True Colours

by Jeanne Whitmee

  I sat down on the side of his bed. ‘Do you feel like coming downstairs for supper?’ I asked.

  ‘Is Dad there?’

  ‘No. Dad had to go out again. He won’t be back tonight.’

  His face cleared and he pushed back the duvet. ‘All right then.’ He reached for his dressing gown.

  ‘It’s fish fingers,’ I told him.

  He grinned. ‘With chips and beans?’

  ‘If you want.’ I smiled. It was so great to see him back to his normal self again.

  When Harry was safely tucked up in bed again later I decided to ring Adam. I explained the situation as briefly as I could.

  ‘Perhaps you’d better take this as my notice,’ I said. ‘I’ve no idea when I’ll be able to work again.’

  ‘Where are you going, Frances?’ he asked. ‘To relatives – a friend?’

  ‘To be honest, Adam, I haven’t a clue at the moment,’ I confessed. ‘I have no relatives I’d ask for help and my two closest friends are in the middle of changes of their own at the moment so I suppose it will have to be a bed and breakfast somewhere.’

  ‘Listen. I’ve got a holiday cottage in Norfolk. You could go there if you like, at least until after Christmas. As for work, don’t worry about it. This is our slack period anyway and after the holiday, when you’ve got Harry sorted out, we can talk further about it.’

  ‘Oh, Adam, that’s so kind of you,’ I said. ‘I’d like to get away from here as soon as possible.’

  ‘Of course. If you’ve got a pen and paper I’ll give you the address.’ I wrote it down as he dictated it to me. ‘A lady from the village keeps an eye on it for me,’ he went on. ‘I’ll ring her and let her know that you’re coming so that she can turn on the heating and get some shopping in for you.’

  ‘Thank you so much.’

  ‘And give me a ring when you’ve arrived. I’ll try and drive down and see you at the weekend. Oh, and Frances,’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘How did you get on down in Dorset?’

  Although it was only a couple of days earlier recent events had almost managed to wipe it from my mind. ‘Oh, it worked out very well,’ I told him. ‘I don’t think I’ll be hearing from the woman who claimed to be my mother again.’

  ‘Claimed to be?’

  ‘Yes. It turned out to be a lie, but I’ll tell you more about it when I see you.’

  ‘Poor Frances. Life hasn’t been easy for you lately has it?’

  ‘You could say that.’

  Harry and I drove to Norfolk the following day. I packed all our things, including Harry’s Christmas presents, so that we wouldn’t have to return to Melford. For my part, I never wanted to see the place again.

  Brinkley was a tiny fishing village and I found Puffin Cottage without too much trouble. It had once been a fisherman’s cottage which had been tastefully updated with all the modern comforts. Just as Adam had said, Mrs Jones, his caretaker had turned on the heating and also lit a cheery fire in the living room so that the place was warm and welcoming. Harry was enchanted and ran upstairs to claim his bedroom.

  ‘Mum, I can see the sea from my window,’ he called excitedly, as he ran down the stairs. ‘There are boats down there and everything. Can we go and see?’

  I laughed. ‘I think we should unpack first and have something to eat. Then we’ll go exploring.’

  Away from Melford, Harry was a different child. I too felt as though a weight had been lifted from my shoulders and I knew that I had made the right decision. Getting right away was what we both needed. The thought of what Charles might do to get the better of me was a worry, but I decided that all I could do for the moment was wait and hope for the best.

  Adam joined us that weekend, arriving on Saturday morning. He and Harry quickly made friends and got along famously. The weather was fine and mild and he took us on a tour of the village that afternoon, introducing us to all the places and local people he knew so well.

  ‘I used to come here on holiday with my parents when I was a kid,’ he told me as we walked along the quay. ‘I’ve always loved the wild, unspoiled Norfolk coast. It has a wonderful atmosphere of freedom and it’s a great place to unwind.’

  Later, when Harry was in bed, he asked me what I planned to do.

  ‘I haven’t really had time to make plans yet,’ I confessed. ‘The priority is to find somewhere permanent to live and get Harry settled in a new school.’

  ‘Any idea where?’

