by Jenny Kane
‘Julian only returned to the area a few hours before you did. He found me and the AA in the pub, and that’s when he took me through to the function room and dropped the bombshell. He told me that he’d heard you and I were estranged and that he trusted I had no objection to him asking you out as well as offering you my job.’
‘He said what?’ Thea jumped off the sofa, about to demand to know how Shaun could even consider that she’d agree to go out with Julian, when a thought stopped her. ‘Hang on, how did he know about our situation? I’m not even sure what it is.’
‘Andy. He rang me to apologise afterwards. Apparently, Julian was going on about you being wasted on me, and he snapped, telling Julian he should be proud of himself for breaking us up.’
‘Oh.’ Thea’s words came out as a whisper. ‘You told Andy we’d split up.’
‘Not in so many words, but I assumed you’d left me.’
‘You left me!’ Thea was furious. ‘I gave you the chance to talk and you walked away.’
‘I already said I was an idiot for doing that!’
‘This is ridiculous. We’re going around in circles. Again!’ Thea thumped back onto the sofa. ‘So, Julian had just told you he wanted to ask me out when you found me in the pub with the AA. We did our onscreen bit, and then you heard the recordings I’d taken of Julian being creepy. So, now skip to the bit where you disappear without a word, again, and go to the television studio.’
Draining his pint, Shaun grunted. ‘I didn’t go straight to Bristol. I knew I wasn’t thinking straight, so I decided to use my common sense. I waited, booked into a pub in Cirencester for a few nights to cool off and sort a few final things out with the folks in the museum about the mosaic. It was a few days later that I went to Bristol and spoke to Julian.’
‘But not the board?’
‘No. I might still do that though.’
‘What did Julian say?’
‘You should have seen his face when he realised I had a recording of your conversation. I told him that, unless he told me exactly what was going on, I would take it to the board.’
‘Did he tell you?’
‘Eventually.’ Shaun gave Thea a hopeful half smile. ‘We were both wrong. Julian never had any intention of replacing me on Landscape Treasures.’
‘He hadn’t?’ Thea leaned nearer to Shaun. ‘But everything he said was—’
‘Intended to undermine us.’
‘It worked.’ Thea’s forehead crinkled into wrinkles.
‘Hopefully not irrevocably.’
‘What was he planning then?’
‘Julian Blackwood is – or will be if I don’t expose him – the producer of the new look Treasure Hunters. It was that show he had you in the frame to present.’
Fifty-six
Friday May 22nd
Having abandoned her no alcohol policy in light of what she’d just learned, Thea drank a glass of Pinot with rather more speed than was wise.
Treasure Hunters? She could see why Julian was keen to become their producer. They were in the process of moving from being a second-rate series to an up and coming show. He’d relish the challenge of trying to make more popular than Landscape Treasures. But why try and destroy her and Shaun’s happiness in the process?
Lost in their own thoughts, not knowing what to say to each other, Shaun and Thea sat either end of a sofa, coming to terms with how they’d both been played.
‘The thing is,’ Thea said, suddenly awkward, ‘Julian didn’t do that much damage to us at all. We did it to ourselves.’
Shaun knew she was right. ‘He enjoyed watching us unravel. Or, hearing about it at least. During that bit on the recording where he said he’d almost broken us, his voice oozed triumph.’ Swirling whiskey around in his glass, having decided he needed something stronger than beer, Shaun added, ‘Would be good wouldn’t it, from a publicity point of view, to have two rival shows hosted by real life rivals. Real life exes.’
‘We wouldn’t be rivals. Even if we aren’t together, that wouldn’t happen.’
‘I know that, but Julian thinks as if he’s living in a soap opera.’ Shaun took another sip of the amber liquid circling his glass. ‘His mind works like a tabloid newspaper. I’d put money on him already having The Sun on standby, with headlines all typed up and ready to go. “Treasure Trowels Drawn at Dawn”, or something equally tacky.’
Thea shivered at the thought. ‘At least we’ve deprived him of that. I made it very clear I had no interest in working with him on any level. And as for anything else. Ug! No thank you!’
‘At least we know he’s leaving Landscape Treasures.’
