Christmas Kiss (11 page)

‘Something tells me that porkies are being told here. The way the two of you look at each other belies everything you say. And what’s more, the lovely Sarah is always turning me down. Now if she isn’t seeing someone out office hours, I need an explanation.’

‘Could it just be that the lovely Sarah finds you an interminable bore?’ Alex said sweetly.

Charles scowled.

‘If you weren’t my boss in all but name, I might be compelled to challenge you to a duel’

‘Perhaps you’ve been having too many evenings in watching Robin Hood and the likes. Don’t think duelling has been a part of British heritage for a good many years. Now, if you’re ready Sarah?’

‘I ought to help clear up,’ she suggested. ‘You go if you want to. I can easily get a taxi.’ Alex rolled up his sleeves and started collecting rubbish into a black sack. Poppy and the others stared. It was unheard of for one of the senior partners to actually do such work. Alex rose highly in their estimation.

***

Sarah woke early on Saturday morning. She stretched and lay back, luxuriating in those few waking moments when she actually had time to enjoy them. Thirty years old. It was depressing in many ways. A new decade in one’s life is always momentous, she was thinking. The inevitable approach of middle age. She wondered how her parents must feel. It must be like having extra birthday’s oneself each year, or at least another indication of the years passing, as each child had a significant birthday. She flung back her duvet and went along to her shower. Her early rise habits were too deeply ingrained and even when she had time to be lazy, she was too impatient. She put on her old horse clothes and grabbed a quick coffee. She wanted to go and see Major first thing, before she got ready for her day. At seven o’clock, she was driving along to Darnley Manor and went into the yard, hoping she wasn’t disturbing anyone. She had brought apples for both horses and went into the stable. Major whinnied and greeted her happily. He nuzzled her shoulder and she breathed in his scent. His chestnut coat was gleaming and smooth. Someone had been grooming him. Probably Mrs Harper, she thought. Moonlight neighed and she went over to her loose box and gave her an apple too.

‘Pleased to have your handsome male back, are you? You’re a very beautiful lady aren’t you.’

‘What a delightful picture,’ said a voice from the doorway. ‘One I could get used to. Happy birthday.’

‘Alex. You startled me. Thank you. Hope I didn’t disturb you coming here so early.’

‘Not at all. I was up anyway. Have you had breakfast? I’ve got some croissants warming and the coffee pot’s on.’

‘Sounds tempting but I mustn’t linger too long. I said I’d be at my parents’ by ten.’

‘Then you’ve plenty of time to enjoy some breakfast. Besides, I wanted to give your present.’

‘Oh Alex, you shouldn’t have bought me anything.’

‘All right. I’ll take it back to the shop. I’m sure they’ll exchange it. Come and look first. You may change your mind.’

They went into the warm kitchen which smelled of coffee and croissants. Sarah was glad she had taken up the invitation and noticed the table was set for two. There was a parcel, wrapped in silver foil at one place. It had an elegant bow on top and a card stood beside it. She smiled at Alex and picked it up.

‘Go on, open it,’ he urged. She tugged at the ribbon and gently pulled off the pretty paper. It was a box with the name of one of the best local jeweller’s name on top. With trembling fingers she opened it. A beautiful necklace lay on the black velvet lining. It was a shower of brilliant blue stones which would exactly match her new dress.

‘Oh Alex, it’s perfect but it’s far too much. I can’t accept this,’ she said sadly closing the box and handing it back to him.

‘They’re not real stones,’ he assured her. ‘And it wasn’t as expensive as it looks. And I know it will match your dress. I made Poppy tell me what you’d be wearing so this was carefully chosen. Please accept it. A gift between colleagues if you prefer to think of it that way.’

‘Well,’ she began hesitantly. ‘You’re right about it being a perfect match for my dress. And I really love it. Thank you but I am concerned about accepting such an expensive gift.’

‘Call it a thank you for all your help and advice over the house.’ She nodded gratefully and accepted his gift. ‘Now, let’s get some coffee inside you and some food. You’ve got a long day ahead.’

By nine-thirty, Sarah was driving along the A30 towards her parents’ home. She was going to be later than the ten o’clock she had promised but knowing her mother, saying she needed help was only a ploy to ensure her early arrival. There was more traffic than she had expected so it was a slow journey.

