by Jenny Lane
Katie had a restless night remembering the phone message from Jack and wishing she had mentioned it to Lyall.
It was late morning by the time the police had finished at the workshop.
Lyall rang to let Katie and Shelley know that they could go in and they arrived together.
‘There’s been a fresh development,’ Lyall told them. ‘Amazingly, the police apprehended the youths last night in Hastings. They were in a stolen car with a distinctive, personalised number plate.’
Katie felt an enormous surge of relief. ‘But I don’t understand. How did they connect them with the break-in?’
‘They had the pendants,’ Lyall said. ‘I’ve given a statement to the police, managing to keep Jack’s name out of it, and rung the glazier and the locksmith.’ They were in the midst of setting the place to rights when Olivia Finch turned up, dressed as if she were going to a garden party.
‘So this is where it all happens. Really, Lyall, you’re so difficult to get hold of, I thought it easier to drive over. After all, you did invite me to take a look round.’
Lyall took her arm and, after introducing her to Shelley, told her,
‘I’m afraid this morning isn’t exactly the best time you could have chosen, Livvy. As you can see, we’ve had a bit of a problem here, and we’re only just getting straight again.’ He explained in a few words what had happened and she frowned.
‘How dreadful for you. Well, it’s obviously no use hanging about here, so why don’t you finish off what you’re doing and take me out to lunch, darling?’
He smiled, but Katie could see from his expression that he was barely containing his impatience. ‘Your timing is really rather unfortunate, Olivia. We’re waiting for someone to fix the window and then I’ve got to work solidly to replace some of my pendants that were taken last night because, although the police have managed to retrieve most of them, they still need to hang on to them for a bit.’
Olivia pouted. ‘Lyall, you really are the limit! I’m sorry you’ve had the break-in, but I would have thought you could have torn yourself away for a couple of hours to show me around the village.’
‘Look, when I’ve finished this, we’ll have a coffee and then you can take a look round the village and come back a bit later when we’ve had a chance to tidy up.’
She reluctantly consented and wandered idly about the room, a bored expression on her face, picking up items from the workbench.
‘Choose a pendant or some earrings,’
Lyall offered as she examined a selection of his handicraft.
‘Thanks, but to be perfectly honest, Lyall, it’s not really my kind of thing,’ she told him candidly.
He gave her a wry smile. ‘Thank you for your vote of confidence. Perhaps you’d prefer something made by Shelley or Katie. Choose and I’ll pay for it.’
She rejected, almost immediately, the display of enamelled work which was Shelley’s offering and picked up a pair of earrings that Katie had recently finished, fashioned in the shape of an edelweiss, but put them down again saying,
‘Actually, I prefer gold – more sophisticated, don’t you think?’
Olivia was obviously set on being critical. ‘I don’t know how you can work in a place like this, Lyall. It’s little more than an outhouse.’
‘That’s what makes it so ideal for our purpose.’ He leaned the broom against the wall. ‘Come on, I’ll show you around this place now.’
‘I can’t find any biscuits,’ Shelley announced, as she returned with the coffee, a few minutes later. ‘Where have they gone?’
‘I suppose we must have eaten them.’
Shelley giggled. ‘No, Lyall and Olive Oyle.’
Katie indicated the room that housed the kiln and Shelley shrugged and set the coffee on the table. A few minutes later they reappeared, Olivia laughing at some remark he had made. She chose to ignore the others and, taking her coffee, went to sit by Lyall.
‘So, when are we going to see that new play in London? Oh, don’t say you’ve forgotten —Lyall, you are the limit! You promised to take me.’
‘And so I shall but, at present, I’m just a tad busy. Now, are you staying for lunch? If so, you can nip down to the baker’s and get us all some sandwiches.’
Olivia wrinkled her pert little nose delicately. ‘Oh, I think if you’re this busy I’d better leave you to it. There are a few things I need in Canterbury so I’ll go over there this afternoon.’
He followed her out into the courtyard and was gone a while.
