Christmas Kiss (3 page)

‘I was thinking of coming in, if only to make calls and though I’m limited, there are things I can do to keep the work load under control. I can probably even reply to some emails with one hand.’

‘Then I shall be pleased to offer you a lift in. When you’re ready...’ He swept out of her office and she smiled at Poppy and gave a shrug.

‘Seems like I have my orders. If you just open whatever envelopes you have time to do, I can look at the contents later. Thanks for your help.’

‘No worries. Good luck with Mr Wonderful.’ Sarah gave her a warning glance. Sometimes Poppy didn’t know when to stop. A joke was a joke but she could take it too far.

‘Come and sit over here,’ Alex invited, pointing her towards the casually arranged comfortable armchairs away from the large desk.

‘You’ve rearranged the office.’ she said. ‘It’s nice. Much less formal. Should make the clients feel more relaxed.’

‘That’s the idea. They are more likely to talk openly if they feel relaxed. You should try it. I expect the family law side of things is rather more stressful than any business clients.’

‘Well, yes, it is. Nobody comes to me unless they are deeply distressed. I spend a fortune on tissues,’ she tried to make a small joke.

‘You shouldn’t have to do that. I’ll make a note to order them in. But do try the furniture move.’

‘Well actually, there isn’t room in my office. There’s just about enough space for my desk etcetera and a couple of straight back chairs for the clients. More than two people at once and it’s a case of find another room.’

‘So we need a dedicated interview room? Something a little more casual maybe?’

‘There is a small room but it’s usually booked by someone else. There’s really not a room that is regularly available for us lesser mortals.’ Alex was busily writing notes. He certainly seemed willing to listen and hopefully, might act on suggestions. He looked up startled by her words.

‘Lesser mortals? What do you mean by that?’ She blushed.

‘Well, those of us concerned with the less profitable, family law. Most of our clients are undergoing marriage break up and access battles. They rarely have any money and the restrictions on legal support don’t help them all. Sorry if I’m being too blunt for you, but the situation exists and I hope you’re aware of it.’

‘Well, yes of course. But it doesn’t mean I am able to set your target less than everyone else’s.’ She gave a shrug.

‘Set away, but if it’s unrealistic, I can only do my best. Can’t get blood out of stones and all that.’

‘I’ll set what I think you should achieve and if it’s not possible, you can always discuss it with me. And incidentally, I’d like to keep our private arrangements outside the office. Your horse. Lifts in etc. Both are only temporary arrangements while you are incapacitated. We can’t afford any office gossip.’

‘Oh absolutely. The ancillary staff are inclined to make the most of absolutely anything. Nothing to do with the clients of course. They are completely discreet and trustworthy.’

‘Well, I think that’s about it for now. Would you like a lift home this evening?’

‘If that’s convenient. Then we can decide about transferring Major to your place.’

‘Fine. You might as well stay on for dinner after that and we can sort out some routine.’

‘That’s very kind of you. But won’t your wife mind? I mean, it’s a bit short notice.’

‘My housekeeper will organise something. I’ll call her right away.’

‘Okay. Well, thanks very much. I appreciate it. Let me know when you’re ready.’

‘I plan an early finish today, as it’s my first day and I have so many other things to organise. I don’t officially begin till next week but there are some things I need to get out of the way. Say four o’clock? It gets dark quite early so we need to get ourselves sorted as soon as possible. I’ll see you then.’

‘Thanks again.’ She left the office and went back to her own little room. A housekeeper eh? Did that mean he was single? Interesting.

Chapter Three

By four o’clock, Sarah felt exhausted. Poppy had dashed out at lunchtime to buy sandwiches. She had eaten them at her desk as she read her mail and answered a few emails. Doing absolutely everything one handed seemed to make every task a major effort. She was very relieved when Alex arrived to take her home.

‘You look very weary. I suggest you take a few more days off before you return to full time work. Now, if you’ve got everything, let’s go.’

Gratefully, she goodnight to everyone and went out to the car park. Alex had a surprisingly modest car, a model similar to her own. She made no comment as she climbed in, struggling with the seat belt.

‘Here, let me help. He leaned over her and took the clasp and pushed into the socket. She was aware of a pleasant smell of aftershave, nothing too strong like the one worn by Charles. This was subtle and slightly mysterious, rather like the wearer.

‘Thanks,’ she murmured. ‘It seems I can do nothing much for myself at present. I feel so useless.’

‘Don’t be impatient. These things always take time. You need to relax for a while and allow people to help you. It isn’t a sign of feminine weakness you know.’ Sarah stared at him. Was he a mind reader? She always felt the need to be extra independent so she could feel that she worked on equal terms with her male colleagues. ‘You’ll be able to do so much more if you allow yourself time. Broken limbs can be extremely painful.’

‘You sound as if you speak from experience.’

‘When you’ve been riding most of your life, you usually break something or other from time to time. I used to compete. Time trials. Cross country. That sort of thing.’

‘Wow. I’m just an enthusiast. Oh I did pony club stuff when I was a kid. I bought Major when I got my fist proper job. A long held ambition.’

