by Karen King
‘Oh, Ted!’ She flung herself into his arms, sobbing silently, and for the first time for years they really hugged. When she pulled herself away, Sally saw tears in Ted’s eyes too.
‘Happy New Year to you too. And thank you, Ted,’ she whispered, her voice breaking. ‘I want you to know that I will always care about you, and I’ll always be there if you need me.’
‘I know, Sal,’ he stammered, taking his hankie out of his pocket and wiping his eyes. ‘And me for you.’
45
Meg
‘Nanny!’
Meg smiled as Tom raced down the hall towards her mother, his face beaming, his arms outstretched.
‘Tom-Tom!’ Sally called, using her pet name for little Tom. She bent down and held her arms out, swooping her grandson into a big hug. ‘Tom, darling. I’ve missed you so much!’
‘He’s missed you too. He was looking for you at Christmas,’ Katya told her. ‘It’s good to see you back, Sally. Happy New Year!’
‘It certainly is,’ Dan agreed. He and Katya had come in just ahead of Meg and Oliver. They’d all arrived within minutes of each other and had stood outside chatting for a while, with Dan and Katya saying how pleased they were that Meg and Oliver were back together again, and that their parents were too.
‘And it’s so good to see you all. Happy New Year, everyone!’ Sally said with a big smile.
Meg studied her mum’s face worriedly for signs of strain. Sally had been so happy down in Cornwall, and while she understood – and was pleased in a way – that her mum had decided to go back to her dad, she was concerned about what effect that would have on her. She looked tired, Meg thought, and so did Dad, but she was relieved to see that there didn’t seem to be any awkwardness between them. On the contrary, Dad was smiling as Mum hugged Tom, asking him what presents he’d had for Christmas and listening attentively as Tom listed them all. It seemed as if her parents had come to some kind of understanding.
Mum put Tom down and turned towards Meg and Oliver, her face breaking into a huge grin as she encircled them in a double hug before releasing them and saying, ‘I can’t tell you how happy I am that you two have sorted it out. And your move sounds so exciting. Cheshire is a beautiful part of the country. What a wonderful way to start the new year.’
‘Oliver’s boss has sent us some photos of the manor, and the cottage we’ll be living in,’ Meg told her. ‘It’s gorgeous. I can’t wait.’ She smiled at Oliver. ‘We’re still going to be running Party MO there and I’ll continue with my promo and social media work too, of course.’
‘You must all come up and visit when we’re settled in,’ Oliver said.
‘We’d love to.’ This was from Ted. ‘Now come and sit down, all of you. Your mum’s done quite a spread, as usual. The raspberries in the trifle were from my garden last summer,’ he added proudly. ‘We’ve got a couple of bags of them in the freezer.’
They all gathered around the table, pulling out chairs, sitting down – Tom in between Sally and Katya because he wanted to chatter to his nanny – grabbing plates, and helping themselves to the food, talking to each other and over one another as they did so. Dan told them all about the patio he was planning on laying in the back garden, then Katya relayed Tom’s latest achievements, and then the conversation moved on to Oliver and Meg’s new home and how exciting it all was. The conversation flowed, crackers were pulled, cava was poured for those who weren’t driving – Dan and Meg – and non-alcoholic beverages for those who were. Then Sally suggested they all open their Christmas gifts, which were still piled under the Christmas tree.
It’s strange to all be here like this, as if the Christmas break-ups never happened, Meg thought as she watched everyone open their presents with exclamations of ‘oooh, that’s lovely!’ and ‘just what I wanted’, and a burst of laughter from Ted when he unwrapped Oliver’s jokey present – a mug and coaster with the message ‘Gardeners never grow old, they just go to pot’ written on it.
It had been a heartbreaking time for her and Oliver but they had come through stronger because of it. They had loved each other enough to work it out. What about Mum and Dad though? Mum had come back because she was worried about Dad and felt guilty, not because she missed him and wanted to be with him. Although they did seem to be getting on, and there wasn’t any obvious antagonism between them, so maybe Dad’s health scare had made them both realise that they wanted to be together after all.
