by Jenny Lane
‘I know what to expect from you then,’ Crystal teased. ‘You’ll turn out to be top of the class.’
‘I very much doubt that!’ Sophie protested. ‘I know virtually nothing about ceramics, although I’d certainly like to give it a go. Maybe I’ll have a word with Keir.’
Sophie knew she’d enjoy every minute she spent with Keir, providing she didn’t allow herself to think about what had really brought him to Penbridge. Was he recovering from a broken relationship the same as herself?
‘Well, as I’ve said before it’ll be interesting to see what happens when Erica returns. Will she sell up to Keir or ...’ Crystal trailed off as the back door opened and her mother came into the kitchen. Sophie hoped that Erica was going to remain in Spain for some considerable time. She didn’t want to think about Rowanbank without Keir.
***
‘You look very nice dear,’ Aunt Rose said as Sophie came into the room on Saturday night.
‘I don’t have too much with me, but black can always be teamed with anything.’
‘And that red top looks just right. I like what you’ve done with your hair too and those earrings add the finishing touch.’
Sophie hoped Keir thought so too. She didn’t want to look over-dressed, as she’d said to Crystal, but it wasn’t always easy to get things right. The skirt was one of those useful ones that came in handy for school functions because it didn’t date. Shoes were a bit of a problem so she decided to take the safe option, wear her boots and change into her shoes when they got there.
Keir had said he’d pick her up at seven-thirtyish and she was ready and waiting when he arrived. It was too dark to see what he was wearing, but she could smell his distinctive cologne as she sat beside him during the short drive.
For his part, Keir was very conscious of Sophie and caught the light, floral fragrance she was wearing. He was aware of the chemistry between them and wondered if she sensed it too. He’d had absolutely no intention of becoming involved with anyone again. One all-consuming love was all he’d expected during his lifetime.
At the village hall, Sophie quickly divested herself of her coat and changed into her pumps. Keir was waiting for her, looking elegant in his smart casual attire — a pale-blue, open-necked shirt beneath a darker blue jacket and trousers. He stood looking at her for a long moment and she felt herself colour beneath his gaze.
‘Wow! Sophie, I scarcely recognise you! I wondered what you’d look like when you were really dressed up and you’ve swept me off my feet.’
She coloured. ‘You don’t look so bad yourself.’
The village hall was crowded that evening, but Crystal and Alan spotted them and beckoned them across to their table.
‘Hi! We came early to help set up the hall. Doesn’t it look great?’
‘Certainly does, and what an excellent turnout.’
‘It’s always a popular event, that’s why we’ve grabbed a table.’
Sophie had wondered how the dancing would be organised with such a small dance floor, but it all worked beautifully. As Crystal had said, there was something for every age group and taste.
It was all very informal and great fun. After they’d watched Crystal being twirled about the hall by Alan, who was surprisingly nimble on his feet, Keir stood up and caught Sophie’s hand.
‘Come on, let’s show them what we’re made of!’
He whirled her away as the band struck up a popular number. Laughingly, she followed his lead. It seemed that most people seemed to put their own interpretation to the music if they didn’t know the steps, and Keir was no exception. Not for the first time, Sophie noted that, for a fairly large man, he was agile and moved rhythmically. She was a reasonably good dancer herself and enjoyed matching his steps and experiencing a thrill of pleasure at being in his company. After a time, he caught her hand and they went into a side room for a breather.
‘That was fun!’ she told him breathlessly, cheeks flushed.
‘I thought so too. Didn’t we do well!’ He leant towards her, a purposeful gleam in his eyes and she felt her heart hammering, anticipating his kiss.
‘So this is where you’re hiding, Keir!’ Glenda appeared as if from thin air. She was wearing a tight-fitting, short red dress with a plunging neckline.
‘Come on, you promised me a dance, remember?’ and she led him meekly away.
‘That girl is unbelievable,’ Crystal said, as Sophie rejoined them feeling completely deflated. ‘She came with a group of friends, but she’s intent on monopolising Keir’s attention.’