‘You’re late,’ her mother accused when she finally arrived. ‘Good job I told you an earlier time than necessary. Beth will be here soon. Happy birthday, Darling. I’m glad it isn’t this time thirty years ago.’

‘Oh it’s lovely to see you and Mum, you say that every year. I know I was born at noon so there’s still an hour to go.’

‘We’re still having a welcome glass of champagne when Beth arrives. I hope you’ve got something decent to wear. I don’t want to see you in old jeans. And when does your man arrive?’

‘I need a word about him. Please don’t call him “my man” or “boyfriend” or anything like that. He’s just a colleague. He’s been kind to me looking after Major. Oh yes, Major’s going to be a father. Alex’s mare, Moonlight, is pregnant. They are so sweet together. When I brought Major back to my place, they both pined and went off their food. I think it must be true love.’

‘Oh how lovely. Will the foal belong to you or Alex?’

‘Officially to Alex. I suppose I might be entitled to something if he sells it. Not that I would accept anything really.’

‘I see. So what are you wearing tonight?’ her mother asked.

‘I’ve got a new dress. Designer and I think it’s absolutely gorgeous. And Alex gave a wonderful necklace to wear with it. So, come on, where’s my pressie from you?’ she laughed.

‘We thought your meal and party would do instead of a present,’ her father teased.

‘Oh well yes, of course. Sorry.’

‘Take no notice of him. Of course you’ve got a present as well. But you still have to wait till Beth gets here. Do you want to take your things upstairs?’

She hung her clothes in her old wardrobe and looked round the bedroom where she had lived all her teenage years. It had been re-decorated from the dark purple days when she had gone through that slightly strange phase in her life. It was a bland magnolia now, following the advocacy of all the home improvement guru’s on television to keep things neutral. It was still a pretty room though and her mother had kept it ready for her every since she had first left home. Dear Mum, she thought fondly. She never stops being a mum even when her chicks have flown. Must go with the job. She heard her sister arriving and ran down the stairs.

‘Hi, sister,’ Beth called. ‘Happy birthday.’ They hugged each other and Sarah felt the warm glow of family wrapping itself around her. There was the pop of a cork and her father arrived with a tray of glasses and a bottle of cold champagne.

‘You are making such a fuss,’ Sarah said happily. ‘It’s only a thirtieth birthday, not a really significant one.’ They handed her presents. A lovely art book from Beth and Mike and a new digital camera from her parents.

‘So you can keep us up to date with your life,’ her mother suggested. ‘You can take pictures of the new foal and email them to us.’

They chatted for some time until Sarah asked what needed doing. After all, she had been summonsed here early to assist with the preparations for the party.

‘After lunch. We’re just having a shepherd’s pie now. It’s warming in the oven.’

‘So, tell me all about your new man,’ Beth asked. Sarah repeated the warning she had given to her mother. ‘Yer, yer,’ Beth replied. ‘I’ll believe that one after I’ve met him. Description please.’

‘He’s quite tall. Thirty five-ish: dark hair: grey eyes. Loves horses. Bit of a monster to work for. Too many fundamental differences between us to ever become really serious. He’s very ambitious. Almost the most senior of the partners, as far as I can gather.’

‘And he lives near you and has a stable for Major. What sort of place does he live in? His own or rented?’

‘Nice old place. Needs a lot of work.’ She didn’t want to say any more as they were all certain to spend the rest of the weekend speculating.

The afternoon passed in a flurry of activity. Filling éclairs with cream. Filling vol au vents. Decorating the salmon her mother had cooked. Sarah was pretty useless at most of it and was given the task of wrapping cutlery in napkins.

‘You can’t mess that up,’ Beth told her sister, rudely.

Alex arrived at five o’clock, carrying an enormous bunch of flowers. Mrs Pennyweather was quite overwhelmed. He also brought a bottle of malt whisky for her father. He too was delighted to be welcomed into their home with great enthusiasm.

‘You should stick to this one,’ her dad whispered. ‘Anyone who can choose a decent malt is tops in my book.’

