“Obviously a successful upbringing,” she replied.
“Have I told you how stunning you look? That dress is perfect. I love it.” She smiled up at him, acknowledging that they made quite a striking couple, even if they weren’t a couple.
When the guests had left, the family sat round for the traditional post-mortem. It had been a good evening, was the consensus and they all complimented Mrs Pennyweather on a splendid supper.
Beth and Mike were going home and Sarah went out to their car with them, to say goodbye.
“You were guilty of a gross understatement,” Beth announced. “He’s gorgeous and if I didn’t have a wonderful husband of my own, I’d certainly be interested in one Alex Weston. You should snap him up. And you never mentioned that he owns Darnley Manor. I remember seeing it advertised for sale. Not only is he a lovely man, he’s rich too. What’s the matter with you, girl? Grab him while you can.”
“We have too many differences between us. And besides, I’m not ready to settle down. It’s all right for you two. You’ve known each other all your lives. Not everyone can be as lucky as you. I’ve seen too many broken marriages through work to dare take the risk. Anyway, we’ll see you tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing the boys. Thanks again for the present. Night.”
“Goodnight, little sister. Thirty is pretty late to put off settling down for any longer. Hang on to this one . . . he’s good for you.” It seemed Alex had been a hit all round.
Sarah was first down the next morning and put a pot of coffee on to brew. Her mother was next and they sat at the kitchen table nursing the mugs of hot coffee.
“So, tell me more about Alex. You seem very close,” her mother said.
“Not at all really. As I keep trying to tell everyone, we’re work colleagues.”
“He said you’d been helping restore his house. Is it really a proper manor house? It sounds very grand.”
“It’s lovely, but in a terrible state of repair. It’s been neglected for years and needs such a lot doing to it. But yes, I have been helping him in return for his kindness to Major.”
“Well it seems to me there’s a lot more to it than you’re saying. We both think he’s really right for you. I hope you will see it before it’s too late. He’s obviously smitten. I can tell the way he looks at you.”
“Please, Mum. Don’t keep on. If it happens it will happen, but don’t hold your breath. I’m certainly not convinced.”
“Why can’t you be more like your sister and settle down happily? Always questioning everything.”
Sarah closed her eyes, willing her mother to stop pestering.
“I’m going for a shower before the others come down. Please don’t keep on at me about Alex. I knew it was going to be a mistake to invite him here this weekend.”
She went upstairs and met Alex coming out of the bathroom.
“Morning. You’ve beaten me to it. I was just coming for a shower,” she said. “Hope you slept well.”
“Very well thank you. I could do with some coffee now though. I don’t start to function till I’ve had at least one cup.”
“Mum’s in the kitchen sitting by a pot of coffee. I’m sure she’ll take pity on you. There’s just one thing. Please don’t take any notice of anything she says about us. It seems the family have earmarked you as a number one candidate for taking me off the shelf.”
“That sounds good to me,” he said with a slightly wicked grin. “I’ll go and find some coffee right away.”
After breakfast was over, they all went for a walk. Alex was pleased to discover a part of Cornwall he didn’t know and enjoyed the tramp along leafy lanes and bridle paths.
He seemed at ease with everyone and Sarah watched him in a completely different environment and had to admire the way he seemed to fit in with them all. She hardly dared to admit it, but she felt herself drawing closer to him. If she relaxed and allowed it, she might just admit to finding him extremely attractive . . . even to falling in love just a little.
It was just the close family who shared lunch at one of their favourite restaurants. Beth and Mike had their three boys with them and had clearly told them to be on their best behaviour. Ethan, the six year old, was fascinated by the stranger and asked numerous questions. There was sudden silence when he asked if Alex was going to marry Auntie Sarah.
“Of course not,” she replied hastily. “Alex works with me and we thought it might be nice if he came to lunch with us today.” He seemed satisfied for a few minutes and then the embarrassing questions began again. They were busily fending them off when Alex’s mobile rang.
