by Karen Klyne
One minute, Kim was taking it all in, and the next minute it suddenly hit her. Her head was twirling like a spin cycle on a washing machine. Her breath came in fits and starts. She needed air. She left the hall quickly through the double doors, the room a blur. She found a bench and collapsed onto it. She squeezed her eyes shut and breathed slowly, in and out until her heart slowed down to an almost normal pace.
“Are you okay, Kim?”
She felt a hand on her shoulder and jolted, saw it was Philippa, and tried to smile. “Yes, sure. I’m fine. I’ll be okay in a few minutes.”
“Would you like me to fetch some water? Forget that, I’ll go get some.”
She returned, handed the glass to Kim, and took a seat beside her.
Kim sipped from the glass. “Thanks. I’m okay now. Guess the shock of it finally hit home.”
Philippa nodded. “I’m sure it brought back memories. I hope there aren’t any regrets?”
Kim touched Philippa’s arm. “God, no. I’m just glad it’s over. You were fantastic, and it was a great result. Right now, I can’t believe it’s happened.”
“You need to give yourself time. As far as my role was concerned, it’s just part of the service, ma’am. And it was my pleasure. Speaking of service, would you like me to deal with the solicitor?”
“Would you? That would be wonderful.” Kim couldn’t think of anything she wanted to do less than go inside and deal with the details of the sale.
“As long as you promise you won’t go away.”
“I assure you I’m not going anywhere.” Kim turned around and watched Philippa disappear back through the doors. She seemed so kind and compassionate for a high-flyer from London. In her experience, city people generally didn’t seem to have time for anyone. Perhaps Cauthwell had rubbed off on her. Villagers were generally a close-knit community. Sometimes too close.
Ten minutes later, Philippa returned and sat down beside her. “That’s that. Everything’s taken care of.”
“Thanks so much. I couldn’t have coped with that, so I really appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. So, what are you doing for the rest of the day?”
Kim shrugged. “I’ve no idea. Right now, I feel numb.”
“What you need is sustenance. If you don’t have any plans, what say we grab a sandwich together. I’m bloody starving.”
“I’d love to, but I don’t think I could face everyone at the pub.”
Philippa shook her head. “No way. I know a great little place a couple of miles in the opposite direction.”
Kim sighed. “You seem to have the answer for everything.”
“Let’s go then.”
Philippa took Kim’s arm and steered her around the back of the building towards her car. It was a nice feeling. She felt protected, somehow.
Kim grinned when she saw the convertible. “That’s pretty impressive.”
“I like cars. Do you think it’s too flashy?”
“No, I think it suits you.”
“What? You mean I’m flash?” She shot Kim a wry grin like she knew the answer.
“Sort of…in a nice way.”
Philippa held the door open for her, and she slid in and settled back into her seat. The swarming butterflies joined her. She’d never met anyone quite like Philippa Young, and she had to admit she was totally in awe of her.
Philippa drove in silence through the country lanes until they arrived at a pub.
Kim scratched her head. “This is a new one on me. Does it really exist, or is it a mirage? I’ve never come across it before.”
“It’s definitely real. I discovered it a while back. I sometimes come here when I don’t want to be seen. Let me rephrase that: when I’ve had enough of the village people.”
“Yeah. I know what you mean. They can be a bit overpowering at times.” She’d been a village person too, at one time. Was she so different, now that she’d been living in Manchester? The rootless feeling returned in full force, and she tried to concentrate on the moment.
“Overpowering…that’s putting it mildly.” Philippa got out, walked around to Kim’s door, and opened it. “Come. Let’s eat and be merry, for life is short.”
She held out her arm, and Kim allowed Philippa to escort her into the pub and towards a table. It left her warm and tingly where Philippa’s arm touched hers, and she rather liked it.
“This looks like a good spot. I’ll go get some drinks and food.”
Kim leaned back into the comfy seat and began to relax. She hadn’t felt this safe with someone for a long time, and she was beginning to enjoy the feeling.