‘Is he? That’s fantastic!’
Relieved to see a genuine smile on Thea’s lips, Shaun nodded. ‘Assuming we’re re-commissioned for a new series, it’ll be under another new producer.’
‘They can’t be worse than Julian.’ Thea peered into her wine glass, the weight of what hadn’t yet been said hanging over her. ‘Do Ajay and Andy know about Julian and Treasure Hunters?’
‘Not yet. I wanted to talk to you first.’
‘Thanks.’ Thea drained her glass and looked at the time. It was almost midnight. ‘Been the bane of our lives hasn’t it, Treasure Hunters? What with Sophie messing with them to try and keep Landscape Treasures, or you, rather, in Cornwall last autumn, and now this.’
Shaun sighed. ‘They’re a good team, or they were. Goodness knows what it’ll be like once Julian has finished with them.’
‘Well, we know it’ll be a female presenter under thirty-five, probably blonde.’
Shaun snorted. ‘Maybe we should call all the female archaeologists we know and warn them!’
‘Not a bad plan.’ Thea looked back at the orange juice cartons. ‘I have to go. In a few minutes it’ll be our best friend’s wedding day. I ought to be at the house in case Tina’s having last minute jitters.’
Shaun’s expression was sad but accepting. ‘Do you think she’ll be in a panic?’
‘Honestly, no. Tina has been amazingly calm since her wedding party stopped running away from each other and generally acting like children.’
‘Point taken. I’m sorry I went away.’ Not giving Thea time to respond, Shaun got to his feet. ‘Would you like me to walk you home?’
‘Surely you’re going that way anyway?’
‘I’ve got a room here.’ Shaun waved a hand towards the door to the bar. ‘I wasn’t sure, you know, about us… It didn’t feel right to sleep at Mill Grange.’
‘Oh.’ Not sure if she was disappointed or relieved, Thea headed to the door. ‘I’ll be fine walking up on my own. This is Upwich not London.’
Shaun let her get as far as the door. ‘Actually, if you wouldn’t mind the company, I think I’ll come with you anyway.’
‘There’s no need. Really.’
‘There’s every need.’ Shaun gave her a rueful look. ‘Three reasons, remember? Number one, even if things have been odd lately, I still love you. Two, because you needed to know what Julian was planning and then there’s number three.’
‘And number three is?’ Thea’s heart beat faster as she hovered by the door, uncertain if she should hug him or hold back.
‘Three is obvious! I’ve been an idiot, and I intend to try, somehow, to make it up to you.’ He moved to the door, pushing it open for them both. ‘And I shall start by acting like an old-fashioned gent, and see you safely home.’
*
Mabel gave a satisfied nod as she watched from her cottage’s bedroom window. Shaun and Thea may not be walking arm in arm as they made their way from the pub to the manor, but nor were they arguing.
Reassured her suggestion that Shaun talk to Sybil about ways to get Thea on her own had worked, she changed for bed. The sound of Bert’s snoring, rather more breathless than it used to be, echoed around the room.
Brushing her hands down her full-length night shirt, Mabel ran an approving eye over Bert’s suit and her own wedding outfit. ‘Mother and father of the bride
.’ A single tear suddenly trickled down her wrinkled face. ‘Sam, Tina, I’m not sure you’ll ever truly understand how much this means to us.’
*
Tom had been keeping a vigil at the attic window. ‘It’s alright, Thea’s back. Shaun’s just walking her up the drive.’
‘They’re together?’ Helen felt a rush of relief. ‘Thank goodness for that!’
‘Not sure together is the word, but they’re talking at least.’
‘No kiss on the doorstep then? He hasn’t come in with her?’ Helen’s newly discovered romantic streak was disappointed.
‘Hang on.’ Tom craned forward to try and see the door below him. ‘Nope. Shaun’s heading back to the pub, so presumably Thea is now climbing the stairs this way.’ Tom turned to look at Helen. ‘Okay if I stop spying on our friends now?’
‘It’s not spying if we’re worried about them.’
Tom laughed. ‘I’ll remember to tell the lads that on our next forces reunion. They’ll love that.’
Helen stuck her tongue out at him. ‘Alright. You know what I mean though.’
