“Probably not. But if Charlotte used to treat him, she’d be bound by some confidentiality thing. I’m sure she didn’t think he’d get drunk and lose his inhibitions.”
“Be that as it may, I’m not sure I can trust her. And if I can’t trust her, then I’m not sure I’m comfortable having her here.”
Christie stopped near the stove, teapot in one hand and kettle in the other. “But this is her home. You wouldn’t make her leave?”
“Make who leave?” Angus came in. “Bernie’s on his way to hospital. No real damage done but he’ll have a mighty headache in a few hours. Now, who is leaving?”
The phone in the foyer began to ring.
***
George was sitting on his bench outside the jewellery shop when the ambulance drove through town with lights flashing and sirens on. He watched it take the road leading to Martin’s house, and something tightened around his chest. About to go inside and phone the boy to check on him, he saw Martin come out of the bakery with a shopping bag. He raised a hand in greeting as Martin crossed the road. A moment later, he joined George on the bench.
“Where did it go?”
“Actually, up your way. Thought... well, anyway, you’re here.”
“Stop worrying about me. It’s also the road to River’s End Heights and several towns.”
“And Palmerston House.”
Martin pulled his phone out. “Let’s check on them, then.” He dialled and listened. It rang out. “I’ll try again shortly. Probably all outside enjoying this lovely weather. Did you have a good night?”
“I played solitaire. Read a few more chapters of a book Charlotte recommended. She knows her books.”
“Sounds relaxing.”
Shape of things to come. “What’s in the bag?”
“Part of the dinner I’m making for Christie.”
“You should both have dinner with me one night. I still make a decent casserole.”
“Would love to. Let us know when and we’ll be there. And we’ll bring dessert.”
“Would you call again?”
“Sure.” This time the phone only rang a few times before Christie answered. Martin put the phone onto speaker. “Sweetheart, George is with me and you’re on speaker.”
“Hi George. I was going to call. Bernie Cooper fell into the pond and passed out.”
“Hence the ambulance.”
“Yes. And Trev. But he’s heading back to the station with Charlotte now.”
“Why?”
“Turns out she knew Bernie in the past. I don’t have many details but he seems to believe he is somehow—”
“Entitled to Palmerston House.” George interrupted. “Sorry, Christie, to cut you off. I’ve had more than one uncomfortable conversation with the young man and this is my conclusion.”
“Well, you are correct. He thinks he’s the last descendant of Harry Temple or something. Though how this would entitle him to Palmerston House doesn’t make sense.”
The police car cruised past, Charlotte in the front seat, staring straight ahead.
“Is Charlotte alright? Trev just drove past with her and she looks rather unhappy.”
“She’s blaming herself for not saying anything, but it was patient confidentiality. Elizabeth is pretty upset with her. Martin, would you come to Palmerston House?”
“I’ll be there shortly.”
“Goodbye, Christie. Look after yourself.” George leaned toward the phone as if to be heard. “Come and see me when you can.”
“I will. Bye.”
Martin put his phone away and reached for the bags. “I’ll let you know what’s going on. Don’t worry, okay?”
“I’m perfectly fine, thank you. I think Daphne is coming over, so will update her.”
“Ask her to make you a coffee and sit with you for a bit. Enjoy the sunshine.” He stood, smiled at Daphne as she stepped off the pavement across the road, then strode away toward Palmerston House.
George watched him go. How much he loved his godson. The sun was warm today and nobody was in harm’s way. So why did he feel a shiver down his spine?
***
“Coffee?” Trev headed to the kettle, waving for Charlotte to sit at his desk.
“No.” A whisper.
“Well, I need one. Didn’t even get a coffee before Angus called.”
Trev made two coffees and put one in front of Charlotte anyway. He sat opposite. “He was your patient?”
With a deep, almost shuddering sigh, she nodded. “I’d already decided last night to talk to you. After... well anyway, I treated him for a while in Brisbane.”
“After what?”
“Nothing.”
