Christmas Kiss (12 page)

‘I don’t suppose she fell on purpose.’

‘I wouldn’t put it past her, frankly. It was just more dramatic than she was expecting.’

‘Really Alex, you have a very nasty side to your nature.’

‘Sorry. I just know my mother and her manipulations. I’ve known her all my life, don’t forget. I’d better let you get to bed. You have an extra early start tomorrow. Thank you again for the weekend. I really enjoyed myself,. You’re so lucky to have a lovely family like yours.’

‘I know I’m lucky. I’m sorry about Ethan’s blunt questions.’

‘Don’t mention it. Food for thought though, eh?’

‘Actually, he decided you could marry Beth as well as Mike. Then he could have two dads to spoil him with presents.’

‘Interesting idea. On that note, I’ll say goodnight.’

Despite feeling exhausted, sleep was slow to come. trying to think what she had to do the next day made her brain race around in circles. She went down at two o’clock and made some herbal tea. She looked for her diary in her briefcase but must have left it behind on Friday. It seemed ages ago since the party at work. In less than four hours time, she would have to be up again and driving over to see to the horses and dogs. Though she adored them, it was sometimes such a lot of work to do. But she wouldn’t swap it for anything.

***

When she arrived at the office, Sarah discovered she was the subject of much speculation.

‘So, how did the lovely Alex get on with your family?’ Poppy demanded.

‘Fine. It was all fine and we had a nice weekend, thank you.’ She was puzzled. She didn’t think she had told anyone about Alex attending her party.

‘Any developments we should know about?’ she continued.

‘I’ve no idea what you’re talking about. We had a party at my parent’s home and yes, Alex came along.’

‘So what’s the story with his mother having an accident? How did you get home?’

‘You obviously know she had an accident. He went to sort her out and is bringing her back later. I expect he told you all that. And I drove myself home. We went separately. Now, if that’s everything, perhaps we might all get some work done. By the way, did Alex tell you he was at my party?’

‘No. We were just fishing. Now you’ve confirmed what we all were guessing at.’

‘You two are the world’s greatest gossips, Poppy and Chloe. Don’t you dare start spreading any rumours. Alex and I are friends and colleagues. We happen to share a love of horses but that’s it. Nothing more.’

‘Yes Sarah. Of course we believe you, don’t we Chloe?’ She was spared from answering as the phone rang. The day was well and truly beginning.

Her diary was free from appointments so she was able to work on the heap of files on her desk. She was doing rather well when her phone rang. It was Chloe.

‘Sarah, Mr Knowles is in reception. He sounds very upset. Is there any chance you can speak to him?’

‘Of course. Send him through.’

‘Sarah? Miss Pennyweather. Thank you so much for seeing me without an appointment.’

‘Mr Knowles. Is something wrong?’

‘It’s my wife. I had an appointment to see my daughter on Saturday. I had someone booked to accompany us, as agreed. A mutual friend. When I got to the house, my wife said Martha had gone out for tea with a friend. Isn’t there something I can do about it?’

‘There certainly is plenty. Don’t worry, I’m sure we can sort this out. Did she give any reasons for your daughter being away?’

‘Said Martha told her she didn’t want to see me. Then had the cheek to ask for a cheque to buy her some new shoes. She really should be able to manage on the settlement she has. Honestly, she’s got the house and I’m paying the mortgage. She has a huge allowance each month for Martha.’

‘That was in lieu of a spouse maintenance, I see. So what income does she have herself?’

‘She was supposed to get a job but I don’t think she’s even tried anything. I suppose she must be using some of the money I send for Martha. I suspect she’s got a new man actually living in the house. It isn’t right is it? That I should pay for all that?’

‘Did you go through mediation at the time?’

‘Well yes, and she agreed to the defined contract, I think it’s called. But she isn’t sticking to it.’

‘Maybe she doesn’t realise that we could get a court order. I assume there isn’t a court order in place?’

‘Well no. She agreed to everything as set out in the contract framework. We didn’t think we needed to go to the extra expense and well, the potential nastiness of a court order.’

‘If we did have to go down that route, it could even challenge the residency agreement. She could possibly end up having to forfeit the marital home agreement too. Every child has a right to see his or her father.’

‘You mean Martha might even live with me? I’m not sure that would work.’

‘Right, well I shall write to your ex-wife and set out these points. I’m sure she the threat will be enough to make her change her mind about allowing you access.’

