by Neale, Kitty
‘I’m sure your job was very valuable and you must have seen the workings of the agency.’
‘Well … a little I suppose … but …’
‘There’s no need to look so worried,’ Ruth interrupted. ‘All I want to do is to run my ideas by you to see what you think. I don’t expect you to give me expert advice.’
‘Oh, that’s all right then.’
‘To start with, I want to set up in an area that offers potential for lettings and therefore property management too. With that in mind I’ve been considering somewhere on the coast where I could get in on the holiday rental market. What do you think?’
‘I somehow thought you’d want to go back to London.’
Ruth shook her head. ‘I have no desire to live there again.’
‘In that case the coast sounds like a good idea.’
‘I’ll shortly be getting in touch with some commercial agents to get an idea of the costs involved in leasing premises, ideally ones with living accommodation above. As I have no experience myself, I’ll have to employ at least one negotiator, maybe two. What sort of salary will they expect, Lorna?’
‘I have no idea. I didn’t handle the wages, though I could tell you what sort of office equipment you’ll need if that would help.’
‘Thank you. Perhaps you could write me a list,’ Ruth said, while thinking that it would be of little use to her. ‘If you handled the accounts, perhaps you could give me some idea of what profit margins to expect.’
‘I’m afraid I can’t help you again. My boss used a qualified accountant.’
This was a waste of time, Ruth thought. Lorna wasn’t going to be much help. Not that it really mattered. Most of what she needed to know she’d be able to find out easily enough once back in England. Her biggest problem was Penny. It would be impossible to set up and run a business with a child in tow so she’d have to find a replacement for Carmela. However, this time, as she’d be working on Saturdays, ideally Ruth wanted someone who could live in.
With a sigh, Ruth knew that it was unlikely she’d be able to find the right person until she was back in England so for now she put the problem to one side and said, ‘Would you like another cup of coffee, Lorna?’
‘Yes please, I’d love one, and if you don’t mind me asking, when are you putting this place on the market?’
‘I already have and hope it won’t be too long before I get a sale.’
‘I think I’ll have to return to England too, but I’m a bit worried as my office skills are rusty. I’ll have to stay with my mother until I find a decent job, but I’m not looking forward to it.’
It was then that Ruth was struck by an idea that felt heaven-sent, and if Lorna agreed, it could solve both of their problems. She leaned forward eagerly. ‘Lorna, I might be able to help you. How would you like to work for me?’ she said, going on to explain what she had in mind.
Lorna went home, her mind reeling. She hadn’t really wanted to leave Spain, a country she had come to love, yet without Richard her mood was so grey that the blue sky and sunshine felt a mockery. The thought of seeing him with this other woman was unbearable too, yet probably unavoidable if she remained in Spain. That alone was enough to drive Lorna away and she had almost decided to go back to London. The only thing that held her back was the thought of staying with her mother and Ted until she found her feet. Even Maureen’s kind offer of a couch was preferable to that, though it would mean living in Soho.
Now though, Lorna had been given another opportunity, and it was one she had told Ruth she would seriously consider. She flopped on the sofa, deep in thought. Despite what she’d put Richard through, he’d been generous in telling her to draw out what money there was in their joint bank account. It wasn’t a huge amount and she’d been worried sick about her finances, but now she’d been offered a job.
As a former secretary, Lorna wasn’t sure she’d be any good as a nanny, but Ruth had also said she could work part time in the agency when Penny was at school. With the possibility of accommodation included, along with the decent pay on offer, it was tempting, and as her office skills were rusty it would give her the chance to catch up on her shorthand and typing speeds.
There wasn’t really much to think about, Lorna decided. She adored Penny, and as they’d spend so much time together she would be a sort of surrogate mother. With that thought, Lorna made up her mind. She jumped to her feet and rang Ruth to say that she’d accept the job.
Chapter Four
Richard was working on a development further along the coast and rang a few days later to say he had spoken to a solicitor about a divorce. He also said that he wanted to put the house on the market.