‘I do.’ Tom slid back into bed. ‘But if you’re expecting them to turn up tomorrow all lovey-dovey, then I fear you’re going to be disappointed.’
*
Sam had seen Thea and Shaun walk up the drive together. As he watched Shaun head off down the driveway again, he almost got up from where he was sat, on the picnic bench near the dig site, to see how his friend was, but something stopped him.
There had been no raised voices. No body language that suggested a row. But nor had there been any form of good night kiss or hug.
‘It’s enough for now though.’ Sam gazed across the garden and into the woods. ‘Hopefully, if they stay here a while, they’ll heal. This place is good at healing people.’
Getting up, he readied himself to walk through the kitchen door, towards his last night’s sleep as a single man.
*
Tina heard the click of heeled boots on the stairs and immediately got out of bed. She paused by the bedroom door and listened. One pair of feet was ascending the staircase, not two. She pushed opened her door and poked her head out. ‘Thea?’
‘Tina?’ Thea started in the quiet. ‘What are you doing up? You should be resting before tomorrow.’
‘Too excited to sleep. Anyway,’ Tina tilted her head as she regarded her friend, ‘I wanted to see how you were. How did it go with Shaun?’
‘Sybil told you about setting me up then?’
‘Apparently Shaun badly wanted to talk to you.’ Tina looked sheepish. ‘Did it work?’
Too tired to go through it all again, Thea simply said, ‘I know what Julian was up to. Shaun’s job is safe. I was never in the frame for it. Beyond that, Shaun and I are friends again.’
‘Just friends?’
‘He told me he loved me and that he’d been an idiot. Apparently, he wants to make it up to me.’ Thea gave a brave smile. ‘Now, stop worrying about me and Shaun. In a few hours you, Miss Tina Martin, will become Mrs Tina Philips, daughter-in-law to the earl of Malvern no less!’
Fifty-seven
Saturday May 23rd
Tom checked his mobile. The wedding was in two hours and Sue still hadn’t arrived. He looked at his outfit for the day, hung on the back of the bedroom door. He didn’t dare put it on until the last minute in case he was needed to do something outside or in the kitchen. Anyway, he’d imagined helping Dylan and Bert into their suits before putting on his own.
‘Where the hell are you?’ He checked the time again. He was due to be at the cottage to help Bert get ready in thirty minutes. ‘You promised! You promised not to be late today.’
Calling Sue’s mobile again, hoping the reason she didn’t answer was because she was driving, Tom ran outside. There was no sign of them.
What if they’ve had an accident?
He squashed the thought flat. This was Sue scoring points in whatever weird game was going on in her head this time.
Turning round, Tom headed to the marquee where he knew he’d find Sam and Shaun helping Sybil lay out plates and cutlery for the late lunch come afternoon tea style reception. He’d only gone two paces when the sound of a car pulling in behind him sent a mutter of relief shooting from his lips. Relief that was extinguished when he saw Sam’s parents’ Bentley rather than Sue’s Mini.
Bea rolled down the window as they came level with the usher. ‘Tom, how wonderful. A sunny day for it too. Where will we find Tina and Sam?’
‘Tina’s inside getting ready with Thea and Helen. They’re using the bedroom opposite the main guest suite. Sam’s in the back garden sorting cake forks.’
Charles laughed. ‘Nothing more unnecessary than a groom in the final hours before his wedding. Might as well put the chap to use!’
‘I’ll see you at the house.’ Tom gestured ahead. ‘Then, as usher of this parish, I’ll show you to your room.’
*
‘Shouldn’t you be flapping just a little bit?’
Helen marvelled as a serene Tina sat in the middle of the bedroom, a chaos of makeup, hairbrushes, lingerie and packets of biscuits all around her.
‘No need. Sam’s here, the dress is ready and all my friends are on hand to help share our day. What is there to worry about?’
Thea laughed as she lounged in the doorway. ‘You have to be the most relaxed bride in history. I was convinced you’d be anxious this morning.’
‘Nothing to be anxious about,’ Tina picked up the nearest hairbrush, ‘although if I don’t start getting ready Mabel will tell me off. The wedding day list on her clipboard states I should be having my hair done at ten and it’s almost five past. We’ll get told off if we are behind schedule!’
