The Woman From Heartbreak House

by Freda Lightfoot

  Toby agreed to stand in for her at the factory, pleased for her and quite certain that the fresh Scottish air would indeed do Kate a world of good.

  ‘Don’t think about the business at all, be sure that it will be safe in my hands.’

  Kate smiled. ‘I know it will. You are the one person I trust implicitly. We came through the war together, after all, did we not?’

  ‘We certainly did.’ He looked at her then for a long moment, saying nothing, not even smiling. ‘Take care, Kate. Don’t let Lucy take you over completely. I want to see the old Kate back, the one bristling with defiance for authority, with fire in her eyes and ambition sharp in her belly.’

  Kate chuckled delightedly. ‘Is that how you saw me?’

  ‘Trouble is, what you show on the outside, all that pride and courage, is not necessarily the same as the part that lives on the inside. You need to protect that soft inner core a little better, Kate, in case someone destroys it.’

  She gazed at him in all seriousness. ‘What a strange thing to say. Who would want to do that?

  ‘Do you really need to ask?’

  Kate shook her head. ‘If you mean Lucy, she now has exactly what she’s always wanted, almost a half share of the business and the opportunity to run Tyson Lodge.’ Kate sighed. ‘I have to admit that she has made significant improvements to the house, which I’d neither the heart nor the time to achieve. You know I’ve never been the domestic sort, so let her organise it, I say.’

  ‘Don’t underestimate her. It’s not just the house she wants to organise. She loves to manipulate people.’

  A small shiver of doubt crawled down her spine and Kate frowned. Was Lucy attempting to manipulate her in some way? If so, how? Over improvements in the house, perhaps, but Kate could live with that if it made for an easy life. And of course Lucy grumbled constantly about the need for more profits from the business, always wanting to do things her way even when she hadn’t the first idea what she was talking about. Yet she seemed to have been losing interest in the battle recently, certainly on the business front, concentrating more on her own social life now that she had a fine home in which to display her hostessing skills.

  ‘At least her desperate search for a husband has kept her out of the office lately. And, you never know, she might find one and move out altogether.’

  ‘The sooner the better. You too might find a new husband of your own one day,’ Toby said. And if she heard something more in that casual remark, read any hidden meaning between the lines, she pretended not to understand. Kate had other priorities at present. She did like Toby very much. He was a fine man with excellent qualities, entirely trustworthy, steady and reliable, completely unflappable and with a strength she could only admire. He’d been the best of friends to her, but fond as she was of him she didn’t feel ready to embark upon a new relationship. Finding herself again was far more important.

  Kate said, ‘Will I ask Lucy for the proper address and telephone number, then you can ring if there are any problems?’

  Toby put his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels with laughter. ‘I thought you said you trusted me implicitly? Now you’re wanting me to telephone and give bulletins.’

  Kate flushed. ‘No, course not.’

  ‘Then get away with you and stop worrying. Have a lovely time.’ He instinctively put out his hand, as if to stroke her cheek then dropped it to his side again without touching her, his own face warm with embarrassment.

  Kate smiled, suddenly overcome with a strange shyness. ‘I will so. I’ll dance some of them highland jigs, and show off me skill with an Irish reel. You should see my feet fly!’

  ‘There you are, you see, bubbling with eager anticipation. You sound better already. Now go and enjoy yourself. We can manage a few more days without you. Come back on Monday with the sun in your hair and a song in your heart, just like the old Kate. And take care,’ he called, as she went off with a cheery wave. He did not move from the spot until she was quite out of sight.

  ‘You don’t mind my going?’ Kate said to Callum, for the umpteenth time.

  ‘No, Mam, I don’t mind.’

  ‘Have you heard from Bunty yet?’

  He shook his head, his face darkening with concern. ‘I haven’t heard a word in weeks, nothing but a Christmas card. She still hasn’t properly explained why she didn’t come for Christmas. Has Lucy said anything to you?’

  ‘Not a word, but when did she ever confide in me? Write again, I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about. Probably busy doing exams, or some such.’ Then, as she half turned away, a thought struck Kate. ‘Do you put the letters in the post box yourself, or on the hall table for Ida to take?’

