And it was clear that Miss Bowen wasn’t going to give anything away about her troublesome pupil, Shona thought, feeling snubbed.
‘May I know your name and details?’
Shona gave them and then left, refusing refreshment. The sooner she was away from here the better. She could do nothing more for Tamsin now.
‘YOU LOOK AS IF YOU’VE SEEN A GHOST’
Jack’s car was parked in the yard at the back of the building when Shona got back to Ferniehope Castle. She glanced at her watch as she parked beside his vehicle. Four o’clock! She had phoned Mags as she was leaving Benwood House and then stopped for a coffee and a sandwich on the way back. Strangely, she had missed Tamsin’s company.
To help make up for it she got Toby out of his hideaway in the glove compartment and put him back on the seat beside her. He was a silent passenger. Not much change there because Tamsin hadn’t spoken much, only the odd bitter comment about people minding their own business and leaving her alone, which Shona had guessed referred more to Mags than herself.
‘I don’t tell her how to run her life,’ Tamsin had muttered. ‘And she wouldn’t take any notice if I did. I’d make her get rid of those foul fridge magnets for a start.’
Smiling now at the memory Shona went into the hall and saw Jack standing by the telephone table with a book in his hand. ‘Had a good day?’ he asked.
Surprised at his critical tone she looked up at him. He had removed his jacket and tie but the expression on his face looked anything but relaxed. ‘Well, yes . . .’ she began.
‘Your good deed for the day, I take it?’
‘I’m sorry?’
‘Mags put me in the picture. I don’t approve of my employee chasing about the countryside on other people’s business.’
‘This was in my free time,’ she reminded him.
‘Even so. Interfering in what you must have known could be a police matter showed a severe lack of judgement on your part. I thought better of you than that, Shona. I expect total loyalty at all times from my staff.’
Shona was speechless. His attack was unfair and totally undeserved. What had she done other than show some common humanity?
His direct gaze was daunting. ‘I need your promise that it won’t happen again.’
‘I hope it won’t,’ said Shona, finding her voice at last. ‘But I can’t give that promise.’
‘That’s not good enough.’
Shona stared back at him. ‘I did what I thought was right at the time. I still do.’
‘That’s a matter of opinion.’
‘My opinion,’ said Shona firmly.
Jack shut the book and put it down on the table. ‘Dinner’s at seven,’ he said. ‘Don’t be late.’
Shona nodded. She had felt hungry a moment ago but not now.
‘And before I forget. Felix Langholme? He’s flying home tonight. Don’t look like that, Shona. He’s not blaming you. Why should he? Shona, are you all right?’ His voice softened. ‘You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.’
She felt as if she had. ‘Are you sure?’
‘For goodness sake, girl. What’s got into you?’
She put out a hand to steady herself against the hall table. ‘The name . . . I knew someone once with that name. He lived near here.’
‘Then you’ll know that he’s totally unreliable, swanning off abroad when he feels like it and letting someone else take care of his responsibilities.’
‘I knew him when we were children.’
‘I don’t suppose he’ll have changed much since then,’ said Jack in a tone of dismissal.
* * *
Too impatient to wait for the tide to go out, she waded through water as thick as honey to reach the island. Strangely, she arrived on the shore on the other side bone-dry.
Waking suddenly from her dream, Shona didn’t know at first where she was and still felt the warm sand beneath her body instead of the soft mattress of her bed at Ferniehope Castle.
Outside it was light and she could hear birdsong. Vestiges of sheer happiness lingered and she felt as she had all those years ago at the thought of spending another day in Felix’s company.
Now she took a deep breath and let it out slowly to acclimatise herself to being safe in her bedroom instead of having spent the night in the open air as poor Tamsin had done the night before.
When Jack had told her that Felix Langholme was on his way home from somewhere far away, Shona had been too surprised to question why he had told her this. It was only as she was getting ready for bed hours later that she realised that the two events were connected. Too late then to ask Jack to fill in the details. In his mood of last evening she wasn’t sure that it would have been a good idea anyway.