Since he’d left her in April, Lorna had been expecting this – yet had hoped as time passed that he might have changed his mind. That proved a forlorn hope now and when he asked her if she’d agree to the sale she choked, ‘Yes, all right.’
‘I’m snowed under with work, but I’ll see about contacting a few agents.’
‘I … I could do that; find a good local one.’
‘As you’ll be there to show him around, and any prospective buyers, I suppose it makes sense, but I want to be consulted regarding the price it goes on for.’
‘I won’t do anything without your agreement.’
‘When you know which agent we’ll be using, ring me with his number and I’ll get in touch with him.’
Lorna said she would and then Richard abruptly ended the call. He had sounded so distant, so formal, but Lorna knew it was no more than she deserved. They had once been so happy, so in love, but her deception had ruined any chance they had of a future together. Richard had someone else now – someone who could give him what he wanted, but the pain was still so raw that Lorna’s body began to shake with sobs.
It was some time before she was able to pull herself together, but eventually her tears dried and Lorna splashed cold water over her face. She had to accept it. Her marriage was well and truly over, and she only had herself to blame.
Unhappily, Lorna ambled into the kitchen and began to work her way through a packet of biscuits; as always, when upset, finding a measure of comfort in food. A half hour later, feeling marginally better, Lorna knew that somehow she had to move on, and at least she had taken the first step in accepting Ruth’s offer of a job.
It was time now to take the second step. She had to get the house on the market and as Ruth had already found an agent Lorna decided to go round to see her. It was close to August now, the sun beating down from a cloudless sky when Lorna stepped outside, and though it was only a short distance to Ruth’s, her face was moist with perspiration when she arrived.
‘You look hot,’ Ruth said. ‘Sit down and I’ll tell Carmela to bring you a cold drink. What would you like?’
‘Just water with lots of ice would be nice. I’ve just popped round to ask who you’re using to sell your villa?’
‘John Manning.’
‘What do you think of him?’
‘It’s too early to say, but he sounded competent enough and seems to think he can get me a sale at the price I’m looking for.’
‘In that case, as I’m putting our house on the market too, can you give me his telephone number?’
‘Of course,’ Ruth said as Carmela came in with her drink.
‘Gracias,’ Lorna said, wondering how the Spanish woman would feel about the impending loss of her job. Carmela had been with Ruth for a long time, and as she’d cared for Penny since she was a baby, she was obviously very fond of her. ‘Does Carmela know that you’re returning to England?’
‘Yes, I told her before the ‘‘Se Vende’’ board went up outside. I’m just hoping she won’t look for another job until we’re ready to leave.’
‘I suppose it depends on how long the properties take to sell, but let’s hope we get buyers at around the same time.’
‘It would certainly make things simpler,’ Ruth said as she rose to her feet to riffle through a book by the telephone. ‘
Ah, here’s the number. I’ll just write it down for you.’
Lorna took the proffered piece of paper, and shortly after returned home to ring the agent. It was another step towards her new life, one in which she hoped she’d eventually be able to find happiness again.
Over the following four weeks, though many businesses in Spain closed down during August, the agent Ruth had chosen continued to work. He brought several people round to view the villa, but with no sign of a sale Ruth decided to listen in when he showed it to a British couple. They were about to retire and appeared to like the villa, but the woman seemed hesitant and asked the agent if there were many other Brits in the area.
‘Yes, quite a few,’ he said offhandedly, leading them outside to see the terrace and pool. ‘As you can see, beyond this area there is a landscaped garden with orange and lemon trees.’
They wandered down to look, while his wife remained and asked Ruth, ‘What are the neighbours like?’
‘They’re very nice. An English woman lives on one side and a very pleasant Spanish family on the other,’ Ruth said, and picking up on the woman’s concerns she added, ‘We have very good health facilities in this area, and it’s easy to make new friends as the British social club is close by. They hold regular dinner dances along with bridge and whist evenings. If you play there’s a tennis club too, and golf is very popular, with two courses within easy reach.’
