrick sadly. ‘I’m truly sorry, Patrick. I wish you all the luck in the world with your business. I also hope you meet somebody and fall in love.’ She smiled at him briefly before adding, ‘Go and get in the ferry queue. Safe journey back to Bristol for your meeting.’ She closed the car door before turning and walking swiftly away.
Praying that Patrick would make for the Higher Ferry and not drive past her along the one-way system to take the Lower Ferry, Katie hurried along the embankment before turning up into Hawley Road and making for the steps in Fairfax Place that led up to Higher Street. Once she knew there was no danger of Patrick driving past and – and what? Begging her to change her mind? She slowed down to a normal walking pace and thought about what she had said to him.
It was true, her dreams had changed since she’d taken over A Good Yarn and she was happy she’d taken the decision to return. But, and there was always a but, Katie thought wryly, would she have cause to regret turning Patrick’s offers down in the future? What if she failed with the business and Mattie had to close it down anyway? What if there were more break-ins? Damage to the stock hadn’t been too bad this last time but what if it happened again? Mentally, Katie shook herself. The burglar alarm was fitted and it was only a matter of days now before she moved into the flat.
A Good Yarn wasn’t going to fail. Business was already picking up both with locals and the ever-growing number of tourists. Mattie had already said this summer season was showing signs of being the best for several years. With that happy thought Katie set off in the direction of home to tell Mattie that Patrick had no part to play in her future.
Noah had left when Katie let herself into the cottage and Mattie was busy clearing things away. She looked up as Katie walked into the kitchen.
‘Well? What’s happening?’
‘Patrick’s on his way back to Bristol – without either a new production manager or a fiancée.’
The look of sheer relief that flitted across Mattie’s face as she realized Katie had turned Patrick down on both counts was something Katie knew she would always remember.
‘I’m so pleased,’ Mattie said. ‘You’re making such a success of A Good Yarn, I know you won’t regret it.’ Mattie wiped a tear away. ‘I was so afraid you were going to turn away from everything – and everyone – down here.’
Katie hugged her hard. ‘I would never turn away from you, Mattie,’ she said.
‘You’re moving into the flat, though,’ Mattie said. ‘Can’t persuade you to change your mind about that?’
Katie shook her head. ‘Sorry. You’ve got Henri’s visit to look forward to, so you won’t be alone for long. Wouldn’t want to be in the way when he arrives.’
‘You wouldn’t be in the way.’ Mattie squirted washing-up liquid into the bowl. ‘Might be better if you were around,’ she muttered.
‘What are you worrying about? Henri sounds like a real gentleman. You said you were great mates on board the boat.’
‘We were – that’s the problem. My cottage is a world away from all that luxury. What if he takes one look at it and finds it all beneath him?’
> ‘He won’t. Nobody in the real world lives permanently in the luxury you described on the boat.’
‘I think Henri might,’ Mattie said quietly. ‘I did try to tell him I could only afford the suite because of a cancellation, but he shrugged it off. Said something about money not being the be-all of life. In my experience people only say things like that when they’ve got lots.’
NINETEEN
Katie placed her salad supper on the tray, poured a glass of rosé and carried everything upstairs. Sitting in the wicker chair, her supper on the coffee table in front of her, she opened her mobile and pressed Lara’s number.
‘Hi. I’m about to eat my supper in the flat for the first time.’
‘Great. How does Mattie feel about you moving in?’
‘Right now she’s getting the cottage ready for this Henri she met on the cruise. It was one of the reasons I wanted to move now – not only to give them space but also so she wouldn’t be alone. Can you come down this weekend?’
‘Flat-warming party?’
‘Yes.’
‘Will Patrick be at this party?’
‘No. It’s over,’ Katie said, as she filled Lara in with what had happened between her and Patrick. ‘I would have leapt at the job a year ago, though,’ Katie added.
‘I’m rather more relieved you didn’t accept his ring, to be honest,’ Lara said. ‘Thank God you’ve come to your senses at last and given the tosser his marching orders.’ Lara’s relief was clear down the phone.
Katie sighed. ‘I know he was never your favourite person but he wasn’t totally bad. We did have fun together. So, are you coming to my flat-warming party or not?’
‘Of course. Daisy will be thrilled to have another sleep-over at her cousins. Want any help with food?’
‘Only planning to have nibbles – and lots of champagne!’
‘We’ll bring a bottle and some kettle crisps for Leo. He is coming, I presume?’
‘Haven’t seen him to invite him yet. I expect he’ll turn up, especially when he knows Dexter is coming.’
Putting the phone down after her call, though, Katie wondered about Leo. Patrick’s arrival with his job offer and proposal had certainly thrown her into a quandary for a few days but Leo’s reaction had been unexpected to say the least. As for those moments of intimacy and the kisses they’d shared before Patrick interrupted them, had they meant anything to him? Perhaps he was regretting them and was keeping his distance from embarrassment? Katie shook her head. She’d never known Leo to be embarrassed. There had to be another reason.
It was good the next day to only have to go downstairs for the weekly evening meeting of the club. Katie, looking around as the meeting was getting underway, marvelled again at the way the club had taken off. Membership had increased over the last few weeks, as had the diversity of the crafts. Mattie – in the far corner, explaining the intricacies of an Aran pattern to one of the regulars – glanced across and smiled.
Thanks goodness they were back to being friends again. Whether Mattie had told Leo about her turning Patrick down, Katie didn’t know. He’d certainly not rushed to get in touch if Mattie had told him, Katie thought as she prepared to hand out the publicity leaflets she’d printed for Worldwide Knit in Public Day.