Her eyes pleaded with him not to pursue it so he let it drop. For now. “How long ago?”
“I stopped seeing him almost a year ago.”
“You stopped? Or he stopped coming to you?”
“Does it matter?”
“Why were you treating him?”
“He was referred to me for anxiety. Some trouble sleeping and moving forward after the death of his mother.”
“And then?”
She picked up her coffee, but stared at it, biting her bottom lip.
“Charlie?”
“Once he accepted his mother was gone, he decided he needed to prove her theory about his bloodline, as he called it. As a child she’d told him stories of their rightful inheritance of a vast estate in Victoria. A homestead and its land.”
“Palmerston House.”
“Apparently.”
“Where did this belief originate? I mean, what did his mother know?”
“She gave him a diary. He showed it to me once, at least, the outside, but he kept the contents to himself. After a few visits, he told me his mother was an alcoholic who moved from place to place. Was always picking up objects from where they lived or street markets.”
“So it might not even have belonged to his family?”
“I suggested he go through proper channels to find out and then...” she finally sipped her coffee, eyes down.
Then, what? Why is this so hard for you? “Then?”
“Nothing.”
“Charlie, why did you stop treating Bernie?”
Her eyes flew to his. “It was nothing to do with him. Personal reasons, Trevor. I stopped seeing all my patients. Okay?”
Trev leaned back in his seat. “I’m here for you, Charlie.”
She pushed her seat back and abruptly stood. “We can’t do this.”
“Why?”
“Some things just aren’t meant to be. Some people aren’t meant... aren’t allowed to be... happy.” She moved to the back of the chair, her hands gripping its top. “May I go?”
What if I say no? “Thanks for your honesty. I’ll be in touch if I need a formal statement.” He kept his tone even and hoped his expression matched, but in his chest, his heart hammered painfully.
Charlotte hesitated, her lips opening. Then, with a quick turn she was gone. Through the first door and then the second, closing them behind her and leaving the police station silent.
Chapter Twenty-eight
With no thought to where she was going, Charlotte followed her feet to the river. She couldn’t go back to Palmerston House – not yet – and needed to put distance between herself and the police station. The panicked escape left her close to tears and even closer to despair. Turmoil racked her body and it wasn’t until she’d followed the river to the lagoon that she felt herself breathe.
She kicked off her shoes and stood in the water, its coldness helping control emotions threatening to overtake her. One breath. Two. She curled her toes into the sand beneath the water. One breath. Two. Slower, Charlie. Sea air filled her lungs as she inhaled, held, then exhaled. Around her, seagulls swirled then landed, hopeful of some food. She timed her mantra with their deliberate steps. One breath. Better. Two.
Her feet were freezing in the water so she waded toward the sea, now encouraging her breathing to glide in and out
like the waves. All imagery with purpose. As the river met the waves, Charlotte stepped out onto the beach, and then to the jetty. Here, at its end, the breeze strengthened, turning her hair into a jumbled mess. She sat, dropping her shoes at her side and stretching her toes toward the water.
The seagulls followed her, one stepping along the timber boards until almost within arm’s reach. “Want to swap lives?” The seagull rested on one leg. Charlotte closed her eyes.
Footsteps on the jetty intruded. Surely Trev hadn’t followed her? She couldn’t, wouldn’t let herself give in to these confusing needs. She gathered her words, ready to ask him to leave.
A joyful yip made her turn, just as Randall rushed to her side. Behind him, Thomas wandered toward her. With a sigh, Randall settled beside Charlotte, dropping his head onto her lap and wagging his tail enough to scare off the seagull. His gentle eyes melted her heart and, deep inside, the well overflowed. Silent tears slipped down her face, onto her arms, where Randall licked them.
“He doesn’t normally have such an effect on people.” Thomas lowered himself onto the jetty, then felt around in a pocket. “Think this is clean.” He offered Charlotte a perfectly ironed handkerchief.
“Thanks.” The tears weren’t stopping so she gave up trying to dry her face and let them fall.