‘Well, he doesn’t appear to object,’ Sophie said shortly, watching the pair of them.
Crystal shrugged. ‘Oh, Keir’s one of those lovely men who’s able to make any woman feel she’s the centre of his universe when she’s with him.’ A remark which only served to make Sophie feel even more miserable. Why had he asked her to be his partner if he’d known Glenda was going to be there?
Glenda was gyrating to the music in the most amazing way and Sophie thought she was deliberately showing off.
After a while, Keir laughingly excused himself and returned to the table.
‘That was a little too energetic for me,’ he said mopping his brow, ‘but hopefully I’ve shed a pound or two.’
‘Well, you certainly seemed to be enjoying yourself,’ Sophie remarked tartly, before she could prevent herself, and lowered her gaze as she caught the surprised look he shot at her. After all, she supposed he’d only asked her out of courtesy, because she was staying with his neighbour. It wouldn’t do to get too involved with a man whom she might never see again once she’d left Penbridge. Even as she thought this, she realised it was too late.
She was involved with him emotionally and she only had herself to blame for allowing a situation to grow which could only lead to her getting hurt all over again.
‘I didn’t realise Glenda worked at your school,’ Crystal said, to cover an awkward moment.
‘Yes, she’s one of the clerical assistants, but she’s also a friend of Beverley who works in my department. Beverley and her husband, Pete, who’s my boss, are an extremely hospitable couple and have invited me over to their place several times since I’ve moved here.’
And no doubt, Glenda had been there as well, Sophie thought dully. So much for her thinking that Glenda was just one of Keir’s students. He obviously knew her socially too.
Fortunately, supper and the raffle followed and, during the general banter and camaraderie there was no time to dwell on the incident. If Sophie could have only known it, Keir was kicking himself for not handling the situation better. He was all too aware that Glenda could be a bit manipulative. She was a lively girl, who was the life and soul of the party but, at times, he found her a little wearing and immature.
The dancing continued after supper, but when Alan and Crystal got up to leave, Keir and Sophie followed suit.
‘That was a pleasant evening,’ Keir remarked on the drive home. ‘I hope you’ve enjoyed it too.’
‘Absolutely! It’s good to support local events. Thanks for asking me,’ she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
‘I enjoy your company, Sophie. Have you thought any more about joining my ceramics class?’
She hesitated a moment, wondering if she could tolerate Glenda, but Crystal would be there too. She knew she’d love to spend more time in Keir’s company.
‘You could come for one session and see if you liked it,’ he suggested.
‘I’d enjoy that,’ she told him sincerely.
‘Good, I’ll keep you to that.’ He pulled up outside Rose Cottage. ‘That’s odd — it’s in total darkness. Will Rose have gone to bed this early?’
‘Probably, but she’d have left a light on. The porch light was on when I left too,’ Sophie said worriedly.
‘I’m sure there’s a simple explanation. She probably switched it off by mistake, but just in case, I’ll come in with you. I’ve got a torch in the glove compartment.’
Sophie was
glad of Keir’s support. Without any street lights, it was very dark at night and there were no lights in the neighbouring cottage either, as Ian and Fiona had obviously not yet returned from the dance.
Sophie’s heart was racing as they pushed open the sitting room door and were greeted by a loud meow from Poppy and a mumble from Aunt Rose.
Keir shone the torch and Rose looked up dazedly.
‘Oh, my goodness, you did give me a start! Whatever time is it?’
‘About eleven. Why are you sitting in the dark?’ asked Sophie, fumbling around for the light switch.
She flicked it on but nothing happened.
‘There was a flash and all the lights went out. I decided it was best to stay put until you came in. I expect it’s that thingummyjig they fitted when they did the electrical work a couple of years back. I never could get the hang of it. Hugh always saw to it for me.’
‘Do you mean the trip switch?’ asked Keir. ‘I’ll sort it out in a jiffy if you tell me where the box is. You sit tight. Sophie, can you come with me and be my official torch bearer?’
Five minutes later the problem was resolved, much to Aunt Rose’s relief.
‘You’re freezing cold,’ Sophie said, rubbing Rose’s hands.
