Roses For Katie (3 page)

She made some more tea and gazed out the kitchen window. Things certainly had changed quickly. It was only yesterday she was thinking her life was dull and uninteresting, and now she had a number of things lined up. She would have to go immediately to see Aunt Bertha; she hadn’t been there for ages. Then, sadly of course, the funeral meant a second visit to Avondale Manor within days. Then immediately on her return from seeing Aunt Bertha, there was Richard’s dinner party. There was also the need to go shopping for a nice outfit for that particular evening.

The sound of a car on the gravel drive caught her attention, Looking out the window she saw Elspeth stepping out of her blue Citroen Xsara. For several seconds, Katie studied her visitor as she reached into the vehicle for her baggage. Elspeth’s car was smart enough, but her outfit was as drab as ever. Her nut-brown hair was the same style it had always been; long, lank and wispy. She sighed, poor Elspeth. If only she’d give as much attention to herself as she did to other people’s business, she’d do well, she mused. She was a lively soul, well meaning, and intelligent, but she looked downright dowdy. As Katie gazed at her, she had to admit the woman’s face was attractively puckish, and her figure was still trim. She headed outside to meet her old school friend.

‘Hey, you look a darned sight better than when I saw you last,’ Elspeth commented, critically eyeing Katie up and down. She pulled a bag off the back seat, then grabbed her friend’s arm, and propelled her towards the front door. ‘So what’s happened to make you look your old bright-eyed self again, eh? Tell me all.’

‘The healing passage of time, no doubt,’ Katie said. ‘Plus the fact that I have to partner one of Richard’s guests at a dinner party soon.’

‘Oh? I guessed it could be something like that. Someone I know?’

‘I doubt it. He’s one of the firm’s consultants, a Professor Charteris. I’ve met him before at Richard’s, and he’s very nice… not at all stuffy, like you’d expect a professor to be.’

‘Hey, matter of fact I do know a little bit about him, ‘Elspeth said, as she dumped her bag on the floor. ‘I’ve heard he’s a bit of a lad with the ladies, and a jolly smart fellow by all accounts. From the bright gleam in your eyes, I’d say the thought of that dinner party has given you a new lease on life.’ She slipped off her jacket and peered into Katie’s face, cocking her head to the side as she appraised her friend. ‘It’ll take your mind off any miserable thoughts that might creep in.’

Thinking she had better warn Elspeth straight away about Aunt Mabel’s funeral, Katie handed her the letter from Aunt Mabel.

‘Oh, I’m so sorry to learn of your aunt’s passing,’ Elspeth said, when she finished reading it. ‘Anyway, don’t worry; I’ll leave before you start your round of trips to Hereford. Pity, but it can’t be helped.’ She seemed quite unperturbed, and carried on chatting as usual. ‘By the way, I’ve heard through the grapevine that a new committee is being set up in this village; I think you should join it. That’s the best way to meet someone new.’ She studied Katie’s face for a moment. ‘You’re still a pretty woman, you know; your hair is gorgeous, and your figure is cat-walk style. Gosh, Katie, there’s bound to be someone out there for you, someone who… ‘

‘Elspeth,’ Katie interrupted sharply, ‘I’m not looking to replace Greg. And let’s get this straight—I’m not looking for a man, either.’ She glared at her friend. ‘Got it?’

‘I didn’t mean it that way,’ Elspeth retorted, indignantly. ‘I know you’ll never find another Greg, but I’ll bet there’s a lovely guy for you out there,’ she persisted, undaunted by Katie’s reprimand. ‘Someone who’s lonely, someone you could relate to.’ She hunched her shoulders. ‘You could do with a nice companion to take you out now and again — that’s what I was thinking; nothing more.’

‘I know you mean well, Elspeth, but I wish you wouldn’t try to run my life for me. I know what I want. And I’ll do what I want, if, and when, I want.’ She took a short breath in exasperation. ‘Look, I answer to no one. It’s my life, and I like it the way it is, so please leave me to myself.’

‘Right,’ Elspeth said, with a shrug, and tightened her mouth. Suddenly, she changed the subject. ‘Let’s go for a run after lunch. Somewhere nice, somewhere interesting.’ She bounced over to the window and looked out. ‘Yes, it’s ever so quiet here; don’t know how you stick it day after day. We must go somewhere nice.’

‘Yes, it really is a gorgeous day,’ Katie said. ‘We’ll drive through The Wye Valley, take a stroll around Tintern Abbey, and have tea in that nice hotel across the road. The big, posh one.’