Tamsin’s absent father was Felix Langholme, whom she had known as a boy long ago.
Now, early as it was, Shona sat up. She needed to be up and dressed and ready to face whatever today had in store.
* * *
The first members of Ruddon Ramblers arrived early but Shona was ready for them, clipboard in hand.
A moment later the bell rang with a determined sound that echoed round the hall.
Shona opened the door, smiling. On the doorstep were three men and a woman, clad in shorts and bulky jackets. No one could mistake them for being other than an enthusiastic walking group eager to start out on their first trek and prepared to be pleased with everything.
‘Coffee will be served in the dining room,’ she said when the introductions were made and she located their names on the list she was holding.
Involved as she was with making sure everyone knew which rooms they were allotted, Shona wasn’t aware that there was a stranger among them until someone asked why the bedrooms had such strange names.
‘I can answer that,’ said someone behind her.
She swung round.
His eyes twinkled at her. ‘Felix Langholme.’
‘Tamsin’s father,’ she said faintly. He was wearing jeans and a navy crew-necked sweater beneath a denim jacket. He hadn’t recognised her. Even though she knew it was unlikely after all these years she felt a stirring of disappointment.
‘I’d like to be of help if you’ll allow me.’
‘Of course.’
‘Good morning all,’ he said with a flourish.
Smiling greetings were returned and Shona could see the effect of his charm. He had an easy confidence that had been lacking in the rather diffident young lad she had come to know so well long ago. She wondered where Tamsin’s mother was and where Felix lived now.
‘So you are able to tell us?’ said the man who had asked the question. ‘The room names sound decidedly odd to me.’
‘You’ve heard of character jugs?’
‘Toby jugs?’
‘This place used to be full of them. The owner was a collector.’
‘So they called the rooms after the jugs?’ said the man, light dawning.
‘So where are they all now?’ a young woman in a frilly dress and hiking boots demanded, looking around as if she expected a gang of toby jugs to materialise on tables and chairs.
‘You tell me.’
There were further questions and in the flurry of more arrivals Shona was kept busy. Her concentration on remembering everything that Jack expected of her was exhausting. Where was he, anyway?
When at last she was free she came downstairs again with an apology on her lips for leaving Felix to his own devices. She found him in the conservatory looking critically at one of Jack’s pale lemon orchids.
‘This needs attention,’ he said sternly as if its drooping appearance was her fault.
‘May I offer you some coffee?’ she said.
‘Look at this wretched thing.’
‘I’d rather not. I’m sure Jack’s got its welfare in hand.’
He turned, smiling, towards her. ‘Miss Renison?’
She could see he still didn’t remember her. Twenty years was a long time after all and his mind would be focussed on the presen
t situation.
‘It seems I have you to thank for restoring my daughter to her rightful place,’ he said.
‘Rightful?’ Shona couldn’t keep the doubt out of her voice.
‘You question that?’
‘It’s none of my business, but . . .’
‘Too right,’ said Jack Cullen from behind her. ‘I’m not sure I like my employee mixed up in all this, Felix. You must sort out your own problems. Shona’s here to work for me.’
Felix looked at Jack steadily, his right hand clenched. ‘I came merely to thank her for showing compassion and kindness to Tamsin when she needed it. Is that such a bad thing?’
Jack made no answer but with an exclamation of dismay, moved across to the windowsill and bent to examine the wilting orchid. He straightened. ‘Who did this?’
‘Are you accusing me?’ Felix’s voice was rough and Shona couldn’t blame him. ‘Not guilty, I’m afraid. Try Shona! Or Ingrid!’ His face brightened. ‘Is Ingrid anywhere around?’
Ignoring his question, Jack glanced at his watch. ‘I think you should leave. I need to do some first aid here. Shona, carry on with the arrangements, will you. I’ll see everyone later.’
‘Yes, of course.’ She tried to sound confident.
Felix turned to her, his voice softening. ‘I think I must leave my thanks until another time.’
