Roses For Katie (17 page)

Elspeth blushed deeply, but managed to retain her composure. She had always had a huge crush on him in the sixth form, and from the way she looked at Cuthbert right now, Katie sensed that she still fancied him like mad. Elspeth took hold of his hand with both of hers, and it seemed to Katie that she never wanted to let him out of her grasp.

‘Like a coffee, Cuthbert?’ Katie asked, already pouring one for him. ‘Why not join us for lunch as well? I’ve made plenty, so it’s no problem if you’re free.’

‘Er… I’ve another appointment, I’m afraid,’ he said, looking a little embarrassed. ‘I’m so sorry… I had no intention of disrupting your morning like this.’

‘Nonsense. You’re not interrupting, and I insist you stay, Cuthbert,’ Elspeth said firmly, quickly turning to Katie for support. ‘He must stay, mustn’t he Katie, for the sake of old times?’ She was adamant as usual, and once convinced he should remain for a while, Cuthbert sat down with them and seemed to make himself comfortable.

‘Well, give me your news first,’ he said, ‘and then I’ll give you mine.’ He nodded, listening intently as Katie gave a quick resume of her life since school, and then he listened equally enthralled as Elspeth told her story.

‘So, you’re both widowed,’ he said, looking solemn and shaking his head. ‘As for myself, well, I’ve lived mainly for my job at school, but finally I’ve realized there’s more to life than just work. I never married — still looking for the perfect partner, I guess,’ he finished, with a whimsical smile. ‘Tell me,’ he said, ‘his eyes glazing over as he thought. ‘What ever happened to Doug Jones and Hardy Peregrine. Either of you know?’

‘No idea, sorry,’ Katie said. ‘Most of those who went to university took jobs far away from home. We lost touch with most of our pals in the sixth that way.’

As they enjoyed their meal, they reminisced about their school days, and caught up on the news about the few other class members of the same year who still lived locally. It was almost three hours later before Cuthbert left, with the firm promise to call again.

After he had gone, the silence was noticeable. Elspeth fell quiet and then sighed deeply. ‘Isn’t he such a darling? And he doesn’t seem to have changed at all.’ There was a sudden gleam in her eyes, and Katie could have sworn it was the same lovesick look she always had in school when Cuthbert was around.

If only, Katie thought, a wicked smile curving on her lips… If only I could get those two together, it would be wonderful. She had her hands full coping with Tom and Rex, and she could do without an old school friend knocking on the door because he was at a loose end.

Yes, she mused, that would be fun. I’ll play cupid to those two. All she had to do was get the man totally interested in Elspeth. But how?

Chapter Nine

Elspeth was in the kitchen helping Katie clear up, when Pat called at the back door.

‘I’ve been given some extra time at the cottage,’ he said, ‘so there’s no need to rush all my things over here this coming weekend.’

‘That’ll be a big help to you,’ Katie said, ‘but take the key to the annex today so that you can bring your belongings over at any time that suits you.’ She reached over to the shelf to unhook the key, and thrust it into Pat’s hand.

‘Thanks,’ he said, jiggling the key and looking as though he wanted to say more before he left. He turned and walked away, and as Katie watched him disappear into the garden, she could not help but admire his powerful physique; having someone like him so close really would make her feel safe. Moreover, it was only now that she realized how the very thought was exciting her; he was a super person to be with, so caring, so thoughtful, and so jovial. Now that the idea was to become a reality, she could hardly wait to for him to move in.

As nosey as ever, Elspeth had stayed within earshot to find out what Pat was talking about, and the moment he left, she walked up behind Katie, and turned on her.

‘You never said you wanted to let the annex.’ Her lips were drawn in a straight line of annoyance as her thoughts etched themselves on her tight little face. She let out a puff of annoyance. ‘Really, Katie, why didn’t you tell me? I’d love to come and live close to you, and we could both go to all the village functions, go out together whenever we chose, and go to the…’

Katie held up her hand. ‘Too late, Elspeth, I’m sorry. You’ve got your own lovely home, so I wouldn’t have thought you’d be interested. As for Pat, he’s in a tight spot right now. He has to find another place pretty soon. He’s good to me, and it’s the least I can do for him. So that’s that.’

For a while, Elspeth had the sulks, but snapped out of it immediately when Katie suggested treating her out to dinner at the local inn. It was Saturday, so the quaint little place was full, and Elspeth’s attention was focused on the other diners, relieving Katie of having to entertain her. They were late getting home, and having eaten so well, and imbibed some, they both headed for bed as soon as they got in.