‘This is the bit where I wish you’d arranged a professional hairdresser.’ Thea took the hairbrush from Tina. ‘What if I mess it up?’
‘You won’t!’
As Tina brushed biscuit crumbs off her baggy shirt and moved to the chair in front of the dressing table and mirror, Helen peered out of the window. ‘Sam’s folks are here. Tom’s with them’
‘Excellent!’ Tina beamed. ‘Is that everyone present and correct then?’
‘I think so.’ Helen headed to the door. ‘Sue said she’d deliver Dylan at nine-thirty sharp. Tom planned to take him to Bert’s until we were ready for him, so I assume he’s there. I’ll go and fetch Bea. She’s bound to want to come up.’
*
The moment she saw Tom, Helen knew something was wrong. His smile was in place, he was saying all the right things to Sam and his parents as they chatted by the front door, yet she wasn’t fooled.
Greeting Bea, Helen offered to help take her vanity case and wedding outfit, while Tom took Charles’s suit, so Sam could take his parents to see how the walled garden had been prepared for the ceremony.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Helen asked, ‘What’s wrong?’
‘Sue hasn’t arrived with Dylan.’
‘What!?’ Helen looked over her shoulder, as if she expected to see Dylan running towards her. ‘Are you sure?’
‘Of course I’m sure!’
‘Sorry, it was a silly question.’ Helen frowned. ‘Does Sam know?’
‘No. I didn’t want to worry him.’
‘I assumed he was already with Bert.’
‘He ought to be.’
‘We’ll have to tell the others soon.’ Panic tugged at Helen. ‘He was so excited about being in charge of the rings.’
‘I’ll kill Sue when they get here.’
Helen checked her watch. ‘I’m supposed to be getting changed. What shall we do? Do I tell Tina?’
Tom bit his lip. ‘Not until you have to. If Sue hasn’t turned up by eleven, I’ll tell Sam.’
Helen read her watch again. ‘We could go and fetch Dylan. If we drove to Tiverton and back non-stop, we could get him and be back in time.’
Tom was already moving towards his car, when he stopped suddenly. ‘I could. Not you. If I�
��m delayed, the wedding can still start without me, but Tina needs you. She’ll already be wondering why you aren’t upstairs.’ He lifted up Charles suit. ‘Can you manage to carry this as well?’
‘Yes, but…’ Helen her arms laden, stuttered as she spoke the fear that had struck her. ‘What if… what if they aren’t there?’
‘Not in Tiverton? Where else would… oh. No, no, no… She wouldn’t. Not even Sue would…’
Helen watched the colour drain from Tom’s face.
‘If she has taken him to Australia, now, without saying goodbye, I’ll…’
Her hands full, Helen was helpless to follow him as Tom, running at full pelt, disappeared around the corner of the house.
*
‘Have you spoken to Shaun today?’
Tina relaxed back as Thea smoothed the brush through her long blonde hair while the curling tongs next to her sent out faint wafts of hot steam.
‘No, but I know he’s around. Mabel’s ticked his arrival off on her list.’
Tina watched Thea’s reflection in the mirror. ‘Are you alright?’
‘I am actually. I slept well for the first time in ages, although only briefly as Mabel’s schedule had me up at seven. Now I’ve heard what Shaun had to say, it’s like I’ve stopped waiting for the axe to fall.’
‘He said he loves you.’ Tina looked at Thea more closely. ‘Do you still love him?’
‘Yes, but…’
‘But?’
‘He thought me capable of stealing his job and didn’t believe me when I told him otherwise. Things won’t be the same now.’
‘I am sure they won’t. But,’ Tina ventured, ‘perhaps, just maybe, they could be better.’
*
Mabel, clipboard to hand, waved as Helen, her arms full of Bea and Charles’s wedding clothes, walked gingerly along the corridor to the stairs, afraid of dropping or creasing the garments.
‘Is that everyone here then?’
Not wanting to panic Mabel, Helen mentally crossed her fingers. ‘As far as I know. Sam is showing his parents the garden and I’m off to change.’