Seeker, The

by Brindle, J. T.

  ‘All right then, I will,’ Daisy agreed. ‘But you mustn’t look until I say.’

  Libby told her to change upstairs. ‘We’ll be in the lounge when you come down.’

  Thrilled, Daisy ran out of the room and up the stairs two at a time. ‘I’m going to look like the girl in the picture,’ she called back.

  Libby was already occupied with the children. May was still clearing up. It seemed no one heard Daisy’s comment. But the old one heard, and her heart leaped for joy.

  As they ushered the children into the lounge, Libby thanked the old lady for Daisy’s present. ‘That was a lovely thing for you to do. It must have taken hours of work.’

  ‘A labour of love,’ Miss Ledell replied. ‘Your daughter gives me many hours of pleasure with her music and her drawings. The dress is only a small thing to give in return.’

  Libby was surprised. ‘Drawings?’ She stopped in her tracks, a small laugh escaping her. ‘Don’t tell me she’s been wasting your time with her nonsensical pictures? I remember she drove me mad with her chicken sketches. All over the house they were, horrendous things, and I had to pretend they were beautiful.’ She shrugged, moving on. ‘I’ll have a word with her,’ she said. ‘Daisy mustn’t take advantage of your kindness.’

  ‘No,’ the old lady pleaded, ‘please don’t do that. I don’t mind at all, really I don’t.’ She smiled and Libby was under her spell. ‘Besides, she hasn’t drawn any chickens yet.’ In a bid to evade more questions about Daisy’s painting, she went on, ‘Daisy works very hard at her music lessons, you know. I’m amazed at how well she’s coming along. But then she has a natural talent for the piano. It isn’t the ear or the fingers that create music. It’s the soul. That’s what Daisy has, soul.’

  ‘Why, that’s wonderful!’ Libby was so proud. ‘We’d like to buy her a new piano so she can practise at home but I’m afraid at the minute our finances won’t run to it. Dave is keeping an eye out for a good second-hand one, though. If he finds one, we’d really appreciate it if you could see it, before we part with any money.’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘I mean, we don’t exactly know what to look for in a piano. Neither Dave nor I, or any of our family that we can think of, has ever played a musical instrument. That’s why we’re so surprised Daisy has a natural talent.’

  ‘Sometimes it happens that way.’

  Distracted by a fight between two boys, Libby was relieved when May dealt with it. Returning her attention to the old lady, she said, ‘If you and May sit the children in the circle, I’ll get the games from the other room.’

  When the boys began arguing again, Dave took it on himself to step in. ‘Time we had a little chat, you two,’ he told them sternly and took them aside for a lecture.

  May and the old lady watched with interest. ‘They’ll take no notice,’ May said with a chuckle. ‘They’re a right pair o’ little sods, an’ no mistake!’

  She was right. No sooner had they returned to their places than they were striking out at each other again. ‘One word from me and they do as they like,’ Dave laughed.

  At that moment, when his eyes were alight with laughter, he met the old lady’s gaze. Something in her expression shocked him and the laughter died on his lips. For a split second he felt he was back there, in the road where he had seen the young woman.

  Warned by the look in his eyes, the old lady quickly turned away. ‘I’d better go and help,’ she said light-heartedly, ‘before those two scoundrels kill each other.’

  Libby returned with the games, but before they could get started, a small voice shouted, ‘Oh! Look at Daisy!’

  All eyes turned to the door.

  As Daisy came into the room, the children gathered round, a few giggling because she looked so grown up in the red dress, some admiring, wanting to touch it, and others remaining silent with envy as children do.

  May murmured, ‘That colour really suits Daisy. Oh, and doesn’t the dress make her look different? Older, lovely as a picture.’

  Daisy pushed through the children, did a twirl, then stood before her parents, seeking approval.

  For a moment neither Dave nor Libby could say anything. A few minutes ago Daisy had been nine years old; now she showed the essence of womanhood; she had poise and grace, a certain look in the eye, a particular way of walking.

  Libby was the first to speak. ‘You look lovely, Daisy.’ She had been shocked when Daisy walked into the room. For one very odd moment it was as though Daisy wasn’t Daisy at all, but someone else. Like May had said, she seemed older, different somehow. But then, suddenly, Daisy was a child again, and everything was as before and Libby felt only a surge of pride.