‘Oh Sarah, I don’t know how to thank you. I hope she comes to her senses.’

‘And don’t worry about the legal support for your case. I know it’s all going through and very soon.’

There were tears in the man’s eyes as he left. Sarah felt quite emotional herself. Poor man.

It was afternoon before Alex arrived at the office. He was as immaculate and efficient as ever and only the dark lines under his eyes gave any indication of the stress he was suffering. It was almost the end of the day before he had time to look in at her office.

‘Sorry not to see you sooner. I’ve been playing catch up all afternoon.’

‘That’s no problem. What’s happening? How’s your mother?’

‘I’ve installed her in the living room. She couldn’t manage the stairs of course. Fortunately, Mrs Harper was able to help me down with a bed and we got her set up. She doesn’t like it of course but I’ve put the television in there and she’s got a phone beside her. Mind you, I might have to remove that. I’ve had six calls from her already. I fear this is going to be a difficult few weeks. Anyway, I still have things to do. Thanks again for seeing to the dogs.’

‘Would you like me to go round after work? I needn’t disturb your mother and I could walk the dogs and make sure the horses are all right.’

‘I’ll manage. I’ll have to get back soon. I think it’s warm enough to leave the horses out at night now. Don’t you agree?’

‘I guess. Shame there isn’t a field shelter in the paddock, then they could go inside if it rains or gets cold.’

‘Brilliant idea. I’ll look into it. There’s bound to be a local place that could provide one. I’ll look on the Internet as soon as I’ve finished here.’ He left her. How easy, when you have unlimited money, she thought. She’d had to save for ages before she could afford even a modest stable for Major. Still, it would cut down on work if the horses could stay out. It was April and in Cornwall’s relatively mild climate they should be fine. After all, many horses stayed out all the time but neither Moonlight nor Major were used to it. It was only when sudden storms blew up that it could be a problem at this time of year.

As Sarah drove back home, she thought how much things were about to change. No longer could she go and see Major without making prior arrangements. While Mrs Weston was staying there, Alex would be busy taking care of her. Though Mrs Harper would undoubtedly be preparing meals, his mother would be demanding his attention and company. Nor would she like the fact that he worked long hours. Rather him than me, she thought. Meanwhile, she needed to get used to a change in her own routine.

By the end of the week, Alex was looking positively haggard, especially round the eyes. Though he still presented his immaculate, well groomed appearance, the strain of looking after a demanding lady was taking its toll. On Friday evening, he rang Sarah.

‘Please come for a ride with me tomorrow. I need someone to save my sanity.’

‘I’d be delighted but won’t your mother expect you to stay in with her?’

‘I need to get some air. She’ll just have to understand. I’ve also got the builders coming back on Monday so I’ll have to get some things organised for them. More things to do inside. Can’t believe all this has happened just at this point in time. Anyway, better go now. See you about ten tomorrow?’

‘That’s fine. Look forward to it. I’ve been missing my beautiful boy.’

‘Thank you. I didn’t realise you cared.’

‘Major, you fool. Bye.’ She hung up the phone. She couldn’t believe she had just called one of the senior partners a fool. She hoped Alex would take it the way it was meant.

***

It was beautiful morning the next day, perfect for riding and enjoying Cornwall’s countryside. It was especially beautiful in Spring. The thrift, called sea pinks by some people were just coming into bloom and banks, stone walls and cliff tops were becoming a pink haze with the prolific little cushions of flowers. Primroses still lined hedgerows and there were many fields of daffodils shining with vast spreads yellow.

‘This is why I love Cornwall so much,’ Sarah said aloud as they rode along. ‘There’s always something good to look at. When the yellows fade, blue and pink replaces them and then masses of little white wild Cornish leeks appear.’

‘You’re quite a country girl at heart, aren’t you? Despite working in the city. Well, if you can call Truro a city.’

‘Of course it’s a city,’ she said defensively. ‘It’s got a cathedral.’

‘I do agree with you though. Cornwall is a fabulous county. I’m so glad I managed to move down here. I challenge you to a race across the beach.’

‘Should you be pushing Moonlight like that?’

‘Maybe not. She’s very fit and healthy though. The vet examined her last week and he’s very pleased with her. Reckons I can continue to ride her for a good few more weeks yet. I decided against getting another horse. The way my life is running at the moment, I really don’t think I can take on anything else.’

