Christmas Kiss (10 page)

‘Wonderful. You’re spoiling me and I’m loving it.’

‘You should come up more often. I keep saying to your father, we don’t see nearly enough of you. Now eat up before it gets too cold.’

The subject of her impending birthday had not been mentioned the previous day. They must be waiting for Beth to make the attack. It was pointless resisting their plans. If she did, they would only plan some dreadful surprise party and she would be expected to be surprised. If she agreed to something, at least she might have a little say in the matter.

When Beth and Mike arrived with their three children, the house was filled with noise and laughter. Beth was similar in looks to her sister, another blue eyed blond but much more rounded after her years as a mum and housewife. The sisters had always been good friends, though Beth had been serious about Mike for so long it was hard to remember life without him around. He was an accountant, a family man who adored his wife and children. The three little boys were being beautifully brought up and were polite, though extremely noisy at times. Mrs Pennyweather was delighted to have all her brood around and busied herself with vegetables and basting meat while she chatted to her two daughters. Her husband arrived with glasses of sherry in the true family tradition and they all toasted each other, as they had done for most of the girls’ adult lives.

‘So, has Mum explained the plans for your thirtieth?’ Beth asked.

‘Of course not dear. I was leaving it all to you,’ her mother replied.

‘Right. Well, it’s on a Sunday so we thought a party on Saturday night for the friends and family and lunch at one of the hotels on Sunday. Lunch just for close family of course.’

‘That sounds like an awful lot of fuss. Please though, make sure people don’t buy me presents. I really don’t want people spending money they can’t really afford and I don’t want the embarrassment of a mound of presents. Anyway, can’t we just do the lunch? Then it isn’t so much work for Mum.’

‘Certainly not. Besides, there’s loads of people who want to come to the party. Several old school friends and one or two from university days.’

‘It sounds as though you’ve already got it planned.’

‘Well yes. We needed to make a start early to make sure people would get here.’ Beth was in full swing now. ‘And as you’re still showing no signs of settling down we decided we needed to invite plenty of single men. It’s high time we got you sorted out.’

‘How dare you?’ Sarah protested. ‘I simply...’

‘Oh shut up. I want some nieces and nephews before I’m drawing my pension.’

‘I’m a career girl. I have no intention of producing any nieces and nephews or grandchildren of any sort. If I want a partner, I can provide my own, thank you very much.’

‘I knew it,’ her mother said triumphantly. ‘It’s this man who was stabling your horse. You’ve been seeing haven’t you?’

Sarah’s heart sank. What a dilemma. If she said she had been seeing him, her mother would be making plans. If she denied it, they would pair her off with some boring male she would hate.

‘All right, yes. We work together and I have been seeing him occasionally. I’ve been helping him choose paint and colour schemes for his new house. He lives fairly close and it was helpful to keep Major at his place when I had my broken arm. But that’s all it is.’

‘But you’ll invite him to the party won’t you? And he can have Beth’s old room to stay over for the lunch next day. Oh this is all going to be such fun.’ Sarah closed her eyes as her mother prattled on, making her plans. It was simply easier to give in, than to protest, though what Alex would make of it all, she dreaded to think. She needed to explain it all to him before the invitation arrived. She just hoped he had a prior engagement and wouldn’t be free to come.

Lunch was her mother’s usual wonderful standard. Roast beef, light, crispy Yorkshire puddings and fresh vegetables in plenty. Apple Pie and clotted cream followed.

‘That was enough of a cholesterol fix to last me for weeks,’ said father. ‘It’ll be back on the bran flakes for the rest of the week.’

‘They need feeding up occasionally,’ Mrs Pennyweather said with a beam. ‘Oh I can’t tell you how lovely it is to have you all here. And it’s only two more weeks before the whole family from everywhere around, will be here too.’

***

As Sarah drove home some time later, she contemplated the plans that had been whirled past her, giving her no chance to protest, disagree or even add her own requests. She smiled and accepted that it might be fun, if only Alex was too busy to join them. Somehow, she needed to convince him that this was not an acceptance of some sort of relationship. At least she had persuaded everyone to leave the invitation to her and so didn’t have to give them his address as Darnley Manor. If they thought he owned a manor house, they would be even more excited. It was all getting much too complicated. She would leave inviting him for another week and then he would be less likely to be free. She could fend off questions from her sister or mother for a while longer, if necessary.