  I shrugged. ‘I haven’t a clue. It doesn’t much matter where we go as long as there’s a good school nearby for Harry.’ I looked at him. ‘And as long as I can still work for you.’

  ‘That’s a foregone conclusion.’ He paused for a second. ‘What about your marriage; is it really over, Frances? Are you sure this is really what you want?’

  ‘More than sure. Charles certainly is. He said that the next time I hear from him it will be through his solicitor.’

  His eyebrows rose. ‘Surely it should be down to you to divorce him. After all he’s the adulterer. You’ve done nothing wrong.’

  It was something that hadn’t occurred to me. ‘I suppose you’re right,’ I said. ‘He’s talking of applying to the courts for custody of Harry.’

  He looked sceptical. ‘I doubt very much if he’d get it. If I were you I’d get yourself some legal advice as soon as possible.’ He looked at me. ‘Have you had any thoughts at all about where you’d like to set up home? Obviously somewhere central, where there’s a good school?’

  ‘That would be ideal.’

  ‘If you like this area there’s King’s Lynn, or, a little further away there’s Stamford. Both have good schools for Harry and both are within easy reach of London.’

  I shook my head. ‘I don’t know either of those places. Frankly, Adam, I don’t know where to begin. It’s all a bit overwhelming.’

  ‘Well, no need to choose right away. I could drive you over to see both places tomorrow if you like. There nothing much you can do till after the Christmas break anyway.’

  ‘Why don’t you join us here for Christmas?’ I suggested, then, sensing his hesitation I added, ‘Unless you have something else planned of course.’

  ‘No, I haven’t and it’s sweet of you to invite me. It’s just that….’ He looked at me.’ ‘With Charles planning to find grounds for divorce….’

  I blushed, realizing what he was getting at. ‘Oh! Of course. I didn’t think of that.’

  He smiled. ‘No, you wouldn’t, Frances. You haven’t got that kind of mind. And that’s probably just what Charles is banking on. But from now on you’re going to have to be very careful.’

  I forced a laugh. ‘I’ve got enough to think about, finding a place to live and the right school for Harry.’ I looked at him. ‘I have to be honest, Adam. I’ve no idea when I’ll be able to work for you again.’

  ‘That’s not a problem,’ he assured me. ‘Once Harry is settled in school you could work around whatever area you’re living in. Meantime, don’t worry about your salary.’

  ‘Oh! I couldn’t take money if I’m not working,’ I said quickly.

  He laughed. ‘Oh, don’t worry about that! I’ll send you some paperwork to be getting on with at home.’ He grinned at me. ‘Can’t have you sitting idle, can we?’

  The following day Adam drove Harry and me to see both of the towns he’d recommended. I fell in love with Stamford at first sight, loving the elegant Georgian houses, built of local dove-grey stone, and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Looking in one of the estate agent’s windows we saw some small two bedroom apartments advertised to rent on the outskirts of the town.

  ‘One of those would suit Harry and me down to the ground,’ I said. ‘But they’d want rent in advance and it’s out of the question at the moment.’

  ‘I could always make you a small loan,’ Adam said. ‘Just until your divorce settlement comes through.’ I opened my mouth to protest but he continued, ‘Don’t argue, Frances. You have to be practical.
The sooner you can settle in, the sooner you can find a solicitor and start planning a future for the two of you.’ He took my hand. ‘Come on, the agent’s office is open. No time like the present. Let’s go and view those apartments straight away.’

  By the time we arrived back in Brinkley I was the tenant of one of the new apartments. I could hardly believe it. The flat I chose had been recently completed and had the most wonderful view of the river and surrounding meadows. Harry had been so excited, looking round and choosing his own bedroom.

  ‘Are we really coming to live here, Mum?’ he asked. ‘And can I really go to a school where I can come home every day?’

  ‘I hope so, yes,’ I said, laughing.

  He squeezed my arm. ‘So when can we move in?’

  ‘On New Year’s Day,’ I told him.

  He grinned from ear to ear. ‘Oh, Mum. I can’t wait!’

  I persuaded Adam to stay until first thing on Monday morning so that he could have a relaxing evening. Back at the cottage I made a meal for the three of us and then Harry went off to bed, tired but excited by the prospect of his new future.