Thomas sat with her, occasionally patting her shoulder, Randall between them. The dog rolled onto on his back, demanding a chest rub. Scratching his coat made her feel better, a lot better. Dogs were great like that. The tears dried up.
“Thanks. I’ll wash and return this.”
“Got plenty. No rush. Feeling better?”
“A bit. I don’t normally cry. Sorry.”
“You were here first. Cry as much as you need.”
Charlotte stared at the handkerchief. “May I ask you a question?”
“As long as it’s not about mathematics. Never was good at it.”
“How about people?”
“Know a bit about them.”
“Okay. So, if you let someone live in your house, trusted them and stuff, but they kept a secret. One they believed they couldn’t share. And then another person does something bad and the secret comes out. Would you lose your trust in them?”
“I’m hoping this isn’t a roundabout way of telling me Christie or Martha are up to no good?”
Her eyes shot to Thomas’, to see he was obviously teasing.
“Charlotte, I’ve had my share of secrets being kept from me and it does hurt when the truth comes out. Dents the trust, if not destroys it. Is this about Bernard Cooper?”
She nodded.
“You afraid you’ll upset Elizabeth by saying something?”
“A lot happened earlier. Elizabeth knows, so does Angus and Christie. And Trev. Everyone’s upset with me, except Christie.”
“Then you’ve got to make it right.”
“I don’t understand.”
“And nor do they. My suggestion, seeing as you asked, is to lay all your cards on the table. Hold your head up high about your ethical choices but let them know how you feel about hurting them. Tell them what you want and find out if there’s a way to make it happen.” Thomas got to his feet. “They care about you. We all do. Don’t underestimate it.”
“You’re very wise.”
“I know. I’ll send you my bill. Come on, Randall, time to get you home to Martin.”
With a quick lick of Charlotte’s hand, Randall stood, shook, then tore after Thomas.
What do you want? It might just be easier to pack and quietly leave.
***
Elizabeth and Angus stood in the foyer of Palmerston House with Trev. Headlights of an approaching taxi shone through the windows, and Elizabeth reached for Angus’ hand, her face set.
“I am happy to do the talking, dear lady, should you prefer it.”
“Thank you, Angus. But I need to be the one to tell him my decision. And I’m thankful you are here. Both of you.”
“No news from your friend in Brisbane, Trev?” Angus asked.
“Short of hiring a private investigator there’s not much to do. He’s squeaky clean. I’ll be doing an interview with him tomorrow and be assured I’ll drive home a few truths.”
The front door opened as the taxi drove away. Bernie closed the door behind himself. His skin was pale and his feet were bare. “I’m okay. But thank you for being here to greet me. Means a lot.” He took a few steps forward then stopped again. “Pretty ashamed of myself and got a lot of apologising to do. Particularly to you, Elizabeth.”
“I’m glad you are feeling better. I really am, Bernie.”
“All I could think about today was a cup of your tea and being able to say sorry. Went for a quiet dinner at the pub and Lance encouraged me to try some local wines. Don’t normally drink and before I knew it, I was waking up in the pond. So, any chance of a cuppa?”
Elizabeth took a deep breath. “I’m afraid not. Whilst I do understand you are sorry, it’s my responsibility to consider the comfort and safety of my other guests, as well as myself. What happened this morning was dreadfully upsetting and quite frightening. I can’t risk it happening again.”
“It won’t. I promise it won’t.” Bernie smiled widely. “Made a real fool of myself, didn’t I?”
“Bernie, I’d like you to leave, please.”
“I just got here.”
“Elizabeth means permanently.” Angus took over. “We’ve made arrangements with River’s End Motel for you to have a room there for the night, so if you would, please attend to packing your things.”
As though the words made no sense, Bernie kept smiling. He looked from one to the other, then back to Elizabeth. “This is my home.”
“No, dear. It is my home and you were a paying guest.”
“But I like being here. And I’m not feeling the best so can we leave this ’til tomorrow?”
