Reflections

by Reflections (epub)

Kitty jumped up in the manner of her old former energy. ‘I’m going to put more logs on the fire and then ask Christina for some more tea.’ She smiled at Beth and put a gentle hand on her shoulder. ‘Can’t have you catching a cold, old girl.’

  Twenty-Eight

  ‘Why on earth did you set out to hurt Rob like that?’ Evie railed against her father for the first time in her life, having just called him inside from the boat. Her fists were clenched rigidly at her sides and her eyes were burning with anger. ‘I couldn’t believe my ears when Beth told me what Kitty’s brother saw you up to yesterday. What has Rob ever done for you to behave in such a way? When you hurt him you hurt me, don’t you care about that? Don’t you care about me? Don’t my feelings matter to you? You must have seen how much I love Rob, or don’t you take any notice of me ever?’

  ‘Oh, so you know.’ Davey pushed back his cap and rubbed his chin. ‘I knew you would in time. I admit I’ve been working up the courage to tell you myself.’

  ‘Is that all you can say?’ she threw at him, hurt seeping out of her. ‘How were you going to explain your dirty actions to me? I’ve looked at Rob’s yard for myself and it’s obvious by the scraping and scratching a slab had been disturbed. The instant Rob’s notices it he’ll be round here. He’ll know it was you. You’re the only one who could wish him that kind of ill, and you had the perfect opportunity with practically all the cove at the wedding. At the least you planned an almighty row. Go on tell me what you’ll say to him? You won’t tear us apart if that’s what you’re up to. I’ve had enough of your jibes towards Rob, and now this. It’s rotten and spiteful, and I can’t take any more of it.’

  Silence fell in the little cottage like a taut covering. Tension bristled like electrical crackles. Evie met her father’s unwavering stare. He pushed out his lower lip and breathed in through his nose. ‘Of course you can’t and why should you? I’ve been a self-centred, frightened old man. Being caught out by that Copeland bloke kept me awake all night thinking and thinking and made me see sense at last. Sit down, my handsome, and let me explain.’ Davey shifted to his chair by the hearth.

  Evie stayed motionless, wondering if her ears had heard right.

  Her father’s change of attitude was the last thing she had expected. At the very least she had thought he would argue that Rob wasn’t good enough for her and would end up breaking her heart. Her brow creased in suspicion but she did hold a little hope about her father’s motives. ‘What do you mean, Dad?’

  ‘It’s like this, Evie. You know your mother and I never had a marriage in the usual sense. I was a very lonely man living here on my own. Iris needed help and I was pleased to offer her a home and security. We couldn’t have got on better, not a cross word ever passed between us. You know how we both doted on you. I was devastated at Iris’s untimely death. I’d thought I’d die years before her and leave the both of you comfortably off. I know I’ve kept you all too often to myself, and discouraged you from any social life, even from knowing your own sister. For years I haven’t been able to bear the thought of you getting married and me having to live on my own again, and I’m too set in my ways to live elsewhere or welcome someone else under my roof. Like any father, I was worried about Rob Praed being your choice, but he’s changed a lot and it’s time I acknowledged it, and there’s a lot worse than he out there. What I did yesterday was out of desperation. Last night, as I expected, he rolled home late after the wedding drunk as a lord. I was going to move the slab in the hope he’d take a fall and hurt himself. I wanted you to think badly of him. I was going to point out that you could end up waiting for him night after night when the shine wears off your marriage. But even if that turns out to be the case I got no right to stand in your way After all, if your marriage proved to be a mistake I’d only be next door to look out for you. So I’m sorry, Evie. I’ll tell Rob this too.’

  ‘Do you really mean all that, Dad?’ Evie moved warily up to him.

  ‘I do, and what’s more I don’t think you and Rob should wait till next year to get married. Bring it forward to any time you like. Get a special licence if that’s what you want. Come next Monday night the fleet will be shooting our herring nets round the Eddystone and berthing at Plymouth until Saturday. You and Rob got a few days to make a decision. And Evie, I swear on your mother’s memory I won’t stand in your way. In fact, I’ll help you all I can. I’ve got money in the house. I’ll get it right away if you want to go shopping.’

  Feeling her feet had been swept out from under her Evie had to sit down. ‘Rob and I wouldn’t want our wedding scaled down. A Christmas wedding would be nice though.’