‘I’d just turned the fire off and I didn’t attempt to turn it on again, just in case something else blew up,’ Aunt Rose said, looking sheepish.
‘Never mind, problem solved. I think your light bulb must have blown,’ Keir told her. ‘I’ll sort it out in the morning. For now we’ll make do with the side lamp and some hot drinks.’
Sophie shot into the dining room and returned with a travel rug from Aunt Rose’s bed and draped it over her knees, in spite of her protests.
‘I worry about Rose,’ Keir said, as they stood in the kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil. ‘If you hadn’t been staying here, she would have probably remained like that until the morning.’
‘I’m just relieved you were here and, now that you’ve shown me what to do, I’ll sort it, if it happens again. Now, just remind me how you like your coffee.’
‘Before I do, Miss Burnett, I’d like to thank you for your company this evening,’ he said quietly and, before she’d realised it, he’d caught her round the waist and pulled her to him.
‘Your hair smells of flowers,’ he murmured and kissed her lightly on the mouth, and then as she responded, more passionately, kindling a flame of desire within her. Just as suddenly, he released her, leaving her feeling as if she’d been on a roller coaster.
‘That kettle’s boiling,’ he announced, as if nothing had happened, and making the drinks, he carried the tray into the sitting room.
She knew she oughtn’t to read too much into that kiss. It had just been a thank you for the evening, but he had left her in no doubt as to her feelings for him.
Her emotions were in turmoil and she wanted to believe that the chemistry she’d sensed between them was real and not a figment of her imagination.
As Sophie showed Keir out into the inky blackness of the night, she said shyly, ‘Thanks for a lovely evening, Keir.’
He took her hands between his for a minute. ‘The pleasure was all mine,’ he said softly and disappeared out into the night smiling to himself. He suddenly felt life was worth living again, and it was all thanks to Sophie Burnett.
Chapter Seven
‘I’ve got a bit of a problem, Sophie,’ Aunt Rose told her the following morning over breakfast. ‘We had enough to think about last night, so I didn’t mention it then.’
Sophie buttered a slice of toast. ‘What’s wrong, is your ankle playing up?’
‘No, dear, it’s nothing like that. The thing is, it’s Mary’s birthday next Saturday. Hugh and I always bought flowers and took them to the church yard but ...’
‘Well, that’s OK. I’ll take you to choose some and we’ll go together.’
‘Would you, dear. That would be nice — except ...’
Something suddenly registered. ‘Wait a minute, if it was Aunt Mary’s birthday then it’s obviously got to be yours as well, hasn’t it?’
Rose nodded. ‘Daphne rang up last night. She wants to know if she can come and see me on Saturday and bring little Lily. Apparently Daphne’s husband, Neil, is working in the morning.’
‘OK, well that’s no problem. I can make myself scarce so that you can have some quality time with Daphne and Lily,’ Sophie assured her.
‘Oh no, dear, you’re part of my extended family and I don’t intend to exclude you. I’ll just have to think round it. Daphne’s always in a rush. I doubt if she’ll stay to tea and, if I want to go to the churchyard first and cook lunch, it’ll be a bit of a tight squeeze. I was wondering about roast chicken. Anyway, I’ll phone Daphne again later in the week. She’s always so vague about timing, says she’s got to do some shopping first at the designer outlet. Apparently, they’re going skiing in February when it’s Lily’s half term.’
Unbeknown to them over at Rowanbank, Keir was facing the same kind of dilemma. One of Hugh’s requests, left with his will, was that flowers be placed on Mary’s grave periodically, but particularly on her birthday and the anniversary of her death.
Erica wasn’t very good at that sort of thing, saying that she found graveyards creepy places and wasn’t into all that sentimental stuff. Keir wondered if he should ask Rose Harding if she wanted to accompany him, but realised it was her birthday too. No, he’d just have to do what he thought was right.
He turned his thoughts to other matters. Things were going smoothly with the craft centre project and targets were being met. The two people who had sparked all this off would have been ecstatic, had they been alive to see it.