“Would you like me to assist you up the stairs, if you are feeling unwell? Or should we call the ambulance back?” Trev stepped forward. “It shouldn’t take you long to pack.”
Anger and disbelief flashed across Bernie’s face. He stared at Trev, who didn’t blink. Then, with a dramatic sigh, he dropped his head. “I made a mistake. If this is your final word, Elizabeth, then I’ll go.”
“It is. Thank you.”
“Do you need a hand?” Trev gestured to the staircase.
“Of course not. I won’t be long.” Head still down, Bernie slowly climbed the stairs.
Once he was out of sight, Trev turned to Elizabeth and Angus. “I’ll drive him to the motel. Does he owe you anything?”
“No, in fact I need to get some cash to give him because he paid in advance. Thank you.” Elizabeth disappeared in the direction of the kitchen.
“Thanks, Trev. You being here made it easier on her. She hates doing this.”
“Can’t have him here. Is Charlotte back yet?”
“Haven’t seen her since this morning. I thought she was with you.”
“She was. Give me a call when she arrives, would you? Getting a bit worried about her.”
“Of course. Regardless of how Elizabeth might feel, she won’t make her leave tonight. Hopefully, not at all.”
“Keep me updated. If she needs somewhere to stay, I’ll find a place.”
The sound of Elizabeth’s footsteps stopped the conversation. “I suddenly thought about his car?”
“I’ll bring him up in the morning before the interview and he can collect it under my supervision.”
Trev had no intention of allowing the man back inside Palmerston House. Bernie might be co-operating now, but he’d seen the streak of violence in him this morning and his gut told him there was more going on with him than anyone knew.
***
A few minutes after Trev and Bernie drove away from Palmerston House, Daphne and John arrived, John carrying a foil-covered platter.
Angus opened the door. “Oh my! Whatever do you have here?”
“Elizabeth needs to
rest, not be cooking, so we’ve brought over a little spread. To help, you know.”
Elizabeth crossed the foyer with open arms. “How sweet you are, Daphne.”
The women kissed and then Daphne slid her arm through Elizabeth’s. “Now, I want you to come to the kitchen so I can reheat this, but you will be sitting down with a glass of something nice.”
“You really didn’t need to. I’m fine. We’re all fine in fact.”
“Is everything okay now?” John asked quietly as he and Angus followed the ladies.
“Improving. Trev just relocated Bernie Cooper to the motel in town. I can already see Elizabeth relaxing. For the first time today, I might add. Been somewhat stressful.”
“Daph hasn’t liked him from the beginning. She’s good at judging a person.” John adjusted the platter in his hands. “Don’t know why we need to reheat this, it’s pretty darned hot already.”
“And very appreciated. We haven’t really eaten today. You will stay?”
“Of course we will!” Daphne called over her shoulder. “I’ve got some good news to share.”
A few moments later, around the kitchen table, the little group sat with a bottle of wine and the platter of freshly cooked chicken drumsticks, roasted vegetables, and garlic bread.
Daphne was unable to contain her news. “It’s about the wedding.”
“You look ready to burst with excitement, Daphne. Do tell us.” Elizabeth finally was smiling again.
“So, this is something I’ve been working on for a while, but didn’t think I’d have the chance so soon.” Daphne said. “Well, with Christie and Martin’s celebrant retiring and all.”
“Sorry? When did this happen? Christie hasn’t said anything.”
“Only happened today, Elizabeth, and she’s going to ring all her booked clients in the morning. They finally sold their business and want to move closer to their grandchildren as soon as possible.”
“Well, I’m pleased for them, such nice people, but what about the wedding?”
“She did say she’d come back to officiate for them, but I mentioned it wouldn’t be necessary.” Daphne beamed. “This thing I’ve been working on? I’ve become a celebrant!”
“You have? Oh, Daphne!” Elizabeth’s eyes lit up. “You will be perfect for the job. And who better to marry Christie and Martin?”
The Secrets of Palmerston House Page 17