They chatted easily all the way to his rather magnificent home. He planned to collect his horse box and then drive back to Major’s field.

‘What’s he like in a horse trailer?’ Alex asked.

‘Not the best. In fairness though, he hasn’t had a lot of experience. I usually ride over to any event we’re going to take part in. Local rides and so on. But he’s a good boy and usually behaves well with me. Once I can get a head collar on him, he’ll lead into the trailer quite well, I should think. Hope.’

He hooked up the trailer to an elderly Landrover which was standing in an open shed to one side of the house. The whole place had a slight air of neglect but Sarah could hardly wait to see it. It was the talk of the village, the old manor house. It had been for sale for many months, since the former owner had died. She’d had no children and the beneficiaries lived abroad so selling it had seemed the only option.

‘As I said, there’s a massive amount of work to be done. I’ve made a start in the kitchen and have one habitable bedroom and bathroom. It’s going to be a long job and clearly, a labour of love. Now, if you don’t mind a rather bumpy ride, we’ll go and collect this horse of yours.’ She climbed into the Landrover with a certain amount of difficulty and they moved off. ‘I only keep this vehicle as a sort of mechanised wheelbarrow and for pulling the trailer. I’ve had it for years and can’t bear to part with it. Not exactly a senior partner image but it does the job.’

‘You don’t present all that much of a senior partner image all round,’ Sarah blurted out. He looked startled. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound rude. You seem almost too approachable and thoughtful.’

‘Just wait till you see me in action. Properly in action. I doubt you’ll feel the same way.’ She sat quietly and looked out of the window. She hoped she hadn’t offended him. He was being so very kind to her and the last thing she meant to do was upset him.

It was beginning to get dark by the time they reached her paddock. They hurried to get Major loaded. She collected the head collar from the stable and called him over with an apple as a bribe. He trotted over and nuzzled her affectionately. Alex held out another apple and the stallion whinnied with pleasure. Alex took the head collar and deftly put it over the horse’s head. Together, they walked him to the trailer. He was perfectly behaved and walked up the ramp without a moment of trouble.

‘Wow, that was easier than I expected.’ Sarah remarked. Alex smiled.

‘I have a way with horses. They usually do what I want them to do.’

The accommodation for the horses at Darnley consisted of three separate stone built stables, two of which had separate loose boxes inside. The straw for bedding and all the fodder and riding tack were kept in one of the other buildings. All of this led off an enclosed yard, providing a near perfect environment for horses. The paddock was across the lane that led to the house itself, so it was all extremely convenient.

It wasn’t long before Major was being settled into a stable next to Moonlight. There was already hay net hanging ready for him and straw on the floor.

‘I’ll give him a bucket feed, same as Moonlight then he’ll get used to me. I’ll put them both out in the paddock tomorrow, assuming it isn’t too cold. They’ll soon get used to each other and I can see a blossoming friendship any moment. Then we’ll go inside and get something hot to eat.’

‘I can’t thank you enough. I’m sorry if I seemed reluctant to take up your offer yesterday. I just had no idea who you were.’

‘Don’t worry about it. I’d have been the same if a stranger offered to look after my valuable horse.’

Still wearing his business suit, Alex busied himself with buckets of food and water for the two stables. His own mare was clearly delighted to see him and made affectionate little snorts. He brushed himself off as he came out of the stable.

‘I always forget horses are so messy. Another job for the dry cleaners, I guess. Is there one locally?’

‘I think the local garage has an agency but no, no actual dry cleaners for miles.’

‘Then I shall have to buy myself a boiler suit to pull over my clothes. Quickest thing during these dark evenings. Now, let’s get inside and see what Mrs Harper has cooked up for us.’

‘Night Major,’ she whispered, patting her beloved horse’s neck. ‘See you tomorrow. And just you be on your best behaviour. Don’t let me down.’ She bolted the door and went across the yard. However dilapidated the rest of the outbuildings, the stable block seemed very well appointed. Alex went into the kitchen door and held it open for her. It was a delightful, farmhouse kitchen. A wide oak dresser held a range colourful country pottery and a shelf near the cooker was stocked with cast iron pots and dishes. Lovely light honey coloured granite surfaces gave plenty of work space and oak cupboards suggested massive amounts of storage. Her own kitchen would have fitted into just two of the units.

‘What a wonderful kitchen,’ she exclaimed. ‘I love the colours. The granite is a gorgeous finish and the tiles are beautiful. Lovely warm, rustic colours. And the floor too. Really easy to keep clean, I should think.’

‘Thanks. I’m pleased with it all. As I said, it’s the only downstairs room that’s been done so far. Everywhere else is a bit of a mess. I’ll show you round later but right now, I’m ready for a drink. We have to eat in the kitchen I’m afraid. Only warm place. Hope you like red wine?’ He was already pulling the cork from what looked an expensively labelled bottle.

‘I certainly do. Thank you. This is all a rare treat for me. But where’s your Mrs er.. Harper, wasn’t it?’