Erica had given Keir carte blanche to do whatever he thought was best. Just so long as she didn’t have to concern herself with it, she didn’t seem to care. If only he could win Rose over, but that was proving more difficult. The phone rang and he snatched it up.
‘Keir, you really are proving quite elusive to get hold of these days,’ came Erica’s voice.
‘And you haven’t replied to my last two e-mails. It really is too bad of you! I am allowed a social life, as well as you,’ Keir told her, a trifle impatiently. ‘So what can I do for you?’
Keir put the phone down and sat staring into space. Sometimes Erica could be quite infuriating. He’d discovered she was very good at delegating and, somehow she always managed to get him to agree to do her bidding. This time it was some correspondence she wanted him to deal with on her behalf.
***
During the week, Sophie helped Aunt Rose move back upstairs so that the dining room could be made ready for the visitors on Saturday. Sophie took Rose into Tonbridge for a supermarket shop and they returned laden with groceries. It would have been so much easier if Daphne had offered to take Aunt Rose out for lunch, but that obviously wasn’t her style.
It was towards the end of the week before Sophie saw Keir again. He had offered to give her a lift to his evening class. She was feeling apprehensive on several counts, not least of them being because she didn’t want to look foolish in front of Keir and the others, if she couldn’t master what she was asked to do.
She needn’t have worried because Keir set her to work making pinch pots whilst the rest of the class continued with their previous week’s task. After this they all attempted some jewellery which was fiddly and would need to be biscuit fired to a very high temperature.
‘Told you you’d enjoy it,’ Crystal said, as she bent over the earrings she was making.
‘How are you getting on?’ Keir enquired, examining the geometric shapes Sophie was endeavouring to cut from the porcelain clay. ‘You know I can’t believe you’re a beginner.’
She coloured, so aware of him standing beside her that she was unable to concentrate.
‘Well, actually, I used to help out in an after school club when they needed an extra pair of hands, but someone else was in charge,’ she confessed.
His eyes glinted. ‘And al
l this time you’ve been telling me you know next to nothing about ceramics!’
‘I don’t at this level, but I can make pinch and coil pots, although they’re a bit lopsided, as you can see. I’ve never tried my hand at anything as ambitious as the jewellery before.’
During the coffee break Glenda came to speak to Sophie. ‘This is supposed to be a beginners’ class,’ she stated.
‘Yes, I realise that. I am a beginner.’
‘You can hardly be a novice if you’ve supported children in pottery classes, as I heard you telling Keir.’
‘That doesn’t really count,’ Sophie assured her. ‘Call it beginner’s luck, if you like. It’ll probably all break in the kiln.’
Crystal overhearing this, came to the rescue. ‘Sophie’s a teacher so she’s probably tried her hand at a number of things, isn’t that right, Sophie?’
Sophie nodded, thankful for the interruption. ‘You know that saying, Jack of all trades, master of none? Well, that’s me.’
Fortunately just then, someone else claimed Glenda’s attention.
‘What is wrong with that girl?’ Crystal murmured. ‘Keir’s perfectly fair to everyone, but for some reason, she must be stage centre.’
At the end of the class, Glenda did her utmost to detain Keir, but he laughingly told her that he needed to lock up. When she realised he was giving Sophie a lift home, she soon made herself scarce.
‘So, Sophie, what did you think?’ Keir asked during the short drive home.
‘I enjoyed myself. Thanks for inviting me.’
‘You’re very welcome, but the pleasure’s all mine,’ he assured her. ‘I can already see you’ve got talent.’
Sophie felt a warm glow at his unexpected praise.
It was a glorious morning on Saturday. Aunt Rose was up early. Over breakfast she opened her presents and cards, expressing delight at the cardigan Sophie’s family had sent her and the pretty little brooch Sophie had purchased from Peggy Munn’s.
Before they set out for the churchyard, the vegetables were prepared and the chicken was put in the oven. They’d managed to buy some rather nice flowers at the farm shop. It didn’t take long to accomplish their mission, but they were surprised to see someone had been there before them. Aunt Rose looked at Sophie in surprise.