‘Dad, don’t you start. Mum and Beth have already got me halfway down the aisle. We’re just colleagues. Nothing more.’ He gave a knowing grin and tucked his bottle away in the sideboard.

‘I wasn’t sure how formal we were going to be this evening,’ he was saying. ‘What’s the dress code? Sarah seemed uncertain.’

‘Whatever you’re most comfortable with,. Smartish, I suppose,’ beamed Mrs Pennyweather. This was everything she had hoped for in a prospective husband for her daughter. Whatever Sarah said, she just knew this was the one.

Chapter Ten

It was a splendid party. Sarah received many compliments about her dress and never once did anyone suspect where she had bought it. Alex’s necklace was a perfect match and her parents were delighted with everything. Her father had spent much of the evening taking pictures with her new camera so she would have a record of the event. She was too busy to work out how to use it and in any case, he was keen to try it out. Alex seemed to charm everyone and chatted easily to the other guests. When some of the younger guests started to dance, he took Sarah into his arms and proved to her and everyone watching, that he was an accomplished dancer. ‘Many years of being dragged along to hunt balls and other events my parents insisted was essential to my social upbringing,’ he whispered to her as they danced.

‘Obviously a successful upbringing,’ she replied.

‘Have I told you how stunning you look? That dress is perfect. I love it.’ She smiled up at him, acknowledging that they made quite a striking couple, even if they weren’t a couple.

When the guests had left, the family sat round for the traditional post-mortem. It had been a good evening, was the consensus and they all complimented Mrs Pennyweather on a splendid supper. Beth and Mike were going home and Sarah went out to their car with them, to say goodbye.

‘You were guilty of a gross understatement,’ Beth announced. ‘He’s gorgeous and if I didn’t have a gorgeous husband of my own, I’d certainly be interested in one Alex Weston. You should snap him up. And you never mentioned that he owns Darnley Manor. I remember seeing it advertised for sale. Not only is he a lovely man, he’s rich too. What’s the matter with you girl? Grab him while you can.’

‘We have too many differences between us. And besides, I’m not ready to settle down. It’s all right for you two. You’ve known each other all your lives. Not everyone can be as lucky as you. I’ve seen too many broken marriages through work to dare take the risk. Anyway, we’ll see you tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing the boys. Thanks again for the present. Night.’

‘Good night little sister. Thirty is pretty late to put off settling down for any longer. Hang on to this one ... he’s good for you.’ It seemed Alex had been a hit all round.

***

Sarah was first down the next morning and put a pot of coffee on to brew. Her mother was the next and they sat at the kitchen table nursing the mugs of hot coffee.

‘So, tell me more about Alex. You seem very close,’ her mother said.

‘Not at all really. As I keep trying to tell everyone, we’re work colleagues.’

‘He said you’d been helping restore his house. Is it really a proper manor house? It sounds very grand.’

‘It’s lovely but in a terrible state of repair. It’s been neglected for years and needs such a lot doing. But yes, I have been helping him in return for his kindness to Major.’

‘Well it seems to me there’s a lot more to it than you’re saying. We both think he’s really right for you. I hope you will see it too before it’s too late. He’s obviously smitten. I can tell the way he looks at you.’

‘Please Mum. Don’t keep on. If it happens it will happen but don’t hold your breath. I’m certainly not convinced.’

‘Why can’t you be more like your sister and settle down happily? Always questioning everything.’ Sarah closed her eyes, willing her mother to stop pestering.

‘I’m going for a shower before the others comedown. Please don’t keep on at me about Alex. I knew it was going to be a mistake to invite him here this weekend.’ She went upstairs and met Alex coming out of the bathroom.

‘Morning. You’ve beaten me to it. I was just coming for a shower,’ she said. ‘Hope you slept well.’

‘Very well thank you. I could do with some coffee now though. I don’t start to function until I’ve had at least one cup.’

‘Mum’s in the kitchen sitting by a pot of coffee. I’m sure she’ll take pity on you. There’s just one thing. Please don’t take any notice of anything she says about us. It seems the family have ear marked you as a number one candidate for taking me off the shelf.’

‘That sounds good to me,’ he said with a slightly wicked grin. ‘I’ll go and find some coffee right away.’