‘Good.’ Elspeth wriggled herself back comfortably in a chair. ‘So what’s for lunch? I was up very early this morning, so I’m hungry.’

Katie sighed. Elspeth hadn’t changed one iota since her youth. She was a kind soul at heart, but so bossy that few could tolerate her for long. She always thought she knew better than anyone else and, of course, she always had the last word. No wonder she had never found a second husband. No man would take that kind of telling from any woman; well no self-respecting man anyway. Like her, they would probably find that a few days with Elspeth were more than enough. Yet, despite her friend’s continual demands, Marguerite enjoyed Elspeth’s company, and looked forward to taking her out for the rest of the day.

They set off and, as they made their way along the Wye Valley, Katie thought of Greg. He had loved the leafy tree-lined roads that led to the abbey ruins, but the memory wasn’t hurtful today. In fact the reminiscing was rather pleasant. The winding roads were busy with traffic, because the place was so popular with tourists. Trees bent over from both sides of the road almost touched overhead. As the sun streamed in through little gaps in the trees where they weren’t touching together, sunlight made interesting patterns on the ground.

As they drew close to the Tintern Abbey ruins, Katie’s eyes searched the car park for an empty space. To her relief, she spotted one, and pulled in right alongside the ruins. Many a time, Katie had wandered around the ancient heritage site where busloads of day visitors streamed in all through the summer. ‘What a shame the abbey was so pillaged after the dissolution of the monasteries,’ she said, looking up at the magnificent windows. ‘Old Henry Vlll has a lot to answer for, but even in this state, it still looks majestic.’

‘Oh, Katie, take a look at that man over by the newspaper stand,’ Elspeth said, too busy to listen to what Katie was saying. ‘Hey, isn’t that Cuthbert Alexander?’ Elspeth nudged her frantically, her eyes wide with amazement. ‘I haven’t seen him in years, but it certainly looks like him. I remember him so well.’

‘Yes, I think it really is Cuthbert,’ Katie replied, staring at the man Elspeth had pointed out. ‘I’m pretty sure he did history in the sixth form. He’s changed very little in appearance, but I shouldn’t think he wears his dental brace any longer.’ She gave Elspeth a playful dig in the ribs. ‘You did have a real crush on him, didn’t you, in spite of his crooked smile?’

‘Yes… and it never really left me. He was my very first love,’ Elspeth whispered, looking longingly at the man as he climbed into his car and drove off. She heaved a sigh. ‘I wonder if he ever married… and what he’s doing now. Pity he wasn’t near enough for us to have had a word with him; I’d have loved that.’ She gave a wry smile and a little shrug. ‘Missed the boat again… haven’t I?’

‘Never mind. Come on, I’ll treat you to a fresh cream tea across the road.’ Despite her friend’s perpetual demands, Katie thoroughly enjoyed the day out, and although they had spent all day together, they talked well into the night, with Elspeth regaling all the gossip of her own village, and prattling on about her latest activities.

Katie struggled against a yawn. ‘I really must turn in now. I know you always find the guest room comfortable, but let me know if you need anything.’

***

The sun streaming in through a tiny gap in the curtains woke Katie the next morning. She stretched languidly, still aware of that lovely feeling of well-being, and looked forward to the day ahead. After a refreshing shower, she prepared breakfast, and the inviting aroma of sizzling bacon quickly made Elspeth appear. Katie placed the breakfast in front of her friend, and sat down beside her with a bowl of fresh blueberries and porridge.

‘I’m sorry, but I have to get to Hereford today to help Aunt Bertha.’

‘Of course,’ Elspeth said. ‘I understand, don’t worry. I’ll come again soon.’

Relieved that her old friend seemed not to mind, Katie went upstairs to pack an overnight bag, while her visitor relaxed with the morning paper. When it was time for Elspeth to leave, she hugged Katie. ‘You take care on those busy roads, mind; it’s a long drive.’

Katie watched her friend’s little car disappear through the big iron entrance gates, and then climbed into her own vehicle to set off set off for Hereford. She took her usual route on the quieter roads, avoiding the motorways like they were poison. Taking her time, Katie was able to savour the beautiful countryside on the way. The warm afternoon sun had heated up her car, and it was a relief to get out and cool off when she reached Avondale. All smiles, Aunt Bertha hobbled out to greet her with outstretched arms.

‘I’ve been so looking forward to seeing you again, my dear, that I’ve sat in the window watching for you. Do come in.’ Her aunt sounded excited. ‘How long can you stay?’ she asked, giving her another hug.

