Kate wasn’t blind. Luke clearly fancied her. He seemed quite an innocent, but that was part of his charm. Kate was prepared to take things slowly. The best things in life were worth waiting for.
‘So what’s on the agenda today?’ Sarah asked, suddenly appearing in the doorway to the bedroom.
Kate continued applying her mascara without looking at her mother. ‘I’m taking Luke to the stables – he loves horses – then lunch, and maybe a drive through the villages. He’s been sick all week so he needs some fresh air.’
Sarah walked in and sat on the bed. ‘What about breakfast? We always have that together on a Saturday.’
Kate could smell fresh coffee wafting up from the kitchen and it was tempting. ‘Sorry, Mum – I should have woken you when I had mine. But I’m running late as it is.’
‘Kate … I’m not sure it’s a good idea for you to get involved with Luke.’
‘Shit!’ Kate swore under her breath as her hand brushed against the hot straighteners. Lack of concentration – her mother’s fault. ‘We’re going to the stables,’ she said, sucking at her index finger. ‘Not announcing our engagement.’
‘I just don’t want you hurt,’ said Sarah. ‘Matt’s worried that Luke might move on soon – he’s not getting on with Jack.’
Luke might be leaving? She’d have to try and change his mind. ‘Don’t worry so much, Mum. I’m a big girl – I can take care of myself.’
And she could. Unlike Luke, Kate was no innocent. She’d always been popular with boys, but most of her previous boyfriends were the strong, silent type. For some reason, she attracted men who felt it was their duty to protect her. Too often, though, strong and silent really meant all brawn, no brain or just plain dull.
Luke seemed nothing like them. He wasn’t much taller than her, but though there might not be a lot of him, he was very nicely put together. She’d always laughed at the sappy love stories where the woman’s heart would flip when she first saw the hero, but her heart really did flip when she saw Luke’s beautiful face. Served her right for being so cynical in the past. Now she’d been caught completely off guard by her runaway emotions. Although it was obvious Sarah already suspected this, Kate wasn’t yet ready to share her true feelings with anyone but him.
‘Just be careful, Kate,’ said her mum. ‘Luke is a Traveller.’
Kate tugged on her hair, harder than she’d intended, and her eyes watered. Sarah never interfered in Kate’s relationships, only giving advice when asked. What on earth was the matter with her? It was winding Kate up. ‘What does Luke being a Traveller have to do with anything?’
Sarah was quiet for a moment before saying ‘He’s not our class. I don’t want you tarnished by association.’
For a moment, Kate was too shocked to respond. ‘I wish you hadn’t said that, Mum. I never had you down as a bigot.’
Sarah shook her head. ‘I’m not a bigot, Kate,’ she said. ‘I’m a realist.’ She stood up and left the room without saying anything else, and Kate had to fight the urge to kick the door closed. It was obvious that any relationship she might have with Luke was not going to have her mother’s blessing.
The sun had come out, transforming the landscape from dull olive to a more vivid green, though there was still a slight chill in the air. Kate was sitting on the slope overlooking the stables and the paddocks, Luke sprawled on his back beside her on the blanket she’d brought from the car. Two riders were in action below, and in the third paddock, a small boy was perched uncertainly on the back of a Shetland pony, being guided around on a lunge rope by the stable hand. How could anyone not enjoy the woods, the open spaces, the freedom of the countryside? Kate had to commute to university in Manchester during the week, but this place was her weekend haven. ‘Have you read The Hobbit, Luke?’
‘Ages ago,’ he replied. ‘Why?’
‘When I was young, I used to think Baronsmere was in The Shire. It’s always been peaceful and beautiful, virtually unchanged for generations.’ She stopped. Luke was staring at her. Probably thought she was nuts. ‘What?’ she asked.
Luke smiled. ‘I’m just tryin’ to picture you as a little girl.’
‘Oh God, don’t! I was skinny, with braces and pigtails.’
‘Sounds like we were a good pair. I was so puny I needed weighted boots to stop the wind blowin’ me away.’
