When she arrived home it had stopped raining so she took Misty for a long walk, as a reward for being so good. Later after, they’d both eaten, she redesigned the neckline and sleeves of the dress, as the pup lay stretched out in front of the woodburner, twitching occasionally in her dreams.
Time passed so quickly that it was almost midnight before she was satisfied with her design and twirled in front of the mirror in the bedroom. The dress now plunged to a vee, front and back, to show a discrete cleavage and the centre of her back. The sleeves were gone and the armholes and shoulders were beautifully shaped and one of the new bras made her well endowed breasts peep discreetly on either side of her cleavage. In Lucy’s trunk she’d found the underskirts for the dress, still perfect after sixty years and intended to wash them and the dress in the morning.
“They certainly made things out of the most perfect cotton in those days,” she murmured as she gazed at herself. “I wonder how long the modern polycotton will survive?”
In her dreams that night, she was dancing in the moonlight with Roman, feeling so happy for the first time in years, until he stepped away from her, and the crowds around them started to point at her and laugh as he said “Why would I want a little pleb like you? You’re not even a good lay!”
As he joined his friends, who were jeering at her, she turned and ran as Gervaise and Christine linked arms with Roman and led him away.
* * *
When she woke the next morning, later than usual, the dream had faded, but had left her feeling anxious and unsure of herself. Deciding that she’d stayed up too late, she shrugged it off and set to work. Luckily the rain had gone and although grey and dull, the sun was trying to make itself felt, so she decided to make the cupboard doors and worktops. With the dress, underskirt and new underwear on a line outside, she set about joining the pieces of wood together with dowels and wood glue.
The doors were comparatively simple, but the longer worktops were more difficult and by lunchtime she was hot and bothered and wishing she’d left them until she had Roman’s help. However it wasn’t in her nature to quit so after a lunch of a salad sandwich and two large mugs of tea, she went back to work.
By evening, after much swearing and cursing, the worktops had taken shape, and thankful that they were only the length of a kitchen cupboard, she covered them over and left the glue to dry.
The dress and underskirt had dried perfectly, only needing a light press and she hung them up in the bedroom to air, happy that she wouldn’t disgrace Roman on Saturday night. After a light supper of smoked mackerel, salad and jacket potato, she watched the TV for an hour, until she started to nod off and took herself off to bed, the dream from the night before whispering through her sleep.
* * *
Busy attaching the new doors to the cupboards, the next morning, Bella didn’t hear her phone, so by eleven o’clock she was wondering why Roman hadn’t turned up. As she drank the mug of tea she’d made for herself it rang again and this time she answered it.
“Bella Carrington,” she said.
“Ah, Miss Carrington,” a female voice said, “this is Mr. Cowles secretary, he tried to catch you earlier but has been in meetings all morning, so asked me to let you know that he’s tied up today and probably tomorrow. He said he’d try to phone later.”
“Oh, OK,” Bella said, “not to worry, we’ll catch up sometime I expect.”
“I expect you will, goodbye Miss Carrington.”
“Goodbye,” Bella looked at the phone perplexed. Roman had a secretary, a very upper class, superior secretary, from the sound of her. Why would a country estate manager need such an officious P.A and why would he be in non stop meetings? Trying to imagine him as a suit clad businessman, didn’t go with the long haired, odd job man, image she had of him. Heaving a sigh she returned to the kitchen to finish hanging the last of the doors, wondering how she was going to manage the worktops.
After a single attempt to lift one she gave up. It wasn’t that it was too heavy for her but it needed to be supported at both ends or there was a danger the joins would separate. Instead of attaching the worktops to the cupboards, she decided that after lunch she’d sort out the tiles for the splashback.
Eager to see how the tiles would look, lunch ended up being a banana and a cup of tea, as she lay them out on the floor. Once she’d decided on the layout she set to work, picking one tile at a time off the floor, dabbing adhesive on the back and fixing it to the wall. Luckily she’d kept her old tile cutter from her college days and she worked on happily until the splashback was finished. The only place she’d had to cut any tiles was behind the old butlers sink, as it stood slightly proud of the cupboards, and the four inch tiles were easy to cut.
It was early evening before she’d finished and tidied up and she was contemplating a long hot bath when Misty started to bark. Going through to the living room window she peered out, to see a sleek black BMW come to a stop outside the front door. The driver’s door opened and a trouser clad leg appeared, the rest of the driver leaning into the car to pick something up. Finally a suit clad body eased out of the car and she saw that it was Roman. She flung the front door open and stepped out to greet him.
“Hi,” he said, “can you grab something off me?”
His hands were full of paper carrier bags and a bottle of wine, while under his arm was a bunch of yellow roses.
Bella took the wine and a carrier off him and laughed “Can I smell Chinese?”
“Yes, I was starving and thought you probably hadn’t eaten yet, either.”
He followed her into the house and putting the carrier on the table held out the roses for her, “I saw these and thought you’d like them.”
Taking them from him, Bella said “My favourite colour and flower. Wait while I get them in water.”