  Numbed by the sight of his nine-year-old daughter looking like a teenager ready for her first date, Dave didn’t quite know how to react. He was intrigued. Inexplicably afraid. ‘You look really grown up.’ Smiling, he gave her a hug. ‘And here was me, thinking you were still my baby.’

  The old lady stood silent, her mind echoing with the words May had uttered when Daisy first walked into the room. It was exactly what she had planned. It was how he would see Daisy – ‘Lovely as a picture.’

  ‘Can I wear the dress until bedtime?’ Daisy asked.

  ‘I don’t see why not,’ Libby answered.

  While the children got started on their games, Dave disappeared to the study. When he had gone, the old lady turned her attention to Daisy and the others, but her thoughts were elsewhere. Now that she had found hope, she grew more agitated by the day. ‘Be patient,’ she chided herself. ‘It will all come right.’ Now that she had come this far, it had to. The outcome was unthinkable if it didn’t.

  At half past five parents began arriving for their offspring, and by six o’clock the last of the party-goers had left. Daisy and Jamie carried a tray of goodies to Dave in the study, and the three women found sanctuary in the kitchen.

  ‘Phew!’ May fell into the nearest chair. ‘I think we deserve a cup of tea before we start clearing up.’

  Libby didn’t agree. ‘I think we deserve a glass of something much stronger.’ She was thinking along the lines of white wine, or a measure of Irish cream.

  ‘Not for me,’ said Miss Ledell, ‘but you two go ahead and I’ll make a start in the living room.’

  Closely regarding her, Libby became anxious. ‘Are you all right?’ she asked, thinking the old lady looked pale.

  ‘It’s them kids,’ May retorted. ‘They’d try the strength of a rhinoceros.’

  Though she did feel worn, the old lady sought to reassure them. ‘I’m fine,’ she said. ‘Really.’ But-then, as she rose from the chair, her senses reeled and she almost stumbled.

  In an instant both women were at her side. ‘Sit right where you are,’ May ordered. ‘I’ll put the kettle on.’ A cup of tea was her answer to everything.

  ‘I’ll get Dave to run you home,’ Libby said kindly. ‘May’s right, those children are a real handful. You’ve been wonderful and I’m very grateful, but you’ve done far too much.’

  The old lady chuckled. ‘For my age, you mean?’

  Libby had no idea how old Miss Ledell was, but now, as she looked into that ancient, lined face and those bright, beautiful eyes, she seemed no more than a girl. ‘For any age,’ she laughed.

  A few moments later, Dave helped her into the car. ‘I’ll have you home in no time at all,’ he said.

  Libby asked Miss Ledell whether she would like her to come along and stay awhile, but her offer was graciously refused. ‘If it’s all the same to you, I think I’ll settle for an early night.’

  Daisy, however, was adamant. ‘I’m going with them,’ she informed a bemused Libby. ‘I can help because I know where Miss Ledell keeps her front door key, and besides, if the cat’s hungry, I can feed him.’

  Dave and Libby looked at each other with amusement, while the old lady commented, ‘I don’t see how anyone can argue with that, do you?’ Though she suspected Daisy was bluffing about knowing where the key was kep
t.

  Daisy was right about the cat. As they drew up at the house, the big tabby was waiting on the step. ‘See!’ Daisy was triumphant. ‘I told you so.’ Running to the door, she retrieved the key from behind the door knocker.

  The old lady was surprised. ‘How did you know where I kept the key, Daisy?’

  ‘Don’t be surprised,’ Dave said wryly. ‘This young lady doesn’t miss a trick.’

  Daisy explained, ‘I saw you put it here when Mummy collected me the other day and you were going for a walk.’ Concerned that the old lady might think she would tell, she added in a whisper, ‘Nobody else knows, only us three.’

  ‘It doesn’t matter,’ came the answer. Earthly things were of no lasting value. There were other things beyond all that. Priceless, glorious things.

  Dave insisted on escorting the old lady inside. ‘You’re to take it easy now,’ he told her. ‘Is there anything you want before we leave? Is there something we can do? Make you a bite to eat, a cup of tea, maybe?’

  ‘No. I’m just tired, that’s all.’