After a hearty lunch the following day, Katie took Elspeth for her favourite ride around the Wye Valley again, and the day passed very quickly. It was early evening when her visitor decided to drive home, and Katie breathed a sigh of relief as she watched the tail end of Elspeth’s vehicle disappear at the end of the drive. Now she would be able to relax for a little while and do exactly as she pleased. She shuddered slightly, sensing how silent the house was now, and suddenly decided to pay a visit to Sam for an hour or so. Steve was out, which gave them an opportunity for a quiet chat.

‘Tell me, Mum, how are you getting along with the professor?’

‘Rex? Oh, fine; as far as I know. I haven’t seen him since before Aunt Bertha’s funeral, but I expect he’ll be around one of these days.’ She looked quizzically at Sam, wondering if she should voice what was on her mind; she needed to see how Sam would react. ‘He’s invited me to spend a holiday with him at his villa in Majorca. I haven’t said I’ll go,’ she added hurriedly.

Sam gaped at her for a moment, and then giggled. ‘Oh, Mum, that’s great. You’d be stupid not to. Go on, take advantage of the offer.’ Then she frowned. ‘But I don’t think Richard would like it, though. He’d probably worry, because he thinks Rex is a bit of a ladies’ man.’

‘Rubbish,’ Katie exclaimed. ‘Anyway, so what?’

‘Exactly my sentiments,’ Sam said. ‘You’re a big girl now, Mum, and able to look after yourself, and that’s what I told Richard. If Rex did put a foot wrong, I’m pretty sure you’d make him toe the line quick-smart.’ She leaned closer to her mother. ‘Seriously though, you could do with a break, and it would be nice to have him look after you and take you around. On top of that, he’s a perfect gentleman. Go on, Mum, it’ll do you the world of good.’

Katie nodded. ‘Yes, I know… maybe I’ll do just that, but say nothing to the others yet; I’m still mulling it over in my mind. You see, I’d hate for Rex to get the wrong idea.’ She hunched her shoulders, then tapped the table with her finger as she spoke. ‘The idea is really quite exciting, and I wouldn’t be committing myself in any way.’

‘Exactly, Mum. So, why not bring up the question next time you see him? Make sure the time is right, and take great care not to show any eagerness that could be misconstrued; that would be a disaster.’

Katie nodded. ‘Yes, that’s good sound advice. I’ll see how things work out, and let you know.’ She glanced at her wristwatch. ‘I’ve a few jobs to do before bedtime, so I must go now,’ she said, feeling a lot more settled in her mind than when she arrived at Sam’s. On the drive home, she contemplated what she would say to Rex, and hoped that by now he was over his annoyance that she had chosen for Pat to drive her to the manor. That display was obviously the spoilt little boy syndrome revealing itself; spoilt, indulged, and used to getting his own way.

But it was days before Rex turned up again, and she sensed that his manner was a little more guarded than usual.

‘I was passing so thought I’d call in to see how everything went at Avondale Manor,’ he said, quite casually.

Katie studied the man for a minute, quietly admiring his impressive appearance and stature, but regretting his few slightly undesirable characteristics.

‘Oh, hello Rex. Lovely to see you. Do come in,’ she said, opening the door wide. He followed her into the sitting room, and sat down when she gestured toward a chair. ‘Why not stay and have some lunch with me?’ She gave him her sweetest smile.

Rex appeared a little puzzled at her invitation, and hesitated briefly. But his little sideways smile and the sudden appearance of a twinkle in his eyes did not go unnoticed by Katie. ‘Thank you. I will,’ he said, by now sitting down in comfort. At first, the atmosphere seemed a little strained, but as Katie continued to describe what had taken place at Avondale Manor, and told him what she had decided to do about the antiques and the house itself, he seemed to loosen up. He asked all kinds of questions, until eventually they were enjoying a pleasant repartee. It was he who brought up the question of Majorca again, inadvertently giving her the opportune moment she needed.

‘The family renting my villa are leaving in a couple of weeks,’ he said, ‘so I’m going there for a little break myself, and really looking forward to it.’ He lowered his head and very quietly said, ‘Just say the word, Katie, and all the arrangements can be made for you to come with me. And, as I promised, no strings attached. It’s just that I really would appreciate your company.’

‘I’ve thought it over carefully, Rex, and, yes, I’ll take you up on your offer. Thank you.’

She had to bite her bottom lip to not burst out laughing at the surprised look in his eyes at her acceptance, but he adjusted quickly and took her hand in his.