When the gifts had been unwrapped and everyone had eaten as much as they wanted, Ted stood up, a glass in his hand, and Dan gave a mock-groan. ‘Make it a short speech, Dad,’ he teased. Everyone laughed – Ted’s speeches were notoriously short and to the point.
Ted nodded at him. ‘Actually, Dan, I think this will be the longest speech I’ve ever made.’
More mock-groans.
Ted paused, as if gathering his thoughts. ‘First of all, I want to wish you all a very happy New Year!’ He held up his glass and they all followed suit, chorusing, ‘Happy New Year!’
‘Next, I want to propose a toast to Meg and Oliver, to say how pleased I am that you’ve sorted things out, and to congratulate you on your exciting move.’ He turned and raised his glass to Meg and Oliver.
Everyone raised their glasses. ‘To Meg and Oliver.’
‘And I would like to thank Dan for acting so quickly when I was taken ill. His actions probably saved my life.’
Dan flushed but looked pleased as they all raised their glasses and chorused, ‘To Dan.’
Then Ted turned towards Sally. ‘Lastly, I would like to thank Sally for rushing back to look after me even though we had split up.’ He turned back, his gaze resting on everyone sitting at the table.
Meg whispered to Oliver, ‘He looks serious. What’s he going to say?’
‘The mini-stroke really shook me up, as I’m sure it did all of you. And it made me realise a few things too.’ He took a slow sip from his glass as if trying to find the words. ‘It made me realise how short life is, and that I don’t want to waste any of it. And that Sally was right, we have grown apart and we are holding each other back from living the lives we want to live.’ He reached down for Sally’s hand. She took it and stood up by him. ‘So, I want to tell you all that we’ve agreed to part – but there is no acrimony between us. We’ve had many happy years together and will now have many happy years apart.’
‘What!’ Dan gasped but Katya put her fingers to her lips, warning him to shush.
Meg was astonished too; this was the last thing she had expected. She could see the tears in her dad’s eyes, and in her mum’s eyes too, and she felt a lump in her throat. This hadn’t been an easy decision for him to make but she was pleased he had made it and that her parents were both at peace with the decision and with each other.
It was Sally’s turn to speak now. ‘We know you might be disappointed by this, but it really is the right decision for us.’ She looked around, her gaze resting on Dan, Meg then little Tom. ‘And it doesn’t stop us being a family. We can still all get together at times like this and will both always be there for you all.’
‘And we’re both going to have a great life apart,’ Ted added. He raised his glass one more time. ‘To the future.’
‘To the future,’ they all chorused.
46
A few weeks later
Meg and Oliver
Meg followed Oliver in the yellow van down the long leafy lane, hoping they didn’t have to travel much longer. They’d been on the road for over four hours, although they had taken a couple of coffee breaks. Now they were finally in Little Ofton, the village where Meadow Manor was situated. She was tired but excited to see their new home. She would have preferred them to travel together, so they could chat on the way, but they could fit more of their possessions in the van so it made sense for Oliver to drive that and for Meg to follow in her car, with the rabbits in their carriers on the back seat. They both planned on going back next weekend to get more possessions and pick up Oliver’s car. And to make sure Dad w
as okay now Mum had gone back to Cornwall. For the time being, Meg and Oliver were going to rent out their house and make sure they settled in Cheshire and that Oliver liked his new job before selling it. It made sense not to burn their bridges just yet.
She saw the van lights come on and realised that they were nearing the end of the lane now. In front of them were two imposing iron gates, a pair of majestic white stone lion heads adorning the pillars at each side. Oliver pulled up and got out of the van. This must be it! Meg got out of her car and ran over to him. He pointed to the decorated nameplate tile on the left pillar: Meadow Manor. ‘We’re here.’