Philippa returned with a tray which held coffee and two brandy glasses. She placed them down on the table. “Thought we both might need this.”
Kim smiled. “You think of everything.”
“I try. I hope you like fresh salmon sandwiches and salad. I plumped for that, because if you’re up for it I’d like to take you for a large juicy steak tonight.”
Kim eyes widened. “Salmon sounds great. I can’t believe you want my company this evening as well. I’m sure you must have better alternatives?” Someone like Philippa probably had a waiting list of people who wanted to have dinner with her. A plain Jane like Kim surely wouldn’t be high on the list of Philippa’s choices.
Philippa smirked. “Sure, but it’s a bit short notice. Anyway, you seem like perfect company, and I’d like to get to know you. C’mon, indulge me.”
How could she argue with that? And right now she could do with a friend. She didn’t know why, but the thought of spending so much time with this enigmatic woman brought a sparkle to her eye and a tremble to her hands. She smiled. “We’ll see. You may change your mind by tonight.”
“Or the other way around.”
Philippa told her a little about her job and how she’d met Alan, but there wasn’t a lot of conversation whilst they ate. It just didn’t seem necessary. Kim let out a sigh. “I feel so much better now, and that brandy really hit the spot.”
“Good. Same here.” Philippa glanced at her watch. “This may seem extremely rude, but there’s one thing I have to do before I officially come off duty, so to speak. I need to collect some keys for a house we’ll be marketing. It’s not too far. In fact, I bet you know Brandon House?”
“You’re kidding? I can’t believe they’d let that beautiful manor house go. It’s been in the family for years. I went to school with Tim Brandon, the elder son. He was an odd child.”
“He’s still odd. He’s the one who wants to sell the manor. There seems to be a family feud between him and his younger brother, Gary. Apparently, there’s a large inheritance tax bill to pay. Gary wants to settle it, and Tim wants to offload it.”
“It’s criminal. Gary must be devastated.”
“He is, but there’s no other option. As sad as I feel, business is business.”
Philippa insisted on settling the bill, and they set off towards the manor. It wasn’t far, and as they turned into the entrance, Kim felt a pang of nostalgia. So many years had passed since her childhood days, and so much water had flowed under the bridge. It was like yesterday, and yet it seemed like it was another era when she’d darted through the gardens playing hide and seek with the boys. The trees that lined the driveway on either side had certainly grown a few feet since her days and now formed an arch like canopy over the drive. As they turned the corner, there was the manor in all its splendour.
Philippa whistled. “Wow. It’s stunning. I don’t think I’d like to live here though. It’s so remote.”
“It was always a bit scary even when the family were here. It looks even more austere than it used to.” Kim shuddered. Somehow, the house didn’t bring back happy memories. She’d spent a lot of time playing in the garden here on school holidays, but she’d only been young and could never fathom why it gave her the creeps.
When they reached the top, there was someone sitting on the bonnet of a car just outside the house. Philippa and Kim got out of the car an
d walked towards him.
He stuck his hand out. “Philippa Young, I presume?”
Philippa smiled. “Pleased to meet you, Gary.”
Gary handed her a set of keys, but his eyes were on Kim.
“Hey, don’t I know you? Aren’t you Kim Besson?”
Kim smiled. “Hi, Gary. It’s been a long time.” She stepped forward and kissed him on the cheek.
He held her at arms-length and eyed her up and down. “You look terrific. You’ve definitely changed. You were a right tomboy back then. You could sure as hell climb trees better than me or Tim. You used to be up here all the time in the hols. You and Tim were inseparable. In fact, we all thought you’d end up getting married.”
Kim’s cheeks burned. “Good to see you again, Gary. I loved climbing your trees and scrumping in the orchard. The manor was like a second home to me, although I didn’t know anything about the marriage part.”
“Lucky you didn’t. He’s ended up a right sad bastard.” Gary’s shoulders slumped. “Sadly, things change and not always for the better. Anyway, on a lighter note, we ought to catch up on old times. Are you planning on hanging around Cauthwell?”