“Would you excuse me?” he said. “It’s my mother and she won’t stop ringing till I answer.”
He went outside and came back looking grim. “I’m so sorry,” he told them. “She’s had a fall and is panicking. I shall have to drive up there and see what’s happening. I’d better leave right away. It does actually sound serious this time so I won’t delay. I’m sorry about breaking up the party. Someone will give Sarah a lift home?” They had driven to the restaurant together and the parents had come in their own car. Just as well, the way things were turning out.
“Of course. Don’t worry about it. We hope your mother isn’t seriously hurt. What a shame.” Mrs Pennyweather was most alarmed.
“Can you collect my things, Sarah? Bring them back with you. You can drop them off at my place when you come to see Major. I’ll be in touch. And thank you all so much for making me welcome and for the lovely party and lunch. Even if I didn’t get beyond the starter. Bye.”
He drove away at speed and Sarah waved after him feeling suddenly rather deflated.
“Have you met his mother?” Beth asked.
“Briefly. She’s not the nicest or most welcoming person I’ve met. In fact, she’s a frightful snob.”
“Old or young?”
“I don’t know really. Probably seventyish. She’s tried to rule Alex since her husband died and he gets very fed up with her demands. Let’s hope it isn’t anything more than attention seeking this time.”
“She sounds dreadful. And Alex is so nice,” Beth said.
“Isn’t Alex going to have his lunch?” Ethan asked. “Can I have his?”
“No and no,” Mike said firmly. “You can eat your own lunch and be quiet. Your brothers are both being very good and quiet.”
“I expect you’ll want to get off home after we get back,” Mrs Pennyweather asked her daughter. “You’ll have to go and see to both horses. I doubt Alex will be back in time to feed them.”
“He has a woman who comes to see to them when he’s away. A sort of housekeeper who loves animals. She’ll see to the dogs as well.”
“She sounds like a treasure.”
“Oh, yes. Everyone should have a Mrs Harper.” Sarah sounded a little caustic and Beth stared at her. She raised her eyebrows but after a warning glance from Sarah, said no more.
The rest of the meal was rather more subdued, though still enjoyable. The food was beautifully cooked and it was a pleasure for them all to sit back and relax.
“Thank you all so much for making this such a special birthday. Mum, Dad, thank you. I’m so lucky to have parents like you and even the sister you gave me is pretty good.”
They all hugged each other as they were leaving the restaurant and went off in their different directions.
Back at home, Sarah packed her things and went into Alex’s room to collect his things. She couldn’t help but sniff his toilet things as she packed them. It was like having him there with her. Subtle and very pleasing aftershave. So unlike that worn by her colleague, Charles, who was overstated in everything he did.
She planned to stop off at her own cottage and change into her old clothes, before driving over to Darnley to see the horses and leave Alex’s belongings.
“Come again soon, darling,” her parents insisted. “And bring Alex with you. He’s certainly one to keep hold of,” her mother added.
“Mum, please. Forget about matchmak
ing. Don’t spoil it for me by pushing us into something we neither of us want. He is nice, I agree, but I’m not ready to settle down yet. Thanks again for everything. I’d better get off now.”
It was a beautiful afternoon and the Sunday drivers were out in force. As she drove down the main road, she caught occasional glimpses of the sea, sparkling in the distance.
The wind farms that seemed to be growing everywhere moved their fins gracefully, lazily along the roadside. Some people hated them but Sarah loved them. They were a symbol of a greener future.
She drove back into the village and turned into the lane that led to her cottage and on towards Darnley. It was quiet and peaceful after the busy main road. It was home.
Pausing only to hang her precious dress and change, she was soon driving towards Alex’s lovely home. She went into the stables to see the horses and check they had full hay nets. They greeted her with pleasure and she fed them apples. They were clearly settled for the night.
She collected the key that was hidden in a secret place and was met by two frantic black dogs.