He picked up the carriers and said “Let’s put these in the Aga, they’ve probably cooled a bit. I’ll open the wine and we can have a drink.”
As he walked into the kitchen he said “Wow! You deserve a drink after the work you’ve done.”
While she put the roses into water and the food trays into the Aga, he inspected the doors and admired the mixed pattern of the tiles. “A cabinet maker couldn’t have done a better job,” he said “I love the mixed tiles, same colour pallette but all different, you are an artist.”
Bella blushed with pleasure, “I’m really pleased with it all. The door panels are doweled and glued, and the tiles were a bargain, discontinued lines and damaged boxes which I got for just giving twenty quid to charity.”
“When you get your business going you’re going to be in high demand.”
“I hope so.”
“No doubt about it,” Roman said as he pulled her into his arms.
“I’m all dirty,” she protested, “be careful I don’t get tile adhesive on your suit.”
“It’s only a suit.” he murmured as he lowered his lips to hers, kissing her so thoroughly that he took her breath away.
She found herself responding so naturally that she forgot that she was grubby and sweaty, and it was only when she felt his hands under her shirt, that she remembered her old grey bra held together by a safety pin and pulled away.
He didn’t let her go completely, but held her loosely until she laid her head on his chest and enjoyed the feeling of just been cuddled, while she breathed in his aroma of soap, sandalwood and man. Gervaise had never cuddled her even after they’d had sex, and it felt so nice that tears flooded her eyes.
“Just let me go wash my hands and face and we’ll eat,” she said, “why don’t you open the wine?” and she turned her head away and hurried into the bathroom. Roman stood and watched her go then he shook his head and went to open the wine.
By the time Bella emerged from the bedroom, he’d laid the table, found a tray for all the food containers and had two plates
warming in the Aga. His suit jacket and tie were slung over a chair and he was sitting in the armchair in front of the fire with his eyes closed. Hearing her come in he opened them and said “It’s so calm and peaceful here, you have the knack of making a house into a home.”
“I’m glad you like it. You look tired, has it been a difficult day?”
“You might say so,” he muttered, “but, hey, it’s over and there’s good food, good wine and good company. Let’s eat.”
They piled the containers onto the tray, took the plates out of the Aga and carried it all through to the living room.
When Bella, over the next few weeks looked back on that night, she realised that it was probably one of the most enjoyable evenings of her life. They were so easy together, liking the same food, wine, books and music, and they talked about everything. Roman told her about his day, trying to sort out the renewing of a tenancy agreement, the old one having been for ninety nine years which expired in six months time. The farmer who held the lease now, was from a long line who’d farmed the land for over one hundred years, and wanted to continue as they had in the past. The lawyers on both sides seemed to be finding all kinds of problems and in the end Roman and his tenant had sat down and worked it out between themselves.
Bella told him about her time at art college and her mother’s difficulties, but probe as he might he couldn’t get her to talk about the man who’d broken her heart. From the little she said it was obvious to him that the bastard had undermined her self confidence and made her feel dowdy and worthless. Watching this beautiful sensual woman as she relaxed and talked he fell deeper and deeper under her spell.
As she tried to hide a yawn, he reluctantly started to pile the empty containers together as he said “You need your bed, you work too hard. I’ll put these in the bin and wash the plates and glasses, then I must go.”
They cleared the table and washed and dried the few dishes and finally he couldn’t delay any longer. She walked to the door with him and as he pulled on his jacket she said. “You look different in a suit.”
He grinned and said “Which do you prefer, the businessman or the odd job man?”
She pursed her lips “You’re the same no matter what you wear.”
“As are you,” he said as he took her in his arms and kissed her until she could hardly stand. “One day you’re going to ask me to stay, but I promise not to push you.”
She watched him get into his car and drive away, then she turned back into the cottage and closed the door. Leaning against it she ran her fingers over her swollen lips and thought “Hopefully one day I’ll find the courage.”
Then she sighed and took herself off to bed to sleep and deeply and dreamlessly.
Chapter 7
Bella was busy grouting the tiles in the kitchen when Roman turned up the next morning, dressed once again in old jeans and rugby shirt.
“Don’t you sleep?” he asked as he saw that she had almost finished the grouting.
“Of course, I’ve only been up since seven, and I slept like a log.”
“Then you must work faster than most.”
Bella laughed “When you work for yourself you have to. It’s either that or starve.”
Putting his arms around her from behind he nuzzled the nape of her neck, causing delicious shivers to lance through her body.
“Mmm, you smell good enough to eat,” he murmured.
“Strange appetite to have, the taste of dust, grout and sweat.”
“All I can smell is you,” he said as he turned her around and kissed her.
Despite herself she responded, her arms going round his neck as she surrendered to the seduction of his tongue.Once again when he lifted his mouth from hers he held her cuddled in his arms, making her feel wanted and safe. Finally he let her go and she blinked back to reality.
“Now look what you’ve done, there’s grout all over your shirt.”
Brushing at it with his hands he said “You’re supposed to get it on the wall not all over yourself.”
