Love in Spring BoxSet

by Jenny Lane

  She considered. ‘I’ll speak to Carlos — see what he has to say. Anyway, I’m not likely to sell this place overnight, am I? You’d have plenty of time to scout around and find somewhere else, darling. To be honest, I can’t wait to get rid of the place. I never did like this house and now there are far too many memories.’

  Keir did not reply. He was staring at a photograph of Hugh and Erica, as if trying to make sense of everything.

  ***

  Sophie’s parents agreed to come to Penbridge on Friday.

  ‘It’s a bit short notice, but your father has some time owing to him and his boss is very understanding,’ her mother told her over the phone. ‘This is all very mysterious — and you say you were there when this neighbour of Rose’s discovered the packages in Peggy Munn’s shop?’

  ‘That’s right. Well, I’ll look forward to your visit on Friday, although I don’t suppose I’ll see much of you as you’re going over to Rowanbank almost as soon as you arrive. You’ll have to get back early for Gran, won’t you?’

  ‘No, June’s visiting her mother and your gran’s been invited along too. She gets on well with Sylvia. Anyway, surely you’ll be coming over to Rowanbank with us?’

  ‘Hardly, none of this concerns me, does it? I don’t think I’m invited.’

  ‘Well, not for the business part maybe, but surely to lunch,’ her mother said thoughtfully. ‘Now, what do you know about this man Erica’s engaged to?’

  What could Sophie say about Keir? She realised that he’d become such a large part of her life so quickly. She found herself thinking about him every waking hour and she didn’t want to go over to Rowanbank to see him with Erica. Sophie knew she was hopelessly in love with him herself.

  ***

  ‘Could you do something for me, Sophie?’ Aunt Rose asked the following evening.

  ‘Well, of course, if I can.’

  ‘Oh, it’s nothing very arduous. I’ve forgotten to return this recipe book to Mavis Briggs and she can collect it tomorrow when she’s at Rowanbank. Apparently, Erica’s got her doing some extra jobs. So, if you can drop it over there for me and take some of these cheese scones I’ve made for Keir. I know he’s partial to them.’

  Sophie could hardly refuse without seeming churlish.

  It was a chilly evening and Sophie stood on the step at Rowanbank ringing the bell and rehearsing in her mind what to say.

  A few moments later, Keir opened the door and the words went completely out of her head.

  ‘Hello, Sophie. Won’t you come in?’ he invited, giving her a warm smile.

  When Sophie hesitated, Keir caught her by the arm and drew her inside before she could come up with a suitable excuse.

  ‘It’s far too cold to stand on the step,’ he told her firmly.

  She held out the book and the scones and explained briefly.

  ‘I’m putting on pounds. All these ladies keep feeding me up — including the canteen staff at school. Come and have some coffee. It’s OK, Erica’s visiting friends, if that’s what’s bothering you. Come on Sophie, it’s high time we had that talk.’

  ‘I’m not sure there would be any point,’ she said unsteadily.

  ‘OK, we’ll have to see about that, won’t we?’

  Reluctantly, she followed him into the sitting room.

  ‘Coffee — or I could run to a glass of wine — but promise me you won’t escape whilst I’m getting it.’

  ‘Coffee will be fine.’ She smiled, and sank back on the sofa, knowing she was incapable of moving, even if she wanted to. Her legs had turned to jelly. She supposed she could at least hear him out.

  He returned in a short space of time with a tray of coffee and a plate of Aunt Rose’s scones.

  After a moment or two she said, ‘So what exactly did you want to talk to me about?’

  ‘First and foremost, Erica is not engaged to me,’ he told her. ‘I can’t blame you for jumping to conclusions, because I haven’t exactly been open with you.’

  ‘You’ve been talking to Aunt Rose,’ she said unsteadily.

  ‘Perhaps it’s just as well I have, Sophie. I don’t want to lose you and I need to explain so that you will understand. Erica was my sister-in-law — technically still is, I suppose.’