  ‘A Christmas wedding it is then. Go to Rob now and then you could both go to see the minister.’

  * * *

  ‘Say something, Rob.’ His long silence was making Evie pent up. She had gone immediately next door to him. He was too used to drink to be suffering a hangover, and had been about to go out to Our Lily.

  ‘I’m sorry, darling, but I just don’t trust Davey.’ Rob threw up his hands in exasperation. ‘I could bust his guts for what he was up to. If Stuart Copeland hadn’t caught him at it I might well be nursing broken bones. Surely, you don’t believe a word he’s just said? He spent a long time thinking all night, yes, but he’s come up with another sly strategy. He’d rather see me in my grave than married to you.’

  ‘Don’t say that,’ Evie cried. ‘It’s too horrible to think about.’

  ‘But you must admit Davey readily agreed with what you want for us but goes on to do all he can to stand in our way. There won’t be a Christmas wedding, he’ll somehow see to that. He’s too smart-witted. Well, there’s one thing for it. We’re going to outwit him.’

  The ups and downs of hopes and anger Evie had gone through in the last few minutes made her gulp with disappointment and bewilderment. She exhaled through her lips to disperse all the frustration. ‘It isn’t right. Things shouldn’t be like this.’

  Rob pulled her into his arms and she held on to his body. ‘No, they shouldn’t, but what other choice have we got?’

  ‘What do you think we should do?’ she said, her face snuggled against his neck.

  ‘Elope, today, as soon as the boats have gone out.’

  Twenty-Nine

  Nearly two weeks had past since Evie and Rob’s elopement and today they were due home. Beth was at their back door, the first time she had been in the cove since her accident. She had driven down and parked in Half Street, the closest she could bring the car, for she was bringing bags and boxes of gifts and bunches of chrysanthemums, and she was excited to be joining Rob’s sisters to get everything ready for the honeymooners’ return. For now she was putting aside her worries about what Davey Vage would say and do when the fleet sailed back from Plymouth waters tomorrow.

  Alison Keane opened the door to her, and Beth was caressed with the cosy warmth of the fires lit in the cottage to air it through. ‘Come in, let me help you. You’ve got good timing, Miss Beth, Judy’s just put the kettle on.’

  ‘Oh, call me simply Beth. I can see you’ve both been busy.’ Beth smiled, as she stepped inside. ‘I’ve got more stuff in the car. The wedding presents Kitty sent down, and others from Mrs Reseigh and Mark, Claire and Mr Benedict. And lots of food for the party at your Aunt Posy’s tomorrow night.’

  ‘We’ll help you fetch the things in,’ Alison said.

  ‘It smells wonderfully of lavender polish. I hope you’ve left some work for me to do.’

  ‘Sorry,’ Judy laughed. ‘We couldn’t stop ourselves getting up early and making a start. Marrying Evie is the best thing that could ever happen to Rob. We thought we’d leave the few things Evie had brought round to unpack herself, including her wedding dress. When it’s finished she and Rob will dress up for a photographer. At least she had her bridesmaid dress to wear for her quick wedding. We’ve put in the new bed linen Mrs Vyvyan bought as a wedding present and laid out the beautiful ivory negligee you got for Evie.’

  Alison grinned
wickedly. ‘Bet Evie’s never even seen something so luxurious and sheer before. Rob will certainly like it.’

  Judy went on. ‘We’ve brought fresh bread, milk, butter and veg. You best arrange the flowers, Beth, we wouldn’t do a such a good job.’

  ‘I’ll fetch all the vases,’ Alison said. ‘While you pour the tea. We don’t usually eat boughten cake but for a change we popped into the baker’s on the way and bought some chocolate eclairs. Must say they look delicious.’

  When the women were eating and drinking round the kitchen table, Beth said, ‘I received another postcard from Evie this morning. She wrote she’s having an amazing time in London, after moving on from Torquay, seeing all the sights and even going to the theatre. Happy memories for her.’