She stopped at the cottage to change and went straight over to see Major. He was standing with his head hanging over the stable door and he seemed pleased to see her. She let him out and he galloped across the paddock, inevitably ending up at the corner to stare down the lane again. He had eaten virtually none of the food she had left out. It was very worrying and she wondered if she might need to consult the vet. Maybe if Moonlight wasn’t going to be ridden in a few months, she might come and stay with Major in his paddock. In the summer, they didn’t need to be stabled overnight so it might work. But then, they would have to be parted again once Moonlight was ready to have her foal. It was worse than having a lovesick teenager around. All the same, she was concerned about her beloved horse. She cleared out the stable and put down fresh straw. She filled his hay net and hung it on the hook. Finally, she washed out the trough and re-filled it with fresh water. She called to Major to come and he trotted across the paddock and she fed him some of his favourite dry food.

‘You take as much looking after as a lovesick teenager too, don’t you?’ This time, she left the stable door open so he could shelter if he wanted to. It was much warmer today and there was no sign of rain.

Back at her cottage, she made some tea and sat down feeling exhausted and still very full. No supper for her that evening, after her mother’s feeding frenzy. She reflected on the weekend and the plans that were being made to celebrate her birthday. She could always forget to invite Alex. He need know nothing about any of it and she could let her mother know nearer the time that he wouldn’t be coming. This was certainly the best plan she could come up with. There was no way they could send him an invitation to work as they had no idea of his name. She had made sure of that. Meanwhile, she had another difficult week to face. Seeing Alex every day, knowing that he thought he cared for her, was always going to be a problem. She was also afraid that if she allowed herself to, she might easily fall in love with him. It was becoming a totally impossible situation. Perhaps she really did need to find another practice.

***

It was a busy week, with a couple of days spent in court and very little chance of seeing Alex at all. Though she missed him and is companionship for riding at the weekend, she went out with her group of friends for a Sunday ride. There had been numerous phone calls from her sister and mother regarding the party but she had managed to put them all off, especially about Alex’s invitation.

‘I’m sure he’ll be there,’ she said several times over on each call. She kept her fingers crossed as she spoke, just in case it was bad luck to fib. All was well until the Wednesday before her birthday. She was chatting to Poppy in reception when the secretary suddenly remembered.

‘Hey, it’s your birthday this weekend. Are we going to celebrate in style? After all, it is a biggy isn’t it? A significant move towards middle age.’

‘Thanks a bunch. I don’t need to be reminded.’

‘Well, what are we going to do about it? Drinks after work on Friday at the very least.’

‘All right. But my mother and sister have a party planned at their place for Saturday. It’ll be mostly people and old friends from up there so I haven’t asked any of the office people. It would be a nice idea to have drinks after work. Wine bar do you think? Or shall I get some bottles in and we can have it here?’

‘Leave it all to us. Here I think. Then we can be silly without the world knowing. I’ll clear it with the powers that be.’ Poppy was already pulling a pad over to begin making lists.

‘Fine. Many thanks. Just make it clear, I don’t want any presents. I really mean it. No collections for the aging Sarah. It’s bad enough having parents trying to match me up with some ghastly male so I can produce lots more grand children for them.’

‘What’s all this?’ Alex asked as he came into the reception. ‘Who’s having grandchildren?’

‘Nobody. And who is trying to find a partner for you?’

‘Alex, please,’ Sarah protested, blushing furiously.

‘Her parents have organised a party to celebrate her birthday and they are trying to find her a man. They think it’s time she was settled. It is her thirtieth birthday after all.’ Poppy had a wicked grin on her face.

‘Well thanks for all that,’ Sarah said with heavy sarcasm. Alex now knew everything she had been trying keep secret for the past week.

‘If it’s all right with you,’ Poppy was continuing, ‘we’d like to have a few drinks in the office on Friday after work. Celebrate the occasion. Just some wine and a few nibbles. Everyone welcome.’

‘Sounds like an excellent idea. Count me in. Are we all chipping in?’

‘Unless the firm wants to pay, of course,’ Poppy asked hopefully.

‘Leave it with me. We can at least contribute even if not pay for the whole thing. Creating precedents and so on.’

‘How like a lawyer,’ Poppy replied. ‘But thanks anyway.’

‘No worries. Actually Sarah, I need a word, if you’re free.’ She closed her eyes as if in supplication and then followed him to his office.

‘I know this isn’t the right moment but I’ve scarcely seen you for the past couple of weeks. I’m really worried about Moonlight. I’m wondering if you would consider letting Major come back to us? Even if only for a while. My mare is off her food. She’s listless and unenthusiastic about everything and the vet says there’s nothing physically wrong. But being pregnant, she does need to keep up her strength.’