  Callum looked surprised. ‘On the hall table.’

  ‘Ah. Then why not try posting them yourself? Just in case.’

  They grinned at each other, conspiratorially. ‘You are getting better,’ Callum laughed. ‘That was really quite sharp. Have a grand weekend.’

  ‘So, I will, me lovely, so I will.’ And she kissed him soundly, despite his protests.

  Chapter Twelve

  ‘You didn’t say that it was a castle.’ The size and setting of the place astonished Kate. The property was tucked into the side of a mountain, the ridge of which extended like a crooked finger, pointing westward and ending in granite crags that looked for all the world like knuckles on a giant hand. This was a place where eagles must surely fly. Below, was a drop of several hundred feet to a wooded valley. The mansion itself was crenellated with the statutory pele-tower, great hall and two wings forming three sides of a courtyard. It was into this that Lucy drove her motor.

  ‘To be truthful, I didn’t know what to expect. Goodness, I’m tired. We really ought to employ a chauffeur.’

  Kate laughed. ‘We can’t afford one. Anyway, I thought you liked driving.’

  They had driven up in Lucy’s Austin 20 piled high with far more luggage than Kate would ever have dreamed necessary for one weekend, until Lucy had explained the need for changing four or five times a day.

  ‘One comes down for breakfast in one outfit, then changes into shooting, walking or whatever gear is appropriate for the sport of the day. Riding clothes are essential, naturally, and one’s tennis racquet, golf clubs and such. One never knows when one might get a game in. There are clothes for afternoon tea, and of course one changes for dinner, and then there are lounging about clothes and going to bed clothes.’ Here she chuckled seductively. ‘Those are vitally important if one wishes to encourage the right sort of attention, although hopefully won’t be worn all night long, so they can be more decorative than comfortable.’

  ‘One would hope they are at least warm though, considering the Scottish climate,’ Kate said with a touch of dry humour.

  Lucy glanced sharply at her and frowned, as if this evidence of the old Kate were not only unexpected but unwelcome.

  Fortunately, at this point a manservant appeared who instantly began to heft luggage out of the vehicle and carry it into the house. He did not invite them to follow him yet it seemed the right thing to do, Kate carrying a small piece of hand luggage, Lucy nothing at all.

  ‘Shall I carry yours for you?’ Kate offered.

  ‘Don’t fuss. Leave everything for the servants to deal with. That’s what they’re for. The staff will unpack everything too, press out the creases and tidy it all away. That sort of thing.’

  Kate was mortified. ‘Oh, I do hope they don’t. My clothes are so shabby and old, and I’m not sure I’ve brought any of the right things. This is a far grander house than I’d expected, or am used to. If they knew I was really nothing more than an Irish nursemaid from Poor House Lane, sure and they’d never let me over the threshold.’

  She giggled, suddenly finding the whole notion of her humble self walking into this grand Scottish castle in the middle of nowhere, very funny indeed.

  Lucy did not seem to share her amusement, and, as she ushered Kate through the front door, gave a somewhat testy reply. �
�You’ll have no problems whatsoever, so long as you do as you’re told. Simply follow what everyone else does, and try to relax. Elvira, who runs ... who owns this little pile, will take good care of you. Now let’s get inside. I’m desperate for a lovely hot bath and a long sleep.’

  Kate did not see Lucy again for the remainder of the afternoon, and assumed she must be resting. She herself made up her mind to take a walk in the woods surrounding the house later, and explore a little.

  First she was shown to her room which was rather small, Kate thought, considering the size of the property. The polished oak floor boards creaked loudly whenever she stepped on them, while most of the limited space was taken up by a cavernous wardrobe and a bulky Empire bed which looked comfortable enough, even if the quilts and covers did seem rather ancient. These items were all the room contained, save for a chest of drawers and a small sink, over which was set a mirror on the wall behind, far too high to be of any use, with a rush-bottomed chair nearby.

