Summer at Hope Meadows: the perfect feel-good summer read (Animal Ark Revisited Book 1)

by Lucy Daniels

  She had finished with the kittens and was thinking about what she was going to do with Shy when Simon clicked into her head. She hadn’t updated him on Paul’s progress, she realised. Or on the new plans for Hope Meadows and the rescues. Pulling her phone from her pocket, she dialled his number. The phone rang for so long she thought he wasn’t going to reply, but there was a click at the other end followed by Simon’s voice, rather impatient.

  ‘Hello?’

  He must know it was her, she thought. Her name would have shown up on the screen. ‘It’s me, Mandy,’ she said.

  ‘Mandy!’ He managed to sound surprised nonetheless. There were voices in the background.

  A sound like grinding or drilling and then Samantha’s voice quite clearly. ‘Can you hold this?’ she said.

  ‘Simon, I,’ Mandy began, but he interrupted her.

  ‘Mandy, it’s really not a good time right now. Is it anything vital?’ They must be in the dental unit, she realised. ‘I’ll call you back some other time, okay?’ The phone went silent. Why had he bothered to answer, she wondered?

  Sighing, she turned her attention to Shy. Despite working with the collie over the past few days, Mandy wasn’t seeing the progress she had hoped for. By the end of each session, the dog seemed more relaxed, but every time Mandy went away and came back to start again, Shy was as nervous as ever.

  Keeping her body position unthreatening, Mandy started to talk. ‘What are we going to do with you?’ she murmured through the kennel door. ‘Mum made some enquiries about Robbie earlier,’ she went on. ‘He’s going to be moved to a residential home soon. They aren’t going to press charges.’ As ever, when she spoke to the dog, Mandy was encouraged by a forward twitch of the ears before they returned to their fearful position.

  ‘Shy?’ Mandy made her voice as welcoming as possible. There it was again. The ear twitch, but the body still cowering, the face wary. ‘It’s all very well,’ she told the collie, ‘but just because you’re called Shy doesn’t mean you have to live up to your name.’ Putting her hand into her pocket, she pulled out a chew before opening the kennel door. Holding her body sideways, she held out the treat, but Shy didn’t respond. Only when she dropped it onto the floor of the kennel did the little animal creep forwards and take it.

  ‘Shy,’ Mandy mused. ‘Do you think we could make it something less prophetic? We could change it to something positive. What do you think?’ The bright eyes were watching her now. ‘Sky?’ Mandy called the name in the same voice. The ears twitched forwards and, with them, the collie moved an inch towards Mandy, towards the source of the food and warmth. Mandy dropped another treat on the floor and the dog moved closer, watching and waiting.

  Mandy smiled. ‘Sky it is, then,’ she said.

  By the end of the session, the collie had moved out of the cage. She could sit on command and she would allow Mandy to stroke her ear if distracted with food. Yet there was still not enough trust for Mandy to move to the next stage. Before she could try going outside, Sky and she would have to build a strong enough bond of trust that the collie would turn to Mandy if she began to panic. She had to return reliably if she managed to escape.

  Mandy sat with the collie for a long time. ‘One day, beautiful girl,’ she whispered. ‘One day.’

  Chapter Twenty-One

  ‘Okay, that’s the lot.’ Bert Burnley lifted the ramp of the trailer before returning to lean on the gate beside Mandy. ‘They’re looking a lot better than the day I came to drop off the hay.’ The cows had cantered into the field at Upper Welford Hall, kicking their heels in the air like calves. ‘It’s like watching the herd the first time they get outside in spring,’ he added.

  Mandy was amazed by their energy. The sheep, too, had rushed into their new field and were cropping the grass as if they had never tasted anything so wonderful. Even Bill had trotted from the trailer, whinnying with the joys of summer. ‘Thanks so much for bringing them, Bert.’ She turned to Sam Western who was standing on her other side. ‘And thanks for letting us use your land.’

  Mr Western nodded. ‘No problem,’ he said briskly. ‘So long as you understand it’s temporary. I want the Outward Bound centre up and running by December as planned. Jimmy Marsh is in the outhouse there. You should let him know what you intend.’ Pushing himself away from the gate, he nodded. ‘Good day to you both,’ he said and stumped off.