‘I must say, I was wondering if Moonlight might come and stay with us. Major is also pining. I told him he was like a lovelorn teenager. Let me think about it for a while. Actually, it might solve a bit of a problem. I’m going to my parents for the weekend and I haven’t got anyone to look after him. I was going to leave him just overnight and get back as early as I can. It wouldn’t go down well as they have massive plans for parties and lunches.’

‘Sounds wonderful,’ he said sadly. ‘I hope you enjoy it.’ He looked so miserable, she suddenly felt sorry for him. Against all her better judgement, she invited him to accompany her. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Well, yes,’ she said, immediately regretting it.

‘Then I’d love to come. Am I your official escort or just someone from the office? Is it formal or casual?’

‘You’d sort of be my official escort, if that’s all right with you. Don’t get carried away. It doesn’t mean anything. You’d really be there to stop my mother attempting to marry me off to the first single male she can lay her hands on. They said you can stay over in my sister’s old room and have lunch... on... the Sunday.’ She slowed right down, realising she had let out the fact that he was already expected.

‘I see. So when exactly were going to ask me?’

She pulled a face. ‘Sorry but I wasn’t really going to say anything. I was going to tell them you had other plans. Sorry. It’s just that things have been difficult between us.’

His face twitched into a grin. ‘It’s fine. I totally understand. But I shall be delighted to accompany you in whatever capacity. Shall we drive up together? And what about these two teenagers of ours? Shall we let them get back together?’

‘I could ride Major over this evening, if you like. But please, don’t try to push me into anything more.’

‘I shall be the soul of discretion. I won’t even suggest you stay for supper. I can easily feed any spare food to the dogs.’

‘How are they? Bet they’ve grown.’

‘They’re fine. Great fun and your suggestion of having two has worked very well. They are a mini pack and do everything together. We’ll finalise details for the weekend when I see you this evening. Sure you’re okay to ride over? I can easily fetch him in the trailer.’

‘No. I’ll enjoy a ride and it’s plenty light enough.’

‘Thanks Sarah. I shall look forward to cessation of hostilities. I’ve missed you.’

Chapter Nine

Once he realised where they were going, Major had to be held back from a gallop. He was tossing his head and clearly excited. They trotted past the paddock where he and Moonlight had spent so much time and began to neigh. Moonlight replied to him from the stable yard as Sarah rode in. Alex was waiting and opened the gate for her. It was a delight to watch the two horses greetings as they nuzzled each other and showed obvious pleasure at being together again.

‘Looks like we made the right choice. Do you want to rub him down and put him inside?’ Alex led his horse into her stable and Sarah took Major into his loose box in the same building, so they were very close to each other. When she had him settled, Alex invited her to look round the house to see the latest progress. The two puppies saw her and greeted her like a long lost friend. They were running round her, yapping and with tails wagging like windmills.

‘Hallo you two. Haven’t you grown?’ She fussed them, rubbing their tummies as they rolled over, each demanding her attention. They bounced up again, barking in their excitement.

‘Go out now, you horrible pair,’ Alex said with great affection. ‘We can’t hear ourselves think.’ He pushed them into the yard and left them to get rid of some of their boundless energy. He led the way into the dining room. ‘I think you were right about the colour. This slightly paler version of the Wedgewood blue had kept it looking light. And what do you think of the cornices? I like the white against the blue. Reminds me of Wedgewood china.’

‘It’s beautiful. The whole thing looks wonderful. Bit short on furniture mind you. Unless you plan to dine Japanese style, lying down on the floor on cushions.’ She examined everything carefully. ‘And those curtains are perfect.’ Blue and white brocade gave the right air of formality to the room but kept it light. It was a north facing room so suffered a little from having poorer quality daylight filtering in through the trees. ‘Are you planning to cut down some of the trees?’ she asked.

‘I decided not to. As this room will only be used at night, the lack of light doesn’t matter too much. I just need a dining suite now. Big table and a set of chairs.’ He looked at her hopefully but she said nothing.

‘Now, do you want something to eat or shall I drive you home right away?’ She frowned. She could already smell a delicious savoury smell coming from the oven. Despite all they had said, it was just too tempting.

‘How can I resist? Thank you. But ...’

‘I know. I mustn’t think you are changing your mind. But, I decided that I can’t be bothered about office gossip any more. Those girls will gossip whether there is anything or nothing. Now, let’s eat. Tell me more about this weekend. Exactly how do you want me to play it? Casual friend? Ardent admirer?’ She stared at him. He seemed like a different man to the one she had been getting to know recently. He was funny, light-hearted and seemed genuinely pleased to be involved in the coming events. Could she have misjudged him?