After breakfast was over, they all went for a walk. Alex was pleased to discover a part of Cornwall he didn’t know and enjoyed the tramp along leafy lanes and bridle paths. He seemed at ease with everyone and Sarah watched him in a completely different environment and had to admire the way he seemed to fit in with them all. She hardly dared to admit it felt herself drawing closer to him. If she relaxed and allowed it, she might just admit to finding him extremely attractive ... even to falling in love just a little.

It was just the close family who shared lunch at one of their favourite restaurants. Beth and Mike had their three boys with them and had clearly told them to be on their best behaviour. Ethan, the six year old was fascinated by the stranger and asked numerous questions. There was sudden silence when he asked if Alex was going to marry Auntie Sarah.

‘Of course not,’ she replied hastily. ‘Uncle Alex works with me and we thought it might be nice if he came to lunch with us today.’ He seemed satisfied for a few minutes and then the embarrassing questions began again. They were busily fending them off when Alex’s mobile rang.

‘Would you excuse me?’ he said. ‘It’s my mother and she won’t stop ringing till I answer.’ He went outside and came back looking grim. ‘I’m so sorry,’ he told them. ‘She’s had a fall and is panicking. I shall have to drive up there and see what’s happening. I’d better leave right away. It does actually sound serious this time so I won’t delay. I’m sorry about breaking up the party. Someone will give Sarah a lift home?’ They had driven to the restaurant together and the parents had come in their own car. Just as well, the way things were turning out.

‘Of course. Don’t worry about it. We hope your mother isn’t seriously hurt. What a shame.’ Mrs Pennyweather was most alarmed.

‘Can you collect my things, Sarah? Bring them back with you. You can drop them off at my place when you come to see Major. I’ll be in touch. And thank you all so much for making me welcome and for the lovely party and lunch. Even if I didn’t get beyond the starter. Bye.’ He drove away at speed and Sarah waved after him feeling suddenly rather deflated.

‘Have you met his mother?’ Beth asked.

‘Briefly. She’s not the nicest or most welcoming person I’ve met. In fact, she’s a frightful snob.’

‘Old or young?’

‘I don’t know really. Probably seventy-ish. She’s tried to rule Alex since her husband died and he gets very fed up with her demands. Let’s hope it isn’t anything more than attention seeking this time.’

‘She sounds dreadful. And Alex is so nice,’ Beth said.

‘Isn’t Alex going to have his lunch?’ Ethan asked. ‘Can I have his?’

‘No and no,’ Mike said firmly. ‘You can eat your own lunch and be quiet. Your brothers are both being very good and quiet.’

‘I expect you’ll want to get off home after we get back,’ Mrs Pennyweather asked her daughter. ‘You’ll have to go and see to both horses. I doubt Alex will be back in time to feed them.’

‘He has a woman who comes to see to them when he’s away. A sort of glorified housekeeper who loves animals. She’ll see to the dogs as well.’

‘She sounds like a treasure.’

‘Oh yes. Everyone should have a Mrs Harper.’ Sarah sounded a little caustic and Beth stared at her. She raised her eyebrows but after a warning glance from Sarah, said no more.

The rest of the meal was rather more subdued, though still enjoyable. The food was beautifully cooked and it was a pleasure for them all to sit back and relax.

‘What a shame Alex had to leave. He’s certainly rather gorgeous,’ Beth said.

‘You’re spoken for, wife of mine,’ Mike said good humouredly.

‘I can look and admire, can’t I? I saw you staring at the waitress not more than five minutes ago,’ Beth countered.

‘Well, Auntie Sarah said she wasn’t going to marry him so you can have two husbands, Mummy. Can’t she Granny?’ Ethan thought he was being very logical. Everyone laughed and he looked hurt.

‘It doesn’t work that way. Once you are married, you don’t have another wife or husband,’ his father explained.

‘That’s not right. Some of my friends have got two mummies and two daddies. They get loads of extra presents when they stay with both of them sometimes. I think it sounds an excellent idea.’

‘Not really. It means someone had been made very unhappy sometimes.’ Sarah had seen too many family breakdowns to see anything positive.

‘Come again soon, Darling,’ her parents insisted. ‘And bring Alex with you. He’s certainly one to keep hold of,’ her mother added.