‘You do that,’ said Jack as he turned to go. ‘Shona has work to do.’
‘I’ll be in touch, Shona, when things have quietened down,’ said Felix. ‘A meal away from here perhaps?’
‘That would be good,’ she said, pleased.
* * *
The leader of Ruddon Ramblers, a short stocky man with receding hair, had the programme for the week in his hand when he came to find Shona in the office after lunch.
‘We’re more or less settled in now Jeannie’s room had been changed,’ he told her, shuddering. ‘Henry the Eighth . . . I don’t think so. Nor for Jeannie. Anne Hathaway is much better and she’s pleased you could sort it out.’
‘That’s good,’ said Shona, smothering a laugh. Luckily there was a spare room available of exactly the same proportions as the disliked one. It would really have been easier to have changed the name plates had that been possible.
‘I see afternoon tea is scheduled for four o’clock today. I’d like to organise a walk round the grounds now. Could you put tea back for an hour?’
‘No problem at all, Mr Luttrell. I’ll see to it at once.’
His small eyes gleamed at her. ‘Rex,’ he said. ‘Call me Rex.’
‘Fine, Rex,’ Shona said, hoping Mags wouldn’t be put out by the new arrangement.
Ingrid was in the kitchen with her mother when Shona went to find out.
‘It’s too bad of you to change the programme,’ Ingrid burst out. ‘We can’t have this sort of thing I hope you told him so.’
‘It seemed a reasonable request,’ said Shona.
‘And so it is,’ said Mags, her cheerful face a contrast to her daughter’s grimmer one. ‘Be off with you, Ingrid, and leave us to get things sorted here.’
Ingrid’s mouth was a thin line and the look she threw Shona was venomous. ‘I’ll go then. I can see when I’m not wanted.’
‘Take no notice of her,’ said Mags when she had gone. ‘She gets in a strop when she can’t get her own way, right enough. It’ll blow over. We’ve time for a cup ourselves now that their tea is put back. Sit down, lassie, and take the weight off your legs. Not that you’ve got any spare weight of course, not like me.’
She sounded so complacent that Shona laughed. The atmosphere had lightened because of Mags and the kitchen felt a friendly place. There was still the evening’s programme to feel apprehensive about, though, but for the moment she could relax.
* * *
Jack gave a welcome speech when the group gathered with their coffee in the lounge after dinner. He spoke movingly about the attractions for walkers in the surrounding area and promised an interesting week at Ferniehope Castle.
‘You did well earlier,’ he said to Shona when he had finished. ‘Everything seems on course for the programme tomorrow. Donald will bring the minibus to the front door at ten. Whitborn Abbey and the Machars, a shortish walk. The forecast is OK with sunny periods. Mags knows about the packed lunches?’
Shona nodded. ‘It’s all in hand. They know where to leave their boots and outdoor clothing when they get back. Rex, Mr Luttrell, was please to find there’s a drying room next door.’
‘It’s stated clearly—the specifications.’ Jack raised an eyebrow and his lips twitched. ‘Perhaps he can’t read?’
She smiled. ‘He was able to read the name plates on the bedroom doors.’
‘Just as well or the written sheets for the quiz this evening would be lost on him. We’ll both be on duty as it’s their first night but then we’ll take it in turns to be here, starting with you tomorrow. Is that all right?’
‘Of course.’
‘Good girl. It’s good to have you here.’
She glowed at his praise.
He looked at her closely. ‘A word of warning, Shona. I don’t want to see you hurt. You’ve done enough for that man. Don’t be fooled by his so-called charm.’
No need to ask which man he had in mind. ‘I won’t,’ she promised.
‘I know him of old. Please be sensible and have nothing more to do with him.’
She smiled but didn’t answer.
INGRID SHOWS HER TRUE COLOURS
Ferniehope Castle was very quiet after the group’s noisy departure next morning with much laughter and banging of doors. Shona wandered from room to room checking that no one had left anything lying around they might not be able to find later. She gave Jack’s office a wide berth because she knew Ingrid was working in there, finalising next week’s programme for the group of wildlife enthusiasts.