  The walls were plain whitewashed, the paintings hung on them of dour highland cattle, and a window looked out over the courtyard, green brocade curtains not quite reaching its sill. But a pale winter sun was streaming in, the snow lay crisp on the mountain tops, and Kate felt perfectly content. Getting away from Tyson Lodge had made her feel much more relaxed already.

  And even though she would obviously meet up with Lucy again at dinner and so forth, there would also be new people to meet and to talk to. The pair of them didn’t need to socialise too much, which was a blessing. Besides, Kate really should express her gratitude for being included in this trip. She rather thought she was going to enjoy herself.

  She was intrigued by the fact that her room was situated high in the eaves on the second floor of the tower, reached by a winding spiral staircase. The maid who’d helped her to unpack explained that the tower’s purpose had been to hold back the English.

  ‘To be sure, I’ve been trying to do that all me life,’ chuckled Kate.

  The maid didn’t laugh at her joke, seeming to find her good humour puzzling.

  ‘What’s your name? You must call me Kate.’

  ‘I’m not supposed to tell.’

  ‘Whyever not?’

  ‘It’s against the rules. Too familiar. I’m to call you Mrs Tyson the whole time.’

  ‘I see. And what do I call you?’

  ‘My name is Winnie,’ the girl answered, in a voice scarcely above a whisper, glancing back over her shoulder in case she should be overheard. Then in a louder tone, she briskly continued, ‘We don’t fight the English now. That was back in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Unsettled times they were, hereabouts.’

  ‘I do beg your pardon. Of course, they must have been. I didn’t mean to be flippant.’

  Seeing how upset Kate looked, the little maid offered up a shy smile, again dropping her voice to a whisper. ‘Don’t ye fret, I dunna care much aboot history neither. You can see a picture of old Lord Glenmurray, whose place this was back then, in the Great Hall.’

  ‘Oh, I’ll make sure to take a peek when I go down to dinner.’

  The maid gave her a sideways look but said nothing further, concentrating on folding towels, smoothing back the bedcover, plumping pillows. Kate went to help her.

  ‘You don’t have to do this.’

  ‘I don’t mind. I like to be busy, and these sheets are lovely. All embroidered and pure Irish linen.’

  ‘Aren’t ye the lucky one? Could just as easily have been darned and scratchy.’

  Kate didn’t believe that for a minute.

  ‘You’re lucky to be put in this room, I’d say. That doesna always happen either.’

  ‘I’m sure there are many finer ones in this grand castle, not that I’m decrying this one, you understand. It’ll do me a treat. Besides, I was only a last minute addition to the party.’

  ‘You seem happy to be here, anyway,’ Winnie commented, thumping a pillow and seemingly reluctant to leave Kate on her own. ‘That’s good.’

  ‘And why wouldn’t I be happy? ’Tisn’t every week I get invited to stay in such a grand place. A fine Scottish castle, no less.’

  ‘It’s not always the case. Folk aren’t always too pleased to be stuck out here in the middle of nowhere.’

  Kate smiled understandingly. ‘I expect the Scottish climate is a little severe for some of your guests.’

  ‘You could say that. Some certainly do feel the cold. Speaking of which, there’s a hot water bottle on the top shelf of the wardrobe, and an extra blanket. The chamber pot is under the bed.’

  Kate giggled. ‘Thank you, but I’d rather use the bathroom. Is it down the hall?’

  The woman had half turned away and didn’t seem to hear Kate’s question.

  ‘How many rooms does the castle have? What I really mean is, how many guests will be here for the weekend?’

  Winnie put the hot water bottle back on the shelf and smoothed a hand over a black velvet dress hanging in the wardrobe. ‘My, you’ve brought some lovely clothes. I hope you get the chance to wear them.’

  ‘I’m reliably informed that I will. ’Tis sorry I am you’ve had so many boxes to unpack. Me sister-in-law insisted I bring half of what I own with me. Most of it is pretty ancient but I did buy one or two new items, for the evenings, you understand. I’m not normally the elegant type, more likely to put on the nearest thing to hand.’

  ‘Oh, but ye look so smart. I love that tweed costume ye are wearing now. Real elegant it is.’