  ‘Bet Rob is spoiling her,’ Alison said dreamily, licking cream and chocolate off her lips. Then her mood changed. ‘They’ll be very happy together as long as they don’t take any trouble from that nasty little bugbear next door. Old man Vage has kept tight-lipped about their elopement except for repeating to everyone, “They had no need to go off like that. I told her I’d thought better of wanting to hurt Rob.” Why the heck would he want to do such a rotten thing in the first place? He’s malicious and evil. He must be madder than a devil about Evie and Rob getting married but it was he who drove them away, not that he’d ever admit it. Evie wanted to keep the old man’s action under wraps but that was impossible once all our family knew. Mr Benedict got nowhere with Davey when he tried to help, Davey told him to mind his own business. Well, I bet for all of Davey’s resentment he’s glad he doesn’t have to fork out for a wedding. Uncle Lofty phoned down with the news that he’d spoken to Davey and Davey agreed to come to the party, but I bet he won’t. I hope he doesn’t! He’d only cause trouble, bound to.’

  ‘Evie must be worrying about the reception she’ll receive from Davey, and that’s a great pity. This should be the happiest time of her life.’ Beth aimed hostile looks at the wall that divided Evie’s new home from her old one, imagining the cold, bitter little man who would soon be back inside No. 1 Quayside. ‘If he’s lonely from now on it will be no more than he deserves. But he had better be very careful how he treats Evie, or he’ll have the might of us at Owles House, Uncle Ken and the whole Praed family against him.’

  ‘The whole of Portcowl too, come to that,’ Judy contributed crossly. ‘Miserable so-and-so! Evie gave twenty-seven years of her life devoted to him yet he wanted every second of hers until he dies. Our father and mother always said he was devious and hard-hearted. Evie must be warned that if he acts all sweetness and light towards her she had better watch out for him. He might be set on some sort of revenge. Actually, the more I think about it the more I’m getting worried. Douglas mentioned that not long ago he saw Davey glaring at Rob like he wanted to kill him. Strong words, and I didn’t think much about it at the time, but now…’

  ‘And after what Vage tried to do to Rob the loathing will be mutual. Rob won’t easily forgive and forget that,’ said Alison.

  ‘So Evie could find herself stuck in the middle of a nasty feud. Right,’ Beth said firmly, ‘Davey Vage needs to be watched carefully in case he tries once again to separate Evie from Rob. Whether he goes to the party or not, I think Davey should be told in no uncertain terms that we’re on to him.’

  * * *

  ‘Breakfast, Mrs Praed.’ Rob tenderly kissed Evie to wake her. Before that he had taken a moment to caress her warm, sleep-flushed face. He loved the way she was in the morning, so young and lovely, and all his. They had arrived late last night to a fragrant, cosy home, thanks to their respective sisters’ work, and Rob had proudly carried her over the threshold. Tired from the long train journey and then bouncing along the twisting lanes in a taxicab, they had gone straight to bed, but not too tired to make love.

  Evie smiled happily and stretched out her bare arms for her husband. ‘Mmm, you needn’t have bothered to do that.’

  ‘I won’t get many chances of a morning to treat you like a princess, darling.’ He took her hands and kissed them both. ‘So I want to make the most of it. I’ve made tea, toast, butter and marmalade. It’s still quite early. I want you all to myself for as long as I can. Sit up, I’ll bring over the tray and get in beside you.’

  Covering their nakedness they rested against the pillows, laughing and giggling while feeding each other bites of toast. ‘I wish every morning could be like this,’ Evie cooed.

  ‘We’ll make sure we do this as often as we can.’ Rob kissed a dash of marmalade off her chin. ‘I love you.’

  ‘I love you.’

  ‘I love, love, love you.’

  ‘Me too.’

  And they fell into a fit of happy laughter.

  Rob finished his breakfast and began to glide his hand all over Evie’s back. He kissed her shoulder. Lifted her hair away from her neck and kissed her there. She shivered in delight and he loved it when she did so. ‘My beautiful love. Finished with the tray?’ His voice was low and husky with desire.

  Evie looked into his eyes, gone smoky with intense want, and her femininity leapt into exquisite life and her skin glowed radiant. She nodded. He lifted the tray down off the bed. Then took her fingers and licked the traces of breakfast off them. Evie gripped his face and with her open lips demanded his. When their need turned immediate they shifted and writhed and Rob was on her and inside her. Their act of love was in perfect union, Evie once again learning and giving back his honed skills. When they were finally sated the morning was well into its stride and the cove was coming to life. They stayed in each other’s arms for long minutes.