‘Did the vet say when the foal is due?’

‘Possibly early November. Difficult to tell exactly as we don’t know when they ... got together, shall I say.’

‘Exciting.’

‘Do you want to come back and have some lunch? Help me entertain my mother?’

‘I’m not sure it’s a good idea. She really doesn’t like me and I don’t want to upset things anymore.’

‘You disappoint me. But, I don’t blame you. She isn’t a very friendly person at the best of times and there’s nothing best about times at the moment.’ Sarah felt guilty but she really didn’t want to waste her day off being criticised by Alex’s mother.

‘I do have to do some shopping later. The fridge and freezer are practically empty. Do you need anything by the way? I don’t mind picking up anything you’re short of.’

‘I did an order yesterday. Mrs Harper left a list so I ordered it on-line. It seems to work all right.’

‘You’re quite domesticated in your way.’ They rode back into the stable yard and dismounted. They collected grooming materials and gave the two horses a rub down. The two dogs were barking behind their gate. ‘Would you like me to take them for a run?’ Sarah offered.

‘It would be most helpful. I did plan to take them this afternoon but if I don’t manage it, at least I’ll know they’ve had some exercise. My mother finds them too boisterous, needless to say. Ah well, back to the grindstone. I think we have scrabble planned for later in the day. How’s that for excitement?’

‘Don’t know how you’ll cope. I’ll put the dogs back in the yard when I return. Would hate to spoil your game.’

Chapter Eleven

A couple of times during the following week, Sarah drove to the Manor after work and took Major out for a short ride. She was concerned that he was missing out on exercise lately and besides, she wanted to spend time with her beloved horse. Occasionally, she saw Alex arriving home rather late and gave him a wave. She didn’t speak to him and felt that anything that might have developed in the way of a relationship was slipping away. She scarcely saw him at work and even realised that the gossip was dying down. She was going out very little and felt somewhat isolated. When Poppy suggested an evening at the cinema to see one of the current block-buster movies, she leapt at the chance. Several of the staff went along and they all went for pizzas afterwards.

‘That was a good evening,’ she commented as they all said their goodbyes. ‘Let’s do it again sometime.’ They agreed and Poppy walked back to her car with her.

‘You seem a bit down lately. Is anything wrong?’

‘Not really. Just a dull patch in my life.’

‘The gorgeous Alex neglecting you?’

‘He’s still got his sick mother staying with him. My horse is still stabled over there and as mother doesn’t approve of me, I’m just not getting out as much as I was.’

‘Why don’t you take your horse back to your place?’

‘Cos he’s in love with Alex’s horse and they both fret when they’re apart.’

‘I didn’t know horses could be like that.’

‘These two can. Both went off their food and behaved like typical teenagers with massive crushes.’

‘Good heavens,’ Poppy said. ‘Sounds worse than having kids around. Better go now. It’s past my bedtime.’

‘Night,’ Sarah replied. ‘See you tomorrow. And thanks for including me tonight.’

Her answering machine was flashing when she got home.

‘Please call me. I’ve got problems.’ Alex sounded desperate. She dialled his mobile, assuming that wouldn’t disturb Mrs Weston if she was asleep. She remembered him saying she had a phone nearby and didn’t want to wake her. Alex picked up immediately.

‘Hi, it’s Sarah. Is something wrong?’

‘Certainly is. Maddy, Mrs Harper has handed in her notice. Immediate effect.’

‘Oh no. Can she do that? Catastrophe.’

‘And the workmen walked off the site today.’

‘Don’t tell me. Your mother?’

‘Got it in one. She’s been complaining all week. Cups of tea every few minutes and then it’s not strong enough. Coffee and that’s too strong. And the meat was tough. The vegetables were over-cooked. She hadn’t cleaned the room properly. Mrs H. has had as much as she can take. Mother hates the workmen banging about, as she puts it. Complains the dogs are barking and when they got into her room, she said they’d leapt on her and put her health back by several weeks. I’m at my wits end. I can’t manage without Mrs H to run things.’

‘Can’t you persuade her to stay on for a while? Just till you find someone else or even till you can get your mother back home?’

‘The latter is probably going to take weeks. I doubt there’s anyone else around here with Mrs H’s flexibility.’

‘What about some sort of nursing home? Just till she’s on her feet again.’

‘I suggested that when I first brought her here. I told her she’d be left an awful lot while I was at work but she wanted to be here. A nursing home was the last thing she would accept. Can’t say I blame her, really.’