Shelley raised her eyebrows and looked pointedly in the direction of the door. ‘What is she like? Spoilt little rich girl! Obviously, our company isn’t good enough for Miss High and Mighty.’
Katie shared the same opinion and wondered whatever Lyall saw in the girl. Her one consolation was that he hadn’t given in and taken her out to lunch.
At that point, Lyall returned, settled himself at the bench and remarked, ‘Poor Olivia, she’s at a bit of a loose end since returning from her trip Down Under.’
‘I thought she had a job up in town,’ Katie commented.
‘So she has, but it’s only part-time. Anyway, she’s cheered up now I’ve arranged to take her out to dinner this evening.’
‘Lucky Olivia,’ Shelley said, echoing Katie’s thoughts. ‘I’ll get some sarnies, shall I, for those of us that are still slumming it in here? Cheese and pickle do you?’
Katie hid a smile and didn’t dare meet Shelley’s eyes.
Lyall produced another batch of necklaces in record time and then glazed the cufflinks that had been locked out of harm’s way in the kiln room. He was a distinct asset, working more swiftly than Jack and producing work of a more impressive standard, in Katie’s opinion.
Jack’s pottery had been undeniably good, but he had always approached his work in a rather laid back fashion and was exceptionally untidy, frequently leaving both Shelley and herself to clear up after him on many occasions. Lyall was quite the reverse — meticulous and often lending them a hand when he had finished tidying up his own area of the workshop.
He had transformed the kiln room, which had formerly been mainly Jack’s domain and usually in an indescribable mess. If only things weren’t so complicated, Katie felt she could have relaxed and enjoyed Lyall’s company. Not that he was the slightest bit interested in her, particularly now that Olivia Finch had appeared on the scene.
Shelley had beavered away at her enamelling and Katie went across to admire the end results from a previous day’s work. She had chosen bright cobalt blues, turquoises, reds and golds. The patterns were beautifully and intricately executed and extremely eye catching.
‘You’ve made such a marvellous contribution, Shelley. I don’t know what we’d do without you, really I don’t!’
Shelley beamed. ‘D’you really think so? It’s all I ever wanted to do, be creative.’
It was all she had wanted to do, too, Katie reflected as she made her way back to the cottage. She had thought she had it made when she moved back to Dorset after university. For a couple of years she had been blissfully happy, working and going out with Peter, but then he’d met Chloe and then, suddenly, it had all been over.
Now, just when she was getting her life back on track, Lyall had appeared on the scene and stirred up emotions she had convinced herself no longer existed.
* * *
It was Aunt Alice’s birthday that Saturday. She was going to visit friends on Sunday for lunch, but hadn’t planned to do anything on the actual day itself. On Friday, Lyall asked if Katie would like to join them on an outing the next day.
‘Nothing too taxing, a nice country drive, stopping off for lunch somewhere. Any suggestions?’
‘How about Rochester, if it isn’t too far? Aunt Alice loves looking at antique shops and then there’s the cathedral.’
Saturday was a bright sunny day full of promise. Katie dressed with more care than usual in a new pink silk dress which she had purchased in a rash moment. She brushed her hair
until it shone, catching it back in a scarf.
They arrived in Rochester in time for coffee. Katie never failed to be enchanted by the small city which held so much attraction. After coffee and teacakes, in a restaurant opposite the cathedral, they had a leisurely tour of the cathedral itself.
‘We’ll save the castle for another day, Lyall,’ Aunt Alice informed him, ‘but I wouldn’t mind taking a look at some of those antique shops.’
Lyall winked at Katie and she grinned, glad that they had chosen to come here. They mingled with the tourists examining the stained glass windows and the memorial plaque to Charles Dickens.
Aunt Alice seemed tireless, taking them on a tour of the shops and feeding them with little anecdotes remembered from her childhood. Lyall suggested lunch and, as they enjoyed a traditional roast dinner in one of the many charming restaurants in the high street, Alice Mason wiped her chin on her napkin and said, ‘I’ve had a lovely day and it’s such a relief to know that Jack is all right.’