  ‘It’s no wonder, after all your help with the kids. Then there’s all the time and energy you devote to Daisy, not to mention the beautiful dress you made for her.’ He sensed the old lady’s loneliness and it made him ashamed. There had been a time when he took all things for granted. Now he knew what it was like to be cut off from those you loved. This old woman had no one. No wonder she looked forward to Daisy’s visits. ‘I feel we owe you,’ he said. ‘Are you sure there’s nothing more I can do?’

  She shook her head. ‘You’ve done more than enough.’ She looked at the man, and then at the girl, and she was deeply grateful. These two were already repaying her more than they could ever know.

  ‘Look!’ Daisy pointed to the painting on the wall. ‘My dress is the same.’ Twirling on the spot, she laughed out loud. ‘Don’t you see, Daddy? I’m the girl in the picture.’ As she twirled, the hem of her dress rippled and sang, until the girl in the picture and the girl in the room were indeed as one. ‘We’re the same.’ Daisy was exhilarated. ‘Isn’t it wonderful?’

  Dave was enchanted. He stared at the young woman in the painting and felt he knew her. ‘She’s very lovely,’ he murmured. Turning to the old lady, he asked, ‘Who is she?’

  ‘Why do you ask?’

  ‘I’m not sure but I feel I know her from somewhere.’ He shook his head. ‘But that’s not possible. I mean, the picture looks fairly old, and the clothes belong to the thirties, I’d say.’

  ‘That’s right. The girl is…’ She paused, checking herself. ‘She’s a relative. The young man is her fiancé.’

  ‘Then I couldn’t possibly have known her,’ he said, somewhat relieved. ‘That was way before my time.’

  ‘Time is nothing.’ Yet it was an eternity, she thought sadly. Strange how people believed that time was a passing of life itself, when in truth it was merely a stage in a journey.

  Daisy was staring at the picture. ‘I wish I could have a locket like the girl is wearing.’ She spoke softly, as if to herself. ‘Mummy’s got a locket but it’s not like that one. I’ve never seen a locket like that one.’ The gold locket was in the shape of a flower, with a hinge at the top instead of the side, and a long golden stem beneath. The flower was yellow, with a dark centre.

  A daisy.

  Against his deeper instincts, Dave took a closer look. ‘How did you know it was a locket?’ he asked. ‘It looks just like a necklace to me.’

  Daisy shrugged her shoulders. ‘I just know.’

  The old lady was delighted. ‘Your daughter is unusually perceptive.’

  Daisy turned to her father. ‘Why did you name me after the flower, Daddy?’

  He felt out of his depth. The girl in the painting was getting to him. ‘Enough questions,’ he said impatiently. ‘We’re tiring Miss Ledell. She needs her rest.’

  They said their goodbyes and just before she left, Daisy was given her drawing. Rolled up, it was small enough to slip into her pocket. Created with love and colour, it was a precious thing, to both Daisy and the old lady. ‘Mind you take great care of it,’ Miss Ledell said. ‘It’s very special.’

  Anxious now, she bade them goodbye. ‘Do it now,’ she softly urged when they were out of earshot. ‘Before it’s too late.’

  As they climbed into the car, Dave’s mind was back in the house, with the girl in the picture. What had made him think he’d seen her before? It was such a strong feeling. He had been so sure, and yet it wasn’t possible.

  ‘Daddy!’ Daisy sat forward in her seat. ‘You’ve taken a wrong turning.’

  Astonished, he realised she was right. Just then, an idea presented itself to him. Almost without realising it, he heard himself asking Daisy, ‘How would you like to help me surprise Mummy?’

  ‘How?’

  Dave explained how Libby had left her scarf at the restaurant. ‘Just like your drawing is special to you, Mummy’s scarf is special to her,’ he said. ‘It was a present from me soon after we first met, and she doesn’t want to lose it – though God knows why, it’s old and frayed and I’ve promised her a new one. But I know she’d rather have the old one back.’ He sighed. ‘Women! Who can understand them?’

  There was a pause while Daisy wondered whether she was supposed to comment on that or answer his first question. In the end something else took precedence. ‘How will Mummy know where we’ve gone?’

  ‘She’s not supposed to know where we’ve gone. You see, she doesn’t want me to go back there, not even to fetch her scarf.’

  ‘Why not?’

  He shrugged his shoulders and took a right turn, towards the lanes and Ampthill. ‘Who knows, sweetheart? Women are hard to understand.’