‘So, how can I help?’

‘I wondered if you could possibly have the dogs to stay with you for a bit. That would be one thing less.’

‘Oh Alex, I’d love to but my place is just too small. And they are used to being in and out all day. I don’t even have a proper fence round my garden. Poor Phoebe and Sophie. I could come over after work, whenever I leave early enough, that is and I could take them out. I could do the horses feeds as well.’

‘Thanks very much. That would be a start anyway. I don’t want to burden you too much. If she has less to do, Mrs H might stay for awhile at least. I’ll try to make sure you can get away promptly each evening. Extra secretarial help might make a difference and someone to take on more of your filing.’

‘And my targets? Any help offered there?’

‘Let’s not go there. You know my thoughts on that.’

‘And you know mine. I’ll see to the animals tomorrow and we’ll catch up at some point.’

‘Thanks very much. Sorry to burden you with my problems.’

‘Okay. I’ll do what I can but that won’t solve all your problems.’

‘I’ll be late in tomorrow. I’ll have to try and smooth things over with Maddy. I persuaded her to stay till the end of the week. Oh heavens. I’ve just been so reliant on her. Dratted woman.’

‘Who? Your mother or Mrs H?’

‘Both I suppose. Currently it’s Maddy who’s making me mad. Sorry. You must need to get to bed. I’ll see you tomorrow sometime.’

It was the start of a few hectic weeks. Mrs Harper left and Alex managed to get someone else to come in a few hours a week to clean and he did all the cooking. He was taking work home to make up for leaving early. As to Mrs Weston’s progress, there seemed to be little happening. She was getting around a little bit on her crutches but from what Alex said, it seemed to be taking a very long time for her to recover at all.

Sarah’s client, Mr Knowles seemed to have re-established contact with his daughter. The threat of a court order had brought his wife to her senses and visits had resumed in an acceptable way.

‘You’ll never believe what my ex had told Martha,’ he said on the phone, one day. ‘She’d only told her it was me who didn’t want to see her. Poor little kid had cried herself to sleep night after night.’

‘I can believe it. So many couples with marital breakdown use their kids as blackmail tools. Very distressing all round.’

‘I’ve told Martha that any time she feels sad, she must phone me and I’ll come and see her. Oh and there is another man living with her. Make me furious to think I’m renting a poxy flat and someone else has got my home. I think that was another reason she wanted to stop me seeing Martha. She didn’t want her to let out that she had an Uncle Jim living at home.’

Sarah felt desperately sorry for the man but the financial settlement had included the house and unless they applied for a re-assignment of the property, which he might not win because of Martha living there, he had to accept the situation.

‘I could pursue this is if you want me to.’

‘I’ll leave it for now. I’ve applied for another job and now you’ve got my maintenance payments sorted, things are definitely easier. You’ve been brilliant Sarah. I only wish I’d been in touch with you from the start of all this. Thanks again.’ At least things had improved and he was much happier and it was nice to get his compliment.

***

It was now summer and the county was filling up with tourists for the holiday season. It meant that the dogs couldn’t be let off on the beaches ... in fact there were a number of beaches where dogs were banned altogether during the summer months.

‘I just wish the parents would keep their dirty little kids off the beaches,’ Sarah moaned to Poppy one morning. ‘Honestly, we can’t take dogs on the beach in case they foul the sand and you find parents burying babies’ nappies in the sand rather than take them to the rubbish bins. And litter. They leave tons of it behind.’

‘I gather the extra dog walking is getting to you, just a bit?’

‘It’s everything really. I seem to do nothing but work, exercise the dogs and horses and go home and fall into bed.’

‘And what is Alex doing while all this is going on?’

‘Trying to persuade his mother it’s time she went home, basically. He had a wonderful housekeeper person who gave in her notice when the grande dame decided she wasn’t any good. I don’t think either of us can go on at this pace for much longer.’

‘And how are things between the two of you? I must say, I was having high hopes for the pair of you at one time.’

‘Some chance. With his full time chaperone breathing down his neck, I daren’t have so much as cup of coffee in his kitchen. The work on the house is all at a standstill. Nothing has been done for weeks now. I think all his workmen have gone on to another job permanently. At least he’s eased off on my failure to reach targets over the past few weeks. And the horses are out all the time now, so that’s a bit less work. Sorry. I shouldn’t bemoaning, Not a word to anyone else, please.’

