Escape to the Country

by Sherlock, Alison

  ‘We missed you too,’ said Annie, with a soft smile.

  But Eleanor was still worried about Megan. ‘Maybe you could work from home or something? Then you can manage it around the kids and the school run.’

  Megan waved away her concerns with her hand. ‘Don’t worry about it,’ she said with a casual shrug. ‘I just get fed up and bored sometimes. But you know what has perked me up? Gareth Blunt got in contact on Facebook.’

  ‘Gareth Blunt from school?’ said Annie, frowning. ‘That guy you had a huge crush on?’

  ‘Yeah!’ said Megan, her eyes gleaming. ‘We had one glorious fumble and kiss at the prom.’

  ‘And then you met Neal a few months later at college,’ said Annie, ever the romantic.

  Megan smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes, Eleanor noticed.

  ‘What’s Gareth up to now?’ she asked.

  ‘Some kind of TV director or something,’ said Megan. ‘All very glamorous.’

  ‘Oooh!’ said Annie. ‘Let’s google him.’

  Eleanor refilled their wine glasses as the movie played on.

  A few hours later, Eleanor stared at the two empty jugs of Pimm’s. How had they got through all of that between the three of them? Her mum hadn’t even had a drink. But it turned out the Megan had actually finished off most of the Pimm’s. Annie and Eleanor had to help her stagger down the street after she insisted she didn’t need a lift.

  ‘Man, she was pretty drunk tonight,’ said Eleanor frowning. ‘Do you think she’s okay?’

  ‘Probably just blowing off some steam,’ said Annie, with a shrug. ‘I think she gets pretty bored at home.’

  After Sam had picked her up, Eleanor went back indoors, deep in thought and wondering what she could do to help her friend. But her mind was blank. Especially as her own life left a lot to be desired right now.

  Chapter 31

  Tom was trying to control his temper as he went along the east wing corridor to find Sam. The letter he was holding was becoming crumpled in his hard grip. He needed someone to talk to.

  But Sam was on his mobile when Tom found him in the music room. From his gestures, he was likely to be some time. So Tom waved at him that it didn’t matter and left him to it.

  He went back along the corridor and spotted Arthur in his study. Before he could move on, Arthur had smiled and gestured for him to come in. Reluctantly, but not wanting to cause offence, Tom did so.

  It was one of the rooms yet to be plastered or decorated, but it looked settled in its careworn way, with the dark wood shelves and desk. Many dusty books were piled up, most of them referring to agriculture and managing estates.

  ‘I found this by my desk this morning,’ said Arthur, picking up an old tennis ball. ‘I’d hate for young Dylan to lose one of his most prized possessions.’

  ‘And for you to trip over it,’ said Tom, with a grimace at the thought. ‘I think he’s outside so I’ll make sure he gets it.’

  Tom could see the whole vista of the grounds bathed in sunshine through the window behind the desk.

  ‘I’ve always thought this one of the best views out of any window,’ said Arthur, following his gaze. ‘From my seat here, you can see across most of the grounds at the back all the way down to the river. Almost the whole estate.’

  ‘That’s a lot for one man to be responsible for,’ said Tom.

  Arthur nodded. ‘Indeed. But it’s all I’ve known, so I guess you could say that it’s what you’re used to.’

  Tom wondered if Sam felt the same. He appreciated the responsibility that his friend was taking on by becoming Earl of Cranley.

  ‘Of course, I’m number seven in the line,’ carried on Arthur. ‘My father and grandfather were also well aware of their responsibilities. But my great-grandfather almost lost the whole stately pile in a cards match. Of course, gambling has always run amok in the whole family. The first Earl of Cranley won the estate in a poker game, after all.’

  ‘So, in a way, it’s a miracle that this place is even here.’

  ‘Oh yes,’ said Arthur, smiling. ‘But some people make their own destinies, of course.’

  Tom glanced down at the letter he was holding and hesitated. Perhaps Arthur could help him, but he didn’t want to burden the elderly gentleman with yet more problems.

  He started at the sound of laughter as Rose entertained one of her friends in the drawing room and frowned. Looking back, he found Arthur studying him.