“Phoebe, Sophie. Hello girls.” They went into a frenzy of yapping and wagging tails and leapt all over her. “You’re getting too big for that now, you two.” She pushed them down and bent to pet them. “Do you want to go for a run? I bet you do. Just let me unload your boss’s luggage and we’ll go over to the paddock.”
Sarah left Alex’s bag in the kitchen. She didn’t want him to think she had been nosing around his home. She collected a couple of dog balls for them to chase and took them over to the paddock. They tore around as if they had been imprisoned for days, arguing over which ball to catch and play-fighting as they wrestled each other to the ground.
Sarah laughed as she watched them, being transported once more to her own childhood dogs. She’d have loved a dog of her own but knew there was no way she had room in her tiny cottage for a dog. Besides, she was out far too much and unlike Alex, did not have proper facilities for them or anyone to come and let them out. Still, she could come and share these two, pretty much whenever she liked.
There was no sign of Alex’s return when she left. She put the dogs back into their room and checked the water. It was a full bowl of fresh water and signs that they had been fed left in their dog bowls.
“Bye dogs,” she called out. “Be good and see you soon.” She gave each of them a large biscuit from the packet on the side and left them gnawing happily away.
She was very pleased with them both and glad she had suggested getting two dogs, especially black Labradors, her favourite breed. It was dark by the time she stopped in her own drive. She wondered what was happening to Alex. It was almost ten thirty before her phone rang.
“Sarah? I’ve got real problems here. Mother’s actually broken her leg. I’m going to have to stay here overnight. She insisted on having a cup of tea and some sandwiches while we were waiting at the hospital. Consequently, we had to wait for ages before she could have anaesthetic to have it set and plastered.”
“Oh Alex, I’m so sorry. What will you do?”
“I’ll have to bring her back to Darnley. They’re keeping her in overnight. I’ll go back to her place and pack up some stuff for her. I’ll collect her from the hospital in the morning and drive straight back. I’ll phone work first thing. Do you think you could you possibly go and let the animals out before you go to work?”
“Of course I will. I’ll put the horses into the paddock and let the dogs out. I took Phoebe and Sophie for a run this evening. Mrs H had fed them, but I thought they’d like a bit of exercise. I’ll do the same in the morning.”
“Thanks very much. I hate asking you, but it is a bit of an emergency. I’ll phone Mrs H and explain and get her to make up a bed for Mother. She’ll be in at about nine-thirty. There’s nothing much going on workwise at the house. The builders have gone off to another job for a couple of days. I said there was nothing urgent at present. Honestly, not only does my mother spoil what was left of the weekend but she causes chaos in everyone’s lives.”
“I don’t suppose she fell on purpose.”
“I wouldn’t put it past her, frankly. It was just more dramatic than she was expecting.”
“Really Alex, you have a very nasty side to your nature.”
“Sorry. I just know my mother and her manipulations. I’ve known her all my life, don’t forget. I’d better let you get to bed. You have an extra early start tomorrow. Thank you again for the weekend. I really enjoyed myself. You’re so lucky to have a lovely family like yours.”
“I know I’m lucky.”
Despite feeling exhausted, sleep was slow to come. Trying to think what she had to do the next day made her brain race around in circles. She went down at two o’clock and made some herbal tea. She looked for her diary in her briefcase but must have left it behind on Friday.
It seemed ages ago since the party at work. In less than four hours’ time, she would have to be up again and driving over to see to the horses and dogs. Though she adored them, it was sometimes such a lot of work to do. But she wouldn’t swap it for anything.
When she arrived at the office, Sarah discovered she was the subject of much speculation.
“So, how did the lovely Alex get on with your family?” Poppy demanded.
“Fine. It was all fine and we had a nice weekend, thank you.” She was puzzled. She didn’t think she had told anyone about Alex attending her party.
“Any developments we should know about?” Poppy continued.