Meg peered through the gates. A long path, flanked by conifer trees that lined immaculate lawns and flowerbeds, ran up to a set of steps leading to a courtyard. She could make out a fountain and a couple of large statues. Running across the back of the courtyard was a huge, sprawling house that looked like it had been standing there for hundreds of years. She and Oliver had done a bit of research on it and knew that it had been built in the 1700s and had eight bedrooms and four bathrooms as well as a basement and an attic. The two-bedroom cottage they were going to live in was at the back of the house. Meadow Manor had looked fabulous in the pictures they had seen on the Internet but was even better in real life; there was a kind of majestic splendour about it.
‘Hugh told me to phone him and let him know I’m here rather than ring the bell on the gate,’ Oliver said, taking his mobile out of his jacket pocket.
A quick call to Hugh and the gates opened, allowing Oliver and Meg to drive in. Hugh had told them to park at the back so they drove around the house to the large paved drive. As they both pulled up, a man dressed in a tweed jacket and dark brown corduroy trousers strode down the steps to greet them.
‘Pleased to meet you, Oliver,’ he said, shaking Oliver’s hand. ‘And you must be Meg.’ He shook Meg’s hand warmly. ‘I’m Hugh. Welcome to Meadow Manor.’
He gave them a quick tour of the house and the grounds, then showed them the lovely thatched black-and-white cottage that would be their home. It was picture-postcard perfect. Meg immediately took a photo to send to her mum later, then followed Hugh and Oliver inside. Thankfully the cottage had been modernised, with a gas range and a gas fire, despite the high beams and the historic feel of it.
‘We can’t change the windows, we’re afraid, as the cottage – and the house – are listed buildings, but we’ve had radiators fitted and it gets very cosy in the winter,’ Hugh told them. ‘You’re welcome to live here, rent-free, as long as you want. It comes with the job.’
Hugh left them to settle in, telling Oliver he would see him Monday morning, the date they had both agreed he would start work.
Hand in hand, Oliver and Meg walked around the cosy cottage then out into the garden. It was twice the size of their previous garden, and a bit wild, but Oliver would soon sort that. Meg was delighted to see a pretty fountain, an apple tree and several rose bushes.
‘We can put a pen for Laurel and Hardy over there.’ She pointed to a large grassy area at the back of the garden.
‘And make a swing to hang from the apple tree,’ Oliver added. ‘There’s plenty of room for a sandpit and a paddling pool too.’ He reached out and took Meg in his arms. ‘What do you think of our new home?’
Meg snuggled into him. ‘It’s perfect.’
His lips found hers and they were kissing, caressing, gently at first then more urgently, and Oliver whispered in her ear, ‘How about we continue this inside? I think a baby would make our new home complete, don’t you?’ and Meg thought she would explode with happiness.
47
March
Sally
‘Well, that’s all sorted then. We’ve got the bed and breakfast rooms booked for our route through France. When we’ve had enough there, we can move on to Spain and then the rest of Europe.’ Rose closed the laptop lid. ‘I can’t believe I’m really doing this. I’ve been planning it for years but never actually thought the day would come.’ She smiled at Sally. ‘I’m so pleased that you’re coming with me. Good company is always better than travelling alone.’
‘I’m delighted that you asked me,’ Sally replied. She could hardly believe that she’d only met Rose a few months ago; it was as if she had known her all her life. Sally had returned to Cornwall after leaving Ted and luckily Smuggler’s Haunt had been available for another couple of weeks. She had spent a lot of time with Rose and Rory, feeling so comfortable with them both, that when Rose had invited her to travel around Europe with her, and to stay in her spare room until then, pointing out that it was silly to pay holiday rental prices for a couple of months, Sally had gratefully taken up the offer on the condition that she pay Rose rent. They all got on so well, she, Rose and Rory, and the house was big enough for them to not have to live in each other’s pockets.
She was so looking forward to travelling around Europe with Rose. They were leaving in a couple of weeks, planning on spending six months touring, and sharing the driving of Rose’s trusty hatchback, leaving Sally’s car parked in Rose’s garage until they returned. Although Sally had never driven on the right-hand side of the road before, she was sure she could manage it.
Things were finally working out. Meg and Oliver were happy together, and Ted was making a life for himself. He had put the house up for sale and was seeing a lot of Paula, but Sally honestly didn’t mind. She just wanted him to be happy. Like she was.