  ‘She’ll be worried when we don’t get home. She’ll phone Miss Ledell and then she’ll be even more worried, because we won’t be there either.’

  ‘You’re right.’ Drawing the car to a halt in a layby, Dave shifted the gear into neutral and pulled on the hand brake. ‘Thoughtless of me.’ He opened the glove compartment and took out a small, mobile telephone. ‘Of course she’ll be worried.’ Removing the cigar lighter, he plugged in the lead from the phone. Then he pressed down the lock on his door and listened for all the door locks to click down.

  Daisy heard them too. ‘Why did you lock us in?’

  ‘Because it’s dark.’

  ‘And because a bad man might jump into the back of the car?’

  ‘Something like that, sweetheart.’ Flipping open the phone, he began to key in numbers.

  ‘Mummy said we live in a dangerous age.’

  ‘Mummy’s right, but it’s OK if you’re careful.’

  The call connected and a woman’s voice answered. ‘Hello?’ It wasn’t Libby, so Dave assumed it was May, although she sounded different over the phone, but then most people did.

  ‘It’s Dave,’ he said, instinctively raising his voice. ‘Can you put Libby on, please?’

  ‘She’s in the bathroom. Jamie’s being sick. He’s eaten too much cake.’

  ‘You’re sure he’s all right?’

  ‘He’s got a tummy ache, that’s all.’ She giggled. ‘I expect he’s not the only one either. The way them kids downed that food made me feel sick, I can tell you.’

  Dave knew exactly what she meant. ‘In that case, don’t worry her,’ he laughed. ‘Just tell her I’ve got Daisy and we’re going on a little errand.’

  ‘Right then.’

  ‘We shouldn’t be too late.’

  ‘Don’t worry. I’ll make sure she knows.’

  ‘There.’ Unplugging the phone from the cigar lighter, he replaced it in the glove compartment. ‘Satisfied now?’

  Daisy’s silence meant she approved. The fact that she settled back in her seat and crossed her legs meant she was getting tired, but she would never admit it.

  Before he’d gone three miles, Daisy was fast asleep. Tenderly, Dave looked at her. ‘My little birthday girl,’ he murmured. ‘Looks like the day got the bet
ter of you in the end.’

  The sound was familiar, a gentle tapping at first, then hard, resounding thuds. ‘Here it comes,’ he groaned, switching on the windscreen wipers. ‘It never rains but it pours.’

  And pour it did. It rained all the way to Ampthill before it stopped. ‘Woke you up, did it, sweetheart?’ He was glad when Daisy sat up, rubbing her eyes. It was one of those dark, empty nights, and he was beginning to feel lonely. ‘Nearly there now.’ The twists and turns of the road were comfortingly familiar.

  The doctor put away his stethoscope and went with Larry into the front room. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said, ‘there’s no real change except, as you say, he does seem unduly restless. But then that’s all part of his illness. Your father is very old. His mind has already given up, and there is damage to his internal organs. In fact I’m astonished that he’s managed to hold on for so long.’

  ‘We look after him, that’s why. He knows we love him and he doesn’t want to leave us.’

  The doctor nodded. ‘All the same, you should be prepared for the worst. He’s an amazingly strong man, but age and the illness is taking its toll. No matter how well you care for him, you can’t hold on to him for ever.’

  ‘Thank you, doctor.’

  ‘And get some sleep if you can.’ He glanced across the room at Ida. She had her back to him and as yet had not acknowledged his presence. ‘You both look exhausted.’

  ‘Father’s been very difficult. We’ve had no sleep for two nights, and it seems unfair to keep calling on Eileen.’

  ‘Now that I’ve given him a sedative, he should rest easier.’ Collecting his coat he put it on, laboriously buttoning it up against the night. ‘Goodnight, Mr Fellowes, Mrs Fellowes.’ He glanced across the room at the woman. She did not respond. He looked away, smiling at Larry as he walked with him to the door. ‘Remember what I said now, we none of us can hold back the inevitable.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Ida’s voice shook with fear.

  Both men stared at her. ‘I mean your father-in-law has very little time left. I realise how much you both care for him, and I know how dedicated you are, but in the end it isn’t up to us. One morning, or during the night maybe, he’ll slip quietly away. With the best will in the world, with all the care and attention we can provide, I’m afraid there is nothing any of us can do to prevent that.’