The woman smiled and said, ‘Thank you, that’s very reassuring. I think your villa is lovely, but we have several more properties to see before we come to a decision.’
When they left Ruth decided that if they didn’t buy the villa, she would have a word with the agent about improving his sales pitch. When it came to English buyers he not only had to sell the property, he had to sell the area too. It had seemed so obvious to her, Ruth thought, and smiled as she realised that once she got to grips with valuations in England, she might have the makings of a really good negotiator.
Lorna had viewings too, and a few days later, during the first week in September, she took a call from the agent. An offer had been made for the property and at almost the full asking price, for a quick sale with the furniture included. She rang Richard at his office to ask him if he was happy to accept.
He was, and said he’d ring the agent as well as arranging for someone to handle the legal side of the sale. ‘Lorna, as the property is in joint names, we’ll both have to go before the notary.’
‘Yes, I know, and Richard, as I’m going back to England soon, will you split the equity with me before I leave?’
‘I’ll have to speak to my solicitor about that, but I can’t see it being a problem.’
‘I won’t be making any further financial demands.’
‘He’ll probably want that in writing, and if the divorce papers aren’t drawn up before you leave, he’ll need an address for you in England.’
‘I don’t know where I’ll be living yet, but any correspondence can be sent to me care of my mother’s.’
‘Very well. My solicitor will be in touch. Goodbye, Lorna.’
Before Lorna could say another word she found herself listening to the dialling tone. Richard’s voice had once been caressing, soft, as he had whispered words of love, but now he sounded so cold. Tears threatened again, but Lorna blinked to keep them at bay. She had cried so much that she felt emotionally drained, and needing a distraction she hurried round to Ruth’s to pass on the news about the sale.
‘I’m pleased for you,’ Ruth said, unaware of the inner turmoil that Lorna was fighting. ‘So far I haven’t had any luck. Viewings are few and far between at my price range, but I’m loath to lower the price.’
Unlike Ruth, Lorna knew she wouldn’t gain much from the sale of their house and realised that if her friend didn’t soon sell her villa it could cause problems. ‘The couple buying our place want a quick sale and that means I’ll probably have to move out by the end of September. It’ll make things a bit difficult.’
‘Difficult? Why?’ Ruth asked.
‘I’ll have nowhere to live, but I suppose I could move back to England and stay with either Maureen or my mother until you sell this place.’
‘Don’t be silly, there’s no need for that,’ Ruth said. ‘You can move in here until I find a buyer and then we’ll return to England together.’
‘Are you sure? I don’t like to impose.’
‘If it will make you feel better, Carmela has just told me that she’s leaving. You’ll be able to take over from her, so it solves both our problems.’
‘In that case, I’d love to move in,’ Lorna said, relieved and realising that maybe the quick sale was fortunate after all. She didn’t want to make a mistake – to find out after returning to England that she couldn’t live under the same roof as Ruth. Now she would find out in advance and if it didn’t work out, it wouldn’t be too late to change her mind about taking the job.
Unbeknown to Lorna, Ruth was thinking along the same lines. It wasn’t going to be easy to find accommodation above commercial premises large enough for them all, but she really did want a live-in nanny as it would make her life so much easier. A lot depended on how well she and Lorna got on, and though unused to considering other people’s feelings, Ruth knew she would have to make the effort to be amenable or she would lose her friend.
For now though, she couldn’t move on with her plans until the villa was sold. ‘I think I might try another agent. I’m not impressed with John Manning.’
‘Oh, I found him very good.’
‘He’s found you a buyer, so you would say that.’
‘Perhaps you’re asking too much and he’d have a better chance of selling this place if you lower your price?’
‘Unlike you, I know the market,’ Ruth snapped, ‘so maybe you should refrain from making uninformed suggestions.’