  Sophie stared at him as if transfixed. ‘Your sister-in-law!’ she repeated incredulously. ‘So what does that mean exactly? Are you married, divorced —separated?’ He shook his head. ‘None of those Nina, my wife, sadly died almost two years ago. She had a lengthy and painful illness.’

  ‘Oh, Keir, I’m so very sorry. I had no idea.’ She saw the sadness etching his face and wanted to put her arms around him and comfort him. No wonder he’d found it so difficult to talk about it with her.

  They sat in silence for a few moments and then he said practically in a whisper, ‘A relatively short time ago, I couldn’t have mentioned Nina’s name. We had a wonderful marriage and were drawn together by our love of ceramics.’

  ‘Was she the talented potter you spoke of who made all those beautiful things you brought to the exhibition?’ she prompted gently.

  He nodded. ‘We met at art college and got married soon after we graduated. Besides teaching part-time, we ran courses, held exhibitions and had studio open days — that sort of thing. Nina was incredibly talented, as you can see from her work.’

  He pointed towards the wall unit. ‘She was beginning to make a name for herself when her illness was first diagnosed and she struggled on, in between bouts of treatment and operations, until she became too weak to continue. She had tremendous will power and determination. It’s what kept her alive for so long.’

  ‘Oh, Keir, you must have had a dreadful time.’

  ‘Yes, but strangely, it was during that period that I produced some of my best work. When Nina could no longer create her own ceramics, she took pleasure in what I was accomplishing. She was very unselfish.’

  ‘And she was Erica’s sister?’

  He nodded. ‘Erica and Nina were as different as chalk and cheese. Erica is a far more restless individual. She loves to travel — used to worked for an airline at one time. That’s how she came to meet the man she’s going to marry. She’s known him for many years and he’s asked her to marry him before. Probably, if she hadn’t met Hugh, she would have done so. When Nina died, I’m afraid I became a bit of a recluse and Erica and Hugh were both very supportive. They persuaded me to do something in Nina’s memory.’

  ‘The craft centre?’ she asked, as things began slowly to click into place.

  ‘Yes. Hugh had been to several of Nina’s exhibitions and knew how keen she’d been to promote fresh talent. The craft centre was very much his brainchild. That’s why when Erica asked me if I could come here to carry on where he’d left off, in helping to set it up, I agreed. She’s good at delegating — sometimes too good, I have to admit. Anyway, it gave me a purpose in life again and I’ve loved being here in Penbridge. It’s given me a release and allowed me to move on with my life.’

  He paused and they both sat deep in thought for a few moments. At last he looked up. ‘So now that I’ve told you my story, perhaps you feel able to tell me yours.’

  She smiled wryly. ‘Oh, mine is nothing compared to yours. I just became involved with the wrong person. I thought Brett truly cared for me — that we had a future together, but then he went back to his former girlfriend, leaving me feeling betrayed and utterly bereft. But, you know what? It’s all behind me now. At the time, I thought the bottom had dropped out of my world, but when I put it in perspective, so many good things have come about because of it.’

  Sophie looked at Keir and felt a surge of tenderness. ‘If it hadn’t been for what happened with Brett and myself, I wouldn’t have come to Penbridge in January and met you.’

  ‘And you have no idea how glad I am that you did,’ he said softly.

  The next moment, Keir had moved to sit beside her. He slipped an arm about her and drew her close. Cupping her chin in his hand, he kissed her mouth ge
ntly at first, but then, as she began to respond, more passionately, until she was filled with a maelstrom of emotions. And this time Erica did not interrupt them.

  As Sophie leant her head on his shoulder, Keir said, ‘I didn’t think I’d ever find love again after Nina. It was as if my heart was frozen, but you’ve changed all that. I don’t want to lose you, Sophie, because I’ve fallen deeply in love with you.’

