‘So you weren’t close either. You’ll understand that families can be complex.’
‘This is becoming rather personal,’ Camilla said, patting her lips again.
‘I’m sorry,’ Nathan looked up. ‘I thought we were having a personal discussion. It’s as exposing for me to share details about my life and family as it is for you.’
Camilla cleared her throat. ‘Well my parents aren’t my entire family, Nathaniel. I have a family of my own now. And I’m very proud of my girls.’
Nathan took another sip of iced water. ‘I’m sure you are. Naomi is so talented. She played for me last week.’
‘Did she,’ Camilla said, not sounding pleased suddenly. She leant closer to ensure privacy. ‘Has she told you how important music is to her? How she must give all her concentration to these few college years before her chance to develop and improve slips away? Do you understand my daughter’s potential and what is important to her?’
Nathan looked at Camilla for a long time, as if he was struggling to select the right words. ‘I hope so,’ he eventually said. ‘But I’m not a musician so maybe I don’t fully understand. Why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind?’
Encouraged, Camilla pushed the remaining food to one side as if she’d lost the patience and the appetite to finish it. Naomi was leaning across the table engaging Siobhan in conversation. She seemed oblivious. Camilla placed her cutlery in the middle of her plate and shifted her chair a little closer to the right. She’d longed for an opportunity like this. She may not get another.
‘If you think anything of my daughter, you’ll understand that her world is not yours,’ she explained, like he was three years old. ‘Music is a discipline. Her devotion has come at the cost of being popular and having friendships and the kind of social life Annabel has always had. Naomi is not like other girls. She’s never followed the crowds or time-wasted as teenagers do. All her work . . . it has to mean something in the future.’ She paused for emphasis. ‘It has to count.’
‘Or else?’
Camilla frowned. ‘Or else it’ll have been for nothing. Don’t you see?’
Camilla paused to search Nathan’s eyes, hoping for a flicker of comprehension.
Nathan didn’t oblige, though he said, ‘I agree.’
Camilla let go of some tension. ‘Good, then you’ll understand why –’
Nathan cut in. ‘That is, I agree with the part that she isn’t like other girls. That’s why I fell in love with her. And I agree that her music training has come at the cost of relationships, but I don’t think that’s been a choice for her. She was miserable alone. She consoled herself with her necklace and three prayers a day. I don’t think she’d have labelled it as misery at the time, but now she has friendships and a relationship with me, she can compare the difference and she wouldn’t turn the clock back.’
Camilla was struggling to keep her voice down now. ‘You barely know her.’
‘I barely know her?’ Nathan gave up on eating. Shock pinned Camilla to her chair. What was he insinuating? She wasn’t sure she could move, she was only sure she was desperate to. Nathan took advantage of the silence. ‘I know how I feel about her and how she feels about me. I know that she loves music and she’s an incredible pianist, but that performing terrifies her. Do you know how anxious she becomes before a performance? Can’t eat, can’t sleep. She struggles constantly with self-doubt. She has low self-esteem. She beats herself up for days for making tiny mistakes.’
Low self-esteem? My Naomi? The heat around Camilla’s neck was increasing. ‘I think you’re grossly exaggerating,’ she managed, with effort.
‘I don’t think so,’ he said, so quietly it unhinged her. ‘If anything, I’m understating it. Her problem is she’s never been able to tell you because she’s terrified of disappointing you. It’s as if a weakness of any kind is unacceptable.’
Anger flared inside Camilla, which she fought to suppress. Her breathing quickened. Her fists clenched. How dare he?
Because Camilla said nothing, Nathan carried on. ‘I know she feels guilty whenever she cries. I know she’s so loyal and responsible she worries about letting people down. I know that music isn’t her only passion and that she loves literature. She writes the most amazing poetry. Have you ever read her poetry, Camilla? Is it alright if I call you that?’
Camilla’s eyes were set, unblinking. ‘Absolutely not, no.’
‘What would you prefer me to call you?’
Naomi glanced over, grasping Camilla’s attention. Too late, Camilla realised the need to soften her face.
‘What are you two whispering about?’ Naomi asked, forehead creasing.