In the guests’ lounge she found the pile of completed quiz sheets laced neatly on the piano lid. On the top was the one marked with Jeannie’s name in a flowery scrawl. She had got top marks. Rex’s effort was at the bottom. Smiling, Shona left them where they were.
She heard the telephone’s ring from the hall and paused as Ingrid stuck her head round the office door.
‘It’s for you,’ she said abruptly.
‘I’ll take it in the dining room,’ said Shona.
She was glad she had because the voice on the end was Felix’s.
‘This evening?’ he said. ‘Any good? Bessie’s Kitchen is doing a curry night. D’you like curry?’
‘I’m sorry, Felix,’ she said, a catch of disappointment in her voice. ‘I’m on duty here.’
‘That’s too bad. Can’t you just slip out without anyone noticing?’
‘You know I can’t. It’s more than my job’s worth.’
‘Then get another.’
‘As easily as that? I don’t think so.’
‘OK, then, how about if I get Bessie to put on a special curry when you and I can actually get there?’
‘Liz,’ she said.
‘Yes, Liz, of course. You know her?’
‘A little. I’d love that, Felix. I’m so sorry about tonight.’
‘Got paper and pen handy? I’ll give you my number.’
‘I’ll remember it,’ she said with confidence. If she didn’t Jodie would be at her throat. ‘But I’ll write it down just in case. And thanks.’
She replaced the receiver, and before she forgot put the number he had given her on to her mobile.
The phone rang again, but this time Ingrid dealt with it in the office.
Later, when Shona came in from the garden with a bunch of daffodils to arrange in the empty lounge fireplace she was surprised to find Ingrid waiting for her.
‘Oh hello,’ she said. ‘Did you want me?’
Ingrid looked at her quickly and then away again. ‘About tonight. You’re free if you want. Jack just phoned. He’ll be here himself after all. No need for both of you to be.’
‘Great. Thanks, Ingrid.’ Shona felt lighthearted as she put the flowers in position and pulled out her mobile to phone Felix. Already her mind was on what to wear if his invitation was still on. Her new skirt and the cream and burgundy top. Medium heels would be best and her new drop earrings.
She changed her mind only once and that was to substitute the skirt for a pair of jeans. When she was at last ready she picked up her bag, slipped her mobile into it and took one last look in the mirror to check her hair.
* * *
Felix was waiting for her in the car park and together they went into the warm and lively atmosphere of Bessie’s Kitchen. Liz’s curry night was obviously popular and there was just one vacant table.
‘Lucky us,’ said Felix as he pulled out Shona’s chair for her. They both selected vegetable biryani, a speciality of the house.
‘Liz seems to be in her element,’ Shona said, waving to her across the room.
‘She’s done wonders with this place,’ said Felix.
‘D’you often eat here?’
‘Now and again. It’s Tamsin’s favourite.’
‘Have you heard from her? How is she?’
He looked troubled. ‘She’s unhappy, I know that. I don’t know what to do as I’m away so much. I really am grateful to you for looking after her, you know. I wish I could do something for you to show my appreciation.’
‘There’s no need,’ she said quickly.
Their food arrived and Felix picked up his fork. Before Shona could do the same her mobile rang. ‘Please excuse me, Felix,’ she said. ‘I meant to turn it off.’
‘Don’t mind me.’
Hastily she scrabbled in her bag and saw that the caller was Jodie. Smiling, she held the phone to her ear.
‘Oh Shona, it’s me,’ said Jodie, her voice shaking.
Shona felt an icy chill though the room was warm. ‘Jodie, what’s wrong? What’s happened?’
‘It’s Duncan. He had an accident. He . . . he’s broken his ankle.’
‘Broken his ankle? Where are you?’
‘At the hospital.’
‘Which hospital? Is he all right?’
‘They’ve operated on him and his leg’s in thick plaster all the way up. They’re keeping him in tonight.’
Where the Heart Belongs Page 4