“I’ve no idea what you’re talking about. We had a party at my parents’ home and yes, Alex came along.”
“So what’s the story with his mother having an accident? How did you get home?”
“You obviously know she had an accident. He went to sort her out and is bringing her back later. I expect he told you all that. And I drove myself home. We went separately. Now, if that’s everything, perhaps we might all get some work done. By the way, did Alex tell you he was at my party?”
“No. We were just fishing. Now you’ve confirmed what we all were guessing at.”
“You two are the world’s greatest gossips, Poppy and Chloe. Don’t you dare start spreading any rumours. Alex and I are friends and colleagues. We happen to share a love of horses but that’s it. Nothing more.”
“Yes, Sarah. Of course we believe you. Don’t we, Chloe?” She was spared from answering as the phone rang. The day was well and truly beginning.
Her diary was free from appointments so she was able to work on the heap of files on her desk. She was doing rather well when her phone rang. It was Chloe.
“Sarah, Mr Knowles is in reception. He sounds very upset. Is there any chance you can speak to him?”
“Of course. Send him through.”
“Sarah? Miss Pennyweather. Thank you so much for seeing me without an appointment.”
“Mr Knowles. Is something wrong?”
“It’s my wife. I had an appointment to see my daughter on Saturday. I had someone booked to accompany us, as agreed. A mutual friend. When I got to the house, my wife said Martha had gone out for tea with a friend. Isn’t there something I can do about it?”
“There certainly is plenty. Don’t worry, I’m sure we can sort this out. Did she give any reasons for your daughter being away?”
“She said Martha told her she didn’t want to see me. Then had the cheek to ask for a cheque to buy her some new shoes. She really should be able to manage on the settlement she has. Honestly, she’s got the house and I’m paying the mortgage. She has a huge allowance each month for Martha.”
“That was in lieu of a spouse maintenance, I see. So what income does she have herself?”
“She was supposed to get a job, but I don’t think she’s even tried anything. I suppose she must be using some of the money I send for Martha. I suspect she’s got a new man actually living in the house. It isn’t right, is it? That I should pay for all that?”
“Did you go through mediation at the time?”<
br />
“Well yes, and she agreed to the defined contract, I think it’s called. But she isn’t sticking to it.”
“Maybe she doesn’t realise that we could get a court order. I assume there isn’t a court order in place?”
“Well no. She agreed to everything as set out in the contract framework. We didn’t think we needed to go to the extra expense and well, the potential nastiness of a court order.”
“If we did have to go down that route, it could even challenge the residency agreement. She could possibly end up having to forfeit the marital home agreement too. Every child has a right to see his or her father.”
“You mean Martha might even live with me? I’m not sure that would work.”
“Right, well I shall write to your ex-wife and set out these points. I’m sure the threat will be enough to make her change her mind about allowing you access.”
“Oh Sarah, I don’t know how to thank you. I hope she comes to her senses.”
“And don’t worry about the legal support for your case. I know it’s all going through and very soon.”
There were tears in the man’s eyes as he left. Sarah felt quite emotional herself. Poor man.
It was afternoon before Alex arrived at the office. He was as immaculate and efficient as ever and only the dark lines under his eyes gave any indication of the stress he was suffering. It was almost the end of the day before he had time to look in at her office.
“Sorry I’ve not been to see you sooner. I’ve been playing catch-up all afternoon.”
“That’s no problem. What’s happening? How’s your mother?”
“I’ve installed her in the living room. She couldn’t manage the stairs of course. Fortunately, Mrs Harper was able to help me down with a bed and we got her set up. She doesn’t like it of course but I’ve put the television in there and she’s got a phone beside her. Mind you, I might have to remove that. I’ve had six calls from her already. I fear this is going to be a difficult few weeks. Anyway, I still have things to do. Thanks again for seeing to the dogs.”
“Would you like me to go round after work? I needn’t disturb your mother and I could walk the dogs and make sure the horses are all right.”
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