Camilla recovered quickly. She must, for Naomi’s sake. ‘Nothing important,’ she said, voice unnaturally light. She stood up and lifted her glass of wine. ‘I was just thinking how it was high time your father got to know Nathaniel a little better. Maybe I’ll stop hogging him and offer to swap places so they can have a talk.’
Naomi smiled cautiously. ‘That’s a nice idea, Mum. Is everything OK?’
‘Of course. Everything’s perfect.’
18
Five excellent courses had gone by. There was only coffee and handmade chocolates still to go. Henry dabbed his mouth and drummed the bulk of his belly with both hands. Camilla threw a disapproving glare the full length of the table. Henry stopped. His shirt buttons were straining and his trousers felt tight all round. Time for new trousers, perhaps.
It had been an exceptional meal. The chef had not disappointed. His two helpers had coped very well. They’d been polite and efficient, no mishaps. Henry was toying with the idea of dragging the three of them in, to heap upon them some well-deserved praise. He’d already decided to add a giant tip to the final bill. He poured himself another glass of wine, the fourth of the night, roughly.
He’d enjoyed a lengthy chat with Nathan about football, cars, cricket, cars, politics and cars. Smashing lad! Camilla had caught his eye from time to time as if she was observing carefully. Henry, having not a clue why there was concern in her eyes, reassured her by smiling warmly each time. He didn’t see how she could possibly be dissatisfied with the evening when it had run so smoothly.
It was eight forty-five. The musicians had been booked for two hours and would be leaving shortly. The timing had been perfect. Camilla excused herself and stood and left the room. Henry had only one thing in mind. He turned to Nathan.
‘While we’re waiting for coffee, d’you fancy taking a quick peek at my girls?’
Nathan stood up and placed a hand on Henry’s shoulder. ‘What are we waiting for?’
Henry clapped Nathan on the back, which drew Naomi’s attention.
‘Where are you two off to?’
Henry grinned. ‘One guess. And if your mother asks where we are, tell her we’ll be back any minute.’
Naomi rolled her eyes. ‘Hurry.’
Henry took Nathan into the hall and looked about him without speaking. It smelled of strong coffee. He took an enormous bunch of keys from a nearby drawer and sneaked Nathan out of the front door like a thief. The moon was behind ghostly shifting cloud, no stars. They passed Nathan’s car, Lorie’s Mini, then Camilla’s Honda Civic beside Annabel’s recently-repaired VW Golf, and continued to the back of the house to Henry’s purpose-built garage. Henry buzzed open the remote-control door, flicked on the main light and disabled the alarm that was beeping. Three gleaming cars were lined up like school children, facing the front.
Nathan stuck his hands in his trouser pockets, and wandered in. ‘Whoa. Three? I can just about run one.’
‘I’ve been very fortunate, Nathan. I’ve earned a substantial income all my life and we’ve inherited a great deal of money from both sides. Camilla thinks my little collection is obscene.’
Nathan laughed. ‘If this is obscenity, count me in.’
Henry chuckled. He was never happier than when he was around his cars.
‘I’m feeling impolite here,’ Nathan went o
n. ‘Aren’t you going to introduce us?’
‘With pleasure,’ Henry said, hunting through his keys.
He led Nathan to the middle of the three cars, by far the smallest. ‘Let’s start with the old girl, my classic 1957 Ford Thunderbird.’ Henry opened the door of an immaculate shiny white sports car with a bright red interior, only two seats. The hood was down so everything was visible. He climbed inside, sat at the wheel and looked up at Nathan, who was examining the dashboard. ‘I picked her up in an auction twenty-five years ago for twelve hundred pounds. My father babysat her while we were in South Africa. I couldn’t part with her. She needed some work, but see what a bit of TLC can do. Worth nearer thirty K now.’
‘Impressive. Just for show or do you ever take her out?’
Henry grinned. ‘I take her out on warm sunny days, just locally. She’s only my bit on the side.’
‘I take it this is the main girl then?’ Nathan smiled, heading for a black Rolls-Royce.
Henry stepped out of the car and hurried to catch up. ‘Oh yes,’ he beamed. ‘Stunning isn’t she? Absolutely beautiful.’