Irritating as he was she did miss having him boss her around. She’d ring him tomorrow. Invite him to the party. She knew Lara would have words with her if Leo wasn’t there.
Behind her she heard Trisha squeal as Emma Pine arrived, showing off a new three-cluster engagement ring. ‘Wow. That’s some ring,’ Trisha said.
‘Congratulations, Emma,’ Katie said. ‘When’s the wedding?’
‘Oh, not for ages yet,’ Emma said. ‘Tristan fancies a Christmas wedding after his next tour of duty.’
‘Tristan?’
‘He’s in the navy,’ Emma explained.
As people crowded around Emma to see the ring and offer their congratulations, Katie stepped back and busied herself with the coffee machine. Emma was going to be a sailor’s wife and not a farmer’s. Not Leo’s, as she’d initially thought when Emma had walked in.
‘Well, that’s a cause for celebration,’ Mattie said.
‘Wonder if Leo knows – and how he feels about it,’ Katie said. ‘They’re quite close, aren’t they?’
‘Oh, he’ll be pleased for her. They never were more than friends. He’s known for months she’d met someone special,’ Mattie said.
Trisha joined them just then. ‘Can I have two coffees, please, for Emma and me? Isn’t it exciting about her and Tristan. I’ve got some news too.’ She spooned some sugar into one of the cups before adding, ‘I’ve got a date with Noah Jnr tomorrow night.’
‘What about Gary?’ Katie asked. ‘You be careful. If he finds out he could turn nasty.’
‘Nothing to do with him. We’ve broken up. My mum is over the moon about it. Says he wasn’t good enough for me – even if he does have a sir way back in his family. She can’t believe I’m going out with Noah. She thinks he’s the biz.’
‘Glad to hear it, Trisha – but Katie’s right. Be careful. Gary and his family have a habit of harbouring grudges. You won’t go disappearing off to America, will you?’ Mattie said.
‘Fat chance of that happening. I’ve still got three years at college to look forward to.’
‘You finished for the summer now?’ Katie asked. ‘I could do with some more help in the shop on weekdays – starting this week when Mattie is going to be busy with her shipboard Romeo.’
‘Don’t be silly,’ Mattie said. ‘Henri’s just a new friend I’m looking forward to meeting again.’
‘He obviously can’t wait to see you again as he’s brought the date forward,’ Katie teased. ‘You sure there wasn’t even a slight on-board romance you’ve not told us about?’
‘Now you are being silly. We’re both too old for that kind of nonsense. Are we going to listen to a tape tonight or not? Soon be time to pack up.’
Katie smiled. ‘It’s in the machine all ready to go. Final chapter of Katie Fforde’s Wedding Season. I’ll go and press the button.’
Mattie smoothed the quilt cover down for a final time and hoped that Henri would find the room comfortable. Years ago it had been Clara’s room but the only thing that remained from that time was the small rag rug – which sat in front of the chest of drawers beside the window – they’d spent one winter making together.
Crossing to the window Mattie stood for several moments looking out at the river. It was a long time since she’d had anybody to stay – apart from Katie, of course, but she was different. She’d heard about how holiday friendships had failed to live up to their promise once people were back in the real world.
Her friendship with Henri had flourished in the relaxed cosmopolitan atmosphere of the cruise ship. Would Henri find the day-to-day routine of her ordinary life – and by implication her – dull by comparison? How would he like this part of the world? Would he enjoy the excursions she planned for them to take? Would they have anything to say to each other away from the detached world of life on board ship?
Mattie shook her head. Too late for silly worries like this. Henri would be here soon. She needed to get lunch ready.
When Henri arrived an hour later, she found she’d been worrying unnecessarily. From the moment he stepped out of his taxi they slipped back into the easy friendship that had developed between them on holiday.
‘I was expecting Bert to bound out and meet me,’ Henri said as Mattie led him into the cottage.
‘He’s down at A Good Yarn,’ Mattie explained. ‘I wasn’t sure how you were with dogs?’
‘Adore them. Have promised myself once I’m settled again, getting a dog is at the top of my list.’
‘We’ll walk down later and fetch him. I’ll show you around the town at the same time. Incidentally we’ve been invited to Katie’s flat-warming this evening. If you’re not too tired after your journey?’
Henri shook his head. ‘Sounds fun. I h
ope Katie didn’t move out because I was visiting?’
Mattie shrugged. ‘Maybe influenced things a little. She’s always said she was going to live above the shop and the break-in spurred her on to getting the place ready. I think she’s pleased your visit has given her the excuse to move.’ Mattie smiled at Henri. ‘She says she’s giving us space.’
TWENTY
‘Room in the fridge for this?’ Lara asked, handing Katie a bottle of champagne. ‘Are we the first here?’
‘Always room for champagne,’ Katie said, taking a cold bottle out and replacing it with the new one. ‘Go on up. Mattie’s up there waiting to introduce you to Henri.’
‘Leo coming?’ Dexter asked. ‘I wanted to talk to him.’
‘He’ll be here later,’ Katie said. ‘I think.’
Lara glanced at her. ‘You two still not talking?’
Katie shrugged. ‘Apparently not.’ She led the way upstairs.
‘Wow. You’ve done an amazing job,’ Lara said. ‘I love it.’ She moved across to look at the sailing picture Katie had hung on the wall between the two windows. ‘Nice. Oh, damn. I’ve left your flat-warming pressie in the car.’
Dexter looked at Lara and shook his head. ‘I’ll go and get it. Don’t eat all the food while I’m gone.’
‘I’ll come down and let you out,’ Katie said. ‘Once everyone is here I’ll need to lock the shop door. You can take a key with you, OK?’
Katie was pleased to see both the Noahs as Dexter strolled off along Lower Street.
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