They smiled at each other and Kate shivered slightly, but not from the cold. Whenever Luke was focused on her, she felt a thrill, a sensation of deep pleasure. She imagined his gorgeous blue eyes widening appreciatively as she undressed for him.
‘You’re lucky to own all this – and a horse of your own, too,’ said Luke. ‘How long have you had him?’
‘Jack bought him for my fifteenth birthday. It was a wonderful surprise. Jack always chooses the best pres …’ Her voice tailed off and she bit her lip. Luke had never had a birthday present from Jack in his life. Time to change the subject. She didn’t want to upset him, especially after what her mother had said. He might not stay around for long. Luke wouldn’t leave if he really liked her, would he? ‘Do you think you’ll stay in Baronsmere, Luke?’
‘Why d’you ask that?’
Best not to lie. ‘It’s just … my mum said things aren’t great between you and Jack.’
‘Did she now?’ Luke’s tone was angry, and he sat up. ‘And what business is that of hers?’
‘It wasn’t said as gossip, honestly. She’s just concerned that … that I’ll get hurt. Because, well, I like you.’
‘You do?’
She looked up, and was caught again by the intensity of his eyes. There was something in his expression – hope, longing, fear, doubt – that tugged at her heart. ‘You know I do,’ she murmured. ‘I want you to stay, Luke.’
‘Kate,’ he said, ‘I know you’re close to Jack, so I’m sorry if it upsets you that I can’t get along with him. I don’t like bein’ so angry all the time. It’s not the kind of person I want to be.’
The Jack Kate knew was kind and generous, not a man who would abandon his wife and child. But whatever the truth of it, Luke had obviously been told a completely different story, so Kate couldn’t blame him for his attitude. She certainly wasn’t going to fight Jack’s corner for him. Letting Luke know what he’d missed wasn’t going to be helpful.
‘You’ve just lost your mum, Luke. Your emotions must be all over the place. Just take things a day at a time.’
Luke reached out a hand, brushed a lock of hair away from her face and caressed her cheek. She moved towards him. He was shy so it was down to her, and she wasn’t going to waste the opportunity. Her lips brushed briefly against his, enough to let him know it was what she wanted, and he responded. Their first kiss was hesitant, exploring unfamiliar territory, before becoming more assured, more passionate. It felt right. Not just right – perfect. He obviously had a natural talent for it.
A few minutes later, a clatter from the paddock below broke the spell. A horse had misjudged its jump, sending the poles flying. Kate turned her attention back to Luke. His face was flushed, and she knew hers was, too.
‘You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen, Kate Walker,’ Luke told her. ‘Not even Niamh of the Golden Hair could hold a candle to you.’
‘Niamh,’ she breathed. ‘Who’s she?’
‘A goddess from an Irish folk tale. She falls in love with Oisin, a young poet and hero, and takes him to Tír na nÓg, the Land of Eternal Youth.’
‘Will you tell me the story?’ Kate asked.
He lay back, staring at the sky. She settled down on her side next to him, fingers curled in his, head on his shoulder, as she listened to the magic of his voice telling her the ancient tale of love from his homeland. ‘Long ago in Ireland lived a man called Oisin …’
The Foresters seemed to cater for all ages and was very different from t
he spit and sawdust pub Luke’s uncles drank in. Kate asked the barman for two orange juices before leading Luke to an alcoved table. She waved across at Al and Tim, playing at the pool table. Her face was flushed from the cold air and she touched a hand to Luke’s cheek. ‘It’s so cold out there! More like winter than spring. I don’t think global warming’s ever going to reach Cheshire.’
Before he had time to think, Luke caught hold of her hand and rubbed it between his own to generate some warmth. Jesus, what was he doing? Kissing at the stables was one thing, but here everyone could see. He took Kate’s hand and laid it down on the table, palm facing upwards. He needed to cover his embarrassment. ‘Tell your fortune, Miss?’ he said, with a smile.
Kate laughed, but not unkindly. ‘Okay, but only tell me the good things.’