‘Course not. I may be a gossip at times but I consider this is totally confidential and wouldn’t breathe a word to anyone. Maybe we should organise a girls’ night out and cheer you up a bit?’

‘Haven’t got the time for a while yet. But thanks anyway. If I manage an evening off, I’ll let you know.’

‘I must say, Alex himself does seem a bit grumpy lately, but if he’s a carer as well as a lawyer you can’t really blame him.’

***

Sarah was returning the dogs to the house one evening, when Alex arrived home a bit earlier than usual.

‘Come and have a drink.’ he invited. You certainly deserve it.’

‘Oh no thanks. I don’t want to intrude on you and your mother.’

‘Please come in. I don’t seem to have seen you in ages. Except passing in the corridors at work, which hardly counts. I’ve got a very good bottle of Burgundy I need to share with someone and you’re the someone.’

‘Well, just one glass maybe. I’m driving home again so it has to be just one.’

They went into the kitchen. The room had somehow lost some of the sparkle. It was nothing tangible but it didn’t look quite as inviting as it did at first.

‘What are you looking at?’ Alex asked.

‘I was wondering what’s changed but can’t quite tell.’

‘It’s a bit grubby. Maddy’s replacement doesn’t believe in elbow grease or much in the way of cleaning materials, come to that.’

‘So how much longer is your mother going to be staying?’

‘Not much longer. I’m sure she’s well able to return home but she prefers being here, is the long and short of it. Now,’ he said as he poured the wine, ‘see what you think of that.’

She sniffed it as her father had taught her to do and breathed in the heady aroma. She swirled it gently in the over-sized glass and took a first sip.

‘Mmm, that is good,’ she announced positively. ‘Very good indeed. Expensive no doubt.’

‘A bit,’ he conceded, ‘but well worth it. I’ve laid some down in the cellar. A good offer from my wine merchant.’

Sarah perched on a stool and held the glass between her hands, savouring the wine. The door opened and Mrs Weston came in. Sarah leapt to her feet and stood awkwardly near to Alex.

‘Oh, I see you have company. Don’t mind me. I just came to get myself a glass of water.’ With great drama, she crossed to the fridge on her crutches and made a great show of balancing as she drew out some water from the chiller. Wobbling violently, she almost fell against the table and just managed to put the glass down without dropping it on the floor.

‘Can I help?’ offered Sarah.

‘Don’t trouble yourself. I will manage somehow.’

‘Do you want a glass of wine, Mummy?’ Alex asked wearily, pouring one as he spoke.

‘Well it would be nice, if it isn’t too much trouble. I won’t intrude though as you are entertaining a guest.’ She managed to sound just a little feeble and pathetic but there was a glint in her eyes that made Sarah feel certain it was all an act.

‘Sit down Mummy and don’t try to act the martyr.’ Sarah was surprised at his tone. ‘Here you are. Sarah was just returning the dogs after walking them for me. I was sharing some wine in gratitude for all she does.’

‘I expect you pay her well enough,’ the older woman snapped.

‘She does it out of kindness Mummy. After you single-handedly caused Mrs Harper to leave, someone had to help me. I’m frantically busy at work and you take a lot of looking after.’

‘You’ll be old and frail one day and I hope then, you’ll regret being so unkind to me.’

‘Please, don’t start that again. You’ve been here for weeks now and it’s time you were getting back to your own home.’

Mrs Weston swung round to glare at Sarah.

‘You’ve put him up to this. Can’t wait to get your hands on his money and move in here. That’s it, isn’t it?’

Sarah went white. She put the half empty glass down on the table and turned to leave.

‘Good night, Alex. I’ll see you at the office sometime.’ Feeling ready to burst into tears, she rushed across the yard and got into her car. She drove away rapidly, seeing Alex through her rear view mirror, as he was rushing after her. She saw him hold up his hands in a gesture of defeat.

‘Horrible woman,’ she muttered. ‘How dare she accuse me of all those things? I’ve put myself out for weeks to make sure the animals were all cared for. Never asked for anything in return and she dares to say that. She can just stew.’ She arrived home and sat down and did, in fact, shed a few tears. She never even got finish that wonderful glass of wine. She would have loved to be a fly on the wall and hear what was going on back at Darnley Manor House that evening. If she had been, she would certainly not have enjoyed Mrs Weston’s vicious comments about her.