She kissed her aunt on the cheek. ‘Not long, I’m sorry. I’m afraid I promised Richard I’d partner one of his special guests at a dinner party on Friday, so I must get back in time to prepare. You see, I have to go shopping for something nice to wear to his party.’ She put her arm around her aunt’s shoulders. ‘I’ll be back for the funeral, of course; this is just a flying visit to see that you’re all right.’

‘Well, I’m fine, really, but you’re here now, and that’s all that matters,’ Aunt Bertha said, wistfully, but from the look on her face it was obvious that she was disappointed. She grasped Katie’s hand and led her into the comfortable sitting room where her handyman neighbour had lit a cheerful log fire even though the weather was not cold.

Katie studied her aunt. Curly, white hair framed what had once been a pretty face, and Bertha still bore the smooth-skinned Barrett family look that Katie had inherited and passed on to her own children. Although now elderly and much overweight, Bertha still carried herself well and was mentally alert.

‘Now Katie, I have something to tell you.’ She tapped her forehead. ‘The old memory fades a little at times you see, so I must say it straight away before it leaves my mind forever. Your Aunt Mabel has left you a sizeable inheritance.’

Katie gasped. ‘I never realized that Aunt Mabel was well off.’

‘Aha, but she was, make no mistake about that. One for the stock market, was our Mabel,’ Bertha said, with a little wink. ‘Even I didn’t know what she was worth until now.’ Then she smiled and lightly tapped Katie’s hand. ‘I haven’t done too badly either, my dear… she’s left all the rest to me, bless her.’ She gave Katie a funny little look. ‘Mind you, that’ll come to you one day as well, because I’m not likely to spend it, and you’ll inherit everything else around here.’ She gestured at the original oils and watercolours that filled every available foot of the walls, hiding most of the faded Victorian wallpaper.

Katie’s gaze took in the antique, oak drop-leaf table and the dolphin-backed, oak chairs, all stuffed with horsehair so that the seats gave a lovely, squishy sigh when you sat on them. And dotted over the solid oak block floors were antique Turkish rugs — all genuine, hand woven, and worth a lot of money.

Aunt Bertha winked knowingly. ‘You won’t have to worry a jot in your old age. You’ll be all right.’

‘That’s kind of you, Aunt Bertha, but let’s not get talking about after your day.’

‘Don’t worry, child. I don’t intend to pop off yet, but when I do, you’ll be a wealthy widow, Katie, so you keep a wary eye out for those men who rather like single women with money.’

Katie felt her eyes mist over as she listened to her aunt talking so openly about her demise. She dabbed her eyes as Bertha went to answer a knock on the front door. The visitor was one of the church members, and Katie excused herself while they chatted, and walked out into the garden. The gardens of Avondale were quite extensive, and set mainly to lawns and trees. As she strolled around, she found a little herb garden, and gathered some rosemary, sage and chives, to take home and dry.

Without her own familiar surroundings, Katie found the rest of the day very long. It was with great relief that Aunt Bertha announced that she was going to have a glass of hot milk and biscuits, and go to bed early. There was little else for Katie to do, but go to bed as well. As the day cooled, the old house creaked and groaned. The bedroom Katie was using smelled stale and unused. The strange bed was uncomfortable, and kept her awake. She got up and crossed over to the little bookcase, and was surprised to find one called Native American Magic — Essentials. She took it off the shelf and flicked through it; the chapters were short, and it looked interesting enough to read until she felt sleepy.

Hours later, she woke up, feeling stiff and tired, and found the little square book still open on her chest. She climbed out of the old-fashioned high bed, and made for the shower to freshen up a bit, hoping that the ancient contraption worked. She was downstairs long before her aunt stirred, and had the kettle boiling, and breakfast ready by the time Aunt Bertha appeared.

‘More of the villagers will be calling again today, no doubt,’ Aunt Bertha said. ‘There’s plenty of cake and biscuits, and some sandwiches left over from yesterday, all wrapped up in the fridge if we need to give anyone a cup of tea and something to eat.’ Tears suddenly filled her eyes. ‘Things won’t be the same ever again, now that Mabel’s gone.’ She sniffed and wiped her eyes. ‘I wish I’d gone at the same time; I don’t fancy being all alone in this big house. I know I’ve got lovely neighbours who pop in all the time, but you’re my only family now, and you’re so far away.’ She struggled to her feet. ‘Come on, Katie, I want to take my mind off these miserable thoughts, so let’s check that everything is ready for our visitors to have some nice refreshments.’