  Bert straightened up and pulled his cap tighter on his bristling hair. ‘I need to get on,’ he announced.

  Left alone, Mandy stood beside the field for a few minutes longer. She should do what Mr Western had said and talk to Jimmy Marsh. Not that she had firm plans for a more permanent home for Robbie’s livestock, but she should make it clear she knew they couldn’t stay here forever.

  It was dim in the barn after the brightness outside. To her surprise, Jimmy was not alone. There were two children with him: a girl with long brown hair, and a boy, taller but with shorter hair. Their green eyes were so similar to Jimmy’s, there was little doubt who they were.

  ‘Hello,’ Mandy said.

  Jimmy put down the saw he had been wielding and looked up. ‘Mandy! How are you?’ he said. ‘And how’s your friend in York?’ The last time she had seen him had been in James’s café.

  ‘Paul’s stable for now,’ she said.

  The children, who had been helping Jimmy with his woodwork, had laid down their tools and were looking at her. Mandy felt a bit uncomfortable under their steady gaze.

  Jimmy half turned. ‘These are my children,’ he said. ‘This is Abi,’ he indicated the girl, ‘and Max.’ The twins smiled: two younger versions of their father. ‘Max and Abi, this is Mandy Hope, one of the vets from Animal Ark in Welford.’

  As ever, when faced with children, Mandy felt out of her depth. As the adult, she ought to say something, but she never knew what. How could she guess what would interest them? ‘Are you enjoying your holiday?’ she said eventually.

  ‘Yes,’ said Abi, and Max nodded.

  ‘Are you helping your dad?’

  Again the nod and the one-word response. Giving up, Mandy turned back to Jimmy. ‘I just wanted to say the animals are safely here,’ she said. ‘Mr Western said I should remind you that I’m looking for somewhere more permanent. I appreciate you finding the space for them. I hope they won’t be in your way.’

  Jimmy gave her the look of quiet amusement that he seemed to reserve for whenever she talked too much. ‘They won’t be in the way,’ he assured her. ‘Most of the work I’m doing is in here or out in the woods. If you need help, just let me know.’ That slow, gentle voice. Nothing ever seemed to be a problem.

  But when Mandy looked round, two pairs of intense green eyes were gazing at her and she felt unsettled again. ‘I’ll have to go now,’ she said. ‘Lots to do!’ That much at least was true. She had invited Susan Collins to bring Jack to Animal Ark. She wanted to get the kittens used to all kinds of different people, especially children. For a second, she contemplated asking Jimmy and the twins, but she wasn’t sure she could cope with that double intense gaze for long. ‘Thanks, Jimmy,’ she said. ‘And goodbye, you two.’

  ‘Bye.’ He walked her to the door and Mandy felt his eyes follow her as she retreated to her car.

  Back at Animal Ark, Susan’s eyes sparkled as she watched Jack play with the kittens. Mandy had carried the two young cats into the garden wearing their halters, along with a bag of their favourite toys. If she had been worried Jack wouldn’t be gentle enough, her concern had been unnecessary. Susan was a wonderful mum, she thought. She had shown her son how to play with the tufty fish-on-a-string toy. He seemed to find it hilarious each time a kitten pounced. He roared with laughter as first the tortoiseshell, and then the white and ginger kitten, grabbed the fish in its mouth and tried to run away. The kittens seemed unfazed by the child and the gurgling laughter. When not playing, they sat wide-eyed, gazing with tilted heads at the outside world, exploring the daisies on the lawn.

  ‘Hello?’ Footsteps sounded
around the corner of the house and a dark-eyed woman in a teal blue hijab appeared.

  Wiping her hands on her jeans, Mandy stood up. ‘Hello,’ she said. ‘Can I help?’

  The woman’s face creased into a smile when she spotted the kittens. ‘I think perhaps you can,’ she replied. ‘Hi, I’m Roo Dhanjal.’ She held out her hand. Mandy reached out her own. ‘I’ve been looking at your website about the rescued animals. I wondered if it would be possible to adopt one of the kittens,’ Roo explained. She held her hand out to Susan as well. ‘I see they are outside enjoying the lovely weather,’ she went on. ‘They looked irresistible in the photo, but the picture didn’t do them justice! May I join you?’ She looked at Mandy, who nodded.