‘I … I’m sorry. I was only trying to help.’
Ruth could see she’d upset Lorna and said, ‘I know you were and I should be the one apologising. I’ve got an awful headache and it’s making me a bit grumpy. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll go and lie down for a while.’
‘Of course I don’t mind, but can I get you anything before I go?’
‘No, I’ll be fine. Carmela is here if I need anything,’ Ruth said, relieved when her friend left. She didn’t have a headache, but had used it as an excuse to get rid of Lorna.
Scowling, Ruth poured herself a gin and tonic. She’d hated having to mollify Lorna, yet knew that this was an example of what was to come. She’d have to watch her tongue, to appear gracious and amenable, but would she be able to keep it up? It was doubtful, but she’d have to try, and of course if she made a success of her business it wouldn’t have to last for ever.
Ruth perked up at that thought. In a couple of years, if she could afford the fees, she would send Penny to a boarding school. She wouldn’t need a nanny then and she’d be able to live the life she wanted, free of her daughter’s encumbrance.
Chapter Five
Lorna moved in at the end of September and as though this brought her luck, Ruth at last had an offer for the villa, which she accepted.
It would be many weeks before the sale was finalised, but in the meantime she made preparations for their return to England. While looking for her commercial premises on the south coast, she knew they would need somewhere to stay. To save on hotel costs Ruth got in touch with an agency to rent a furnished flat, unseen, and just hoped it lived up to the agent’s description.
Lorna had been marvellous in tackling most of the packing and so far, other than her being morose at times, Ruth had no regrets that she’d employed her. Of course she was still upset about Richard, so Ruth made allowances for her, and had even pretended to be sympathetic when his solicitor had sent papers for Lorna to sign regarding her settlement.
There had been no further communication from the man since then and it was the end of November when they arrived back in England, finding it cold, the sky grey and a fine drizzle fall
ing. They still had a long onward journey and finally arrived in Margate during the late afternoon. It was raining heavily when they got out of the train, lugging large suitcases onto the platform, and with no idea of which direction to take, Ruth hailed a taxi to take them to the agency to pick up the key.
Adam Mortimer, the man she had dealt with by telephone, wasn’t there, but a chit of a girl wearing the latest punk fashion that Ruth found unfeminine and ugly handed them over. It was then a short drive to Harpers Road, where Ruth’s already low spirits fell even more when she saw the small, cramped flat they would have to live in.
If she hadn’t been so tired, Ruth would have turned tail and marched out again, but it would have meant finding a hotel and she just didn’t have the energy. She had settled on Margate because it was a very popular seaside resort. However, from what she’d seen on this dismal day it made her wonder if she’d made the right decision.
Lorna was putting on a cheerful front as usual and said, ‘I think what we need is a nice cup of tea. I’ll pop along to that shop we saw on the corner to get some basic provisions.’
‘Light the gas fire first. It’s freezing in here.’
Ruth saw Lorna’s lips tighten and even she, who was usually insensitive to others’ feelings, could see the strain in her eyes. ‘No, it’s all right, Lorna. I’ll do it,’ she quickly said. ‘Here’s some money for the shopping.’
‘Penny looks exhausted and I need to get her out of those damp clothes first.’
‘I’ll see to her too,’ Ruth offered, noticing that her daughter had flopped onto a sofa.
Lorna nodded, took the proffered notes and then hurried out. After lighting the fire, Ruth sat down beside her daughter. She took in the room: the ugly wallpaper, cheap furniture, and the huge damp patch on the ceiling. Her jaws ground in anger. This was nothing like the agent’s description, and while urging Penny out of her coat Ruth knew that she couldn’t bear to stay in this dump for more than one night.
After an uncomfortable night in damp and lumpy beds, Ruth told Lorna that she was going to see Adam Mortimer. ‘If he can’t offer us a better place than this I’m going to demand my money back and we’ll move into a hotel.’