‘Just a friend, please,’ Sarah suggested.

‘A good one though. I’ll promise to behave myself. No mention of work, of course. So what do you think? Shall we drive there together?’

‘I think maybe separate cars. Then you can escape if you want to without having to wait for me. You might find my family a bit much to cope with. I expect they will have invited a mass of people and you won’t know any of them. I shall quite understand if you want to duck out after the party and not wait for the lunch next day. Honestly, why they have to go so over the top, I just don’t know.’

‘They sound like the sort of family most people would dream of. Close and loving. Don’t knock it. You could have a dragon of a mother like mine.’

‘Alex, what a thing to say.’

‘Unkind, but don’t forget I’ve lived with her all my life. She’s a very demanding woman and very manipulative. You’ve no idea of some of the things she’s done to make sure I’m available for her whenever she thinks she needs me.’

Sarah was more than a little shocked to hear what he had to say. She had often accused her own mother of trying to organise her life for her but it was nothing like Alex was describing. She had the feeling that his mother asked him to do what was best for her whereas her own mother always did what was best for her daughter. All the teasing about not settling down did hold a grain of truth but it was more in fun than anything too serious. Both parents and even Beth, though she would never have admitted it, were proud of what she had accomplished.

Once the meal was over, Alex drove Sarah back to her cottage. It was late and she felt quite exhausted. An early night was called for, she decided. She lay in bed, wondering if she’d done the right thing in inviting Alex to the party. She must not to get too involved with him. She liked the way they shared so many things and wanted that to continue. She dreamt about him and in her dreams, things were much more serious than in real life. She even dreamt they were married and felt oddly confused when she awoke, trying to remember the wedding. She sat up in bed and shook her head, trying to reconcile reality with her fantasy world. Her alarm told her it was only five-thirty. Much too early to get up. She lay back and thought she might go and see Major, until she remembered he wasn’t in his own stable. At six o’clock she got up anyway and took a leisurely shower. She needed to find something to wear at the weekend and spent half an hour trying things on until she had made a shortlist. She left a couple of outfits on the bed so she could choose between them later. Maybe she should have bought something new. If she had time at lunch, she would make a trip out to the shops and see if she could find something. Now that Alex was accompanying her, she decided she needed to make a bit more of an effort.

Poppy was full of plans when she met her later in the day.

‘Alex has authorised some money we can spend on booze. We all decided that it might be an idea to get a takeaway sent in for later so we can all enjoy a meal as well and we don’t get too hammered to drive home again when the time comes. Some of us are driving in together as well. Can you get a lift in? A certain senior partner for instance?’

‘I might. I won’t want to drink too much anyway. If my mother has her way, it’s going to be a bit of a hectic weekend and I can hardly start it with a hangover. But whatever you decide, I’ll certainly chip in for the meal. What will you get? An Indian?’

‘We thought Pizzas actually. Easier to eat and no washing up. And we don’t want any contribution from you. We’re taking you at your word about a present so the food is instead.’

‘Oh, thank you all. Sounds perfect. Something we can all share and enjoy.’

‘Now, do you want me to get you a sandwich?’

‘No thanks. I’m going shopping. I need to find something gorgeous to wear for this party on Saturday. Decided my entire wardrobe is looking very tired.’

‘Try that little boutique place round the back of Cathedral. They had some fantastic things in there. Expensive but at your level in the firm, you can afford it.’ Poppy gave her a wicked grin. ‘And who will be your partner for the evening? Anyone we know?’

‘Of course not. How would anyone you know possibly be visiting my parents home? Now, must dash or I’ll never find anything.’ She hurried out and dashed along the narrow streets to find the boutique Poppy had suggested. She quickly looked along the rails but could see nothing that attracted her. The trouble was, she hadn’t a clue what she wanted, not even the colour or style. She left the shop and walked back towards the office. In the window of a charity shop, there was a glorious royal blue evening dress. It looked as if it was heavy silk, fairly short and with pretty beading embroidery round the top and with slim spaghetti straps. She stopped and gazed at it. A second hand dress? Could she really buy a second hand dress? She went inside and asked the size. It was exactly her size. She asked to try it on and it was an excellent fit. Could have been made for her. It was in perfect condition and had been freshly cleaned. She knew this because the dry cleaner’s tag was still attached to the exclusive designer label. Who would know, she thought, and so what if they did?