He disabled the alarm and signalled for Nathan to get in, driver’s side.
‘Sports car?’ Nathan asked, though the hood was up.
They started to climb into a cream leather interior. There were two individual seats in the back.
‘Yes, convertible. Rolls-Royce Phantom, 6.7 engine. Twelve months old. Every man’s dream. Purrs like a kitten. Every time I turn her on, I fall in love all over again. I’d take you for a spin if I hadn’t had a few.’
Henry reached across and switched the engine on. ‘Hear that?’
‘Just.’
‘That’s what I’m talking about,’ Henry said, nodding. ‘Magic. Once you’ve driven one of these, nothing else comes close.’
‘Just as well she’s grounded then,’ Nathan said. ‘I have to drive my Vauxhall Astra home later.’
‘Quite,’ Henry chuckled. ‘Take that,’ he said pointing to the third car on the far side of the Ford. It was a navy blue, highly polished, five door saloon. ‘That’s my everyday drive. Beautiful car in her own right. Jaguar XJ. I used to think Jags were top dogs, until I test drove this one.’ He patted the seat. ‘Stole my heart. Had to have her.’ They sat in silent awe for a few seconds until Henry added, quietly, ‘You know, Camilla doesn’t understand this passion I have. I’d like to be able to polish my cars without the daggers flying out of the kitchen window via my wife’s eyes.’
‘Do you understand her passion for growing turnips?’ Nathan asked.
Henry laughed suddenly and helplessly. ‘Not a bit.’ The laughter died down until the silence of a still evening returned. Henry turned to Nathan, who was holding the steering wheel and staring ahead. ‘Having said all that, family comes first. Hobbies and interests are one thing, but the most important thing to me is my family, Nathan. My girls, my real girls . . . ’ Henry shook his head, unexpectedly finding his eyes had filled and his voice was trembling. He got a grip. ‘They’re everything to me.’ He paused. Nathan was thoughtful, looking straight at him now. ‘I know it’s only been a few weeks with Naomi, but –’
‘I love her,’ Nathan cut in. ‘You’re her father, so I should tell you I’ve asked her to marry me. Done properly, I really should have consulted you first.’
Henry felt lightheaded. How many glasses of wine had he had? ‘Marriage?’ he spluttered.
‘She didn’t accept,’ Nathan said. ‘She isn’t ready and I understand that. But I’m ready for her. I’m older. I know what I want and she’s the one. You know when you just know?’
Henry thought about it, struggling to straighten his thoughts. Camilla’s face filled his mind and Henry found himself nodding and saying, ‘I do,’ like he was at the altar. ‘But why marriage? And why now?’
‘I know it’s a big deal. Look, this is private, but you know Naomi has certain . . . principles.’
‘Principles?’ Henry’s head was woolly.
Nathan cleared his throat. ‘Naomi isn’t like any other girls I’ve been out with. She’s made a commitment to save herself until . . . ’
His words trailed off, but comprehension finally dawned on Henry. ‘Oh, I see. I had no idea.’
‘So of course, I’ll respect her,’ Nathan said, looking directly at Henry. ‘But I hope it explains why I proposed. She’ll need a place to live next year and I have one. The students in her year are already looking at housing. I’d like her to be with me, but she won’t move in unless we’re married. So I found myself asking her to marry me. It wasn’t planned, but it feels so right. This week, I spent everything I had on a ring in case she changes her mind.’
Henry was trying to unscramble his head. It felt clear while they were chatting about cars and sport, but now . . . ‘You haven’t mentioned this to Camilla, have you?’
‘Hell, no,’ Nathan said. ‘I did mention that I’d fallen in love with Naomi and that was too much for her.’
‘It would be,’ Henry said. ‘Best not to say anything about, you know . . . ’
‘I agree. In any case, Naomi isn’t ready so it isn’t relevant. I just wanted you both to know what Naomi means to me. I think I upset Camilla and I’m sorry about that.’
‘Ah,’ Henry said. Finally things added up.