  ‘Of course you can,’ she replied. ‘I’m Mandy Hope, and this is Susan Collins and her son Jack. We’ve been working on socialising the kittens.’

  ‘How wonderful.’ Roo knelt on the floor and grinned at Jack, who was smiling right back. Much more natural with children than I am, Mandy thought. The kittens also seemed interested in the newcomer, scampering across and climbing onto her lap. ‘I have two children,’ Roo said. ‘It would be great to get a kitten that is used to toddlers. Obviously, we’d supervise them closely until they know how to handle their new pet.’

  Mandy watched as Roo lifted the kittens one by one, stroking and talking to them. It was obvious she was used to having cats.

  ‘What would we have to do to qualify?’ Roo asked. ‘We would be happy to make a donation, of course … or is there a rehoming fee?’

  A rehoming fee was a good idea. ‘A donation would be very welcome,’ Mandy said, kicking herself for not thinking of this before.

  Roo continued to watch the kittens. ‘Would it be possible to take both? It seems a shame to separate the two. Obviously, we’d get them vaccinated when it’s time.’

  Better and better, thought Mandy. ‘It would be lovely if they could stay together. But before any of our pets are rehomed, I need to carry out an inspection of where they will be living,’ she explained. ‘Would it be okay for me to come and have a look round your home?’

  ‘You’d be very welcome.’ Roo was smiling again. ‘We run the Moor View Campsite. You know where it is?’

  ‘Is that the one on the road out towards Kimbleton?’

  ‘That’s the one. We have a restaurant, too, offering traditional Indian and Pakistani food. Maybe you could try some?’

  ‘That sounds lovely.’ Mandy missed her local curry house in Leeds. ‘The kittens are almost weaned, but after that, it’s important they are socialised while they are still with their mother. They won’t be ready to leave for a few weeks yet. It’s probably best if I call you nearer the time, if that’s okay?’

  ‘Of course it is.’ Roo stood up. ‘I’ll have to be going. Josh, my husband, will be wondering where I’ve got to.’

  ‘I think we’ll need to go as well.’ Susan pulled herself upright. ‘Come on, Jack.’ She lifted the little boy. ‘One last wave,’ she said. ‘We’ll come and see them another day.’

  ‘Goog-bye kitties.’ Jack leaned his head over Susan’s shoulder, watching until they rounded the corner of the cottage. Mandy carried the young cats back inside and put them with their mother. Sitting outside Sky’s kennel, she watched as they settled down for a nap. They were tired after their play. Mandy couldn’t resist a mental high-five over Roo’s visit. If the inspection went well, the first of the rescued animals would be rehomed!

  Taking out her mobile, she did an internet search for stables with Bill on her mind. Six Oaks, in between Welford and Walton, had been run by Mrs Forsyth years ago, but now it had a new owner: Molly Future. Finding the number, Mandy dialled and put the mobile to her ear. The phone was answered by a woman with a cheerful voice. ‘Six Oaks Stables. Molly Future speaking.’

  ‘Hello, Molly.’ Mandy’s throat felt dry, but she was committed. ‘My name is Amanda Hope and I work at Animal Ark, the vet clinic in Welford. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but we’ve recently rescued some neglected animals. One of them was a Shire, quite an old boy. I was wondering whether you might be able to help?’

  ‘I had indeed heard.’ To Mandy’s pleasure, Molly sounded enthusiastic. ‘It’s not often you hear of something like that here in Welford.’ If only she knew, thought Mandy, remembering all the animals she had rescued over the years. ‘Anyway, I would love to get involved,’ the voice went on. ‘What were you thinking of? If you were looking for a new home for your Shire, we could probably find space for him.’

  Mandy’s heart soared. She had been expecting to beg for temporary space, and Molly had offered without prompting. ‘Where is he now? Does he have a name?’

  ‘He’s called Bill,’ Mandy said, ‘and for the moment, he’s at Upper Welford Hall. Do you know it?’

  ‘Yes of course, off the Walton Road. I’m afraid I’m away for a day or two, but perhaps I could visit at the weekend. I’m sure we can find somewhere for him, but it would be good to get an idea of his size and requirements. Is he healthy, do you think?’