  Once he was settled I joined Adam beside the blazing log fire he had lit in the living room.

  ‘I really wish I could spend Christmas here with you both,’ he said wistfully.

  I looked at him and for the first time since we’d met I realized how lonely he must have been since the tragic loss of his family.

  ‘We’d have loved to share Christmas with you too, Adam,’ I said.

  He nodded. ‘But best to be careful under the circumstances. I daresay Charles will be looking out for any little hint of misconduct he can find to use against you. Best not to give him any ammunition.’

  It was something I hadn’t thought of but I immediately saw the sense in what he was saying. I looked at him for a long moment. In the firelight he looked pensive and sad. ‘Thank you so much for all you’ve done to help me, Adam,’ I said quietly.

  He looked up. ‘Not at all. Glad to have been of help.’

  ‘Why are you so good to me?’ I asked him softly.

  He smiled ruefully. ‘Are you really telling me you haven’t guessed?’

  ‘I know you’re the best friend I’ve ever had.’

  ‘But you must have sensed that I’d like to be more than that?’ When I didn’t answer he leaned forward to take my hand and said quickly, ‘I’m sorry. I don’t want to spoil things between us, Frances.’

  ‘You’re not – you won’t.’

  ‘You’re just coming out of a damaging marriage. Your emotions must be shot to pieces. It’s going to take time for you to start examining your feelings. I know that.’

  ‘You’re right. But having your support means a lot.’

  ‘Thank you. So, for the time being I promise not to mention my own feelings again.’

  Part of me was disappointed. At that moment, his hand still holding mine, I wanted nothing more than for him to take me in his arms and kiss me, but was he right, was what I felt just a rebound thing? Was I merely grateful for someone strong to lean on? Somehow I didn’t think so, but time would tell. For now he was right. There was a big bridge to cross. The months to come would be difficult and trying. We should wait for life to settle down again.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  As always at the beginning of a new year, business at Fantaisie was slow. The previous week Imogene had gone on a buying trip, leaving Katie in charge. She’d had plenty of time to jot down some of the many ideas she’d had about the exciting new future she and Imogene were planning for the business but now it was her turn to spend some time away from the shop so she was working at home, creating two new wedding dresses for Fantaisie’s hire service.

  So much had happened since Christmas. The new lease for the shop had been signed and to their surprise they had been offered the first refusal of the premises next door. She and Imogene had spent a long time talking about it and at last had decided to take the risk, using the second shop for their hire business.

  As she sat stitching, Katie’s thoughts went to Frances and Sophie. It seemed an age since the three of them had made their trip to Dorset. To her surprise and disappointment Fran hadn’t even sent her a Christmas card. She couldn’t help wondering if something had happened. She’d had a card from Sophie who had scribbled a note inside, saying that she’d had to move out of Greenings at short notice but had found temporary accommodation.

  Sitting by the window to catch as much natural daylight as she could, Katie noticed that there were a lot of children about. It must be half-term, she mused, picking up another sequin with her needle. That meant that Sophie would be free and as she was working at home there couldn’t be a better time to arrange a meeting. Maybe the three of them could get together this week and catch up with all the news.

  Setting her sewing aside she went into the kitchen and put the kettle on for coffee, while she waited for it to boil she took out her phone and selected Sophie’s number. She picked up at once.

  ‘Hi, Katie. Long time no speak.’

  Well at least Sophie sounded cheerful. ‘Hi. How are you?’

  ‘Great thanks. Enjoying a few days off.’

  ‘I thought it must be half-term, that’s why I’m ringing. Did you have a good Christmas?’

  ‘Not too bad. You?’

  ‘Super. Look, it’s ages since we got together. I’m working from home at the moment so I’m more or less free. How about meeting for lunch?’

  ‘Sounds lovely. Have you heard from Fran?’

  ‘No. Have you?’

  ‘Not for some time. I feel guilty, I keep meaning to ring her but such a lot has happened and somehow I haven’t got round to it.’

  ‘Shall I ring her now – or will you?’

  ‘I will,’ Sophie said. ‘But shall we say it’s a date anyway. Tomorrow – same time, same place? I’ll book our usual table.’

  ‘Lovely. See you there then.’

