by Jill Barry
“Christmas is still a long way off. Anyway, Eddie says we only need one buyer.”
“What does your estate agent think of these, um, mishaps?”
Suzanne sat bolt upright. “Oh, Bethan is very positive. And the man who came to view this morning didn’t strike me as being at all bothered. He took an instant liking to the place, didn’t he Eddie?”
Eddie, carrying a bottle and three sherry schooners, crossed the room and began pouring the pale gold liquid. “He certainly seemed to. Apparently his partner’s a singer, working on cruise liners. He didn’t say what age she was but neither of them hankers after the bright lights.”
“Just as well, if he’s contemplating moving here,” said Ruth. “So he’ll want to bring this partner of his to view the house, I imagine? What did you say the man’s name was?” She accepted her glass and sipped. “Mmm. Dry but with a lovely nutty undertone.”
“Are we talking about Mr Sartin?” Suzanne giggled.
Eddie looked puzzled. “I don’t think I mentioned his name, did I? Not Sartin. The man who viewed the house.”
“Oh, sorry. I don’t mean to be nosey.”
“Of course you don’t,” said Suzanne. “He’s called Mr Kirby. Do we know his first name, Eddie?”
“Roy? Ray? I feel much happier now the guy’s been and gone. You know, in a funny way, I rather hope old Sartin really has had some kind of senior moment. That’d be much more forgivable than knowing he dumped his tractor on us out of spite.”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to offer my services as a mediator,” said Ruth. “If I tell him I wanted to drive down and pick you up, Suzanne, for a trip to Knightly, he won’t feel so threatened.”
“I’d bloody threaten him, given half a chance!”
Ruth waited for Suzanne to scold her husband. And wasn’t disappointed.
“Now, Eddie, Ruth has a good point. Mr Sartin must be well into his seventies. We should have a little compassion. I shouldn’t have joked about him being nutty.” Suzanne sipped her sherry.
Eddie looked from one to the other. “I suppose you’re right, both of you. Okay. I’ll back off but it better not happen again is all I have to say.”
“Any more viewings arranged? Again, I don’t mean to seem nosey, but if you tell me when the next one is, I can make absolutely sure Phil behaves himself. The main objective is to get your house sold, though I can’t believe I’m hearing myself say that.” Ruth bit her lip and turned her head away, as if wishing to hide her emotions.
“Dear Ruth, we’ll be forever in your debt.”
“Thank you, Eddie, but there’s no need to feel like that. We’re friends and I hope we always will be, even if you are deserting me.”
“You know we both hope you’ll come and stay with us once we’ve settled into the new abode, wherever that may be.”
Sparkles the golden Labrador padded into the room and headed straight for Ruth.
She bent and stroked the dog’s head. Fondled her ears. “How sweet. I think this old lady’s agreeing with you.”
Eddie rose to top up their glasses. “The dog’s the reason why we have a big favour to ask.”
“If you need help, you know I’m always here for you.” Ruth waited for confirmation of what she suspected was coming.
The couple exchanged glances. “We feel we should continue with our plan to move, even though we’ve got off to a rocky start.”
“It’s your decision,” said Ruth. “At least you have one definite prospect and that’s very positive.”
“Whatever. Recent events have taken a bit of a toll on us, especially Suze, despite what she says. So, we thought we’d take a couple of days away and view two or three properties I found on the internet. They’re in the Bournemouth area.”
“And you’d like me to look after this one?” Ruth patted the dog’s head.
“If it’s not too short notice. We can take her and park her with Penny and the kids but we all know Sparkles isn’t the best of travellers these days.”
“You mustn’t even think about it. It’ll be a pleasure. When do you plan to set off?”
She watched his eyelids flicker with embarrassment. “I’d like to leave the day after tomorrow, by eight, if you’re okay about it.”
“No problem.”
“If anyone wants to see the house, the agent has a key but I can tell them you’ll be around as well. Just in case Sparkles takes a dislike to strangers coming in without us being here.”