‘She objected to me calling her Camilla too. That was two major blunders in the space of a few sentences. The third came when I asked her if she’d been close to her parents. She swapped seats with you after that.’
‘Ouch,’ Henry said, drawing a noisy breath.
‘She asked me about my family first. I got a bit defensive. Things aren’t great between me and my parents. I didn’t intend to upset her,’ Nathan said.
‘Touchy subject for her too. Even I don’t venture down that avenue,’ Henry said, realising he was almost whispering. ‘You weren’t to know. Look, I appreciate your honesty. And please call me Henry.’
‘I didn’t mean to cause trouble.’
‘No, no, of course not. She’s very protective of Naomi after what happened in South Africa. Did she tell you?’
‘Naomi did. I can’t even imagine.’
‘It was awful,’ Henry nodded and drew a few more raspy breaths. ‘And then her experience with school here. Well, it’s a relief to me that Naomi’s looking so relaxed and happy. Camilla’s never seen her like this before and it’s causing her anxiety. She thinks musicians have to be uptight all day long or they aren’t serious enough. That’s how Naomi used to be when she was home. She spent hours alone practising in the music room, or reading upstairs. Between you and I, I never thought it was healthy, because she never seemed happy.’
‘She wasn’t, Henry.’
Henry nodded thoughtfully then jutted his hand out in Nathan’s direction. Nathan shook it. ‘I want to thank you for respecting my daughter and bringing her sparkle back. She’s very precious to me. Not every guy would stick around under her conditions.’
‘Like I said, I love her.’
‘I can see that,’ Henry said. Suddenly, he could also see something else. Camilla was standing in the garage doorway, stone-faced, still. ‘Oh, help us.’
‘Dare I give you some advice?’ Nathan muttered between his teeth.
‘Please do.’
‘Don’t defend yourself, just apologise. And blame me if it helps. I can’t sink any lower tonight.’
<><><>
The musicians had ended with ‘Happy birthday to you’. Everyone joined in and sang. Camilla had been furious that Henry had missed it. Naomi noticed the red blotches on her neck and knew Henry was in for it.
A few divine chocolates still sat on silver trays at the centre of the tables. Naomi, stuffed to the gills, had managed only two. She spotted one of Annie’s friends wrapping some of them up in a napkin and stuffing them in her bag. People were leaving the table. There were gangs of empty bottles. Lorie was helping to clear up with Simon. Annie was getting louder. She demanded at top pitch that some decent music
be played now. Naomi smiled and shook her head, automatically flicking a glance at the string quartet to see if they’d heard.
The musicians were packing their instruments away quietly in the corner. One of them looked familiar as she saw him in profile for a millisecond. Then he was crouching down again, busying himself on the floor, back to her. Naomi moved a little closer. He reminded her of . . .
The fingers of two cool hands that carried the faint scent of leather, covered her eyes from behind. A sexy voice shot some warm breath into her ear and said, ‘When can we be alone?’
Naomi grinned. Nathan let go. She turned round and had to stop herself from wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him. ‘I thought we’d talked about that.’
‘My memory’s faulty when you look this good.’ Her arms were by her side, but Nathan discreetly took hold of both hands. His fingers ran over her new ring and he smiled and looked down. ‘Nice ring,’ he said. ‘Where did you get it?’
Her smile widened. ‘It was a gift from this hot guy I’m seeing at the moment. Can you keep a secret?’
He narrowed his eyes. ‘Depends what it is.’
She moved closer. ‘All night I’ve been thinking how it might look better on the other hand.’
Nathan’s eyes widened. ‘Are you serious?’
‘Well, I’m seriously in love with this guy and I’m wondering what’s holding me back.’
Nathan pulled her to him and spoke into her ear again. ‘I happen to know he’s seriously in love with you too,’ he whispered. ‘Naomi Stone. Has a nice ring to it, if you’ll pardon the pun. And no, I wouldn’t be able to keep a secret like that.’
Naomi laughed. Nathan pulled back.
‘Like I said, I’m only thinking about it,’ Naomi said.
‘Good enough.’
‘So, has my dad been boring you?’
‘Not at all. We got along great, which is just as well when I stuffed up so sensationally with your mum.’
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