‘It’s freezing out there.’ Rory came in, rubbing his hands. He glanced over at the paperwork spread all over the table. ‘Have you two finished planning your big trip then?’
‘We have. We leave on the fifteenth of March for six months,’ Rose told him. She got up and picked up her bag. ‘I’m popping out to the corner shop now to grab some milk. I’ll leave you to tell him all the details about the trip, Sally.’
Sally knew that Rose was being discreet, giving them both a chance to talk; she’d done this a few times over the weeks. It was probably as obvious to her as it was to Sally and Rory that there was a connection growing between the two of them, a closeness that Sally was trying to fight against. She enjoyed being with Rory – he was funny, kind and caring, and yes, she was going to miss him and the long walks they sometimes went on together – but she didn’t want to get attached to him. She didn’t want to get attached to anyone. She wanted to be free, to live her life how she chose. She didn’t want to be trapped ever again. She had her future planned out and didn’t want to have to compromise those plans.
She would really miss Rory though. He had been her rock over the last couple of months, always ready with a silly joke, a kind word, a bit of home-spun advice or an interested ear as she had struggled with the complexities of splitting up with Ted and sorting out her own life.
Rory stood in front of the fire now, warming himself. ‘And what are your plans when you return from your big trip?’ he asked. ‘Are you coming back to Cornwall?’
That’s the question she’d been asking herself. She loved this village, and had made friends here, so yes, she would like to come back. She doubted if she would have enough money to buy a house herself, even when the divorce settlement came through, but she could rent one. Much as she loved living with Rose and Rory, she needed her own space, to make a home for herself.
‘I’d like to, if I can find somewhere to rent,’ she told him.
‘I’m pleased to hear it. We’ll miss you. Do you want me to look out for you, let you know if something comes up?’ he asked. ‘Long-term rentals aren’t easy to find here so soon get snapped up.’
Pleased to hear it. His words thrilled and scared her. Scared her so much that she wondered if she should come back. She could see something in Rory’s eyes, the same feeling she was fighting against. Maybe she should make a clean break and start off fresh somewhere else?
She didn’t want to though. Rose was a good friend. And Sally didn’t like the thought of never seeing her or – she had to admit – Rory again.
‘Plea
se. A little cottage would be ideal, not far from the beach, like Smuggler’s Haunt,’ she said with a smile. Then she got up. ‘I’m making a cup of tea. Do you fancy one? It might warm you up a bit.’
‘I’ll do it,’ Rory told her, stepping forward just as Sally did and almost colliding into her. ‘Sorry.’ He put out a hand to steady her and she jumped back, her nerves tingling at his touch.
‘It’s fine.’ She quickly pulled herself together, averting her gaze. Damn, now she was acting like a stupid teenager. That’s how Rory made her feel, like a teenager falling in love for the first time. She had an idea that he felt the same way too. It was a good job she was leaving soon; she could do with putting a bit of distance between them before things got complicated.
‘Sally.’
Her eyes flitted to his face. He looked serious and was standing much too close. She stepped back a little and fixed a smile on her face. ‘Yes?’
‘I just want to say… Look, I’m not good at this. There hasn’t been a woman in my life since Gloria, and I’ve been happy to keep it that way, but you… you’re different. I like you, Sally. A lot. And I think you like me too.’
She stared at him, unable to speak. This was the very conversation she had been trying to avoid. She thought about denying her feelings, but how could she, the way he was looking at her? Besides, she was pretty sure that they were written all over her face. So, she nodded wordlessly and waited for him to continue, wondering if he was going to ask her not to go travelling with Rose. She tried to scramble the words in her mind to let him down gently. Nothing was going to stop her doing that; she had waited too long.
‘Don’t look so worried,’ he said gently. ‘That doesn’t mean that I want to tie you down or stop you going off for six months. It means that if you feel the same way, I’d like us to keep in touch, and maybe when you come back and have your own place, we can see each other, go out now and again.’