‘Mum, please. Forget about match making. Don’t spoil it for me by pushing us into something we neither of us want. He is nice, I agree but I’m not ready to settle down yet. I’d better get off now, but thank you all so much for making this such a special birthday. Mum, Dad, thank you. I’m so lucky to have parents like you and even the sister you gave me is pretty good.’ They all hugged each other as they were leaving the restaurant and went off in their different directions.

Back at home, Sarah packed her things and went into Alex’s room to collect his things. She couldn’t help but sniff his toilet things as she packed them. It was like having him there with her. Subtle and very pleasing aftershave. So unlike that worn by her colleague Charles, who was overstated in everything he did. She planned to stop off at her own cottage and change into horse clothes, before driving over to Darnley to see the horses and leave Alex’s belongings.

It was a beautiful afternoon and the Sunday drivers were out in force. As she drove down the main road, she caught occasional glimpses of the sea, sparkling in the distance. The wind farms that seemed to be growing everywhere moved their fins gracefully, lazily along the roadside. Some people hated them but Sarah loved them. They were a symbol of a greener future. She drive back into the village and turned into the lane that led to her cottage and on towards Darnley. It was quiet and peaceful after the busy main road. It was home. Pausing only to hang her precious dress and change, she was soon driving towards Alex’s lovely home. She went into the stables to see the horses and check they had full hay nets. They greeted her with pleasure and she fed them apples. They were clearly settled for the night.

She collected the key that was hidden in a secret place and was met by two frantic black dogs.

‘Phoebe, Sophie. Hello girls.’ They went into a frenzy of yapping and wagging tails and leapt all over her. ‘You’re getting too big for that now, you two.’ She pushed them down and bent to pet them. ‘Do you want to go for a run? I bet you do. Just let me unload your boss’s luggage and we’ll go over to the paddock’

Sarah left Alex’s bag in the kitchen. She didn’t want him to think she had been nosing around his home. She collected a couple of dog balls for them to chase and took them over to the paddock. They tore around as if they had been imprisoned for days, arguing over which ball to catch and play fighting as they wrestled each other to the ground. Sarah laughed as she watched them being transported once more to her own childhood dogs. She’d have loved a dog of her own but knew there was no way she had room in her tiny cottage for a dog. Besides, she was out far too much and unlike Alex, did not have proper facilities for them or anyone to come and let them out. Still, she could come and share these two, pretty much whenever she liked.

There was no sign of Alex’s return when she left. She put the dogs back into their room and checked the water. It was a full bowl of fresh water and signs that they had been fed left in their dogs bowls.

‘Bye dogs,’ she called out. ‘Be good and see you soon.’ She gave each of them a large biscuit from the packet on the side and left them gnawing happily away. She was very pleased with them both and glad she had suggested getting two dogs, especially black Labradors, her favourite breed. It was dark by the time she stopped in her own drive. She wondered what was happening to Alex. It was almost ten thirty before her phone rang.

‘Sarah? I’ve got real problems here. Mother’s actually broken her leg. I’m going to have to stay here overnight. She insisted on having a cup of tea and some sandwiches while we were waiting at the hospital. Consequently, we had to wait for ages before she could have anaesthetic to have it set and plastered.’

‘Oh Alex, I’m so sorry. What will you do?’

‘I’ll have to bring her back to Darnley. They’re keeping her in overnight. I’ll go back to her place and pack up some stuff for her. I’ll collect her from the hospital in the morning and drive straight back. I’ll phone work first thing. Do you think you could you possibly go and let the animals out before you go to work?’

‘Of course I will. I’ll put the horses into the paddock and let the dogs out. I took Phoebe and Sophie for a run this evening. Mrs H. had fed them but I thought they’d like a bit of exercise. I’ll do the same in the morning.’

‘Thanks very much. I hate asking you but it is a bit of an emergency. I’ll phone Mrs H and explain and get her to make up a bed for Mother. She’ll be in at about nine-thirty. There’s nothing much going on work-wise at the house. The builders have gone off to another job for a couple of days. I said there was nothing urgent at present. Honestly, not only does my mother spoil what was left of the weekend but she causes chaos in everyone’s lives.’