She swatted his arm, leaving a white imprint on his sleeve “Make me a cuppa, I’ve nearly finished this and then there’s just the worktops to get into place.”
“Certainly mam, has anyone ever told you that you are very bossy.”
Bella laughed and bit her lip “No I’m not, it’s you who brings out the worst in me.”
“I wish,” he murmured giving her a look that turned her insides to liquid.
When she blushed and turned back to the grouting he smiled with satisfaction, she was beginning to want him, a little.
If only he knew the battle going on inside her, his satisfaction would know no limits.
Grouting finished to her high standard, Bella washed her hands and lower arms, smiling ruefully at the thought that Roman was right, she was a messy worker. She became so focused on the job in hand that she didn’t give a thought to how she looked. That morning after a very quick bath, she’d pulled her hair back into a ponytail and now her auburn locks were dotted with grout, from where she’d pushed wayward strands of hair back over her ears. The old sweatshirt she was wearing, while clean on this morning, was covered in old splashes of paint, glue and now, grout, and her jeans were in a similar condition.
Handing her a cup of tea, Roman asked “Have you had breakfast?”
“After what I put away last night? No. I planned on having a bacon sarnie at lunchtime.”
“Good, we’ll make that for two.”
“Now who’s bossy?”
“Only where food is concerned. I’m a growing boy, have you got any biscuits?”
Bella frowned, she hadn’t bought any biscuits since she’d left Gervaise’ apartment. “Actually, I haven’t, didn’t even think about them while I was shopping.”
“Right.” Roman left the kitchen and went out to his bike.
Amused she followed him, wondering if he was going to jump on the quad and go in search of biscuits. However he rummaged in the bike’s pannier and stood up with a plastic container in his hands. Returning to the cottage he handed it to her and said “Homemade shortbread, courtesy of Mrs. B.”
“Mrs. B?”
“Yes, my housekeeper, she makes the best biscuits and cakes in the district.”
`Crikey!` Bella thought, `he’s got a housekeeper.`
Going back into the kitchen she opened the container and the smell of butter tantalised her taste buds.
“Oh dear, you’ll have to take them back with you. They look and smell too good to resist.”
“The way you work and don’t eat, you could eat the whole lot without putting on an ounce. You’re so slim, and you’re losing weight daily, any more and you’ll lose your delicious curves.”
Bella grimaced “No one could say I was thin.”
“No, you’re just right so eat some shortbread.”
Pulling a face at him she took a piece and said “You know what they say, a moment on the lips a lifetime on the hips.”
Roman laughed “Your hips are perfect.”
Savouring the buttery, melting taste of the shortbread, she allowed herself to bask in his admiration. Then pulling herself together she said “It’s delicious, thank your Mrs. B for me.”
Tea drunk and shortbread eaten, with Roman eating three pieces, they went outside to get the worktops. On seeing them Roman said “They look great. How on earth did you manage by yourself?”
“With some difficulty and a lot of ingenuity.”
“I should say so, OK let’s get one inside.”
Seeing that Misty was happily rabbiting with Hamish in the old garden, Bella left them to it and concentrated on getting the first worktop into the cottage in one piece. By lunchtime both worktops were fixed into position and Bella was giving them a final rub down with the finishing wax, while Roman was fryin
g bacon for the sandwiches.
The weather had turned drizzly again so they ate at the table in the living room, with Hamish and Misty curled up in front of the woodburner.
“All I’ve got to do in the kitchen now is sand the old sideboard, paint the legs and drawers and wax it. Then I’ll make the shelves for above it and apart from a few finishing touches, it’s done.” Bella said with satisfaction.
“You’ve made such a difference in such a short time, it’s amazing.”
“Thanks, I’ll slowly get the lean to sorted out, there’s no hurry for that, and all the attic room needs is some storage shelves and a table to work on. I’m going to use that for my art workshop and one of the outbuildings for the up cycling. I haven’t got round to exploring them yet. It just seemed sensible to get the cottage done before winter set in.”
“Well, you’ve got four months before the winter, and to be honest we have some glorious, if cold days, in October. From November we can get snow on high ground and January and February can be a bit dodgy.”
“I know, when I was a child Aunt Lucy and I got snowed in for two weeks. She was ready for it and the larder was well stocked with dry goods and tins, but I’d like to get a small freezer, second hand, so I can have meat, fish and, hopefully, once the garden is done, my own fruit and veg.”
“You really do plan ahead, don’t you?”
“Unfortunately I didn’t before, and look where it’s landed me.” Bella said not noticing the touch of bitterness that had crept into her voice.
“He must have hurt you very badly.”
Bella pulled a face “He made a fool of me and I’ll never allow that to happen again. Stupidly I had a head full of girlish dreams and didn’t realise that I was being used.”
Roman said “You must have loved him very much.”
“There’s no such thing as the love I dreamed about as a child, people just think of themselves.”
Wisely Roman said no more, for such a naturally loving sweet woman to be made to feel like that, only time could make a difference.
The Wishing Well Page 6