‘She’ll have long gone. Left a casserole in the Aga, I expect.’ He lifted the lids of two pans on the side. ‘Vegetables all prepared and ready to heat.’

‘I could do with a Mrs Harper myself,’ she laughed as he handed her a glass of wine. She sniffed it and recognised a quality aroma.

‘Good girl. I’m pleased you didn’t just swig it down. It’s a rather nice claret. One of my favourites.’

‘I should think not. My Father would never approve of that. I’m no expert but I do enjoy a nice bottle of wine.’

He put boiling water into the vegetables and set them on the Aga. She sat at the oak table and watched as Alex put out cutlery and table mats. He was clearly used to fending for himself, as much as he had to. They chatted easily and she realised just how much she was enjoying his company. She discovered he had never been married. He had concentrated on building his career and spent very little time enjoying life, by his own admission.

‘That’s all going to change now. I’m planning a total lifestyle change. Moving to Cornwall and finding this place was a bonus after finding the practice vacancy. I have to confess to knowing Ken. He was once a colleague of my father’s. They were at university together and remained in touch over the years. After my father died, he helped my mother sort out the estate. I was overseas at the time and couldn’t get out of my contract immediately.’

‘So, where does your mother live?’

‘Devon. Just outside Exeter. Near enough for me to help her when needed and far enough away not to be in each other’s way.’

‘I know just what you mean. My parents are near Launceston so the same thing applies. My sister lives near them. Handy for babysitting. Beth has three children.’

‘And what about you? No fiancé or boyfriend in tow?’

‘Like you, I’ve concentrated on my career. I’ve been out with a few local men from time to time but nobody is special in my life.’

‘Sad pair, aren’t we?’

‘I disagree. I love my work and always have plenty to do.’

‘I must serve dinner before the vegetables are inedible.’ He was efficient and clearly, very competent. He lifted the lid of the casserole and sniffed appreciatively. ‘Hope you’re not vegetarian. I didn’t think to ask. This is one of Mrs Harper’s special game casseroles.’

‘Smells wonderful.’

He served a generous plate of the meat and vegetables and put it on her table mat.

‘I asked her not to put in any bones so it should be easy to eat one-handed.’

‘You’re very thoughtful, Alex. Thank you.’ He seemed too good to be true, she thought as she waited for him to sit beside her. She dug her fork into a piece of meat and closed her eyes as the flavour hit her taste buds. ‘Mmm! That is just heavenly. And wonderful to have someone cook for me. The best I’ve managed is a microwave meal and some fresh salads.’

When they had finished, he took her on his promised tour of the house. As he had said, it was in a very poor state of repair in places. Basically, it was a sound building and much of the deterioration was a matter of re-plastering and decoration.

‘Wow, this is going to be a fantastic room,’ Sarah exclaimed as they went into the lounge. There were five tall windows along one side and two smaller windows each side of the room. ‘It must be a very light room with so many windows. What are the views like?’

‘There’s distant sea view from one side. The other side is dominated by trees but I plan to get them cut back a little. It’s all very overgrown and neglected.’ Sarah gave a shiver. ‘Come on. Let’s get back into the warm. I’ll make some coffee and then if you don’t mind. I’ll drive you home. I know it’s only eight-thirty but I have some work to do and an early start tomorrow.’

‘That’s no problem. I was up early this morning to get into work on time. I’m feeling shattered. But thank you so much for everything. You’ve been incredibly kind and I’m sure Major is in very good hands.’

‘No problem. I’ll give you a call at the weekend and see if you are ready to start back next week. I expect you’d also like to come over some time to visit Major. Come whenever you like, if you can get transport organised.’

‘Thank you again. I may come over during the day later in the week.’

Alex drove her home and left her at her door. The cottage looked so tiny after his magnificent place. But, it was home and hers. At least, hers and the bank’s between them. She put on the television and settled down to watch something simple and mindless. It was company rather than anything, something to have buzzing away in the background while she thought about the new man in the office. It was going to be interesting working with him ... besides anything else that might happen outside the office. He was clearly prepared to be a friend and had intimated that he would enjoy sharing her passion for riding.

The following day seemed rather dreary without having to look after Major. She wanted to allow him time to settle and besides, it meant asking a favour from someone, to drive her over to Alex’s place. It was just too daunting a distance to walk there. She read through some of the office mail she had brought home and sorted it into various piles. She could make some phone calls to respond to a few of the letters but that would need confirmation by letter as well, so there was little point in wasting her time. She put the television on, made a cup of tea and was soon immersed in the decision of a couple choosing to live in the country or town. It was amazingly compulsive, this daytime television. But, she really needed to be back at work. This was all too different a lifestyle and she was bored. She would phone Alex that evening and ask for a lift to work the following day. besides, it was an excuse to ask after Major. She grilled some bacon and thought how much nicer the previous evening’s meal had been.

Sarah’s phone rang at six o’clock. She did not recognise the number.

‘Hi Sarah. It’s Alex. I’m almost passing your place. Thought you might like to offer me a glass of wine or something?’

‘Yes, of course. Come right in.’