Kim frowned. “I’m not sure what my plans are yet.”
Gary dug into his pocket, pulled out a card, and handed it to Kim. “Call me sometime. We’ll have a drink.”
“Thanks for the keys. I’ll be in touch next week,” Philippa said.
Philippa looked a bit agitated. He nodded, not looking as surprised by Philippa’s interruption as Kim felt and waved as he got in his car. He sat there for a moment, staring up at the house, before taking a visibly deep breath and heading out.
Philippa watched him drive away. “He seemed keen.”
Kim laughed. “Not my type.” Don’t tell me you’re jealous? She’d give that some thought. Sometime. Maybe.
Philippa thrust her hands in her pockets. “Do you mind if I look inside? You can join me if you like.”
“You bet. I’d love to see the old place again.”
The house was just as Kim remembered. It still had all the dark wood panelling, insufficient lighting, and it was cold, not just in temperature, but in the lack of welcome. It sent chills down her spine. The gardens were definitely a better place to be.
Philippa looked up at the grand staircase which led to the large interior balcony. “This place looks like it should be in a horror movie. I can just imagine someone being pushed over that banister and landing in a heap, all twisted and bloody.”
Kim shivered. “Your imagination’s more vivid than mine. But yeah, I agree.”
“Tell me, did you actually stay over in this place?”
“You’re joking. Never. I always made my dad pick me up when we were finished playing outside. He understood why when he saw it.”
“That’s not surprising. C’mon, let’s hurry and do the tour before the monster gets us, and the walls start to bleed.”
They did a very quick recce of the upstairs and much the same downstairs, finishing up in the library.
Kim covered her nose with a hand. “God, it smells awful in here. It’s really musty.”
Philippa tugged at Kim’s arm. “Let’s get out of here. I hate libraries.”
“Why’s that?”
“It’s a long story. Let’s say they hold bad memories for me.”
They locked up and walked around the grounds, but then it started to drizzle with rain.
Philippa took Kim’s arm. “Let’s go back to my place and have a drink before dinner. I don’t know about you, but I need one.”
“Good idea.” What a strange day it had been. It had been overwhelming and sad in so many ways, but the time spent with Philippa, even at the manor, made it seem so much better. A drink at her place meant Kim could stave off the loneliness of going back to her own life just a little bit longer. And if she got to do it by being with a beautiful, interesting woman, all the better.
Chapter Six
It was only a five-minute drive to Warton. Phil drove through the village and took a left turn by the Post Office. Halfway down she pulled into a narrow driveway surrounded by hedges. Philippa was careful not to scrape her car against any branches as she parked it at exactly the right angle.
She walked around to Kim’s door. “We have arrived at my stately home. I hope it doesn’t scare you as much as the last place.”
Kim smiled and followed her to the cottage. Phil studied it as they headed towards the door and felt the need to clarify. “Actually, it’s not my home. I rent it.”
“It’s beautiful.”
Wisteria covered the front of the cottage, and it looked like a picture off a chocolate box. They walked through the porch and into the lounge. Phil had eclectic tastes and had mixed beautiful pieces of old and new furniture, which were lovingly placed here and there. At the rear there was a small kitchen which was immaculate. It looked like it had never been used, and it hadn’t. She hated cooking and avoided it whenever she could. At the back of the kitchen was a sliding door which led into the cottage garden.
“Wow, this is fantastic, Philippa. Not quite what I’d imagined, but it is unique. Can’t you buy it?”
“I could, but it’s not quite me. I’d like something a little more contemporary, maybe somewhere I can match old and modern. That doesn’t quite fit in here. I know what I want, but it’s so difficult to find. Do you want to have a look around?”
“I’d love to.”
Phil led the way up the stairs. “You see it’s not quite big enough. There’s only one bedroom, albeit a large one.”