“Very wise. That would be all you needed. Imagine coming home and me having to give you awful news!” She paused. “I won’t arrive until after you’ve left, though. I don’t want to get in your way. Sparkles and I can take a nice walk and be back home by nine. Make sure you leave your answer phone on, in case the estate agent rings and I don’t reach the phone in time.”
“Oh, how stupid of me!” Suzanne sat up straight. “How is your poor knee, Ruth? I forgot to ask you.”
“Gracious, I’m not surprised, with all you’ve had on your mind. It’s not too bad, thank you but I’m afraid it’s arthritis setting in.”
“Join the club!” Eddie grimaced.
“It doesn’t stop me going for walks but I can’t kneel down properly these days. Nor move very quickly at all.”
“Everyone’s so used to seeing you striding along,” said Suzanne. “Have you thought of trying Pilates? A lot of people swear by it. You could ring the leisure centre and see if there’s a course.”
“I can probably find out about sessions if I check online.” She smiled at Suzanne. “You still don’t feel comfortable using a computer, do you?”
“No, and I don’t mind admitting it. As for your leg, are you quite certain you feel well enough to move in here for a few days?”
“Absolutely. It’s only a stiff knee, after all. You mustn’t worry about a thing.”
“Well, we’re very grateful. Help yourself to whatever food you want but don’t feel obliged to stay all day if you’ve things to do at home. You still have Dylan to think about.”
“I think that cat hardly misses me, as long as his food turns up on time. I’ll definitely sleep here though, if that’s all right. I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving Sparkles alone in the house. Dylan comes and goes like a ghost during the hours of darkness.”
“Both guest rooms are ready so you can take your pick.”
“It’s like the Ritz up there,” Eddie chimed in. “I daren’t leave anything hanging around for fear it’s thrown in the laundry basket. Wherever that may be lurking at the moment.”
Ruth chuckled. “I’ll use the room at the back and I’ll take the bedding home with me to wash once you let me know which day you’re returning.” She held up her hand. “It’s no use protesting, Suzanne. We must make sure you don’t become exhausted, mustn’t we?” She got up. “So that’s settled. If I could just visit your bathroom before I set off?”
“Feel free, my dear.”
“I’ll be kind to my knee and use the downstairs cloakroom. If I take my rucksack with me, I can let myself out. You’ll be wanting to get on with lunch.”
“Why don’t you stay and have a bite with us?”
“You’re such a kind man, Eddie. But I’ll get back and sort myself out, if you don’t mind. Thank you for the sherry.”
“Hey, what have you got in there, the kitchen sink?” Eddie laughed at his own weak joke as Ruth picked up the rucksack.
“I packed a first aid kit and a brandy miniature, in case I found Mr Sartin collapsed under a hedge.” Ruth looped the rucksack over her shoulder and walked to the door. “I’ll be in touch as soon as I’ve got the delightful farmer on the move. Don’t forget to keep out of the way, you two.”
“We won’t. You might as well pick up the spare key from the drawer in the hall table now. Or shall I fetch it for you?”
“No!” said Ruth. At once she changed her expression to one of puzzlement. “Sorry, Eddie. I honestly didn’t mean to sound so bossy. I’ll pick it up on my way ou
t. You sit there and enjoy your drink.”
She was still within earshot when Eddie made a comment to his wife.
“The woman’s bloody marvellous most of the time. It’s a shame she’s on her own. I bet she’d make a wonderful wife.”
In the downstairs cloakroom, Ruth bolted the door behind her and dropped easily on all fours. The wonky knee excuse could well come in handy, given any alter ego she assumed during her campaign would show no signs of such a disability.
She opened her rucksack. Took out a small plastic box. Slipped on a pair of disposable gloves. Prised off the box lid and extracted a dead field mouse. How helpful of Susanne to have embellished even the smallest room in the house with elaborate fixtures, fittings and ornaments. Even better, the couple – or rather, Eddie – had made this snap decision to go house-hunting, leaving Ruth in charge for the next few days. Things looked promising. With the couple out of the way, when the atmosphere in here deteriorated, she would leave well alone. And reap the benefit when the stench was unleashed.