  Kate chuckled. ‘Probably because I’ve not been too well lately, so I’ve lost weight.’

  ‘Och, aye, we’re used to that here, for sure.’

  ‘Are you? You surprise me. I’d’ve thought all this outdoor hunting, shooting and fishing would kindle a hearty appetite in a body, not to mention long rambles over the heather, which I most certainly mean to have.’

  ‘Och, you are funny, ma’am. Oops, sorry, didn’t mean to be rude.’

  ‘You weren’t, Winnie. Not at all. I dare say it’s because I’m Irish. People not used to me think I talk too much. Kissed the Blarney stone. Aw, but this surely is the ideal spot for relaxing and unwinding.’ Kate rushed back to the window to study the view. ‘’Tis lovely, so it is. I’m itching to climb that ridge and touch the snow, mebbe throw a few snowballs.’

  The little maid gave a snort of disapproval. ‘It’s cold. You don’t need to touch snow to know that. And you don’t want to go getting yourself all cold and wet, on top of everything else you have to deal with.’

  Kate turned to her with a smile. ‘What do I have to deal with?’

  ‘You’ll be wanting to step out of that lovely costume now, I’m thinking,’ Winnie said, evading the question. ‘Shall I hang up the skirt and jacket so it doesna get creased? There’s a robe hanging behind the door, see. Then you can have a wee lie down.’

  ‘Why would I want to lie down when there’s all that wild, beautiful countryside out there to explore? I’ve been cooped up in a motor all morning so I shall stride out over the moors and dales, the hills and glens, or whatever you call them here. Work up a healthy appetite for my dinner, after which I shall be more than ready to be waited on hand, foot and finger for three delicious days of sheer indulgence. I expect the other guests will be arriving shortly, will they not?’

  Winnie offered up a weak smile and made a hasty exit.

  ‘Aw, blast,’ muttered Kate to herself, the minute the girl had vanished out of the door. ‘Didn’t I forget to ask her what time dinner was? Well, if I don’t see anyone else to ask, I suppose I’ll just have to assume it’s seven o’clock and mebbe go down around six-thirty, just to be on the safe side.’

  By early evening Kate still hadn’t seen Lucy. She’d spent the afternoon enjoying a delightful walk in the grounds, meandering along stony paths that wound between lush azaleas and rhododendron bushes. She’d tramped through heather, though not quite high enough to reach either the ridge or the snow line, thrusting her way through bracken and prickly
undergrowth until she reached a wire fence bordering a pine forest. Kate would dearly have loved to slip through to explore but there were notices everywhere, forbidding her to do so.

  Only once had she seen a small group of people come out of the castle, but she’d been too high up the path by then to shout down to them and ask about dinner.

  She’d found a small, stone summer house where she’d sat for quite a while, thinking. Inevitably it reminded her of their own little summer house, and she started remembering Eliot, thinking of Callum and what a fine son he’d made, and of Flora and how her little girl was so quickly growing into a young woman. How she would enjoy watching her grow up!

  Kate even let her thoughts slip further back, remembering her old friend Millie and her husband Clem, who’d lost an arm in an accident and had never worked again. He’d turned to drink, which had killed him in the end. The last she’d heard of Millie was that she’d married again and moved to Manchester with whatever was left of her brood, perhaps hoping for better prospects with her new husband.

  Kate thought she must make an effort to go and visit her. It would be good to see Millie again, and talk of old times.

  Thinking of her friend was a natural progression from remembering Eliot. Kate recalled with a smile the day he’d ventured into Poor House Lane, begging her to come back to the Lodge after Callum’s disappearance. She’d refused, stubborn as ever, despite his courage in broaching those rat-infested quarters. He’d come again too when she’d been in labour with Flora. Forever thinking of her. Always putting her first, always so caring.

  How very fortunate she’d been in having his love. How tragic that the war had damaged him, left him bitter and disorientated. Kate understood why, that he couldn’t rid his mind of all that suffering. Well, now he was free of it. The trials and tribulations of life were over for him, but he would continue to live on in her heart. He would forever be loved.