by Ian Wilfred
Once back at Dulcie’s, Gemma helped to make her comfortable on the settee and then went into the kitchen to see what she could find to rustle up a quick meal. She didn’t even know Rupert and Dulcie’s individual preferences, which made things a little difficult. She took it upon herself to make a pot of tea while Dulcie told Rupert all about her morning at the hospital and then joined them in the lounge to talk about the food situation as well as the housekeeper’s job.
“Isn’t it a rather high wage, Dulcie? I don’t feel right about taking that amount of money from you every month. To be perfectly honest, even half that amount plus the accommodation would be too much. I’m not saying I don’t want the job, I’d actually love it as I find you both…”
“Odd? Is that the word you’re searching for, my dear? Well, we are, aren’t we, Rupert?”
They all saw the funny side of that and laughed. Gemma went to top the teapot up with more water, and noticed that Dulcie and Rupert started whispering about something as she left the room. Had she upset them when mentioning the wages, she wondered? They were two lovely people, and she just couldn’t take all that money from them. They were pensioners, after all.
The mood seemed to have changed to a more sombre one when Gemma finally returned with the teapot.
“Gemma, dear, we’ve been talking. Rupert and I have agreed that the only way this little arrangement is going to work, is if we’re all upfront and honest. It won’t be a case of you having to learn about us, our likes, dislikes and needs. We’re also going to have to learn to adapt to a whole new lifestyle.”
“Cutting to the chase, Gemma, Dulcie’s trying to tell you that we’ve come into a substantial sum of money via the National Lottery. So much so that we have no idea what to do with it. We’ve only had it a few weeks, and you’re our first purchase. Believe it or not, the salary is exactly what a reputable agency told us would be the going rate for a live-in housekeeper and driver. Now, you’re the only person we intend telling about our windfall, apart from Dulcie’s grandson, Jamie, that is. We’re hoping he’ll help us with investments and such like, but there’s no rush for that yet.”
“Yes, dear, that’s quite right. We need you to help us spend it! We’re haven’t decided what we’re going to do with it, but I’m sure you won’t mind helping us to knock a dent in fifty million pounds and share a great time with us, will you, Gemma?”
Chapter 4
A few weeks later, Gemma had redecorated the little attic flat and settled into her new role. She had developed a good routine which Dulcie and Rupert both appreciated, their meals were all planned in advance and the three of them were enjoying each other’s company.
Life was beginning to change. Gemma had introduced Rupert to the Internet in the form of an iPad and broadband connection. He was absolutely fascinated with it, spending hour upon hour Googling all the actors, actresses and people he’d known in the show business industry more than 40 years ago and then telling her such interesting stories about the past.
They’d also started going to the cinema and theatre. Gemma would book the tickets online and then arrange with either Craig or his father-in-law to take them and collect them again at the end of the performance. However, it was now February and the cold, wet and windy weather was beginning to frustrate Dulcie and Rupert. Getting out and about had lost its appeal.
Gemma suggested booking them a holiday, somewhere with some winter sunshine, but staying in a nice hotel where they could be waited on hand and foot. There would be no need for her to accompany them as they seemed to be managing well now Dulcie’s leg injury had healed. Unfortunately, that idea didn’t go down too well with Rupert. He wasn’t one for flying and while they did both love the sunshine, the lure of the world’s most fabulous scenes would not encourage him to get on an aeroplane.
Today was a day for food shopping. Gemma had planned meals for the week and prepared her list. The rain was relentless though, and although Dulcie had looked forward to going out, she eventually decided against it and left Gemma to book the cab and go alone. Soon Paul, Craig’s father-in-law drew up outside the house. Gemma was slightly disappointed. It wasn’t that she disliked Paul, far from it, but she had to admit that Craig was a lot better looking.
“Morning! What a dreadful day! Gemma, if it’s alright by you, can I drop you off at the supermarket and pick you up again in about three quarters of an hour? It’s just that I need to take someone to the doctor’s, and I can do that whilst you do your shopping.”