Luke had watched Jessie do this many times but couldn’t remember much. Not that it mattered. It was clear from Kate’s sceptical smile she was thinking of it as nothing more than a game. ‘You’ll have a long life, Kate Walker, to be sure,’ he said, exaggerating his accent, which made her giggle. He had to try to stop his own hands trembling as he delicately traced the lines on hers. ‘Hmm. Looks like you’ll move away – maybe abroad.’
‘Oh, yes?’ Kate raised an eyebrow. ‘Hollywood beckoning no doubt!’
‘Your heart and your head line are well-balanced,’ Luke continued, ‘which means you’ll keep your wits about you, and no tragic love affairs.’
‘Well, that sounds a bit dull.’ Kate gave a mock pout. ‘Every woman should have at least one passionate romance.’
‘I didn’t say there wouldn’t be passion,’ said Luke, unable to meet her eyes. He gently stroked the skin at the base of her thumb. What was he on? Flirting with a gorgeous girl like he was an expert. That kiss at the stables had been very inspiring. Kate was silent, and the air between them grew charged, the din around them distant background noise.
Luke forced himself to keep going, turning her palm to the side. ‘Marriage for sure, and two children – maybe three. Daughters as beautiful as their mother.’ He couldn’t believe he’d just said that. He held his breath and continued staring at her palm.
‘You can’t tell that from the lines, surely,’ Kate whispered.
‘No,’ Luke admitted, ‘but beauty is usually passed on in the genes.’
He stopped, wondering if he’d gone too far. Thankfully, she smiled and curled her fingers upwards to touch his hand. She’d registered the compliment and not been offended by it. Ah, Kate Walker, he thought, remembering some lines from Yeats: Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths … I would spread the cloths under your feet …
‘Well, well, what have we here.’ A loud voice interrupted them. A tall, dark-haired man was sneering down at Luke. He seemed familiar. Two other young men lurked just behind the newcomer, who continued talking. ‘Still picking up waifs and strays, Katie? This the latest lost cause then? Why are you such a soft touch?’
Kate’s expression hardened. ‘And why are you such a prick? Get lost.’
With a glance at Luke, the stranger said, ‘Our pleasure – we’re fussy about who we keep company with, anyway.’ As he turned to go, he called over his shoulder to his friends, ‘Keep hold of your wallets, guys.’
The remark was obviously aimed at Luke, and he felt uncomfortable.
‘Don’t mind him.’ Kate’s hand touched his. ‘As they say, you can’t choose your relatives.’
‘You’re related to him?’ asked Luke.
‘No, you are,’ Kate told him. ‘He’s your cousin – that’s Claire’s son, Gavin.’
Sarah rang the doorbell. She needed to talk to Jack urgently. The sight of Luke Kiernan pawing Kate in the Foresters was more than she could bear. Nightmare visions of Kate pregnant and tied to this Traveller for the rest of her life were stronger than ever. Annie had snared Jack all those years ago. Sarah would be damned if she’d see history repeat itself.
‘Hello, Sarah.’ Maggie opened the door, looking a bit surprised to see her. Since the break up, Sarah hadn’t been to the house at all. Well, apart from the funeral but that didn’t count.
‘Hello, Maggie. Is Jack in? I really need to speak to him.’
She was shown into the drawing room while Maggie went to find Jack. Sarah moved around the room, taking in once again the expensive porcelain pieces, the French clock, the family portraits. She loved this room and imagined elegant Victorian ladies taking their tea here in days gone by. Of course, Edenbridge was the big prize for anyone married to Jack. He didn’t like the place much, but Sarah had always dreamed of living there. She might not have the impeccable bloodline of Lady Grace Stewart but she knew how to do things right, the upper-class way. Emer Sullivan wouldn’t have a clue.
‘Sarah – what brings you away from The Foresters on a busy Saturday night?’
Jack didn’t exactly look overjoyed to see her as he offered and poured her a gin and tonic.
‘I needed to talk to you about Kate,’ she said, taking her usual place on the Louis Quinze sofa. She crossed her legs and hitched her skirt up slightly. Jack was a leg man. No harm in reminding him what he was missing.
‘Is she okay?’ asked Jack, hovering in front of the fireplace.
The concern in his voice for her daughter was gratifying. If she could get him onside about Luke, the looming problem with Kate might never materialise.