  ‘He was very lame,’ Mandy said, ‘but we had the farrier out to him and he’s much better. Other than that, he’s eating and drinking well. There’s no sign of any illness, just the usual signs of old age.’

  ‘Excellent. In that case, I’ll let you know nearer the time and I’ll come and take a look. Thanks for thinking of me.’

  Mandy put the phone away, feeling breathless. Another probable rehoming in one afternoon. She could do with a cup of tea to celebrate. Standing up, she left the rescue unit and walked back to the kitchen.

  Emily was sitting at the table, her drawing pad in front of her and pencils scattered around. She looked up when Mandy came in.

  ‘What are you drawing, Mum?’ It was ages since her mum had done any art.

  With an unexpectedly shy glance, Emily turned the paper to show Mandy. She had sketched the most gorgeous outline of one of the outhouses behind Animal Ark, complete with the silhouette of a heavy horse, a cow, a sheep, a dog and a cat. The name ‘Hope Meadows’ curved underneath.

  ‘Oh, Mum. It’s beautiful!’ The words burst from Mandy and she rounded the table and hugged Emily. Stepping back, she looked again at the picture. The dog even looked like a collie. It was the most perfect image.

  Emily looked delighted. ‘I’m so glad you like it.’

  ‘Of course I do! Anyone would.’

  Emily watched as Mandy filled the kettle. ‘I’ve been in contact with the Charities Commission about setting up Hope Meadows. There will need to be a separate bank account, and you’ll need to choose some trustees. There is documentation that needs to be in place, but they gave me details of where it can be done online. It doesn’t seem too complicated.’

  ‘You’ve been so busy. Thank you so much.’ How lucky she was. Mandy got out two mugs and made them each a cup of tea.

  ‘It was fun.’ Mandy could see pride in her mum’s smile. If she had hoped to rekindle the closeness of her childhood by coming back to Animal Ark, she needed no further proof. Mum had always been there for her, and she was still. ‘It gave me the chance to sit down for the afternoon.’

  A tiny nudge of concern entered Mandy’s head and, for a moment, she wanted to ask whether there was anything wrong. She had wondered about her mother so often lately. Was she paler than usual? It was so subtle. Emily’s fair colouring meant any time she was under the weather, she looked wan. Even a busy night without much sleep would do it. But when Mandy studied her mum again, Emily was sipping the tea she had made and was looking so happy that Mandy couldn’t bear to bring it up.

  ‘Everything seems to be happening so quickly,’ she said. It was going to be all right, she thought. When Simon saw how things were progressing, he wouldn’t be able to resist admitting that everything was unfolding perfectly.

  ‘I’m just happy we’re working together.’ Emily stood up and took some biscuits down from a shelf, picked one and offered the rest to Mandy. ‘It’s lovely to have a family pro
ject,’ she said. ‘I know it’s your baby, but I’m so glad I can help.’ Mandy knew she meant every word.

  Evening surgery was quiet.

  ‘Mrs Gill’s the last,’ said Helen. ‘She wanted to see you about Muffy’s ears. She was very impressed with the way you managed last time.’ This was the first time a client had asked for her since coming back to Welford, and it gave Mandy a small but definite thrill.

  She took her time, waiting until Muffy was calm before leading her through to the consulting room, showing the little dog the auroscope, getting her used to having her ears touched before going ahead with the examination. The little terrier walked out of the clinic, tail high, pulling her owner behind her. Anyone would think coming to the vet had been the highlight of Muffy’s day.

  Mandy leaned over the reception desk and gave Helen a high-five. ‘We rock!’ she declared.

  Helen beamed. ‘If things are going this well, you should buy a lottery ticket!’

  ‘I might just do that,’ said Mandy.

  ‘I think I’m going to go to the Fox and Goose,’ Helen said. ‘Do you fancy a drink?’

  Why not, thought Mandy. It would be a good end to the day.

  The air outside was cool on Mandy’s skin as they strolled together down the lane, but the bar was packed. A wave of noise burst out when Helen pulled open the door. For a moment, Mandy thought about backing out, but then they were inside and fighting their way to the bar.