At the top of the stairs sat the large master bedroom. Kim seemed to stare at the super king-size bed for an awful long time. Was she wondering why she needed such a big bed? One day, she might find out. She pushed the unprofessional thought aside. A door led into an enormous en-suite complete with wet room. It could accommodate at least three people, though she hadn’t tried that number just yet. Her office was a fair-sized double room, and the bathroom was decorated in shades of light beige, dark brown, and gold.
Kim tilted her head. “So, what more could you want?”
“At least another two bedrooms, both en-suite, a separate dining room, a larger kitchen, a longer lounge, a massive patio, and a little more land in another location!”
Kim laughed and nodded. “I wish you luck.”
Phil looked at her watch. “Aha. It’s now officially yard-arm time. Always a good time to drink champagne. Shall we say a little celebration?” She tilted her head. “Maybe you’ve got a few mixed feelings, but I’m sure your future’s going to be much brighter.”
“I think you’re right. I’m happy to drink champagne with you. The day so far hasn’t been anywhere near as traumatic as I’d imagined, thanks to you.”
Yes, mine’s getting better by the minute. Phil opened the fridge. “Is Krug alright?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never had it.”
Phil set two flutes and the bottle on the coffee table. She eased the cork off with expertise. She poured and handed a glass to Kim.
Kim held it up. “What are we drinking to?”
Phil leaned her head back. “Firstly, congratulations. Secondly, a future filled with happiness, friendship, and whatever life has in store for us.”
“I concur on all those points and thank you again.” They chinked their glasses, and Kim took a swallow. “That’s delicious. It’s far superior to anything I’ve ever tasted before.”
“Good. I’m glad you like it.” Phil fetched some nuts and olives and topped up their glasses.
Kim looked down at her clothes. “I feel so grubby. I’ve had these on all day. I really should go home and shower and change into a fresh outfit.”
No way. She knew if Kim told Jan and Dave who she was with, they’d lock her in her room and throw away the key. Her reputation wasn’t exactly stellar when it came to women in this town. “Kim, we’re only going to the pub next door. You look great. I’ll be back in two minutes. I just want to shed
this pink stuff and put a sweater on. Pink really isn’t my colour, but the audience love it.”
Phil changed into jeans and matched them with a sweater. As she came down the stairs, Kim was fiddling with her phone. She looked up at her and stared for a moment longer than polite, then put her head down. “Just letting Jan and Dave know I’ll be back later.”
“Good idea.” It wasn’t, but Kim didn’t seem the sort of woman who’d jump into bed with the likes of her, so it wasn’t like Jan and Dave had anything to worry about. They were business associates out for a meal, nothing more.
She’d no sooner finished texting when Kim’s phone rang. She looked at the number. “Sorry about this, will you excuse me? I have to return this call…it’s my partner.”
Phil’s shoulders slumped. Damn. I should have known. Even though she hadn’t expected anything to happen, it was always nice to have that little slither of hope.
Kim searched for the number. “I should re-phrase that. He’s not my partner, he’s my ex-partner.”
Getting better.
Kim fiddled with her phone. “Sorry, it’s new. I haven’t got the hang of it yet. I’ll ring him later. Rick’s my ex business partner. He’s also one of my best friends. Well, he was one of my best friends until recently.”
Perfect. She’d ask her about the “best friends” bit some other time. Phil beamed and nodded, then she smacked her lips. “I’m starving. If it’s okay with you, I’ll put a top on this, and we can finish it later.” She hoped there would be a later.
Kim seemed surprised when they walked out of the drive and into the pub. It was virtually next door. It was early, and there were only a handful of people scattered here and there, so they took a table by the window.
The barman raised his hand. “Hi, Phil. Good to see you. What can I get you?”
Phil looked to Kim. “Are you a red or a white wine person?”
“Red goes well with steak.”
“My sentiments exactly. We’ll have a bottle of the house red, please, Pete, and two fillets with all the trimmings.” She glanced at Kim to see if she was irritated with her for ordering for her without even letting her see a menu, but she just smiled and nodded.