  Napolitano was quiet when Katie arrived. She was a little early so she wasn’t surprised to find that she was first. She ordered herself a glass of white wine and settled down to wait, sitting where she could keep an eye on the door.

  She spotted Sophie the moment she arrived. She was laden with bags and had obviously been shopping. Spotting Katie she waved cheerily as she made her way across the restaurant.

  ‘Phew!’ Dumping her bags on to a spare chair she sank into the seat next to Katie. ‘I don’t come into Town very often so I thought I’d kill two birds with one stone.’

  Katie laughed. ‘Looks as though you’ve bumped off a whole flock if that lot’s anything to go by.’

  Sophie grinned. ‘I’m going on a Mediterranean cruise at Easter,’ she said. ‘So I needed a few things.’

  ‘Wow, a cruise! Lucky you. By the way, did you manage to contact Fran? Is she coming?’

  ‘Yes. She’s moved – living in Lincolnshire now. I don’t know any details but she says she’ll explain everything when we’re all together.’ She beckoned a waiter and ordered a glass of wine for herself and one for Frances.

  ‘She’ll be here in a minute,’ she explained. ‘I think she’s been through quite a tough time. She didn’t say a lot but she’s obviously not living at Crayshore Manor any more.’

  When Frances arrived a few minutes later it was clear to both of them that she had lost weight. Katie greeted her warmly.

  ‘Fran! Lovely to see you. Hey, you’ve been on a diet. Are you going to tell us the secret of your success?’

  Frances sat down wearily. ‘No secret,’ she said with a wry smile. ‘Divorce is the answer. That’ll do it every time.’

  Katie winced, ‘Fran love, I’m sorry. Me and my big mouth. I’d no idea.’

  ‘Of course you hadn’t. Don’t be sorry. It’s all for the best anyway.’ Frances pulled off her gloves. ‘I’m sorry not to have been in touch with either of you. It was deliberate, I’m afraid. I didn’t want to burden either of you with all my troubles, not at Christmas.’

 
‘That awful woman hasn’t been giving you more problems, has she?’ Katie asked.

  Frances took a sip of her wine and shook her head. ‘No, thank goodness. I haven’t heard another word from her, and anyway she’ll have no idea where I am now that I’ve moved.’

  ‘So you and Charles have split up?’ Sophie ventured.

  ‘Yes and not before time. I’d already found out that he was seeing his ex-wife again. He didn’t try very hard to hide the fact. But what finally tipped me over the edge was that Harry had an accident at school and fractured his skull.’

  The other two gasped. ‘Oh God, Fran, how awful!’

  ‘It was the same day that we went to Dorset. When I got home several messages had been left for me on the phone telling me that he was in hospital.’ She looked at the other two. ‘It turned out to be no accident but the result of more bullying but the school did their best to cover it up. I tried to reach Charles and my suspicions were confirmed when I found out that he was with her, Celia. When he eventually came home he refused again to accept that Harry was being bullied and insisted that he would be going back to school as soon as he was fit enough. That was when I made up my mind. Harry and I left the following day.’

  ‘Poor Fran.’ Katie touched her arm. ‘You must have felt so alone. Where did you go?’

  ‘We were lucky; Adam – my boss – has a cottage in Norfolk. He let us stay there until after Christmas. Then I found a flat in Stamford – again with Adam’s help. As soon as we moved I got Harry into a good school, found a solicitor and filed for divorce.’

  Sophie and Katie exchanged looks. ‘It all sounds very organized,’ Sophie said. ‘But I’m sure you’re playing it down. It must have been such a traumatic time for you.’

  ‘Naturally, but not as bad as I thought,’ Frances said. ‘Charles had hinted that he would apply for custody of Harry and for a while I was terrified that he might get it. He has a lot of influence. But thank God it didn’t happen.’ She paused to finish her wine. ‘I must admit that I wouldn’t have known where to start if it hadn’t been for Adam. It was his suggestion that I applied for a divorce first. I was expecting fireworks but to my surprise Charles neither contested it nor mentioned applying for custody of Harry. I rather suspect that Celia had a hand in that. She’s hardly the motherly type. Charles does have access though. The arrangement is that he’ll see Harry every other weekend.’