In one corner of the cloakroom stood a large conch shell, which Suzanne had brought back as a souvenir of Barbados or somewhere equally exotic. Ruth felt it should have been left in its natural surroundings, but for this purpose it would prove ideal. She slipped the tiny corpse inside the cavity; ramming the body deep down so not even the tip of its tail gave away the creature’s existence. She replaced the shell in the corner, removed her gloves and stuffed them back in the plastic box before stuffing it back in her rucksack.
Ruth flushed the toilet, washed her hands, dried them on the cream-coloured hand towel and unbolted the door. She helped herself to the spare key, picked up her rucksack and crossed the hallway to the front door where she let herself out into the crisp, early autumn morning, with a feeling of intense satisfaction.
Chapter Eight
“I’m so looking forward to seeing Penny and the children. It seems ages since our last trip.” Suzanne gazed through the windscreen as the car cruised smoothly.
“It was during Wimbledon fortnight, wasn’t it?”
“It was. Declan hadn’t long bought that monster television set for their tenth wedding anniversary.”
“It was almost the size of Centre Court.” Eddie chuckled. “And we toasted the happy couple and the British champion. Seriously though, the distance between Penny’s house and ours is the main reason why I suggested selling up. Fair play, you don’t go on about it, but I can tell how much you miss them all.”
“It was different when she and Dec were moving round. But when I rang yesterday and Penny told me they intend staying in the Wiltshire area after he leaves the Army, I felt very relieved.”
“I like the idea of Declan and a fellow medic planning to establish a practice together.”
“Absolutely. Otherwise, we might be thinking of hanging on here a while longer until they settled for good and all.”
“It also means, with us in the equation, Penny can make use of her Open University qualification. At the very least she’ll be able to look after reception and admin while the guys get going. We can help out with childcare. Perfect.”
“We haven’t sold our house yet, Eddie. I’m still nervous about these incidents.”
“Well, I’m sure they’re all done with now. Life plays silly tricks sometimes. It’s brilliant having Ruth to sort out Sartin and make sure he behaves himself but, frankly, I don’t care if he sets up camp with fourteen vestal virgins as long as we’re safely sold up and away.”
“I know you’re making fun but you can’t really mean that? I’d hate to think of territorial disputes spoiling life for the new owners, whoever they may be. It’s such a lovely house and it deserves owners who’ll cherish it.”
“You’re such a softie! But you’re right, of course. By the way, I forgot to tell you I didn’t have a problem with Sartin when I was outside before I left for my meeting. You were on the phone to Penny. He seemed pretty vague about it all. Wouldn’t meet my eye. I wonder if he really is losing his marbles.”
“I meant to ask you what his explanation was but there’s been so much on my mind.”
“Tell me about it! It appears there was some muddle over the engineer turning up to look at the tractor. Our friendly farmer moved it on to the track and left the key in, ready for when the man arrived. Someone got the day wrong, either the agricultural engineer or Sartin himself.”
“I still think it’s a bit fishy. Mr Sartin must have known it wasn’t functioning properly as soon as he started it up. Why didn’t he leave it in his field, on his own ground?”
Eddie kept silent as another vehicle overtook them. “Technically he did leave it on his own ground but let’s not worry about that now. If he’s going a bit doolally, our move is perfectly timed.”
“Poor man.”
Eddie snorted. “Tell you what – it’s great being on the way to England for a change. We’ve been stuck in a rut long enough and now, with a bit of luck, we’re climbing out of it.” He pointed ahead. “Look at that view. I’m glad I chose to drive through the Forest of Dean. Further down the road we’ll find a decent pub and stop for an early lunch. We’ve plenty of time. So, let’s forget Sartin and forget the village and concentrate on our future. I’m sure we’ve made the right decision.”
“Wouldn’t it be amazing if Ruth showed someone round while we were away and they fell in love with the place?”
“Suze, what will be will be. Maybe it’ll be that Kirby bloke or maybe someone we haven’t yet met. Who knows? Who cares as long as they come up with the readies? Once we were sure Ruth could keep an eye on the place, I made three appointments for this weekend. It’ll be our turn to be the ones turning up to view.”