They stared at her and, after a pause, Lyall said carefully, ‘Have you seen him recently, Mrs Mason?’
She shook her head. ‘No, dear, but he gave me such a lovely card and a pot of marguerites for my birthday. He left them on the step. Strange that no-one noticed him.’
Lyall’s face was expressionless.
‘When exactly was this?’
‘Why, it must have been early this morning because it was there when I opened the door to get the milk. It must have been Jack because most people would have come to the front, but I do wish he’d called in person. I’m not cross with him, not any more. Just concerned for his welfare.’
After lunch, they left Aunt Alice having a rest on a bench in the castle grounds and went for a short stroll. It was bracing by the river. Lyall took her arm and it felt comforting and secure.
‘What do you make of what Mrs Mason has just told us about Jack?’
She shook her head. ‘Either he’s feeling too ashamed to face Aunt Alice or else he’s in deep trouble and can’t risk being seen.’
‘Actually, I think we ought to warn her not to say anything. I feel he could be putting her at risk,’ Lyall said.
Katie felt alarmed. ‘How do you mean?’
‘Well, we haven’t any real idea of what Jack might have got himself into, have we?’
She shook her head. The day, which had started so well, had suddenly taken a downward spiral. She shivered and he turned to her, concern in his hazel eyes.
‘It’ll be all right, Katie, you’ll see!’
And he dropped a light kiss on her surprised mouth, leaving her emotions in turmoil.
Seven
‘I’m enjoying working with Lyall,’ Shelley said, as she knotted leather thonging through her pendants. ‘The thing is, what d’you reckon will happen when we’ve finished the exhibition? Will Lyall want to stay or is he just helping us out for a few weeks?’
Katie shrugged. She’d been wondering about this herself and, not for the first time was overcome with feelings of anxiety about the future. ‘Look, let’s just take one day at a time for now, shall we? I’m grateful to Lyall for helping us get our act together, but all good things come to an end, don’t they?’
Shelley nodded and, at that moment, Lyall returned with their lunch.
‘Why the long faces?’ he demanded. ‘Come on girls, tell me what’s bugging you!’
They went out into the little courtyard area at the back of the workshop, which with its colourful pots of petunias and nicotiana was an absolute picture. Katie said, ‘We were just discussing what would happen after the exhibition, Lyall.’
He grinned at them. ‘Is that all? From the expressions on your faces, I thought perhaps Faye and Dylan had given us notice to quit or something! Why don’t we just concentrate on getting the exhibition out of the way first?’
They nodded in agreement and he poured some wine.
‘So that’s okay then, but if you think I’m going to leave the pair of you in the lurch then you can’t have formed a very high opinion of me, and surely business relationships have to be based on trust!’
Shelley put down her sandwich.
‘Look what happened when we trusted Jack,’ she pointed out.
Lyall nodded. ‘I realise you’ve had raw deal, but you’ll just have to believe me when I tell you I’ve no intention of following in his footsteps and leaving you high and dry.’
And they just had to be content with that. For a few minutes, they ate in companionable silence and then Lyall leant back in his chair.
‘I was speaking to my friends, Sylvia and Freddy Finch who live near Sevenoaks, yesterday. They’re holding a garden party the Saturday after our exhibition, in aid of a children’s charity and wanted to know if we would have a stall.’
Katie glared at him, immediately thinking of Olivia. ‘Lyall, you know full well we’re working flat out to get enough stuff together for the exhibition. How could you even contemplate such an idea?’
He took a sip of wine. ‘I’d say we’d have enough exhibits by the end of this week, which would give us a week spare to get some stuff together, but, of course, if you’re not interested...’
‘I’m going away that weekend,’ Shelley announced. ‘But, you’re welcome to take my surplus stuff if you like.’
‘It’s for charity, Katie,’ he reminded her softly and she coloured, annoyed that he was making her feel guilty.
‘And I’d be the first to support such an enterprise as a rule, but what exactly is there of mine left?’