  ‘Rob, darling, I think we should open the curtains,’ Evie whispered, looking shyly at the window.

  ‘Why?’ he murmured, using his fingertips to feather circles on her arm.

  ‘People will know we’re still in bed.’

  Rob laughed loudly.

  ‘Shush!’

  ‘Oh, my darling little sea pearl, no wonder I love you so much. People will be passing by smiling with knowing looks and be pleased for us, and most will be envious.’

  ‘Yes, you’re right.’ She glanced around her new bedroom, lying in the double bed where Rob had been conceived. While on honeymoon Rob had said she could choose new wallpaper and paint. She would eventually but it wasn’t important for now. Then her eyes trailed to the wardrobe where last night she had hung up the gorgeous negligee, Beth’s gift. She was still shy about making love with Rob. When she got bolder she would wear the sensuous satin creation. ‘We ought to get up quite soon though, don’t you think? We’re sure to have a stream of visitors.’

  Rob squeezed her gently. ‘They can wait, but OK, let’s get up.’ He playfully rubbed his stomach. ‘I could do with another breakfast, Mrs Praed. Then we can walk out together to get the newspaper and some ale and stuff for the party tonight. I want to show you off’

  The morning was nearly past by the time they returned home. They had gloried in a barrage of good wishes and many a curious question, and little kind gifts. Rob invited everyone they saw to Wildflower Cottage that evening for the celebration.

  When they got back they found visitors they had missed had left parcels in the yard and pushed cards through the front letterbox. While they were eating a lunch of sandwiches and fruitcake, the first meal Eve had shared at her new housewife’s table, she said, ‘After this I’m going to slip next door, to my father’s.’ It was odd for the next cottage to no longer be her home.

  Rob looked up from the sports pages of the paper. ‘He wouldn’t like that, would he?’

  ‘I don’t know, but I’ve got to collect the rest of my things.’ Evie was edgy over this. Would she find Davey had packed up all her things ready to be cleared out of his house? Pointing to him shunning her forever. She prayed he really had meant it when he had told Lofty Praed he would attend tonight’s party. ‘I want to see how he’s managed, and to get the house aired and ready for him, like Beth and the girls did for us. I don’t want him to feel I d
on’t love him any more.’

  Rob made a wry face. ‘I’ll come with you, darling, carry your stuff round. I’m sorry for you Evie, that Davey’s like he is.’

  ‘No, you stay here in case we get more visitors. I’ll tell you when I’m ready.’

  Taking a suitcase and some bags to next door, Evie had her former back door key with her, but feeling under a particular large pebble she found the key her father always left there. It was a huge relief to know her father had not tried to lock her out. The key made a hefty clank when she turned it in the lock – she had never noticed that before. She went inside cautiously. It was nearly as dark as night for Davey had drawn the curtains at the back and front windows. Evie drew back the short curtains over the sink to let in some light.

  All was neat and in its usual place, not even a washed dish was left on the draining board, but it seemed terribly empty and cold and sad. Evie hoped Davey might have left her a note, he would have been sure she’d come in if she arrived back before him, but it wasn’t his way. What he had to say he always said to someone’s face. She did not bring provisions, knowing Davey would prefer to get his own. Already she felt like a stranger to him, that her life here from birth meant nothing. The sadness she felt here was hers. The coldness, she hoped, was not to prove to be Davey’s feelings towards her, but at least he must have been hurt by her elopement, which had shouted out to him that she did not trust him. What had he thought of the letter she had left for him, begging his understanding?

  She lit the fire that Davey had left ready laid in, in the range. Hopefully, he would appreciate the warmth and her thoughtfulness. There was nothing else she could do downstairs so she climbed the stairs, taking the empty luggage, and went into her old room. She had taken most of her stuff next door and it was unbearably empty and almost hard to recognize, with its twin beds, as the room she had shared with her mother, then alone until her runaway wedding. She packed the rest of her clothes and the things her mother’s nimble fingers had made, toys, cushions, scented coat hangers, framed cross-stitch pictures and furniture runners. Then there was nothing else to do but leave, which she did with one backward sorrowful look, knowing it was unlikely she would ever see inside it again.