That suited Gemma perfectly. She always felt rushed when either Craig or Paul waited outside the supermarket for her, so today she could browse more leisurely and take her time. Firstly, she wanted to look at all the glossy magazines. If she bought a selection of them, she could pretend they were her own, but then give them to Dulcie and Rupert as a thank you gift, a means of paying them back for their kindness. She knew full well that would be the only way Dulcie would ever accept anything from her.
A quick check of the shopping list to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything, Gemma then headed out into the car park to find her cab home. The rain had eased slightly, but it was still a rather miserable day. To her surprise Craig was already there waiting for her, and it certainly brightened her day to have him unload the groceries from the trolley and put it all in the boot of his car for her.
“Thanks, Craig. Doesn’t it all mount up? I can’t believe how much I’ve bought today. Anyway, it’s lovely to see you again, but I thought Paul was coming back for me.”
“He’s still at the doctors with a chap who lives down the road, so you’ll have to put up with me, I’m afraid.”
“I don’t mind at all, Craig. You know I look forward to seeing you. How’s things?”
“Same old, same old, nothing changes. I spend hours behind the wheel earning the money and then Claire spends it all in minutes. Her parents keep telling her she’s not being fair but she only ignores them.”
“And what do you tell her? Nothing, no doubt. Sorry, Craig, I shouldn’t have said that. It’s none of my business”
He didn’t reply and they travelled the rest of the way in complete silence. Gemma felt sorry for Craig. Driving cabs around town all day seemed a soulless life. A young man like him should be working with people his own age and enjoying life. When they pulled up on the driveway, Craig helped Gemma to carry the shopping into the kitchen. He’d got to know both Dulcie and Rupert over the months and they both looked forward to seeing him.
“Look at you! You’re wet through. Come in and dry off. Do you have time for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake?”
Most of the time Craig had to refuse Rupert’s offer as he always had another pick up scheduled, but as his next client wasn’t for another half an hour, he decided to accept and stay for coffee. Gemma put the shopping away and switched the kettle on to boil while Craig joined Dulcie and Rupert in the lounge. Dulcie was reading the newspaper, but was delighted to see Craig. It would break the day up nicely having someone else to talk to, and Craig was always a welcome visitor to the home.
“Here we are. Three coffees and three slices of lemon drizzle cake.”
“How appropriate, don’t you think, ladies? There’s nothing more pleasant than drizzling over you, young man.”
“Rupert, I think the word you’re looking for is ‘drooling’ not drizzling.” And speak for yourself, Gemma and I wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing, would we, dear?”
Craig laughed, taking their banter in good humour. He was used to Rupert’s dry wit by now, although Dulcie was wrong in her assumption. Gemma did seem to be drooling over him. Glad to have had a break from driving and the opportunity to relax with coffee and cake, Craig loved laughing along with Rupert’s subtle jokes and innuendo. As Gemma saw him to the door, he admitted that visiting them was the highlight of his week, but more than that, he always looked forward to seeing Gemma too.
While that was a lovely thing to say, Craig was a married man and Gemma recognised the warning sign
als. Over the years she’d seen a lot of marriages fail as a result of affairs or one night stands and there was no way she would ever allow herself to become involved with anyone who was already spoken for. Back in the lounge, Dulcie’s expression was now more serious.
“We have a bit of a problem on our hands, Gemma. My daughter, Janice, wants to come over to stay for a couple of days. No idea why. She can’t possibly have got wind of our lottery win, but if she does, I don’t know what would happen.”
Gemma listened carefully, but she always knew this would happen. Perhaps they could tell Janice about their lottery win, but not mention the true amount. After all, Dulcie did mention wanting to help Janie out financially, and being open about the win would avert suspicion.