‘Then just come to help. I’ll have a couple of dozen pendants, some earrings, cufflinks etc. and if Shelley can muster up the same. We can always bring photographs of your jewellery. Advertise the workshop with some fliers. It’ll be good publicity, you’ll see.’
‘Wouldn’t Olivia want to help?’ Shelley asked mischievously.
Lyall collected up the empty plates and glasses. ‘Oh, Olivia can’t make it. She’s meeting up with some university friends that day. Anyway, I really don’t think it’s her scene. So, you see, Katie, if you don’t come with me, I shall be on my own.’
Katie was tempted to tell him that he’d just have to get on with it, but suddenly realised how selfish she was being. In the past, she would have been only too happy to have helped out at a fundraising event. For some reason, Olivia Finch seemed to bring out the very worst in her
‘Oh, all right, and I suppose I might manage a few additional items by then.’ She got to her feet. ‘Well, we’d better not waste any more time if we’ve only got a week to get this show on the road.’
His eyes danced with amusement and she had a strong feeling that he was fully aware of the reason for her initial reluctance to participate.
When he had gone into the workshop, Katie turned to Shelley. ‘So where are you off to that weekend then?’
Shelley blushed. ‘I haven’t had the chance to tell you, Katie, but I’ve met this absolutely gorgeous guy, a mate of my sister’s boyfriend. Anyway, we’re all going on the Norfolk Broads for the weekend.’
‘Good for you. It’s about time you had some fun.’
As Katie entered the workshop, she collided with Lyall coming out of the store room. He caught her arm, steadying her and she was acutely conscious of the closeness of his muscular body and the fresh tangy cologne he used. Her heartbeat quickened and muttering something about coffee, she freed herself and fled into the tiny kitchenette, wondering if he were aware of the magnetism too.
She told herself severely that she would need to take herself in hand. She was convinced that so far as Lyall was concerned, the kiss in Rochester had merely been a token of friendship, but, for her, it had meant so much more.
She told herself that she had to face facts. Lyall had stepped in to help them over a difficult patch, but despite his reassurances, he’d probably be off when the mood took him, so it was no good harbouring any romantic notions about him. In the meantime, however, they still needed to think long term if the business wa
s going to survive.
Returning with the coffees, she startled her companions by saying, ‘You know, I think as soon as we can, we should think about opening the workshop again to the public, at least for one afternoon a week.’
Shelley and Lyall stared at her. ‘So what’s suddenly brought this on?’ Lyall asked her, at length.
‘I was just thinking perhaps it’s time to advertise this place a bit more and it’s always a good idea to let the public see us actually at work.’
‘Hmm, so what exactly had you got in mind?’ Shelley asked.
‘Well, for a start there are a few village functions lined up and we usually open up on those occasions anyway, but I was thinking of something on a more regular basis so that people begin to know where to find us.’
He laughed. ‘You are a lady of contradictions, Katie. First you tell me you don’t have time to concentrate on anything other than the exhibition and then, a short while later, here you are full of enthusiasm about opening up to the public.’
Katie helped herself to a ginger cookie. ‘Well, we have to have a long-term plan. After all, if we’re going to survive then we need to project ourselves!’
Having made her point, she settled at the bench and concentrated on polishing one or two of her more expensive pieces of jewellery by hand. Mostly she used a polishing motor with buffing mops, but for special items like these bracelets, embossed with complicated decorations, she preferred this method.
For a time there was silence, as they each worked on their own individual designs. Lyall was decorating a ceramic necklace with an intricate pattern, whilst Shelley was adding to her range of Limoges enamelling, the delicate colours blending into each other attractively.
* * *
The next morning, an anxious-looking Aunt Alice arrived on Katie’s doorstep, almost as soon as the milkman.
‘Whatever’s the matter, Aunt Alice?’
‘Have you got Sheba with you, by any chance?’
Katie shook her head. ‘Fraid not.’
‘She didn’t come when I called last night and she’s not been in for her breakfast this morning. Wherever can she have got to?’