  ‘Do you know, a place like this does have some advantages,’ said Arthur. ‘Would you like to have a bit of fresh air and see one of them?’

  Tom knew that Arthur was being kind and getting them out of the house meant they could talk privately. So he let Arthur lead him out the back door in the ballroom where they found Dylan dozing in the shade of the house.

  He automatically glanced at the woods to see if he could see anyone hiding amongst the trees but thankfully the fans seemed to have decided that remaining at the front gates seemed to be their best hope of spotting him. So at least the grounds were private once more.

  Once Tom had thrown the tennis ball, Dylan soon perked up and they both followed Arthur across the patio and down the dirt track towards the dilapidated dairy house and stable block.

  ‘Long since abandoned unfortunately,’ said Arthur, as they reached the buildings. He sounded wistful but not too upset. ‘I remember when I was growing up, the place was full of stable lads and people dashing back and forth to the dairy. I think that’s what I miss most of all. The people. But times, of course, change.’

  They carried on past the buildings. Tom counted at least ten empty stable pens.

  As they went further into the woods, the path narrowed.

  ‘Would you like me to go first?’ said Tom.

  ‘Lead the way, son,’ said Arthur, nodding. ‘I daren’t risk another broken hip. Annie hasn’t got over the first one yet.’

  ‘What happened?’

  ‘Slipped over at the bottom of the stairs,’ said Arthur. ‘It was my own fault. Mind you, it did have one good outcome. Sam came home and met Annie.’

  They carried on through the trees, taking care to step over the roots that were sticking out of the dusty ground. Dylan ran around them, chasing squirrels until they ran up the trees out of harm’s way.

  Finally, Tom could see water ahead through the large trunks of the trees.

  They made their way to the bank and Tom was surprised to find himself standing at the side of a wide stream.

  ‘The River Ley,’ said Arthur. ‘We get a whole mile of it, thanks to the estate.’

  Tom gazed out across the water. ‘Is it quite deep?’

  ‘Perhaps not so much during the summer months but still deep enough for some carp. Perhaps the odd barbel. Do you fish?’

  ‘Not for years,’ said Tom, smiling. ‘And certainly not in any setting as beautiful as this.’

  ‘Well, you’re welcome to have a go whilst you’re with us. I’ve got some old fishing stuff somewhere in the garages. I’ll get Sam to hunt it down.’

  ‘That’s very kind of you.’

  Arthur shrugged his shoulders. ‘You’re a friend of Sam’s so that makes you family. By the way, are your own family from around here?’

  Tom shook his head. ‘No.’ He paused before deciding to go on. ‘My parents didn’t want me so I grew up in foster homes. Nowhere near as pretty as this place unfortunately.’ He looked across the glittering water, soothed by its beauty.

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ said Arthur, softly. ‘That must have been difficult for you.’

  ‘Yeah,’ said Tom. Difficult was an understatement. ‘I’m afraid I wasn’t very well behaved.’

  ‘Hardly surprising.’

  ‘But in a way, it made me who I am as well,’ said Tom.

  Arthur nodded. ‘I agree, my boy.’

  ‘Have I shocked you?’ asked Tom.

  ‘You know,’ said Arthur. ‘Nothing shocks you if you’d lived in Cranley all your life like I’ve done. It’s
a small village and yet it’s as if it’s the whole world encompassed in a few avenues and lanes. We’ve had it all. Affairs, divorces, heartbreak and even the odd murder.’

  Tom was amazed.

  ‘Not, I might hasten to add, in my lifetime,’ said Arthur, with a soft smile before checking his watch. ‘Mind you, that record may yet be broken if we don’t head back in time for lunch. My future granddaughter-in-law is liable to worry about me these days.’

  They slowly made their way back to the house.

  ‘Was there something you wanted to ask me about?’ asked Arthur.

  Tom drew out the letter from his pocket. ‘I just wanted some advice really about my gran. She is, was, my only true relative. She passed away six months ago.’

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that.’

  Tom gulped away the pain. ‘It’s been, well, it’s been pretty tough. Anyway, she left everything to me in the will. Not that there’s much to be had, just her flat. Probate is being granted at the minute, but I just wanted to ask what happens when someone challenges a will. My dad wants his share now. He hasn’t been around for years, didn’t want to know or see either of us and yet he expects the full estate to pass to him.’