“You could easily pretend you’ve won the millionaire raffle, you know. I could look online, pick a date and then remember the winning numbers. That way you won’t feel as bad about it, and perhaps start to enjoy your good fortune a bit more. I have to say it, Dulcie, but I know the bad weather’s got to you a lot over the last few weeks. You really could do with some sunshine, and before you say it, Rupert, yes, I understand you don’t like flying, but there’s nothing stopping you travelling to France or Spain by road and ferry. The weather’s a darn sight better there than it is here at the moment, and if Janice knows about everything, you wouldn’t have to make up any stories about how you can suddenly afford a lovely holiday. Anyway, it’s none of my business, but you deserve to be happy. Apart from the Internet, Rupert’s new iPad and a couple of cinema and theatre trips, you’ve hardly pushed the boat out. You ought to be getting out there, enjoying yourself and having fun like you used to do. Right, now I’ve said my piece, I’d best go and prepare lunch.”
Gemma felt pangs of conscience. Had she overstepped the mark? Dulcie and Rupert’s personal life wasn’t anything to do with her, but they did seem to be becoming more and more miserable. Preparing their lunch, she could hear the pair of them chatting quietly in the lounge, but couldn’t make out what they were saying. She had put her cards on the table, and now it was up to them to decide how much they should tell Janice. The good thing was that it was Gemma’s afternoon off and she was going to visit her mum and dad. She had planted the idea of a holiday in Dulcie and Rupert’s minds and now she would leave them to mull over their thoughts and plans alone.
“Oh, darling. Don’t you think you went a bit too far there? Don’t forget, you’re their housekeeper, not a member of their family.”
“Too far, Mum? There was so much more I could have said. For instance, they’re living in two old flats, Rupert’s kitchen never gets used, and come to that, neither does his lounge. The pair of them would be far better off in a nice new two bedroomed property. They could even have their own lounge each if they wanted their own space. Mum, I know it’s their money, but they need to start enjoying it. The sad thing is that they’ll never live long enough to be able to spend it all, so why not start having some fun?”
“Gemma, do you think the novelty of the job’s wearing off a bit. Perhaps they are happy and it’s you that’s fed up but can’t see it. You might be missing not being able to mix with people your own age and having fun yourself.”
“You could be right, Mum. Maybe I’m not cut out for that kind of job. I’d best apologise and suggest they look for someone else, someone older than me who would be more suitable. Thanks, Mum, I think you’ve given me the push I needed.”
“Yes, darling, but where would I be pushing you to?”
Back in the tiny attic flat that night, Gemma pondered over that question. If she was to leave Rupert and Dulcie, what would she do instead? It wasn’t as if she disliked the job. She just wanted more for them. After all, they were two lovely people who had trusted her and given her a wonderful opportunity to save some money for the future. No, she was going to bear with it. Dulcie and Rupert needed her, and she was determined to make sure their lives were as fun and exciting as possible.
Chapter 5
Gemma had had a troubled night’s sleep, mulling over yet another dilemma in her life. She would apologise to Dulcie and hand in her letter of resignation, but offer to stay on while they found a suitable replacement.
It was seven o’clock and a Wednesday morning. That meant a fry up. Why, Gemma didn’t know, but it seemed to be one of their quirky little routines. Should she get her apology over and done with before cooking breakfast? She had made such a mess of things, and what she would do next hadn’t even crossed her mind. She had experience of various things, but nothing to show for it, and at 25 years old, it was -about time she stuck at something for more than just five minutes.
As she headed downstairs to the kitchen, she noticed a glimpse of light from Dulcie’s lounge. That in itself was unusual, as she’d never known Dulcie to be up and about so early of a morning. Oh, I’ve upset her, going off on one like I did yesterday, Gemma thought to herself, and that was really the last thing I intended doing.” All Gemma wanted was for Dulcie and Rupert to enjoy whatever time they had left in life.