  Reaching up she kissed him again. ‘I love you too, Keir,’ she murmured.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Friday was a strange day, Sophie thought, as she joined her family in the sitting room at Rowanbank.

  First Aunt Rose had been summoned to the study by James Hodge, who believed in doing things properly. She returned clutching two bulky packages and looking bemused.

  It was the turn of David and Anne Burnett next, and they also reappeared with some packages which they placed alongside Rose’s on the table.

  Erica was then called into the study with Keir and John Munn.

  Whilst they were gone Rose said, ‘Well, I don’t know about you two, but I’m itching to find out what Hugh has left me. James Hodge thinks these were probably intended to be given to us whilst Hugh was still alive, perhaps for a birthday or Christmas present, but he died before he got the chance.’

  They watched with bated breath as she carefully unwrapped the first parcel to reveal a delicate antique vase. The other parcel contained the matching one to make up the pair.

  Aunt Rose’s eyes shone with pleasure. ‘Hugh knew I’d always admired these. They used to stand on the mantelpiece in his study, and I quite thought Erica must have got rid of them. Well, of course, she nearly did! There’s absolutely no way I’d ever sell them, even though James Hodge reckons they’re probably quite valuable. Oh, my goodness, what’s this?’

  In her excitement, Aunt Rose had overlooked a small box which had been wedged between the two packages.

  Removing the faded paper now, she revealed a jewellery case. Inside, on a bed of velvet, were two pairs of diamond earrings and an exquisite brooch.

  Aunt Rose gasped and examined the earrings.

  ‘These were Mary’s. She had her ears pierced and I didn’t.’

  ‘So they would be of no use to you unless you sold them,’ David Burnett pointed out. ‘They ought to bring you in quite a nice little nest egg.’

  Aunt Rose’s eyes were misty and she turned away for a moment.

  ‘I knew Hugh wouldn’t forget me,’ she said huskily.

  ‘Shall we see what we’ve got here?’ Sophie’s mother unwrapped one of the packages to reveal a beautiful Victorian watercolour which had previously hung on the sitting room wall.

  In addition was a long box containing two Dresden china figurines. Yet another, smaller package contained a marquetry cigarette box concealing a pair of gold cuff links and a gold locket.

  ‘My goodness! It’s quite a treasure trove, isn’t it!’ Sophie exclaimed.

  The others returned just then. John Munn looking very pleased about something, declined Keir’s invitation to stay to lunch, saying that he’d have to return to work.

  ***

  Lunch was a much more relaxed occasion now that most of the formalities were out of the way. Presently, they all proposed a toast to Hugh.

  ‘Erica does have some more news,’ Keir said turning to her.

  Erica attempted a smile. ‘Where to begin. Firstly, I had no idea Hugh had put all those valuable things in the boxes in the spare room. I assume he intended to distribute them as gifts, but his premature death prevented it.’

  There was not much anyone could say to that, Sophie thought.

  ‘Well, it’s all been resolved now,’ remarked Anne Burnett, always the peace maker.

  ‘Practically, we’re going to check out the rest of the boxes, sell anything Erica and I don’t want and split the proceeds with Peggy Munn,’ Keir informed them, which explained why John had looked so pleased.

  James Hodge had kept very quiet throughout all of this, but now he gave Erica a meaningful look.

  She toyed with her wine glass for a moment before saying, ‘I’ve come back here to wind things up. I’m going to be married again shortly and didn’t want to leave unfinished business. Carlos and I have known each other for years, but I want you to know, Rose, that Hugh will always have a special place in my heart.’

  Sophie realised it couldn’t have been easy for Erica to have said that. This time, everyone raised their glasses to Erica.

  James then leant towards Keir and murmured something. Keir nodded.

  ‘There are still one or two other matters to discuss. Erica was intending to put Rowanbank on the market, but I’ve persuaded her not to, because I’ve decided I’d like to purchase it myself.’

  Sophie’s eyes locked with Keir’s. This was the most wonderful news yet.