  Arthur stopped and nodded, deep in thought. ‘I take it that the will was done properly?’

  ‘Yes. Gran had a local solicitor draw it up.’

  ‘Then I can’t foresee any problems. There may be a short delay whilst your father’s claim is being dealt with, but I would hope that the full weight of the law would fall onto your side.’

  ‘Right. Well, thanks.’ Tom looked down at the letter once more.

  ‘You know, I’ve used Bill Fullwright for years,’ said Arthur. ‘He’s a local solicitor. Trust him implicitly. When we get back to the house, I’ll pass you the details and give him a call. He’ll see you right.’

  ‘Thank you,’ said Tom. ‘That’s been a real help.’

  Arthur smiled but Tom was horrified to see him trip over a stick that Dylan had dropped and lose his footing. He just about managed to grab Arthur’s arm and keep him upright.

  ‘No, no, I’m fine,’ said Arthur, as he stood and regained his balance. ‘Many thanks. You see? No blue blood and yet you have better manners than many of my ancestors.’

  They had reached the stable blocks when they saw Annie coming across to meet them.

  ‘Hello,’ she said, smiling at them both. ‘What have you been up to?’

  ‘No need for the search party,’ Arthur told her. ‘I’m in safe hands.’

  ‘Glad to hear it,’ she replied, with a knowing smile at Tom before she turned to face Arthur. ‘I wanted to ask you something. Eleanor needs to make some soap and it’s all a bit tricky apparently. She needs somewhere quiet to work away from people as the stuff she uses is a bit toxic. Is it okay with you if she uses one of the old stables for a little while?’

  Arthur smiled warmly at her. ‘You know, they’re your stables too,’ he told her gently.

  Annie blushed. ‘I’m still getting used to all that.’

  ‘It’s absolutely fine,’ said Arthur. ‘Tell her to come over anytime.’

  The three of them followed Dylan back up to the main house for lunch.

  Tom felt ridiculously pleased that Eleanor would continue to visit the hall. Presumably, with whatever concoctions she would be creating, he would be seeing a lot more of her.

  He even found he was humming a new tune as he made his way towards the recording studio later that day.

  Chapter 32

  Eleanor had been at home at The Forge for the past couple of days, waiting for the delivery of the caustic soda with which to make her soap.

  Well, that was the excuse she was telling herself and her friends.

  In reality, she was still embarrassed about the kiss. Especially now it was all over social media. Thankfully, nobody had recognised the back of her head. And she was hoping to keep it that way.

  So she used the delivery, the animals, helping her mum, any pretext she could think of, so that she didn’t have to face him again.

  But her hands were driving her crazy with the itching. And once the caustic soda had been delivered she knew she couldn’t put off making her soap any longer.

  So in deference to the full heat of summer, she put on her best cut-off shorts, her favourite flip-flops and her smartest T-shirt. She was oozing confidence. At least, that was what she hoped it looked like on the outside.

  But her cheeks betrayed her at the first sight of Tom when she almost bumped into him in the huge entrance hall and she could feel them turning bright red.

  ‘Hi,’ he said, smiling.

  Hello,’ she replied, keeping her tone neutral. Cool but friendly.

  ‘How are you?’ he asked.

  ‘Great,’ she replied, her voice catching as she looked up at him. ‘You?’

  ‘Never better.’

  ‘Great,’ she repeated before walking away. She knew she must have sounded like an idiot but she was still smiling when she came across an excited Annie.

  ‘Do you want to see the kitchen?’ she said, pulling Eleanor down the corridor before she had a chance to refuse. ‘It’s finally finished.’

  Grateful for the distraction, Eleanor had to concede it really was quite a transformation. Soft baby-blue walls matched the brand new Aga. Cream cupboards filled all the walls.

  ‘It’s lovely,’ said Eleanor.

  ‘There’s so much storage,’ sighed Annie, smiling.

  Away from the food preparation areas, there was a brand new huge oak table that could comfortably seat ten people. In addition, a couple of comfy arm chairs had been placed either side of the new wood-burning stove.