“Morning, Gemma! Did you have a nice time with your parents yesterday? We’ve got so much to tell you and we’re so excited. Rupert will be down soon as I’ve just sent him a text to say I’m up. If you don’t mind, we’ll skip the fry up today and go over our plans instead. I’d love some coffee if you’re making one for yourself though, and you might as well make Rupert his morning pot of tea.”
This threw her completely off track. What should she do? Launch into her apology or listen to their exciting news first? Gemma hadn’t seen Dulcie quite so animated before, even forgoing her usual Wednesday morning cooked breakfast too. Whatever she was about to say, was obviously important. By the time Gemma had made the drinks and brought them through to the lounge, Rupert had emerged and they were both sitting at the table with various pieces of paper and the iPad. Rupert seemed to be just as excited as Dulcie – both of them acting totally out of character, far different from the elderly couple she had left alone yesterday.
“Morning, dear, thanks for my morning tea. Now, come and sit down with us as we need your advice. We’ve a plan in mind, but don’t know how to go about it, do we, Dulcie?”
The two of them barely stopped to draw breath. Gemma listened intently, eager to take it all in. Apparently, Dulcie and Rupert were planning a trip abroad and thought Spain would be ideal. Rupert had spent the whole of the previous afternoon and evening Googling temperatures and Spanish resorts, persuaded that he could easily travel from Dover on the ferry through France and then take a coach to the coast of Spain in Almeria. While he was researching travel options, Dulcie had been watching a travel programme on the television featuring property buying in Spain.
“Don’t you see, dear, it’s an omen. All of a sudden the town of Graingcia appeared on the television. There’s an older town, Roncia, up in the hills and it looks absolutely gorgeous, but we liked the newer part although it did look rather hilly. The Brits who lived out there said it was quiet, relaxed and very warm at this time of year. Just what we need, don’t you think? All we need to do is find somewhere suitable to rent, and that’s where you come in, Gemma. You understand the Internet far better than we do.”
“Do slow down, Rupert and give Gemma time to take all this in. Another thing, I’ve decided to take your advice and let Janice know I’ve had a little win on the lottery. She and Jamie are coming over on Friday, so it would be good if we could sort our holiday out before they get here.”
Eventually Gemma got them both to slow down, and persuaded them to have the cooked breakfast. While she was cooking she would have time alone in the kitchen to think about things, but she quickly found a holiday letting site covering Graingcia and the surrounding area, so let them browse through that while she prepared the eggs and bacon. Perhaps she wouldn’t be handing in her notice after all, a huge relief, as deep down that wasn’t really what she wanted.
It was now late afternoon and with both breakfast and a late lunch over, they had all n
ow gone to the dining room where Gemma had set up her laptop and printer. She had printed out information on properties plus maps and travel routes, but wasn’t entirely sure either Dulcie or Rupert fully understood the timings, distances involved or the route planning. Then there was the question of accommodation. Did they want a house or an apartment, and how many bedrooms? Gemma didn’t want to burst their bubble, but there were so many things to organise. It was a good idea though, she had to admit, as with the late February, early March spring weather they would only need lightweight clothing, and as essential shops, supermarkets, doctor’s facilities, and a range of nice restaurants were in close proximity, they would still have convenient access to everything they needed.
“Gemma, Gemma, look! I’ve found the perfect place. Look, you two, it’s got four en suite bedrooms and a swimming pool, but best of all, look at the beautiful sea view. It must stretch for miles and miles!”
“Calm down, Rupert, and let Gemma find it herself on the laptop. She can print out all the details then.”
What a place! It was like something you’d see in a film, modern with lots of glass, but huge. The steep hill leading up to the property was mentioned a couple of times in the agent’s details, but that did give it more privacy, no doubt contributing to quite a hefty rental price. Gemma wondered whether they’d noticed that, but continued to print out all the property details, including all ten photos of the rooms, a floor plan and the price. £10,000 per month! At this point, remembering that this was Dulcie and Rupert’s holiday, and she was only the housekeeper, she made an excuse to leave the room to prepare dinner.