‘You won’t be sorry,’ he said. ‘You’ll enjoy every minute of your stay… I’ll see to that, never fear.’

‘Right, so now join me for lunch.’ Katie said. ‘I’ve made a cold turkey lunch with tiny new Jersey potatoes and a great big mixed salad. It’s all ready in the dining room, so come and grab yourself a chair.’ For a short while, they ate in comparative silence.

Suddenly, as though he had been given a dig in the ribs, Rex glanced at his wristwatch, and pushed back his chair. ‘Thank you for a delightful lunch,’ he said, graciously, brushing his napkin over his beard, ‘but I really must go now. I apologize for rushing away like this, but business calls.’ He tapped his finger on his wristwatch. ‘I’ll be in touch very soon to discuss our trip in detail.’

She watched him drive through the gates and then relaxed in one of the recliner garden chairs to drink her coffee in the warm afternoon sun. The delicate fragrance of the Peace rose blooms wafted across the lawn, reminding her again of Greg, and the days when they both would sit and enjoy their beautiful gardens. More nostalgic thoughts crowded her mind and she felt herself slipping into the past once more. Fragrant aromas softly enveloped her, and she breathed in the perfume, delighted that the heavenly scent would continue now that Pat had taken her garden in hand. Thinking about Pat brought her mind back to the present, and to the now imminent art exhibition. With that realization, she phoned Elspeth.

‘I hope you’re free to come and stay overnight this coming weekend,’ she said. ‘The local art exhibition is on, and I thought you might like to see the paintings that Tanya, and Cuthbert, have on show.’ She waited for several seconds, then added, ‘Tanya’s showing seven paintings, but I think Cuthbert has a dozen on show. They’ll be there for the preview on Friday evening.’

‘Oh, so Cuthbert will be there; that’s great news,’ Elspeth said, with a hint of excitement in her voice. ‘My word, yes, I’d love to come and see him again… er… all the paintings as well, of course. Thanks for telling me about it Katie. I’ll be down early on Friday, okay?’

For Katie, that meant more cooking beforehand, but it filled the waiting time for her, and it seemed that Friday arrived in no time at all.

When Elspeth came in through the door, Katie could tell how excited she was, and promised herself that somehow this would be a weekend her friend would treasure. She wasn’t quite sure how she would engineer the plan she had in mind, but she was determined to make it work. She gave her friend a hug, and then sat her down in the kitchen while she made a cup of coffee. As she waited for the percolator to boil up, she turned to her friend with a beaming smile.

‘Tell me, what have you been up to since I last saw you. Anything exciting?’

‘Exciting? Hardly,’ Elspeth replied, clucking her tongue. ‘Been to a few meetings… the usual, y’know, but I’ve been really looking forward to this visit; it couldn’t come quick enough.’

‘I’m glad you’ve come early. Matter of fact, I’m having my hair done this morning to look good for tonight,’ Katie began, ‘and I’ve booked you in as well… you need it. It’s my treat. Just look at this.’ She walked across the kitchen and lifted the limp ends of Elspeth’s straggly hair. ‘It’s always the same; long, lank, and dull,’ she scolded. ‘You could look a lot smarter, Elspeth Astelle; your face is pretty, so it’s about time you did something to your hair. Trust my hairdresser, he’s good.’

She stood back and studied her friend’s prettily puckish face. It was like a little elf’s face, and her even smile was bright and attractive. Her hair really let her down, and so did her dowdy clothes, but all that could soon be changed. As usual, Elspeth’s mousy coloured hair was parted on the left, brushed straight down over her ears, and jagged on her collar.

In response to Katie’s comments, Elspeth crossed over to the kitchen mirror and looked at herself. She ran her fingers through her hair and tossed her head. ‘Mmm… I know what you mean, but I’ve never got time to waste in a salon. I’m always too busy.’ She shrugged. ‘But, okay, if you’ve arranged it, then I’ve no option. It had better be worth the time though.’

Katie smiled. For once, Elspeth was taking orders from her. ‘After we’ve had our hair done, we could have lunch in town, and then browse around some of the shops, if you’d like that.’ She glanced at the time. ‘Come along, girlie, we have to be there in fifteen minutes, so let’s go.’ As she left, she called out to Pat to say she’d left some coffee and cake on the porch table for him, and then they both climbed into the car and Katie drove out through the drive. ‘Good,’ she exclaimed, as she spotted a space to park the car right outside Manuel’s salon. ‘This saves me the time looking for a place in the car park, and it’s a five minute walk from here.’