‘I’ll take it,’ she told the assistant.

‘It’s a lovely dress and just right with your colouring. For something special is it?’

‘My parents are giving me a party. Thought I needed to make an effort. Who on earth would part with something like this? It’s practically brand new.’

‘One of our regular ladies. She does a lot of entertaining and doesn’t like to wear the same thing too often. We get the benefit. I’m afraid it’s rather expensive but nothing like the original cost.’

‘Well, I was expecting I’d have to pay way over this much for something much less attractive, so I’m very happy with it. I shall come and look in here again. I’d never thought of it but when I saw it in the window, I was delighted. Thanks very much.’

‘Let’s see,’ Poppy demanded when Sarah got back to the office, clutching her dress bag. ‘I don’t recognise that bag. Where did you go in the end?’

‘An exclusive little place, near the cathedral.’

‘Oh great. I knew they’d have something. Come on then. Show me.’ Sarah had taken off the dry cleaning labels as she left the shop and so was able to take out the dress without letting on where she had bought it. ‘Oh wow. That’s fantastic. Just your colour. Makes your eyes look extra blue.’ She looked at the well known designer label. ‘Good grief. It must be some party. This must have cost you a fortune.’

‘Just a small one.’ She wondered whether to let on but decided against.
You’re
turning
into
a
snob
yourself
, she thought. ‘I really need some shoes now. I’ll have to look for those tomorrow or after work today, if I finish in time. Must get back now or I’ll be late for my two o’clock.’ Feeling very pleased with herself, Sarah settled down to work, reading her notes ready for her next client.

At the end of the day, Alex stopped by her office.

‘You never did tell me what I was supposed to wear for this do of yours.’

‘Sorry. We somehow forgot. Just a dark suit I should think. I’m not sure what Mum had got planned. Put in something casual as well. then you’ll have it covered.’

‘So, what are you wearing?’

‘Something a bit sparkly and evening-ish. Short of course.’

‘Sounds good. I also need directions, address and so on. Would you like to go out this evening and discuss everything?’

‘I need to get things sorted at home, but thanks anyway. I’ll have to give seeing Major a miss too. Give him a pat from me and I’ll come over early Saturday before I leave.’

‘You could always come round to see him now.’

‘I shall only stay on again and I do need to get some stuff done. I have a busy morning tomorrow too and need to read up some files. Then there’s the drinks thing after work. All go isn’t it?’

‘I’ll give you a lift in tomorrow, if you like. Then we only need one taxi home if we have a drink or two.’

‘I could bring you. I don’t intend to have much.’

‘No, I insist. It isn’t out of my way. You can always drive me over on Saturday to collect my car on your way to your parents. Fair deal?’

It was agreed and she left work reasonably early. As she arrived back at her cottage, she remembered the shoes she had planned to buy. It was too bad,. She needed to have a good rummage through her cupboard and see what she had stashed away. There must be something that would do. She was turning into a regular skinflint, with her old shoes and charity shop dress. She shook it out of the bag and holding it against her, looked at herself in the long mirror in her bedroom. It was a gorgeous creation and once more, she couldn’t believe how perfect it was. Charity shops were wonderful, she decided.

***

Sarah felt quite guilty the next day as Poppy seemed to spend much of the day organising what she had seen as
her
party. Chloe had good naturedly held the fort with phone calls and the typing that was urgent, to leave Poppy free set things up. Fortunately, the board room was left free for the day and this was the obvious venue for the after work gathering. Because of the financial constraints, there had been no staff Christmas party this year and they had all felt a bit deprived. On a smaller scale, this was some sort of compensation. There were no wives or partners invited but most of the staff were staying on. Some of the older, more senior people were just staying for a few drinks and leaving before the food was arriving. As Poppy said when Alex handed over an envelope containing several notes,

‘Don’t worry about it, Alex. This is just a good excuse for a bit of relaxation and a bit of a party. It isn’t setting the precedent for a celebration for everyone’s birthdays.’

It was a jolly evening and being the end of a busy week, everyone was rather tired and the party ended by nine o’clock. Charles had done his best to persuaded Sarah to go to a club with him but she had resolutely refused, saying she was going away for the weekend and needed an early night. Alex had interrupted their conversation, asking if she was ready to leave.

‘Oh, do tell me all. Is there something going on that Uncle Charles doesn’t know about? Some little office affair that hasn’t yet broken cover?’

‘Nothing to tell. Alex is a near neighbour of mine. He gave me a lift so I didn’t have to drive home if I had a drink. End of story.’