  Keir smiled at her. ‘I came to Penbridge feeling rather apprehensive. I wasn’t sure how I’d fit into the community. You see, Erica had entrusted me to carry out a very special task for her. Sophie knows about most of this already and Rose knows a part of it ...’

  He faltered and Erica took over, explaining clearly and concisely about the craft centre project and how Hugh had been instrumental in getting it off the ground.

  ‘It was his vision,’ she said. ‘Hugh was a very rich man and I can tell you now that he donated a considerable sum of money to the venture during his lifetime, and has left a sizeable bequest. But the rest is Keir’s story ...’

  Keir picked up the story and this time managed to tell his audience briefly about Nina and how her work had won awards.

  ‘I’m convinced that, given time, her work would have gained international acclaim.’

  Keir went on to explain how Nina had worked from their home in Wiltshire and that, when she’d died, Hugh had suggested Keir might use his expertise to start the craft centre in Penbridge.

  There was a silence as Erica put her hand on Keir’s arm and said, ‘Nina Ellison was my sister. We were very different people, but Hugh’s project was dear to my heart and Keir and I hope to set up some sort of trust for young people, as part of the project.’

  Sophie wanted to go to Keir and put her arms about him, knowing how difficult it must have been for him to have shared all this, but she realised that now was not the occasion.

  Chapter Fifteen

  It was two weeks later. Erica had concluded her business and returned to Spain.

  Sophie and Keir were sitting in the study at Rowanbank. It was a mild March day and the daffodils were already beginning to raise their golden heads.

  Keir sighed with pleasure. ‘I love this time of year. The promise of spring with new life about to burst forth. The craft centre is on schedule for the grand opening just after Easter. Do you think Rose could be persuaded to display her dolls’ house furniture there?’

  Sophie smiled. ‘I think she might agree to that. She’s feeling much happier about things now.’

  Sophie leant against Keir’s large, comforting frame. ‘There is still one thing that puzzles me.’

  ‘What’s that, my love?’

  ‘I suspect there was something a little deeper than the refurbishment of this house that caused the rift between Erica and Aunt Rose.’

  Keir looked at her and smiled. ‘Mmm I know I’d never be able to keep any secrets from you, Sophie. You see Rose had always hoped Hugh would marry her one day.’

  Sophie’s head shot up. ‘After Uncle Tom died, you mean?’

  ‘Well, naturally, but you see, she’d always loved Hugh, but he chose Mary. Tom adored Rose and so, after Hugh and Mary were married, Tom proposed and I’m sure they had a happy life together. Much later, after their respective partners had died, Rose hoped Hugh might marry her, but he just didn’t love her — not in that way.’

  Sophie stared at Keir as his words sank in. ‘And Erica knew this?’

  Keir nodded. ‘Hugh told her, probably unwisely. He’d had no idea Erica would behave in the way she did toward
s Rose and he confided in me. The problem was, I could see both sides. You must realise that Erica really did love Hugh and they were happy together.’

  ‘Poor Aunt Rose! That’s so sad!’ Sophie said. ‘I’d no idea.’

  Keir stood up. ‘Shall we go in the garden? It’s going to be an absolute picture when the blossom comes out.’

  He took Sophie’s hands and pulled her up, entwining an arm about her waist. ‘I love this garden!’ Sophie enthused. ‘Everything’s golden at the moment — the forsythia, the mahonia, the daffodils.’

  Keir drew her to him and gave her a long, lingering kiss.

  ‘What did I tell you about the promise of spring?’ he murmured against her hair. ‘Sophie Burnett, I love you, my own golden girl. You’ve made me come alive again and I want you to live with me here in this beautiful house. So will you marry me?’

  ‘Oh yes, Keir. Yes,’ she whispered, her eyes shining as she reached up and kissed him.

  They stood locked in an embrace beneath the apple tree at the bottom of the garden, listening to a blackbird as it heralded spring.

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