“That was fast work. You didn’t say.”
“I wanted to surprise you. We’ll set off tomorrow morning and see if we strike gold.” He reached across and stroked her thigh. “A little rest on the bed wouldn’t come amiss, once we get to our hotel room.”
“Only if you’re a very good boy.”
He chuckled, letting his hand linger. “That’s more like it. I knew the break would do you a power of good.”
Noticing a warning sign for deer on the road, Eddie replaced his hand on the steering wheel and slowed the car. It had been a brilliant idea to whisk his wife away from The Sugar House and spark her interest in relocating. Everything seemed to be coming together now. Except for the faint but odd smell he’d noticed in the downstairs cloakroom last night.
He should at least have left the window slightly open. It would be embarrassing if their faithful house sitter found herself having to contend with a blocked drain. But she’d just have to ignore it and use the guest bathroom upstairs. Knowing her, she’d find something to spray around or light one of those perfumed candles. Nothing seemed to faze that woman. She could probably sell The Sugar House single-handed if she put her mind to it. Watch out Bethan Harley!
Ruth drove up the track and through the open gates, parking her old blue Nissan so it faced the driveway. It gave her a kick to use the space where Eddie left his BMW. She revelled in being mistress of the house and this time with even more reason to rejoice. Having assured Eddie she could hold the fort for as long as he wished, she wouldn’t mind betting he took her up on the offer. A couple of nights might well stretch to four or more.
She took her suitcase and rucksack from the back seat and left the car unlocked. Inside the hallway she stood still and looked around. Sparkles must be shut in the utility room as usual. She’d leave her there while she sorted herself out before taking the dog for a walk as she promised Suzanne she would. There’d be no need to feign a troublesome arthritic knee once alone on the forest trail.
Ruth walked towards the downstairs cloakroom and paused outside the door. She sniffed and didn’t detect a thing. Good. She’d leave sleeping rodents lie and check how things were later. With any luck, Eddie hadn’t noticed anything amiss and she knew Suzanne rarely used the downstairs facilities, preferring to walk upst
airs for that little extra bit of exercise to help her stay mobile as long as possible, a little foible of hers, but sensible of course.
Suddenly Ruth remembered the cleaning lady who came in once a week to give the place a thorough going over. She thought Monday was the usual day. Unless Suzanne had booked for an extra few hours, so intent was she on keeping the house a candidate for a glossy magazine centre spread. She’d surely have warned Ruth if the cleaner was booked to arrive during the Deacons’ absence. It would be a pity to have a devious plan fall flat before she could capitalise on it.
“Ah. . .” She remembered the woman didn’t have a key because one of the Deacons made sure always to be in on the cleaner’s day. Eddie didn’t trust too many people. It was a measure of his reliance upon Ruth that she was the only person left with the run of The Sugar House. As soon as the couple were home again, he’d have his hand out for that spare key, though – unless she took steps to rectify that situation.
She made her way upstairs and along the landing to the guest room where she planned to sleep. Swiftly she unpacked her case and laid her folded nightdress in the centre of the cream linen pillow. She preferred the décor in this room to that of the other. These walls were hung with pale apricot wallpaper, engraved with swirls. Cream paintwork harmonized with the rust and cream carpet. The room contained a television set and had a connecting door to the guest bathroom, with a bolt either side. Suzanne and Eddie hadn’t stinted on décor and furnishings. They’d told her their hotel sold just at the right time, leaving them well able to buy a suitable house in a part of the country where prices were never going to soar as fast as they did in the London area or the more affluent of the shires.
She smiled at her reflection in the dressing table mirror, admitting to herself how much she didn’t want to lose the various advantages that came her way. Correction. She’d no intention of waving goodbye to a lifestyle carved out with more than a little co-operation from Eddie and Suzanne Deacon. All her efforts were in their own interests. After all, they’d find childcare very restricting after years of pleasing themselves. And did they really possess the energy to cope with high-spirited grandchildren?