‘She’s in the Foresters right now – with Luke. When I left, he was holding her hand. And she seemed to be enjoying it.’
Jack stared at her. He was probably whirring through the unpleasant potential consequences, just as she’d done earlier. ‘Perhaps it was only a friendly gesture?’
‘No, it wasn’t. Kate went to the funeral to support Luke. She took him to the stables this morning – God knows what they got up to there. And now this cosy little drink together. You know Kate – anyone a little bit different always catches her attention.’
Jack sat down. He looked worried, but he said ‘Kate’s an adult, Sarah. I don’t want to interfere.’
‘I don’t want her hurt, Jack. What if Luke doesn’t stay around? Leaves without a word.’ She hesitated before adding ‘Like his mother did.’
There was a brief flare of anger in Jack’s expression – talk of Annie was usually forbidden. ‘What is it you want me to do, Sarah?’
‘Have a word with her. Discreetly. Find out what’s going on. She respects you, Jack. She’ll listen to you. But go easy – she’s headstrong these days. Forbid something and she might want it more.’
Jack frowned. ‘I can’t forbid her to do anything, but I’ll warn her not to get too involved.’
Sarah sighed with relief. ‘Thank you.’ She wondered if Jack would ask her to stay a bit longer this evening. They could share a late supper, watch some TV. Get closer and closer on the sofa until …
‘I need to ask you something,’ said Jack, swirling his drink.
Sarah couldn’t help it. She imagined him taking her in his arms, saying how much he loved her and what a fool he’d been to let her go. They’d go up to the bedroom and everything would be back to how it was.
‘At the funeral, you told Emer you were my partner.’
‘What?’ Her mind raced back to that meeting with the redhead. She must have told Jack about their conversation. What a bitch. Now how to get out of this? ‘I don’t really remember saying that. I’d had a bit to drink. I probably meant that you help me out with the business from time to time.’
She watched his face to see if he’d accept that. This was so humiliating, having to cover her tracks because of that upstart.
Jack nodded. ‘Right. It was a hard day for us all. Thank you again for being there, and for doing the catering.’
‘You know I’d do anything for you, Jack.’ Her words were full of subtext. She had to give it one last try.
> He looked uncomfortable, not the desired effect. ‘Sarah, I’ve invited Emer to my birthday party next weekend. If she comes, we’ll be there as a couple. I hope you’ll be okay with that.’
A terrifying rage blinded Sarah for a few moments. She wanted to throw her glass in Jack’s face and leave him wounded and bleeding. All those years she’d put into their relationship, wiped out and forgotten when someone younger flashed a smile. It was enough to drive her to despair.
She assembled the last remnants of her dignity. ‘I care for you, Jack. I can’t switch it off so easily, but I won’t stand in the way of your happiness. Just know that I’ll always be here for you if you need me.’
She deserved an Oscar for that, for covering up her murderous thoughts. Tears were dangerously close. It was time to go.
As she stood up, Jack came over and kissed her cheek. ‘Thank you, Sarah. We’ll always be friends – yes?’
Friendship. The consolation prize for the older woman. Not good enough. Sarah hadn’t got where she was today by giving up when the going got tough. She and Jack had a long history. When the chips were down, surely that would count for something. She’d watch and wait for this Irish redhead to slip up.
‘Shove up,’ said Tim, as he and Al appeared with more drinks. Sitting there talking to Kate and her friends in the Foresters, Luke felt a warm sense of belonging. It was reassuring after the incident with his unfriendly cousin. Perhaps Gavin had heard about Luke throwing beer in his father’s face and had, understandably, taken against him. Hopefully, their paths wouldn’t cross too much.
‘Let’s go get some pizza,’ suggested Kate. ‘Wait here a couple of minutes. I’ll bring the car up to the entrance.’
After she’d left, a man approached the table, handing out leaflets.
‘What’s this then?’ Tim stopped juggling beer mats.
‘Protest meeting,’ the man informed him. ‘Got to stop the Woodlands development forcing people out of their homes so the property developers can line their pockets.’
Beneath an Irish Sky (Choc Lit) Page 19