  It was a welcoming space. A room to be cherished. It would be the heart of the home. A place to congregate, chat and relax. No doubt, full of love and laughter.

  Eleanor found herself yearning to belong to such a place.

  ‘I’ve still got all those old trays and saucepans if you need them for your soaps and stuff,’ Annie told her.

  ‘That would be great, thanks,’ said Eleanor. She made a pile of the pans, as well as some old wooden spoons, oven gloves. ‘Don’t you need any of this?’

  Annie shook her head. ‘Alex insisted that everything should be new.’ She glanced over her shoulder before whispering, ‘Just don’t tell Sam.’

  Eleanor grinned. ‘Mum’s the word.’

  ‘Do you want to see the guest bedrooms as well?’

  Eleanor nodded and followed Annie upstairs. The spare bedrooms were now painted and furnished with beds, wardrobes and other cupboards.

  ‘What kind of look are you going for?’ asked Eleanor. Apart from the new furniture, the bedrooms were a blank canvas.

  ‘I have this grand idea that they should each be individual,’ said Annie. ‘You know, the blue room, the green room et cetera. Otherwise there’s too many to refer to. And I didn’t want to say bedroom one, two and so on. But beyond that I’ve no idea. I haven’t even chosen the colour of the curtains yet. The ones Alex keeps picking up are way too expensive.’

  ‘You know,’ began Eleanor, ‘my mum is great at stuff like that. If you like, she could make you some curtains.’

  ‘Oh yes please!’ said Annie, looking pleased. ‘That would be great. Country chic. You know the kind of thing.’

  ‘But without the heavy price tag,’ said Eleanor.

  ‘But we’ll pay her,’ said Annie in earnest. ‘Do you really think she’ll do it?’

  Eleanor nodded. ‘I’ll ask her, but I think she’d be glad to help. Besides, I think it will give her something to focus on. Especially as a couple of the animals are leaving this week.’

  ‘Awww, the donkey’s going?’ asked Annie, looking sad.

  Eleanor rolled her eyes. ‘Not yet. But the local school is having the tortoise and goldfish.’ She sighed. ‘We’re starting off with the small animals. Baby steps and all that.’

  She followed Annie back down the wide sweeping staircase, deep in thought
. Perhaps this was just what her mum needed. She had always been so good at needlework.

  The plan had been for Annie to show Eleanor the stable block, but she suddenly she received a call from somebody regarding marquees for the fete and wandered away to make some notes whilst still chatting on the phone.

  ‘You okay?’ asked Sam, as she loitered in the hall.

  Eleanor was dismayed to see Tom right behind him, her face immediately glowing red once more. ‘I’m just waiting for Annie to finish her call so she can point out where the stables are,’ she replied.

  Eleanor was still feeling bashful around Tom, so hid her burning cheeks by playing with Dylan who had rushed up to see her.

  ‘I’ve missed you these past few days,’ she said, crouching down to stroke the dog’s soft ears. ‘Do you want to help me find the stables?’

  ‘I can take you,’ she heard Tom say.

  ‘Oh. Thanks,’ said Eleanor, trying and failing not to carry on blushing. ‘That would be great.’

  Feeling a bit nervous, she reluctantly went with him.

  ‘So,’ he said, ‘what are you needing it for?’

  Eleanor felt uncomfortable. This was about her. She didn’t open up to many people, but maybe he understood that as well. ‘I just need a bit of space to make some soap and few face creams for the fete,’ she told him. ‘Nothing fancy.’

  The stables were only a few minutes’ walk from the house. They went out the back door and along the narrow path. Once it had been a wide track, but now it was so overgrown that only one person could squeeze through at a time.

  She glanced over at the huge back lawn which had become a wild flower meadow, thanks to the complete lack of care and mix of sunshine and rain. Swathes of bright blue cornflowers were marbled with red poppies and tall grasses. There were certainly worse places to be in the summertime.

  But the stable block seemed a bit large when she saw it through the trees. It all seemed to be a lot of fuss over nothing. Maybe the carrot oil would help her fingers but she was highly doubtful. But as she went to scratch the eczema patch between her fingers, she figured she might as well give it a shot.